QUS3161 Computer Application for Quantity Surveying

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF AIM AND CONTENTS

The objective of the module is to introduce learners to various applications used in Quantity surveying such as MS-Office Excel, MS- Office Project, QS-Plus, WinQS among others as well as AutoCAD and ArchiCAD especially the measurement tools in computer aided design software. Practical studio sessions are conducted.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding of:

1.1       Application of MS-Office Excel to quantity surveying.

1.2       Use of QS-Plus in quantity surveying.

1.3       Other computer programs important in quantity surveying.

1.4       AutoCAD and ArchiCAD.

1.5       MS Project.

Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

2.1       Prepare some quantity of bills.

2.2       Understand various applications used in quantity surveying.

Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

3.1       Prepare simple quantity of bills.

3.2       Understand and use computer programs relevant to quantity surveying.

General transferable skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

4.1       Undertake self-learning in computer programs.

4.2       Presentation using computer programs.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

The module covers various applications used in Quantity surveying such as MS-Office Excel, MS- Office Project, QS-Plus, WinQS among others as well as AutoCAD and ArchiCAD especially the measurement tools in computer aided design software. Practical studio and workshop sessions are conducted.

LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY

The course is delivered mainly through lectures backed up by studio/lab sessions. The lectures include interactive elements whereby students in groups apply principles to simple problems to ensure their involvement and so gain understanding.  Hand-outs are used so that students can concentrate on the material of the lectures, but with gaps where students either have to fill in or make separate notes.

Problem sheets are given out to students and after time, the problems are discussed in class.  Some of the problems will be handed in and then marked by peers to give formative feedback to fellow students.

The site visits and assignments will require the students to undertake some investigation on their own and to develop ideas and apply them.  They will also produce a report for each.

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

The assessment strategy is:

• To assess knowledge and application skills through a written examination.  The students therefore will not just rely on memory but also show understandings of the principles in application to exam problems.
• To assess practical skills through studio and lab sessions.
• To asses self-learning through producing and presenting of the reports in groups.
• To assess understanding and application through the assignment whose feedback is given to students in time to allow them to know their weakness or strength.

Assessment Criteria:

• Examination shall comprise 50% of the total score. Assessment shall cover general understanding of the concepts as well as the application of the concepts among others.
• Assignments and Tests shall comprise 50% of the total score. Questions will be drawn up appropriate to the topic. General understanding, interpretation ability and  application shall carry more weight as opposed to memory