Course Descriptions

Construction Hand & Power Tools

BCT103

Survey of hand and power tools typically used to perform construction work. Emphasis on the development of skills needed to effectively perform layout, measurement, cutting, fastening, and finishing operations. Includes maintenance of tools and equipment, safe use of hand and power tools, and emerging tool technology.

1 Credit: 0 Lecture, 3 Lab

Construction Safety & Equipment

BCT104

Survey of auxiliary equipment and systems used to perform construction work, focusing on their safe and effective operation. Coursework includes erecting various types of scaffolding, operating power generating equipment and topics which stress personal safety issues, issues specific to individual pieces of construction equipment, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements/guidelines specific to the construction industry.

1 Credit: 0 Lecture, 3 Lab

Framing Principles

BCT109

Theory and application of framing techniques in residential and light commercial construction. Emphasis on basic principles and skills used in hand and machine woodworking operations.

4 Credits: 2 Lecture, 6 Lab

Corequisites:
BCT103, BCT104

Site Preparation & Layout

BCT110

Introduction to site management, site preparation, and layout of structures as it relates to current code and safety standards. Topics covered include the use of the construction instruments for laying out structures, triangle calculations, differential leveling, and erection of batter boards and markers.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Corequisites:
BCT103, BCT104

Construction Materials & Application I

BCT117

Introduction to building and the processes that ensure completion of a residential building. Topics include the involvement of the stakeholders in the decision-making process of materials selection, building construction requirements, and material determination based on regulatory, performance, and aesthetic requirements. Focus on the structural components of buildings and how construction material choices impact the completion of the project. Evaluation of construction materials in the traditional usage path or in state-of-the-art systems. Course serves as technical knowledge base for the management of the residential building process.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Construction Materials & Applications II

BCT118

Study of materials that are used to finish residential projects, with an emphasis on controlling thermal, air, vapor, and bulk water from intruding into buildings. Provides the technical knowledge base necessary to manage and direct the building process for residential buildings and projects for which sustainability is an integral part. Building science principles will be integrated into the whole house approach from design to completed structure.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCT117

Print Reading & Drafting

BCT129

Fundamentals of print reading and architectural drafting. Emphasis on techniques in reading and interpreting prints, structural drawings, schedules, and specifications. Develops an understanding of typical construction drawings encountered in industry. The drafting component focuses on the use and care of drawing instruments, orthographic projection principles, and preliminary drawing and sketching in the preparation of working drawings.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Interior Finish

BCT130

Introduction to the skills and knowledge base needed to effectively finish the interior of a structure. Floor finish techniques include traditional hardwood, floating laminate systems, and ceramic tile installation. Wall finish techniques focus on gypsum board products, wood paneling, and ceramic tile. The application of unitized ceiling finish systems such as suspended ceilings and acoustic tile is covered as well as textured finishes applied over gypsum board products. Applicable IRC code standards for interior finish are studied and applied.

3 Credits: 1 Lecture, 6 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCT103 and BCT104 and BCT109

Weather Resistant Barriers & Finishes

BCT135

Focus on the code requirements of weather resistant barriers and the skill development in the selection and installation of resistant systems, siding and roofing materials, soffit, and fascia. 

2 Credits: .50 Lecture, 4.50 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCT103 and BCT104 and BCT109

Roof Structures

BCT140

Study of various common structural roof systems and components, including layout terms, rafter sizes, calculations, engineered products, and the use of a layout equipment. Emphasis on roof framing principles and application, including gable, hip, and intersecting roof designs. Course work includes construction of roof systems and skill development in the calculation of conventional framing and the implementation of engineered components.

3 Credits: 1 Lecture, 6 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCT103 and BCT104 and BCT109

Masonry Principles

BCT234

Introduction to masonry construction materials and methods, with an emphasis on the terms, definitions, and methods of construction practices related to concrete block, brick construction, and thin masonry veneer. Topics also include the different types of mortar mixes and their strengths and uses, reinforcement of masonry walls, masonry cleaning, weather protection for masonry, and estimating supplies and materials.

5 Credits: 2 Lecture, 9 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCT103 and BCT104

Concrete Construction

BCT238

Principles of concrete design, including water/cement ratios, proportions of ingredients, reinforced concrete, concrete footers and walls, finishing with hand and power trowel equipment, and proper methods of curing and testing concrete. As needed.

3 Credits: 1 Lecture, 6 Lab

Construction Estimating

BCT255

Techniques for standard construction estimating procedures from take-off to bid, covering the areas of excavation, concrete, steel, masonry, carpentry, alteration work, mechanical work, electrical work, and general conditions. Topics introduced include preparation of the typical quantity take-off and estimated cost recording documents and techniques, as well as preparation and presentation of formal bidding documents. Coursework includes presentation of an actual estimate.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCT107; or
ACH128; or
BCT129; or
ACH139 and Placement by Examination

Residential Construction Planning, Scheduling & Management

BCT256

Fundamentals of planning and scheduling the residential construction process, with emphasis on mixing and matching available resources in the most efficient combinations to complete projects on time and within budget. Also included is an examination of construction management practices as applied by the residential building contractor, including the interrelationship between architects, sub-contractors, and others in the labor force.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
BCT255

Trim & Millwork

BCT259

Study and application of the skills necessary to perform quality interior trim and advanced carpentry techniques, including the installation of interior trim, doors, windows, stairs, and cabinets. Course work also includes the design and fabrication of fine architectural millwork and the replication of molding, as well as an introduction to various countertop materials and finishing techniques.

5 Credits: 2 Lecture, 9 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCT103 and BCT104

Introduction to Electrical & Mechanical Systems

BCT260

Introduction to the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems used in residential and light commercial buildings. Emphasis on the 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 the contractor's viewpoint and the soliciting and managing of mechanical and electrical sub-contractors.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Construction Technology Applications

BCT278

Introduction to the use of software technology for construction applications. Basic design, construction estimating, project management, spreadsheets, database, and construction-related business software is used and evaluated. Use of computer equipment, keyboard, smartphone, and exposure to software used in the construction field will be included. Spring Only.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Residential Management I

BCT300

Introduction to the soft skills required to manage a residential business or project. Coursework includes a business plan for a residential builder. Topics include modes of communication, feasibility studies, sales, marketing, advertising, insurance issues, conflict resolution, warranty issues, and customer relations. Formal and informal writing are emphasized. (Writing Enriched ) As needed.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
ENL111

Codes in Construction

BCT305

Overview of the current International Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings. Emphasis on identification and interpretation of requirements for building planning, foundations, floors, wall construction, roof-ceiling construction, and roof assemblies. Other topics include requirements for radon control and energy efficiency. Spring Only.

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCT107 and BCT110; or
BCT110 and BCT129

Managing Construction Safety

BCT307

Examination of the construction safety management process within the residential construction industry. General safety and hazard recognition topics include the criteria for reviewing project safety and improving safety on the job. Coursework includes the preparation of safety-related documents, implementation of administrative actions, development of safety management plans, and locating and interpreting federal and state regulations. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour Construction Safety training is completed as part of the course.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCT104

Residential Management II

BCT308

Study emphasizing cost control systems used in residential construction. Topics include construction loans and mortgages, residential bids and contracts, penalty and incentive provisions, profits, overhead, and cash flow. Primary focus on business organization and cost engineering tasks, including database management and software applications.  As needed.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCT300

Residential Design & Build

BCT321

Study of a residential design/build model for construction, including investigation of the advantages, disadvantages, and unique opportunities that the model has to offer. Focus on the completion of work through the design-build process, from initial client interviews to the production of plans and specifications that meet the client's needs and are acceptable for the issuance of a building permit. As needed.

1 Credit: 0 Lecture, 3 Lab

Managing Changes During Construction

BCT322

Emphasis on developing the ability to quickly and effectively handle changes that inevitably occur during the construction process. Focus on the potential sources of change orders and how to appropriately respond to each. Also includes developing methods for analyzing, pricing, scheduling, and tracking changes. 

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCT255 and BCT256 and CSC124; or
ACH241 and BCT255 and CSC124

Residential Building Systems

BCT330

Technical information pertaining to current building systems used in the residential construction industry. Integration of manufactured components, innovative and alternative foundation options, the modular housing industry, site-built framing techniques using the latest in pre-engineered products, steel framing, and traditional log and post-beam construction. Practical examples and current information from sources such as the National Association of Home Builders emphasize awareness of all the various building systems available to builders today.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
BCT308

Land & Property Development

BCT340

Examination of the interrelated parts of the land development process. Topics include market study, financing, site selection and analysis, and environmental regulations affecting land development. Emphasis on managing the process while making sure each essential part is completed to move the project from design to a finished development.

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Corequisites:
BCT308

Prerequisites:
BCT300 and MTH180; or
BCT300 and MTH181

Contemporary Issues in Residential Construction

BCT342

Examination of the constantly changing dynamics of the residential construction industry and the effect on both consumers and the providers within the industry. Analysis of the current and contemporary issues of culture, politics, economics, environment, and demographics that affect the residential building industry. As needed.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
BCT330

Residential Building Construction Project

BCT409

Examination of the interrelated parts of the land/building development process and real estate principles and profession. Topics include market study, financing, site selection and analysis, and environmental regulations affecting land development. Property acquisition, contracts, purchase and sales issues pertaining to the real estate industry. Emphasis on managing the development process of a property while ensuring each essential part is completed moving from initial site analysis phases through all stages of development from design to a finished development. As needed.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCT308 and MTH124; or
BCT308 and MTH180; or
BCT308 and MTH123; or
BCT308 and MTH181

Advanced Residential Estimating & Scheduling

BCT411

Expanded study of basic estimating and scheduling skills, covering the residential construction costing process that follows quantity take-offs, including bidding analysis, productivity assessments, and resource allocations. Job sequencing and scheduling as related to the total cost controls are discussed. Various software applications are used. 

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BCT255 and BCT308

Advanced Mechanical Systems

BCT420

Study focusing on the importance of electrical and mechanical systems in the total homebuilding package. Skills learned include assessing customer needs, market trends, and emerging technologies in electrical and mechanical systems to complete the homebuilding process. Emphasis on planning, scheduling, bidding, and managerial skills from other coursework to develop a complete electrical and mechanical package for today's homebuyers. Particular attention is given to energy conservation, and environmental and safety issues as they relate to electrical and mechanical systems.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCT330

Contemporary Issues in Residential Construction

BCT430

Examination of the constantly changing dynamics of the residential construction industry and the effect on both consumers and the providers within the industry. Analysis of the current and contemporary issues of culture, politics, economics, environment, and demographics that are affecting the residential building industry.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
BCT330

Residential Construction Industry Internship

BCT476

Specialized work experience allows students to apply skills acquired in previous courses to solve real-world residential construction problems. Work experiences may include, but are not limited to, entrepreneurship, residential management field practices, estimating and scheduling, or cost control. This internship experience requires a minimum of 225 work experience hours but may include more hours depending on the individual needs of the internship experience. Completion of this course requires an internship experience with a residential construction employer at a site approved by the internship coordinator. As needed.

3 Credits: 0 Lecture, 15 Internship

Residential Construction Industry Internship

BCT477

Specialized work experience allows students to apply skills acquired in previous courses to solve real-world residential construction problems. Work experiences may include, but are not limited to, entrepreneurship, residential management field practices, estimating and scheduling, and cost control. Requires a minimum of 200 work experience hours but may include more hours depending on the individual needs of the internship experience. Completion also requires an internship experience with a residential construction employer at a site approved by the internship coordinator. As needed.

1 Credit: 0 Lecture, 5 Internship