Topography and Topography and Surveying Applied to Architectural Constructions: Two Degrees, Two Subjects, One Classroom

Abstract

Introduction: The Bachelor's Degree in Technical Architecture (DTA) was first introduced at the Universitat Jaume I (UJI) in the academic year 2009-2010, and the Bachelor's Degree in Agri-Food and Rural Environment Engineering (DAREE) was first implemented at this University in the academic year 2010-2011, according with Real Decreto1393/2007 1], to meet the requirements of the Bologna Process 2]. The subject of Topography and Surveying Applied to Architectural Constructions (ED0920) (1) is taught during the second course of DTA, and Topography (AG1020) (2) is taught also during the second course of DAREE, so they were implemented during the academic courses 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 respectively. Due to organizational reasons of the UJI both subjects share the same teaching staff, survey equipment and lectures. Experience: The teachers have had to develop common theoretical themes for both degrees and adapt practices, laboratories and guided project to the specific needs of each one of them. This has been a challenge because they have had to seek a common learning platform in the field of surveying as well as identifying the specific application of this subject in each of the two degrees. In fact it involves double work for the teacher team because we have to coordinate two subjects with the Management Team and the Course Coordinator of each one of the two degrees. Nevertheless this has been an interesting experience for us, as well as for the students. Conclusions: Universities must adapt to the demand for graduates of society. A more flexible university is a more sustainable and more integrated university in their social surroundings. Small universities like the UJI must fight to keep those degrees with low demand as a form of survival of the own university and a way to ensure access to those degrees to students who could not afford to study them if they live away, for economic reasons. The quality of teaching is not affected by the fact of sharing the same subject by two different degrees if it is planned properly. This experience is positive for the students because they receive the necessary training for their future career development, and they also acquire a common knowledge base that they can apply in other fields in the future.