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Module Overview

Professional Practice Placement: Architectural Technology

The Professional Practice Work Placement: Architectural Technology module provides the industrial placement element of the DT175 BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology programme.

It is designed to ensure transfer of classroom learning to experiential learning in the workplace, while also developing further skills and competence through work in practice. It also is designed to give the student an insight on the role of the professional Architectural Technologist within the construction industry in Ireland.

The module is the principal module in architectural technology in Stage 3, Semester 6 of the programme, which is also aligned with the 10 ECT Professional Practice Module which runs concurrently and also supports the students work based learning. It provides for work placement of 12 weeks duration in a professionally recognised architectural or building design practice. It provides the vehicle for application and consolidation of the learner’s technical knowledge and understanding developed in Semesters 1-5 of the programme in a work placement setting. Preparation of a Curriculum Vitae is also a requirement.

The Professional Practice Work Placement module will provide the learner with experience in the application of construction technologies in the building design process, including the preparation of the documentation and drawings necessary to meet the requirements of regulation and legislation and industry systems.

With the guidance of academic and office mentoring, the module aims to support the learner in developing a deeper understanding of the capacity required of an Architectural Technologist to be able to respond to and progress an architectural design through the application and integration of technologies, materials, structural and environmental design criteria, building regulations, codes & standards, working both as an individual and as part of a team.

In the week prior to the formal commencement of the placement period, the learner is introduced to the professional context through the supporting 10 ECT Professional Development module lectures outlining the legislative, regulatory and contractual context within which the construction industry operates, the composition and operation of the design team, the relative roles of the architect, architectural technologist, structural engineer, mechanical & electrical engineer, quantity surveyor and other design consultants.

Module Code

TECH 3200

ECTS Credits

20

*Curricular information is subject to change

  • Planning and development control in Ireland (Planning & Development Acts, Planning & Development Regulations)  

  • Form and content of a planning application Building Control Act and Regulations 

  • Introduction to the TGD's in practice and an example of the contents of a compliance report 

  • Management of design process; Management of construction process.  

  • ISO 9001, ISO 14001, Standard Forms and Templates, CAD standards, Document Control in an architectural setting. 

  • Brief analysis 

  • Information production programme 

  • Technical drawings/Specification/Schedules/ Document register/Quality control. 

  • Performance report 

  • Architectural design process: outline, scheme, planning, detailed design building regulations, production information, review and audit 

  • Production information, drawings, specifications, design team, design coordination, technical coordination and checking, cost control / Bill of Quantities, H&S provisions 

  • Tender process 

  • Design team information and communication on site 

  • Contractors team information and communication 

  • Presentation skills (verbal and graphical) 

  • Understanding the requirement for CPD 

  • Engagement with employer and professional colleagues in working environment 

  • Working on own initiative 

  • Working within a team 

  • Execution of tasks as directed on work projects  

  • College based lectures and workshops in induction week 0 and feedback week 13 

  • Web and cloud-based dialogue with mentor and fellow learners during weeks 1-12 

  • Self-directed learning during work and outside placement hours 

Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown %
Other Assessment(s)100