Chemistry of Building Materials and Communication (5 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is that the student will be able to solve problems in the field of construction engineering by using his/her knowledge of the regularities and phenomena of chemistry. On completion of the course the student will be familiar with the chemical properties of main building materials and the effects of chemical stress on the most common building materials. On this basis and from this point of view he or she will be able to compare the suitability of different materials for their intended use. The student will be able to search for information in his/her own professional field, process the information and to evaluate its significance and reliability. The student masters interpersonal skills necessary in the profession.
The student can write basic texts in the field and apply conventions of language use.
The student can act professionally and according to the demands of the situation.
The student can act as a member of a work or project group and masters the oral and written communication practises of project communication.
The student can apply the conventions of Finnish research reports, and find and knowledge in the field. The student can assess and develop his/her communicative skills based on feedback.

Content

1. Locating relevant source material and critical use of information sources in the field
2. Basics of Internet communication
3. Oral communication and interaction: presentation and speaking skills, planning, illustrating and delivering an oral presentation, and persuasive language usage
4. PowerPoint
5. Bachelor's thesis
6. The corrosion of metals
- electrochemical voltage series and its applications, galvanic series
- basics of corrosion reactions, chemical corrosion and the basics of electrochemical corrosion
- main types of corrosion, the origin and prevention of corrosion.
The chemistry of concrete
- the different chemical consistencies of cement and the effect of the consistency on the properties of concrete and reinforced concrete
- the chemical resistance and corrosion resistance of cement stone and concrete reinforcements.
Other topics
• Solvents
• Paints
• Radon
• Wood
• Water
• Construction waste
• Harmful substances in the construction industry, safe handling of them and protecting oneself from them, the environmental effects of chemicals
• Sustainable development.

Topics for the seminar:
The topics of the seminar are based on the students’ choices of topics in the chemistry of building materials.

Prerequisites

None

Teaching methods

The working methods in the Construction Material Chemistry course are designed to support students in both developing a theoretical understanding of chemistry and applying this knowledge to practical situations in the construction field. The course consists of diverse learning activities that help students understand the chemical properties of construction materials, environmental stress factors, and material durability. Emphasis is also placed on information retrieval skills and communication competence, which are essential in the profession of civil engineering.

The course includes lecture-based teaching, through which students are introduced to key chemistry concepts such as corrosion, cement chemistry, chemical reactions in concrete, and the technical properties of building materials. The lectures are supported by independent study materials, which students are expected to find and use on their own. The ability to search for information critically and to interpret media is a fundamental skill in today’s world.

A key working method consists of practical assignments, which students complete either individually or in pairs. These assignments apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problem solving—for example, designing corrosion protection for structural elements or comparing the chemical durability of different building materials. The exercises help students connect theory with practical applications and support the development of their problem-solving skills.

The course also includes a seminar project, in which each student selects a topic related to construction material chemistry, conducts a literature review, and prepares both a written report and a short oral presentation. The seminar project strengthens students’ abilities to search for and critically evaluate field-specific information, use sources responsibly, and communicate professionally in both written and oral formats. Peer review is also included: students give feedback on each other’s presentations, which enhances their ability to both give and receive constructive feedback.

The course is hosted in Moodle, where all course content and assignments are provided. The final exam of the course can be repeated once. Additionally, 1 to 6 assignment modules are completed through Moodle. Some of these assignments may also be carried out during class sessions, and their topics discussed together in group settings.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

Week 51
Possibility to retake the exam once.

Student workload

Classroom lectures at the Myllypuro campus

Possible 1–6 assignments:

May also be completed in pairs

The scope of assignments varies, so the number of assignments may differ

Students will either complete several small tasks or a few broader projects

Assignments, responses, and related topics will be discussed during class sessions at the Myllypuro campus

Exam, with one retake opportunity

Seminar project and presentation

Assessment methods and criteria

Seminar project: 40%
Assignments: 20%
Exam: 40%

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is familiar with the central concepts related to the topics of the course as well as their applications. The student is able to acquire information related to the topics of the course and the professional assignments. The student is able to compose understandable texts following given instructions and models. The student is able to act as a member of a project group as instructed and participate in different interactive situations. The student is able to assess personal skills and those of peers. The student receives and gives feedback.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student is familiar with the central concepts related to the topics of the course as well as their applications. The student is able to compose understandable documents with appropriate content and language. The student is able to locate information critically and from various professional sources and use it appropriately in his/her own texts. The student can critically compare information from different sources and participate in different interactive situations and presentations. The student is able to communicate in an illustrative and interesting way as an expert in his/her field and use visual aids with skill. The student is able to act in a goal-oriented way in different roles in group communication situations. The student is able to act as a member of a group and contribute to the activity of the group. The student is able to assess his/her own and others’ communication and propose development objectives for communication.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is familiar with the concepts and phenomena related to the topics of the course, and can apply the knowledge in his/her professional field.
The student is able to locate and apply information independently and with proficiency to provide new professional viewpoints. The student can write professional and artfully finished documents which show the ability to analyse, evaluate and compare information from different sources. The student is able to communicate persuasively and effectively as an expert in his/her field and demonstrates the ability to engage in demanding dialogue about difficult professional topics. The student participates actively and in a goal-oriented way to group work and contributes to the project and the group. The student is willing and able to develop his/her communication skills as part of his/her expertise and give feedback from various perspectives.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is familiar with the central concepts related to the topics of the course as well as their applications. The student is able to acquire information related to the topics of the course and the professional assignments. The student is able to compose understandable texts following given instructions and models. The student is able to act as a member of a project group as instructed and participate in different interactive situations. The student is able to assess personal skills and those of peers. The student receives and gives feedback.