University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised October 2005)

Code: USSJPS-20-3 Title: Buildings, Housing and the Residential Environment Version: 1

Level: 3 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field: Natural and Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to:

    • consider how housing type, need and location change can be addressed through effective housing strategies whilst reflecting a sustainable future;

    • evaluate both current and historical techniques of building construction and services in relation to current standards and understand the causes and impact of common building defects;

    • determine the criteria for successful regeneration methods including effective consultation and evaluation;

    • critically assess current housing standards and the interventions to achieve reduction in risk, the role of licensing and legal frameworks;

    • understand the influences of housing on the individual;

    • understand multidimensional housing problems.

Syllabus outline:

The construction of properties-current standards and historical methods. Determining causes of defects and how they affect the health of occupants, factors that relate to safety within a dwelling, how construction and deterioration may increase risk factors. The determination of suitability for occupation of dwellings. Application of housing health and safety rating system to individual and multi occupied dwellings. Determining a course of though formal and informal approaches. The role of licensing in relation to houses in multiple occupation, and other applications in the housing field.

The changing pattern of house tenure and location during the twentieth century in relation to housing policies during this era. The effect this has had on present housing conditions and future implications. The impact of sustainable development on housing. The role of local government within urban renewal and area action, previous organisations involved and the impact of partnerships. Collecting and collating information in relation to regeneration schemes, creating and evaluating various options to tackle problems identified in such schemes then appraising the most suitable for application. The delivery of strategies regarding area renewal and financial support for private sector housing. Understanding of housing need, housing strategies and housing finance within the UK. Human behaviour in relation to housing conditions and repair.

Teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered in a variety of ways requiring the student to utilise the skills of independent learning. A holistic approach to housing and residential environment issues, health risks and interventions is developed through studying case study topics in depth including the consideration of the wider impacts, partnership and multi-agency roles and working practices in achieving objectives. Lectures, seminars and e learning will provide the framework for this module

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Indicative Sources:

Department of Environment Transport, (2000) Quality and choice a decent home for all. HMSO

Malpass, P. (2006) Building on the past: visions of housing futures Policy Press

Mullins, D. (2006) Housing policy in the UK Palgrave Macmillan

Urban Task Force. (1999) Towards an urban renaissance the report of the Urban Task Force Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

Marshall, D.(2003), Understanding Housing Defects, Estates Gazette

Marshall, D. Worthing, D.(current edition), The Construction of Houses Estates Gazette

Richardson, B.A. (2000), Defects and Deterioration in Buildings, SPON

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX3 Examination (3 hours) 1

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

PR1 Poster Presentation and defence 1

ATTEMPT 2

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is/is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX3 Examination (3 hours) 1

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

WR1 Written Assignment 1

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is/is not required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

Academic Registry

October 2005

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