Zero Carbon Buildings (Environments and Materials) (Level 4)
Program Overview
The Zero Carbon Buildings (Environments and Materials) course from UWE Bristol equips students with the knowledge and skills to design and construct zero-carbon buildings. Through a blended learning approach, students explore indoor environmental design, material selection, and professional report writing. The program prepares graduates for careers in the construction industry with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Zero Carbon Buildings (Environments and Materials) course is a professional/short course offered by UWE Bristol. It delves into the fundamentals of constructing zero-carbon buildings, focusing on crucial aspects like indoor environmental design (covering heat, light, sound, and energy) and material selection (including timber, metals, concrete, bricks, and emerging materials). The program equips students with the knowledge and skills to present their work in a professional report format.
Objectives:
The course aims to:
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify and calculate technical aspects of indoor building environments, including heat, humidity, light, sound, and air quality.
- Explain the underlying scientific principles and the link between these aspects and health, comfort, energy use, and carbon emissions.
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the physical properties and carbon footprint of various construction materials.
- Enable students to assess the quality of these materials using established scientific processes and judge their suitability for construction.
- Develop students' professional report writing skills through summarizing objectives, procedures, analysis, and findings of a science-based evaluation.
Description:
The program is delivered as a standalone credit-bearing short course and meets the criteria for Higher Education Short Course (HESC) loans. It is designed to be accessible to individuals with diverse learning backgrounds and offers a blended learning approach, combining in-person teaching with an online learning environment. The course utilizes hands-on learning equipment and real-world case studies to ensure a practical and professional learning experience.
Outline:
Content:
The course covers a range of topics related to zero-carbon buildings, including:
- Materials: Timber, bricks and masonry, iron and steel, concrete, glass, polymers, emerging materials, carbon footprints.
- Building Science: Comfort and health, climate and weather, steady state heat flow, ventilation, condensation, acoustics, light and lighting, heat gains, energy.
- Sustainable practice and design.
Learning and Teaching:
The course adopts a blended learning approach, incorporating the following elements:
- Laboratories and demonstrations: Provide tangible evidence and explanation of topics covered in lectures, developing observation, data collection, analysis, and presentation skills.
- Contact time: Primarily face-to-face, with supporting materials available through a diverse and accessible virtual learning environment.
- Free enhancement courses: Offered by UWE Library to improve academic study skills.
Assessment:
The course utilizes a combination of assessment methods, including:
- Online tests: Assess students' understanding of key concepts.
- Written report: Evaluates students' ability to present their work in a professional format, demonstrating information literacy and report writing skills.
- Continuous assessment: Encourages the development of good study habits and allows for timely feedback.
Teaching:
The course is delivered by experienced faculty members with expertise in the field of zero-carbon buildings. The teaching methods employed place an emphasis on active learning and engagement, utilizing a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratories, and online resources. The course also adopts an inclusive design approach, catering to diverse learning styles.
Careers:
Upon completion of the course, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue further studies in related fields, such as the Level 5 Zero Carbon Buildings (Technology and Modelling) course.
- UWE Bristol provides access to a wide range of libraries, computer labs, and online academic resources.
- The program is designed to be accessible to individuals with prior experience in the construction industry, even if they do not meet the formal entry requirements.
- The course offers a valuable opportunity for upskilling and career progression in the growing field of sustainable construction.
University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
Overview:
University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is a public university located in Bristol, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. UWE Bristol is known for its strong focus on practical learning, industry partnerships, and its commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWE Bristol offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can engage in a wide range of activities, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and city center accommodation options are available.Sports, Societies, and Activities:
Students can participate in various sports clubs, societies, and activities, catering to diverse interests.Career Development:
The university provides support for career exploration, job hunting, and professional development.Campus and Facilities:
UWE Bristol has three campuses across the city, offering state-of-the-art facilities and inspiring learning environments.Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry-Relevant Programs:
UWE Bristol's programs are designed with industry input, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills needed for successful careers.Modern Facilities:
The university boasts modern facilities, including well-equipped labs, libraries, and sports centers.Supportive Environment:
UWE Bristol provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment, with dedicated staff and student support services.Vibrant City Location:
Bristol is a dynamic and culturally rich city, offering a wide range of opportunities for students to explore and engage with.Academic Programs:
UWE Bristol offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Study:
Programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, health, and creative arts.Postgraduate Study:
Master's and PhD programs in specialized fields.International Study:
Programs designed for international students, offering a global learning experience.Online Study:
Fully online and distance learning courses for working professionals.Other:
- UWE Bristol has invested significantly in new facilities, including the largest low carbon student accommodation development in the UK.
- The university has a strong reputation for research, with world-leading research across a wide spectrum of subject areas.
- UWE Bristol has a large and active alumni network, connecting graduates across the globe.
- The university has a strong commitment to civic engagement and community outreach.