• » Bachelor of Science in Construction and Fire Technology

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Science in Construction and Fire Technology
    CAO Code  LY537
    LYIT internal code  
    Duration  3 Years ab initio
    Standard Code Places:  50
    National Framework Level  7
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    Construction shares some common elements with Civil Engineering but is mostly concerned with the planning, design and construction of buildings in the industrial, domestic and leisure markets. Safety, economy and efficiency, quality of materials and conformance with building regulations are important aspects of all modern buildings.
    This programme aims to provide a broad training in all aspects of construction including: building surveying, calculation of quantities of materials and costing, drawing up of plans for buildings, design and drafting using computer systems, study of the various materials and techniques used in construction, scientific principles relating to structures, architectural principles, building site management and administration. Students do a good deal of hands-on work with the various software packages relating to construction. Employers in the modern construction industry view this exposure to computer technology as very desirable.
    The aim of the programme is to produce technicians with a high level of skills in the twin areas of computer aided design (CAD) and interpretation of the Building Regulations. The subjects include Advanced Construction Technology and Building Surveying, which deal with the 1991 Building Regulations, especially those relating to Fire in great detail. A major element in the programme will be the production of Project Work using AutoCAD.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    The basic entry requirement for admission to all Level 7 engineering programmes (Semester 1) is a pass (OD3 or better) in five Leaving Certificate subjects, including passes in Mathematics and in either Irish or English (or an equivalent qualification). Foundation/Alternative Maths is not acceptable.
    • FETAC applicants click FETAC
    • Applicants presenting non-Irish exams as a basis for entry, please check the IOTCEF listing to search for the entry relevant to your country
    • Applicants who are interested in taking selected modules only from this programme and/or those interested in studying this programme in a part-time mode, click Part-time Study
    What will I have to study?
    Year/Semester Modules Mandatory/
    Elective    		 No of credits Class hours per week
     1/1  Construction Technology 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Elementary CAD Mandatory  5  4
     Surveying 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Mathematics 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Physics 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Communications & IT 1 Mandatory  5  3
     1/2  Construction Technology 2 Mandatory  5  5
     Building Services 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Surveying 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Mathematics 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Physics 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Communications & IT 2 Mandatory  5  3
     2/3  Construction Technology 3 Mandatory  5  5
     Surveying 3 Mandatory  5  4
     Mathematics 3 Mandatory  5  4
     Planning Project Mandatory  5  4
     Measurement 1 Mandatory  5  4
     History & Theory of Architecture Mandatory  5  4
     2/4  Construction Technology 4 Mandatory  5  5
     Surveying 4 Mandatory  5  4
     Mathematics 4 Mandatory  5  4
     Building Services 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Measurement 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Site Organisation Mandatory  5  3
     3/5  Construction Technology 5 Mandatory  5  5
     Measurement & Construction Economics Mandatory  5  4
     Law Mandatory  5  4
     Fire Safety Science Mandatory  5  4
     Structural Design & Materials Mandatory  5  3
     Project 1 Mandatory  5  3
     3/6  Construction Technology 6 Mandatory  5  5
     Sustainable Construction & Building Energy Rating (BER) Mandatory  5  4
     Construction Management Mandatory  5  4
     Fire Engineering Mandatory  5  3
     Project 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Occupational Safety & Health Elective  5  4
    Learning Outcomes
    The graduate will have knowledge of the scientific principles that apply in the theory and concepts of:
    • The building process from inception to occupation.
    • The effect and functioning of buildings and associated services on the environment.
    In addition the graduate will have developed a knowledge and skills base that will enable him/her to:
    • Conduct building and land surveys.
    • Produce Quantities for simple buildings
    • Use CAD to produce effective construction details and drawings.
    • Use spreadsheet applications for efficient calculations and presentation of reports.
    • Evaluate the economics of building design in terms of size, shape, height and value for money.
    • Document fire technology certification in accordance with the building regulations.
    • Provide technical building information that will be in accordance with current planning laws and building regulations.
    • Undertake practical fire safety projects from the prescriptive approach.
    • Source building cost information.
    • Work within the legislative boundaries of the construction industry.
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    Progression to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Fire Safety Engineering Degree is available at LYIT.

    Graduates from this programme may also pursue further studies to Honours and Masters Degree level at other Universities in Ireland or abroad.
    Career Opportunities
    Requirements to conform to the Statutory Building Regulations generate a great deal of work in the planning of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. Graduates of this programme are particularly well placed to avail of the opportunities thus created.
    As a Construction Technician or Technologist, you may find employment with architects' offices, local authorities, contractors or large companies with significant buildings to maintain. Tasks would include:
    • Using computer aided design packages to produce construction drawings,
    • Writing of building specifications,
    • Doing site inspections and surveys,
    Major developments have occurred in the use of computers to integrate the efforts of the design team - the architect, structural engineer, building services engineer and quantity surveyor. The use of CAD and subsequent ease of transfer of drawings between disciplines has increased greatly, creating a number of job opportunities for the well-qualified technicians graduating from this programme.
    This course begins in September each year. How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact Anne Boner, Head of Department of Civil Engineering & Construction, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: anne.boner@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 9186403