This unit (NBS6005) of study examines planning principles, processes and practices in Australia. Private and municipal building surveyors carry out the statutory role of ensuring that proposed building projects meet relevant compliance requirements prior to issuing building permits in accordance with planning permits. Research skills such as writing a proposal, undertaking literature search and persuasive writing will be applied to substantiate a case for decision making in the context of planning, heritage, sustainability, indigenous culture and environmental protection. Critical analysis in the capacity of building surveyors will be applied to public policy, professional practice, ethics and the code of conduct.

Unit details

Location:
Online Real Time
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
NBS6005

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Critically analyse and interpret relevant approving authority requirements for assessing and issuing planning applications and building permits to ensure adherence to relevant parties, administrative processes, public policy, professional judgment, historical context and contemporary issues;  
  2. Critically evaluate relevant planning and building documentation, including the impact of performance-based solutions on building maintenance and alterations, for various building projects and assess applications for compliance with relevant legislation, codes, regulations and Local Government Authority planning requirements;  
  3. Formulate and outline research including developing a research proposal, undertaking a literature review, utilise appropriate research methods, analyse results, discuss findings, draw conclusions and present a cogent and concise technical report;  
  4. Deconstruct an argument and postulate a robust counter-argument; and  
  5. Advocate, respect and value cultural diversity and indigenous rights and develop creative solutions to contribute to a sustainable world.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Assignment Practical criticism of literature 20%
Assignment Performance-based solution 30%
Research Paper Historical context and contemporary issues 50%
Assignment 1: Practical criticism of a scholarly piece on a selected contemporary issue and developing knowledge, justification or argument from empirical evidence (a posteriori). Assignment 2: Development of a performance-based solution in a situation where there is a conflict between the planning scheme and National Construction Code. Research Paper: Writing a critical essay analysing a court ruling featuring a failure by the building surveyor to discharge his/her statutory obligations resulting in injuries suffered by the plaintiff.

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As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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