Inherent requirements for Bachelor of Construction Technology


These inherent requirements apply to the following course:

  • Bachelor of Construction Technology - course code 3692

Introduction

Western Sydney University and the School of Computing Engineering and Mathematics (SCEM) strongly supports the right of all people who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Construction Technology.

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit, while preserving the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. The inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge and skills needed to complete the course that must be met by all students.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

The School is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional practice and other activities to enable students to participate in their course. Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement.

To support prospective and current students’ decision making, a series of inherent requirement statements have been developed. These statements specify the essential skills, knowledge and abilities required for the Bachelor of Construction Technology.  Students should use this information to make informed decisions about their chosen course of study. The statements are clustered under seven domains consisting of ethical behaviour, behavioural stability, communication, cognition, sensory abilities, strength and mobility and information and communication technologies.

The inherent requirements outlined below provide a guide to inform decision making for students and staff.

How to read the inherent requirement statements

If you are intending to enrol in the Bachelor of Construction Technology in the School of Computing Engineering and Mathematics (SCEM), you should look at these inherent requirement statements and think about whether you may experience challenges in meeting these requirements.

If you think you may experience challenges for any reason including a disability or chronic health condition, you should discuss your concerns with the SCEM staff, such as the Director of Academic Program, Academic Course Advisor, School Disability Coordinator or campus Disability Advisor. These staff can work collaboratively with you to determine reasonable adjustments to assist you to meet the inherent requirements. In the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met with reasonable adjustments, the University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.

These inherent requirements should be read in conjunction with other course information.

The inherent requirements are made up of the following five components:

  • Level 1 - introduction to the inherent requirement
  • Level 2 - description of the inherent requirement
  • Level 3 - explanation of why this is an inherent requirement of the course
  • Level 4 - the nature of any adjustments that may be made to allow you to meet the requirement
  • Level 5 - examples of tasks you must be able to do to show you’ve met the requirement. The exemplars provided are not intended as an exhaustive list.

Inherent requirement domains

There are 7 domains of inherent requirements in the Bachelor of Construction Technology. Some domains have a number of sub-domains.

Ethical behaviour

Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Students need to understand and act in ways consistent with the recognised values of society and in line with industry standards.
2 Student demonstrates knowledge of, and engages in ethical behaviour.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Compliance with the recognised values of society and industry standards facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people with whom they engage. This supports the physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing of all.
4Adjustments must support the recognised values of society and industry standards and not result in unethical behaviour. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Demonstrating ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour
  • Treating others respectfully and fairly in classroom discussions, regardless of differences in background or opinion

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Behavioural stability

Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Behavioural stability is required to function and adapt effectively and sensitively in this program of study.
2 Student demonstrates behavioural stability to work constructively in a diverse and changing academic environment.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Behavioural stability is required to work individually and in teams in diverse and changing environments. Students may be exposed to demanding situations and will be required to have behavioural stability to manage these events.
4Adjustments must support stable, effective and professional behaviour in academic settings. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive feedback
  • Coping with own emotions and behaviour effectively when interacting with individuals in the academic environment

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Communication

This course requires effective verbal and written communication skills.

Verbal

Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Effective verbal communication, in English, is an essential requirement to participate in this program of study, and needs to be respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic and non-judgemental.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences
  • Ability to understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner
  • Ability to provide clear instructions in the context of the situation
  • Ability to provide clear feedback and reporting
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Communicating in a way that displays respect and empathy to others develops trusting relationships
  • Shared communication is necessary for effective provision of advice and for resolving complex tasks in the course
  • Accurate and effective delivery of verbal instructions is critical to individual safety, support and management
4Adjustments Adjustments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Conveying spoken messages accurately and effectively in discussions on site visits
  • Engaging and responding appropriately during group  discussions in the academic setting

Written

Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Effective written communication, in English, is fundamental for accurate and competent building design and construction management practice.
2

Student demonstrates the capacity to construct coherent written communication that is appropriate to the circumstances.

3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Construction of written text based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards is necessary to convey knowledge and understanding of relevant subject matter
  • Accurate written communication, including record keeping and reports is essential in providing accurate and consistent delivery and management of professional services
4Adjustments must meet necessary standards of clarity, accuracy and accessibility to ensure effective recording and transmission of information in both academic and industry based settings. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Constructing a business report that meets professional standards
  • Drafting and adapting clear and accurate floor plans that meet the required professional standards

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Cognition

This course requires knowledge of theory and the skills of cognition, literacy and numeracy.

Knowledge and cognitive skills

Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Consistent knowledge and effective cognitive skills must be demonstrated for accurate and competent construction technology studies.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Capacity to locate appropriate and relevant information
  • Ability to process information relevant to practice
  • Ability to integrate and implement knowledge in practice
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Safe and effective construction practice is based on comprehensive knowledge that must be sourced, understood and applied appropriately
  • The ability to acquire information and to accurately convey this knowledge is fundamental to ensure effective assessment and advice
  • The ability to integrate and evaluate the fundamental principles and technical knowledge of building and construction technology, management, economics and law is vital to safe and competent construction practice
4Adjustments must ensure that a clear demonstration of the required knowledge and cognitive skills. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Conceptualise and use appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items
  • Applying knowledge of safety procedures to support personal safety in construction operations

Literacy (Language)

Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Competent literacy skills are essential to construction technology studies.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Ability to acquire information and accurately convey appropriate, effective messages
  • Ability to interpret and negotiate a range of literature and information
  • Capacity to understand and implement academic conventions to construct written text in an appropriate manner for the intended audience
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • The ability to acquire information and to accurately convey messages is fundamental to ensure safe and effective assessment and delivery of construction services
  • The ability to read, decode, interpret and comprehend multiple sources of information is fundamental for safe and effective delivery of construction projects and services
4Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate information. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Communicating instructions during practical activities in the academic setting
  • Demonstrates the ability to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions
  • Demonstrates ability to produce construction drawings and specifications that are accurate, concise and clear

Numeracy

Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Accurate numeracy skills are essential to construction technology studies.
2

Student demonstrates the ability to interpret and correctly apply data, measurements and numerical criteria.

3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Competent application of numeracy skills is essential in construction technology studies to convey effective information and advice
4Adjustments must support a capacity to interpret and apply concepts and processes in an accurate and effective manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Accurately calculate quantities, pricing and scheduling of a building project
  • Complete an analysis of a financial report

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Sensory ability

This course requires adequate visual, auditory and tactile abilities.

Visual

Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Adequate visual acuity is required to undertake safe and effective construction technology studies.
2 Student demonstrates sufficient visual acuity to perform the required range of tasks.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Sufficient visual acuity is necessary to demonstrate the required range of skills, tasks and assessments
  • Visual observations and assessments are fundamental to maintaining safety of self and others
4Adjustments must support the performance of the full range of required tasks. Any strategies should be effective, consistent and not compromise safety.  Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Accurately using construction instrumentation for measurements
  • Viewing and reading safety signage and Safe Work Method Statements

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Strength and mobility

This course requires strength and mobility involving fine and gross motor.

Gross motor

Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Construction technology studies involves physical demands and requires gross motor function.
2 Student demonstrates the ability to perform gross motor skills to function within scope of practice.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Sufficient gross motor skills are necessary to perform the required tasks. Tasks that involve gross motor skills include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, standing, twisting and bending. Students must be able to demonstrate these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others
4Adjustments must support the performance of the full range of tasks involved in practice. Any strategies should address functional effectiveness, safety to self and others.  Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Maintaining balance while safely moving from level to level in a project under construction
  • Using appropriate techniques to carry and manipulate surveying equipment and tools

Fine motor

Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Construction technology studies require manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
2 Student demonstrates the ability to use fine motor skills to complete the required tasks
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Sufficient fine motor skills are necessary to perform the required tasks. Tasks that involve fine motor skills include being able to grasp, press, push, turn, squeeze and manipulate various objects. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others
4Adjustments must support the performance of the full range of tasks involved in practice. Any strategies should address functional effectiveness, safety of self and others.  Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Setting up surveying tools and adjusting for accurate readings
  • Using digital cameras and other recording equipment to collect site information

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Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Competent ICT (computing) knowledge and skills are essential for construction technologies studies.
2 Student demonstrates the ability to use various CAD (computer-aided design) software platforms.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • The ability to use of CAD software platforms is fundamental in the construction industry, for design through to building maintenance
4Adjustments must enable the effective use of the range of ICT relevant to construction. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Making changes to CAD models as a result of contract variations
  • Amending to digital images and scaled drawings to provide an accurate interpretation of the building site

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*Developed from: Johnson, A., Allan, T., Phillips, K., Azzopardi, T., Dickson, C., Goldsmith, M & Hengstberger- Sims, C. (2011). Inherent Requirements of Nursing Education (IRONE), Western Sydney University School of Nursing & Midwifery and Student Equity & Disability Services.

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