Course Descriptions

Construction & Program Orientation

BCM103

Introduction to college, the construction management program, and the construction industry. The responsibilities of successful college students and industry professionals are discussed. Topics include introductory construction vocabulary, the various construction career paths available, common project participants, types of construction companies, and industry demographics and statistics. Prominent and noteworthy projects of the day and throughout history are highlighted along with exploration of current trends, technologies, and developments.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Materials & Methods of Construction I

BCM105

Examination of the basic materials and methods used in the construction industry. Topics include properties of materials, materials usage, material and product selection, history of materials and methods, materials familiarization, and an introduction to the construction vernacular. Materials discussed are used throughout the various sectors of construction including residential, commercial, industrial and heavy civil. 

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Construction Safety & First Aid

BCM108

Broad investigation and analysis of basic construction industry safety practices and standards. Recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards on construction sites are central. Additional topics to include first aid, CPR, AED’s, and emergency response.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Materials & Methods of Construction II

BCM125

Continued study of basic materials and methods used in the construction industry. More advanced systems of construction are reviewed as the course progresses. Course work includes developing, evaluating, and selecting multiple system and design solutions based upon project or situational objectives. Residential, commercial, industrial, and heavy/civil industry segments are included.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM105 and BCM108 and BCM142

Construction Drawings

BCM142

Fundamental instruction in the understanding and interpretation of working drawings used during the construction process. Focus on drawing organization, views, lines, and symbols. Investigation of construction plans from different industry sectors of various size and scope.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Drafting, Codes & Plan Reading

BCM144

Interpretation and production of construction drawings including residential, commercial, and civil industry segments. Laboratory practice develops plan reading proficiency and familiarity in areas of manual drafting, digital drawings and models, design process, and codes requirements and issues.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM105 and BCM142

Construction Documents

BCM145

Introduction to the broad spectrum of construction documents including contracts, project manuals, and other key instruments used in the preconstruction and construction processes. Focus on standardized formats, industry practices, variations due to market segment, and importance for legal and management purposes. Explores real examples to identify key components and summarize content.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM103 and BCM105

Construction Surveying

BCM230

Theory and application of site layout and surveying operations utilized in the construction process. Techniques include taping, differential leveling, laying off vertical and horizontal angles, open and closed traverse surveys, topographic surveys, and construction control surveys.

3 Credits: 1 Lecture, 6 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM142

Mechanical & Electrical Systems for Construction Managers

BCM233

Provides basic knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Emphasis on advantages and disadvantages of various systems, and how their design and installation integrate into the management of the building process. Particular attention is given to soliciting and managing mechanical and electrical subcontractors.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCM144

Computers in Construction

BCM240

Introduction to the use of relative technologies for construction applications. Coursework combines construction-related software programs and real-world information to generate building plans, construction estimates, presentations, and documents. Study also includes using the personal computer for construction organization duties using word processing, presentation, spreadsheet and database applications. Construction-related business software is used and evaluated.

3 Credits: 1 Lecture, 6 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM125 and BCM144 and BCM145

Construction Equipment & Productivity Analysis

BCM252

Provides a study of the types and uses of construction equipment. Productivity issues including cycle time, operational efficiency, and proper equipment selection and sizing will be covered in depth. Additional topics include earthwork estimating, equipment financial issues, equipment and site safety, and the application of productivity analysis across the scope of construction management.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCM230 and BCM280

Construction Documents & Specifications

BCM270

Interpretation and composition of construction documents including bidding documents, contract documents, and project manuals. The function of the specifications from various points of view are analyzed with particular emphasis on how the specifier and contractor relate to the documents. Multiple types of writing exercises develop an understanding of the core concepts as well as provide practice composing construction documents. (Writing Enriched )

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCM125 and ENL111

Virtual Design & Construction for Construction Managers

BCM272

Introduction to Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) as a tool used across the construction management profession including preconstruction, construction, commissioning, and facility management. Basic manipulation of models, running of clash detection, and other platform use are combined with examination of the use of the tools in the industry. Real world examples and case studies are used to facilitate discussion and learning. As needed.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM125 and BCM142

Construction Estimating

BCM280

Standard construction estimating from conceptual estimates to project award. Areas of construction estimating from general conditions to punch list items are introduced and discussed. Emphasis on how construction estimating is affected by building codes, zoning regulations, and other constraints. Applications consist of utilizing all acquired knowledge for production of residential and light commercial building estimates.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM125 and BCM144 and BCM145 and MTH180; or
BCM125 and BCM144 and BCM145 and MTH181

Advanced Estimating & Cost Control

BCM304

The course builds on previous coursework and expands the concepts to provide a comprehensive understanding of the construction costing process. Topics include project selection criteria, quantity take-off, pricing, subcontractor bid analysis, cash flow forecasting, and historical cost analysis. Private and public bidding environments are compared.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM252 and ENL201

Mechanical & Electrical Systems for Buildings

BCM305

Provide basic knowledge of electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems used in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Emphasis on advantages and disadvantages of various systems, and how their design and installation integrates into the management of the building process. Particular attention is given to soliciting and managing mechanical and electrical subcontractors.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCM240

Construction Structural Analysis & Design

BCM319

Fundamental principles of structural mechanics as they are applied to the design and selection of structural components in residential, commercial, and civil construction. Topics will include how loads and stresses are determined, the proper use of tables to size and select structural members, and how the construction manager can assist the engineer in the solution of structural problems. Writing exercises enrich the understanding of the core concepts as well as provide practice composing construction documents. (Writing Enriched )

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM125 and BCM144 and BCM145 and ENL201 and MTH180 and PHS103; or
BCM125 and BCM144 and BCM145 and ENL201 and MTH181 and PHS103

Project Planning, Scheduling & Control

BCM340

Introduction to the concepts of project planning, scheduling, and control. Emphasis on scheduling theory and the development of network logic diagrams. The development of the project schedule and its relationship to the estimate are included and contractual scheduling requirements are examined. Spring Only.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM240 and BCM304

Construction Contracts & Administration

BCM345

Advanced interpretation and composition of construction documents including bidding documents, contracts, subcontracts, specifications, and project manuals. Emphasis on document control, impact of technology, the legal aspects of contracts and the effect on the execution of construction projects. Writing exercises enrich the understanding of the core concepts as well as provide practice composing construction documents.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM144 and BCM145 and MGT301

Construction Jobsite Management

BCM350

An in-depth examination of the responsibilities and challenges of a construction job site superintendent. Topics include job site planning, scheduling and coordination, safety responsibilities, jobsite specific estimating, and project documentation requirements. Emphasis on developing the critical thinking and communications skills necessary for successful construction jobsite supervision.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCM304 and BCM345

Advanced Mechanical & Plumbing for Construction Managers

BCM376

Advanced study of mechanical and plumbing systems for commercial, industrial, and municipal facilities. Emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages of various systems and methods and how their design, installation, operation, and maintenance are managed. Topics include estimating, constructing, start-up, commissioning, and maintenance of systems. As needed.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM233

Advanced Electrical Systems for Construction Managers

BCM378

Advanced study of electrical systems for commercial, industrial, and municipal facilities. Emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages of various systems and methods, and how their design, installation, operation, and maintenance are managed. Topics include the estimating, constructing, start-up, commissioning, and maintaining of traditional and alternative electrical energy producing and distributing systems. As needed.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM233

Advanced Topics in Construction Technology

BCM390

Broad investigation of the impact of technology on the construction industry. Study includes investigation of construction technologies, general business technology aspects, and their influence on various aspects of society and the construction industry.  As needed.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCM304 and SPC101; or
BCM304 and SPC201

Construction Management Experience

BCM394I

Internship field experience in a management related role in commercial, heavy-highway, residential, and other industry related areas. Systems and practices used for construction project management. Problem solving techniques for decision making considering competing real world priorities. Specific objectives tailored to each opportunity as approved by the internship coordinator. This internship experience requires a minimum of 400 work experience hours, but may include more hours depending on the individual needs of the internship experience. No more than 50 hours per week (Monday to Sunday) may be counted. As needed.

3 Credits: 0 Lecture, 15 Internship

Prerequisites:
BCM233 and BCM280

Construction Safety

BCM420

Broad investigation and analysis of safety standards and regulations and their relationship to the construction industry. Specifically, topics cover employee health and safety regulatory requirements, including multi-employer responsibility, training, record keeping, hazard recognition, and safety inspections. The principles of safety management, accident prevention, and safety program development methods are covered.  Fall Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCM340 and BCM350

Proven OSHA Construction Safety 30-Hour Credentials

BCM421

This course exists solely for the purpose of verifying and documenting a student holds an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certificate.

Construction Safety Management

BCM422

Broad investigation and analysis of safety standards and regulations and their relationship to the construction industry. Specifically, topics include employee health and safety regulatory requirements, including multi-employer responsibility, training, record keeping, hazard recognition, and safety inspections. The principles of safety management, accident prevention, and safety program development methods are covered.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCM108 and BCM350 and BCM421 and MTH157

Construction Management Capstone I

BCM425

Initial capstone course challenges students to create projects by integrating and synthesizing concepts from previous coursework. Projects represent real-world applications and challenges faced by construction managers and include the creation of professional documents and presentations. Fall Only.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Construction Project Management

BCM430

In-depth examination of the responsibilities and challenges of a construction project manager. Major topics include project coordination, legal requirements, estimating, finance, and documentation requirements. Emphasis on developing the critical thinking and communications skills necessary for successful management and administration of a construction project.  Fall Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCM340 and BCM350 and BCM390

Construction Management Capstone II

BCM435

Second capstone course continues to challenge students to create projects by integrating and synthesizing concepts from previous coursework. Projects represent real-world applications and challenges faced by construction managers. Some project elements are continued from the previous capstone course. Coursework includes the creation of professional documents, running of mock meetings, and a formal final presentation. Spring Only.

3 Credits: 1 Lecture, 6 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM422 and BCM425

Construction Project Development

BCM440

Fundamental concepts developed in prior courses are utilized to examine each step of project development in the construction process. The topics of real estate, law, financing, property valuation, property ownership, and government rights and power are investigated. Practical examples, problems, projects, and guest speakers reinforce and further the understanding of project development. Experiences occurring out of the classroom environment and in the actual development environment are used when possible in the learning process.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM340 and BCM350 and BCM422

Construction Management Concepts I

BCM482

Interdisciplinary review of concepts and topics from general education and program courses prior to graduation and comprehensive examinations. Fall Only.

1 Credit: .50 Lecture, 1.50 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCM340 and BCM350

Construction Management Concepts II

BCM484

Continuation of Construction Management Concepts I class. Interdisciplinary review of concepts and topics from general education and program courses prior to graduation and comprehensive examinations. Spring Only.

1 Credit: .50 Lecture, 1.50 Lab

Corequisites:
BCM435, BCM440

Prerequisites:
BCM482

Senior Capstone Project

BCM497

Capstone course for the Construction Management (BCM) program, designed to provide instruction in the successful analysis of a construction-related project. Coordination with the BCM course faculty is required to propose, design and implement a project that will analyze, integrate, and synthesize concepts and knowledge from previous BCM and related course work. Independent research is used to develop projects in preparation for a formal final presentation for the BCM course faculty, selected other college professors, and participating industry professionals. The Directed BCM Construction Elective must be completed prior to enrolling in this course.  Spring Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCM420 and BCM430