Primary building-structures: Masonry

The course is included as an elective advanced course in the Building Crafts Programme, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Heritage Conservation with a specialisation in building crafts. The course can also be taken as a stand-alone course.

The course can be included in the following programmes: 1) Building Crafts Programme (N1BHP)

To be admitted to the course, students must have passed courses equivalent to 45 credits from semesters 1-2 of the programme. One of the modules from previous courses in which the student must have at least a passing grade, or knowledge deemed to be equivalent, is Masonry Technology, Basic 7.5 credits in the course KBB110 Building Craft Materials and Methods: Building Carpentry and Masonry Technology.

The course further develops techniques and methods for masonry structural systems. It is structured around four thematic studies which, taken together, aim to provide in-depth knowledge of bricklaying, its materials, working methods, construction and design, as well as practice in communicating craftsmanship.

The thematic studies included are:

1. Masonry forms: general terms and bonds
2. Masonry joints: materials and working methods
3. Analysis of brick buildings: stylistic history, construction and geometry
4. Practical skills: building a façade using different masonry forms

After completing the course, students should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
• describe the load-bearing structure of masonry, as well as its history, function and construction,

Skills and abilities
• draw, calculate quantities, measure and execute masonry in traditional masonry bonds,
• draw, calculate quantities and measure various brick arches, and execute a vaulted covering of a masonry opening,
• use different methods and tools to gather information about and
communicate craft procedures,

Judgement and approach
• compare and evaluate different designs and construction solutions from a sustainable and functional perspective.

Teaching takes place through workshops, group and individual supervision, skills training, group work, self-study and seminars.

Language of instruction: Swedish

English and Nordic languages may be used to some extent in course literature and teaching.

Module 1: Types of masonry: general terms and bonds, portfolio assignment and attendance report (2,5 credits)

Module 2: Masonry joints: materials and working methods, portfolio assignment and attendance report (2,5 credits)

Module 3: Analysis of a brick building: architectural history, construction and geometry, portfolio assignment and attendance report (2,5 credits)

Module 4: Practical exercise: laying a facade using different types of brickwork, report (7,5 credits)

Learning in the course is based on participation and practical work. This may mean that certain parts of the course can only be retaken when the course is given in the following year's teaching.

If there are special reasons, the examiner may allow a form of examination other than that specified in the examination components. In order to achieve a passing grade for the course or an individual examination component, a supplementary assignment may be offered after assessment and decision by the examiner.

Students who do not meet the requirements for a Pass (G) grade on an examination component, but are assessed as being close to the pass mark, may be given the opportunity to supplement their work within a specified time, subject to the written consent of the examiner.

If a student who has failed the same examination component twice wishes to change examiners before the next examination, such a request should be submitted in writing to the department and shall be granted unless there are special reasons not to do so (HF 6 chap. 22§).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special educational support, the examiner may, if it is compatible with the course objectives and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to give the student an adapted examination or an alternative form of examination.

In the event that a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, students shall be guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including the regular examination opportunity) for a period of at least one year, but no longer than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. With regard to internships and work-based education, the same applies, but with a limitation to only one additional examination opportunity.

The course is graded on a scale of Very Good (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

Assessment components 1, 2, 3 and 4 are graded on a scale of Very Good (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

To achieve a Pass (G) for the course, a minimum grade of Pass (G) is required for assessment components 1–4.

To achieve a Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, in addition to a minimum grade of Pass (G) for assessment components 1–4, assessment component 4 must also be graded Pass with Distinction (VG).

The results of the course evaluation and any changes to the course structure shall be archived and made available at the department within a reasonable time after the end of the course. The evaluation shall be communicated both to the students who completed the evaluation and to future students the next time the course is offered.

Costs: Students are responsible for the costs of literature, personal tools and personal protective equipment. Additional costs may be incurred in connection with study visits.

Work environment: The study guide specifies the work environment risks that have been identified for this course and which of the Swedish Work Environment Authority's regulations are applicable to prevent accidents and ill health linked to these risks.

Environment and sustainable development: The University of Gothenburg's environmental management system is certified
according to ISO 14001 and EMAS. This means that we at the department and faculty work with environmental issues in a structured and long-term manner. Every year, both internal and external environmental audits of the university's activities are carried out.

Quality assurance: The programme is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the current Policy for Quality Assurance and Quality Development in Education at the University of Gothenburg.