Students

CIVL8204 – Sustainable Construction Materials

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor and Lecturer
Sorn Vimonsatit
sorn.vimonsatit@mq.edu.au
Contact via email
44WTR-103
Wednesday 3 - 5 pm.
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
30 CP at 6000 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit explores the intersection of construction and environmental sustainability. In an era prioritising sustainable practices, it focuses on selecting, using, and innovating construction materials to minimise environmental impact and enhance long-term resilience. Students will gain expertise in sustainable construction materials and their application in the sector. The unit covers strategies for improving energy efficiency, using eco-friendly materials, and adopting green construction methods to reduce waste and minimise the ecological footprint. Key topics include evaluating eco-friendly materials, sustainable sourcing, recycling, upcycling, and incorporating renewable resources. Through classroom learning, hands-on experiments, and case studies, students will understand how sustainable materials can transform the built environment.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Appraise a variety of construction materials, including sustainable alternatives, and effectively navigate relevant standards to evaluate macro and micro properties of these materials.
  • ULO2: Integrate knowledge of the properties of different construction materials into developing innovative solutions for civil engineering projects.
  • ULO3: Apply advanced knowledge of sustainable practices in the construction industry in accordance with Australian and International standards, regulations and framework
  • ULO4: Critically review and analyse how materials deteriorate in various environmental conditions
  • ULO5: Assess the environmental impacts associated with materials selection for construction

General Assessment Information

Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit you must:

  • Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% of the total Unit's mark, and
  • Participate in and undertake all activities for a minimum of 9 of the 12 weeks of the Unit schedule

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Project Report 30% No Week 11
Final Exam 40% No Exam Period
Presentation 30% No Week 12

Project Report

Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 30%

 

You will Investigate different construction materials and their suitability in regard to sustainability and environmental impacts.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Appraise a variety of construction materials, including sustainable alternatives, and effectively navigate relevant standards to evaluate macro and micro properties of these materials.
  • Integrate knowledge of the properties of different construction materials into developing innovative solutions for civil engineering projects.
  • Apply advanced knowledge of sustainable practices in the construction industry in accordance with Australian and International standards, regulations and framework
  • Critically review and analyse how materials deteriorate in various environmental conditions
  • Assess the environmental impacts associated with materials selection for construction

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 40%

 

You will undertake a final examination during the formal examination period.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Integrate knowledge of the properties of different construction materials into developing innovative solutions for civil engineering projects.
  • Apply advanced knowledge of sustainable practices in the construction industry in accordance with Australian and International standards, regulations and framework
  • Critically review and analyse how materials deteriorate in various environmental conditions
  • Assess the environmental impacts associated with materials selection for construction

Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 30%

 

You will present a topic on Sustainability relating to building materials and construction.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Appraise a variety of construction materials, including sustainable alternatives, and effectively navigate relevant standards to evaluate macro and micro properties of these materials.
  • Apply advanced knowledge of sustainable practices in the construction industry in accordance with Australian and International standards, regulations and framework
  • Critically review and analyse how materials deteriorate in various environmental conditions
  • Assess the environmental impacts associated with materials selection for construction

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Lecture and Workshop 2 hours per week in-person

Practicals 2 hours per week in-person, subject to project description

Starting from Week 1, lecture notes will be provided in iLearn.

Note: Students will participate in lab work for some weeks; the rest of the weeks will be dedicated to their own studies and research.

Unit Schedule

Refer to the Unit's iLearn for the weekly schedule.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency

EA Competency Standard

Unit Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Skill Base

1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3

 

1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing.

ULO4

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3

1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3

1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3

1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice.

ULO2, ULO3

Engineering Application Ability

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving

ULO4, ULO5

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

ULO2

2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

ULO3, ULO4

2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.

ULO3, ULO4

Professional and Personal Attributes

3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.

ULO5

3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

ULO5

3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

ULO4, ULO5

3.4 Professional use and management of information.

ULO4, ULO5

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

ULO4, ULO5

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

ULO4, ULO5

Unit information based on version 2025.05 of the Handbook