Building and Construction Technology
UMass Amherst | Department of Environmental Conservation
Faculty in the BCT program currently offer the courses listed below. Follow the “Course Details” link to see syllabi and other information. At this point, only Amherst campus courses are shown in the schedules below. You can find Mount Ida campus courses here and online courses here.
NEW: You can also browse a filtered list of current courses on the CNS website.
The following are generic overview schedules for all of our courses.
4 Credits | Fall | Prof. Weil | In person, Amherst | Course Details
This course explores the issues of sustainability from the perspective of the built environment, our history of construction and expansion, and buildings and how they interact with the natural environment. Students will be exposed to issues of human impacts on natural systems through the built environment and the variety of disciplines that are working to create a more sustainable future.
Gen-Ed: I
1 Credits | Fall | Prof. Barnes | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Required for all new majors. This seminar is designed to help freshmen and new transfer students to make a successful start within the Building and Construction Technology (BCT) program. Various resources and opportunities around the major and the university will be reviewed. This seminar also gives students an opportunity to ask lots of questions and will help them integrate into the campus life.
3 Credits | Spring | Prof. Schreyer | In person, Amherst | Course Details
This course provides an introductory overview of the various materials used in construction (except wood, which is covered in BCT 304). After receiving an introduction into fundamental principles of structural, physical and long-term performance, students learn about material and product manufacturing techniques and how they relate to mechanical and non-mechanical properties of the various materials. Common construction methods are introduced and building details are explored.
Students have the opportunity to experience material capacity and behavior as well as construction methods in demonstrations and lab experiments. Furthermore, material applications and detailing in structural and non-structural building components are explored. Resulting from this course, students will gain a comparative knowledge of material properties and possible applications in construction and architecture.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Weil | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Introduction to energy conservation, as the most cost-effective, environmentally safe method for lowering energy costs and dependence on a finite supply of fossil fuels. Primary discussions involve technical issues, dealing with building methods and materials used to save energy. Political, economical and environmental issues are inextricably connected to conservation, and will factor heavily on classroom dialogue. Lectures will focus on fundamentals of residential energy use involving energy-saving materials and products, energy-efficient design, energy storage, affordable housing, political impact, and regulatory developments.
3 Credits | Fall, Spring | Prof. McNally | In person, Amherst | Course Details
(formerly BCT 397X)
Effective communication is not always easy or natural, but it can be learned. This course provides a platform to learn and practice principles of professional communication (through presentations, writing, and audio/visual media) in the field of construction and sustainable building. Through various class exercises and assignments, students attain the skills that are required to succinctly get a message across and connect with an audience.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Schreyer | In person, Amherst, Flex | Course Details
Wood is an amazing building material: It is beautiful and warm to the touch. It is easy to machine and abundantly available. It is light, yet strong and stiff. And best of all: It comes from a renewable source. To build with wood, however, requires understanding its peculiarities: the variability of its properties, its interaction with water and the possibility of bio-deterioration.
This course introduces students to the physical and mechanical properties of wood. It provides an overview of wood-based products and exposes students to structural systems in wood. Basic techniques for physical measurement and mechanical testing are introduced by conducting and analyzing several laboratory experiments.
Section 01 is for BCT majors only, section 02 is available for any student. Graduate students should enroll in ECO 624.
3 Credits | Spring | Prof. Fiocchi | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Our Built Environment has a substantial impact on energy and material resources as well as being a critical determinant of health, comfort, and productivity for occupants. Additionally, there is the negative carbon impact on our environment; beginning with the embodied energy incorporated into the construction of a building followed by the lifelong accumulation of a building’s operational energy. It is the building’s systems that are the primary contributors to operational energy. The focus of this course is to understand the fundamental principles behind the sustainable design and regulation of thermal and environmental comfort achieved by the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems (MEP Systems) in our buildings and to understand the relationship to energy conservation, as the most cost-effective, environmentally safe method for lowering energy costs and dependence on a finite supply of fossil fuels. Pre-requisites: Open to Juniors & Seniors only. BCT 211 Recommended.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Fiocchi | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Principles of Light-Frame Structure Technology / Tectonics I provides students with an understanding of the construction industry, processes, and building materials used in contemporary residential & light-frame construction. We will review the entire process of residential construction project: from regulation and design through site preparation, project management, and ultimate delivery of a completed structure. Close attention will be paid to the sequence of events as they occur in most construction projects.
Throughout the semester, focus is drawn to both the structural and energy related performance of various building elements, materials, systems, and strategies used to construct enduring and sensible homes. Coursework is tied closely to the arrival of new products, technologies and regulatory issues affecting the construction industry. This course investigates the products, systems and participants that shape the building-materials and construction industry.
This course is restricted to BCT majors only.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Kim | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Any successful building construction project relies on accurate and consistent cost estimates. This course provides students with the skills and background to perform construction estimating, bidding, and cost management. Lectures will cover quantity take-off from construction documents and estimate costs for material, labor, equipment, overhead, and profit. Students are required to prepare and submit a formal bid which details an estimate for a building construction project. Furthermore, students will also be introduced to leading construction estimating software utilized in the construction industry.
This course is restricted to BCT majors only.
3 Credits | Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer 1 | Prof. Schreyer | Online, Amherst | Course Details
This course provides students with a broad introduction into Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) with a focus on construction- and architecture-specific applications. By using industry-standard AEC software (such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Trimble SketchUp, and Autodesk Revit) in hands-on exercises, assignments and projects, students gain the capability to model construction projects and create and distribute industry-standard architectural drawings.
4 Credits | Spring | Prof. Clouston | In person, Online, Amherst | Course Details
Usually offered in Fall but changed to Spring for AY 2024/2025 only. The course employs realistic building examples to introduce students to fundamental engineering analysis. The main topics are: statics and equilibrium as applied to statically determinate systems; force and moment analysis; strength of materials where students learn to determine stress and strain in simply supported beams; and beam design with deflection, shear and bending stress evaluation. Through a combination of classroom lecture, demonstration, practical application, homework assignments and problem solving sessions, students will gain mathematical confidence and learn the importance of problem solving in construction.
Pre-requisites: MATH 104 or Higher and PHYSICS 131 or Higher
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Romero | Amherst | Course Details
This course introduces advanced business concepts relevant for managing design and construction projects. Topics covered are: Organization and participants in construction projects, delivery methods, bidding and procurement, construction processes, concurrency of project costs and schedules, project control and risk management, as well as legal, contractual, and ethical aspects of construction. Life-cycle costs, time value of money, and managerial and leadership topics will be discussed, as well as interpersonal communication and professional conduct. Sustainability impacts on construction and decision making will be discussed.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Romero | In person | Course Details
The Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Competition can provide a non-traditional learning environment for students and enhance their learning. The BCT department and I, as an educator, have supported the benefits of participation in intercollegiate competitions. Many students in the U.S. have various opportunities for intercollegiate students’ competition to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. ASC holds regional competitions in which the construction companies are the sponsors. Many programs in the U.S. send teams for the ASC competitions, and the students can learn through the competitions. Proposals are submitted to a group of construction company executives who act as judges. During the convention, students defend their proposals to the judges in front of an audience.
Students will be required to attend the annual ASC Competition Region 1 in Albany/NY, which is one of the highlights of the National and International ASC Competition.
Open to BCT sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Credits | Fall, Spring | Prof. | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Independent studies are faculty-guided academic projects. They can be initiated either by faculty or a student and can comprise of research or other academic work. Contact a faculty advisor if you are interested in pursuing this.
1-6 credits can be assigned.
0 Credits | Winter, Summer 1, Summer 2 | Prof. | In person, Amherst, Mount Ida | Course Details
Practica are work-related placements (e.g. internships). Contact a faculty advisor if you are interested in pursuing this. More details can be found here.
1-15 pass/fail credits can be assigned.
3 Credits | Winter, Spring, Summer 2 | Prof. Kim | In person, Online, UWW (CPE), Amherst | Course Details
Combined section with ECO 614
The LEED Professional Credentials indicate professional excellence and a strong depth of knowledge as well as practical understanding of the LEED Rating Systems and how they apply to the high-performance design and construction of the built environment. Preparing to take the LEED Green Associate and AP exams requires more than taking one course; it is a process that involves the acquisition of disciplinary knowledge and understanding of complex building and environmental systems. This course introduces the core concepts of the USGBC LEED Rating Systems and assists students in study and preparation for the LEED Green Associate exam.
3 Credits | Spring, Summer 1 | Prof. Schreyer | In person, Online, UWW (CPE), Amherst, Mount Ida | Course Details
Building upon skills acquired in “Introduction to CAD & BIM for Construction and Architecture”, this course presents advanced topics in architectural CAD & BIM software and its uses in design and construction.
Centered on problem-based tasks, topics such as 3-dimensional modeling, design for fabrication, parametric building design, building information modeling (BIM), material takeoff, energy-efficient planning and model analysis, rendering and presentation, and others will be explored.
Industry-standard CAD/BIM software such as Trimble SketchUp, Trimble Connect, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Navisworks, and Autodesk AutoCAD will be used to accomplish this.
View Student work from this course. Prerequisite: BCT 320 or similar introductory CAD/BIM experience.1 Credits | Spring | Prof. Schreyer | In person, Online | Course Details
BCT students approaching graduation learn to prepare for their professional life by editing their resumes, writing cover letters, developing relevant interviewing skills and starting to network effectively with industry leaders. Each week a different business professional meets with students in this class to discuss careers in the industry. Many speakers are also potential employers who are accepting resumes and may conduct interviews.
Can be taken as Junior or Senior in BCT. Co-requisite with BCT 494BI courses (if not taken previously).
1 Credits | Fall, Spring | Prof. Musah | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Our Built Environment has a substantial impact on energy and material resources as well as being a critical determinant of health, comfort, and productivity for occupants. Additionally, there is the negative carbon impact on our environment; beginning with the embodied energy incorporated into the construction of a building followed by the lifelong accumulation of a building’s operational energy. In response, there are multiple subsets of disciplines and entities adopting green, sustainable criteria for new construction and renovations. This course offers students an opportunity to be exposed through lecture and discussion to many of these multiple disciplines. Required Lectures (4) and Elective Lectures (4) serve as a dynamic sampling of the multiple disciplines necessary to create or modify the Built Environment. Lectures presented by various educators, researchers, and practitioners; experts in their fields will provide students with a broadened perspective, which will help foster critical thinking and provide a more expansive view of the Built Environment. Note: This course can be taken twice for credit without it counting as a re-take. Graduate students should enroll in ECO 692C instead.
3 Credits | Spring | Prof. Romero | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Senior BCT capstone seminar course for students preparing to enter the construction and building technology field. Centers on management of construction projects by integrating core aspects like: design, building systems and structure, sustainability, bidding/estimating, scheduling, BIM, value engineering, contracts/negotiation, subcontractor relations, cost control, management during construction, close out, and post-construction requirements. Students complete a group-based semester-long comprehensive project in this course that responds to an RFP and leads to a presentation of written and oral outcomes in front of a panel of industry jurors. BCT students complete their Senior Assignment Project during this course.
This class will largely be conducted as a seminar. You will be expected to share appropriate educational and employment experiences during participation in your team/group discussions. Active participation in discussions are important components of this course.
Satisfies the Integrative Experience requirement for BS-BCT majors.
Co-requisite: BCT 492A - Jobs and Professional Life in BCT (if not previously taken as junior)
3 Credits | Fall, Spring | Prof. | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Independent studies are faculty-guided academic projects. They can be initiated either by faculty or a student and can comprise of research or other academic work. Contact a faculty advisor if you are interested in pursuing this.
1-6 credits can be assigned.
0 Credits | Winter, Summer 1, Summer 2 | Prof. | In person, Amherst, Mount Ida | Course Details
Practica are work-related placements (e.g. internships). Contact a faculty advisor if you are interested in pursuing this. More details can be found here.
1-15 graded credits can be assigned.
1 Credits | Spring | Prof. Steele | In person | Course Details
(formerly BCT 597V)
With construction being one of the most dangerous occupations, workplace safety is crucial for every successful building project. This course teaches basic safety concepts through guest lectures and the self-guided study of OSHA principles. Students acquire the 10-hour OSHA safety training (and card) as part of this course (at a small, additional cost), which is the basic requirement for any work on construction sites.
3 Credits | Summer 1 | Prof. | Currently not offered | Course Details
Currently not offered.
3 Credits | Spring | Prof. Weil | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Students in the UMass Clean Energy Corps will work in teams to conduct energy audits or clean energy feasibility studies for Massachusetts cities and towns. We will visit selected facilities to conduct walkthroughs or instrumented energy audits, analyze building performance and energy data, and then present detailed guidance to help municipalities reduce their energy use and plan to decarbonize their facilities. Students will learn a variety of data analysis and building diagnostic techniques, as well as gain experience working with municipal clients and giving presentations. Learn more about our past work and project selection process at umasscleanenergycorps.com
Prerequisites: Either BCT 211, 311, 520 or 521
3 Credits | Spring | Prof. Fiocchi | In person | Course Details
*Currently Not Offered
This is the first course in a two-course sequence where students will work collaboratively to design and build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for a community based affordable housing provider. Students will engage in critical, process-based strategies for designing sustainable housing, and will actively engage in all phases of architectural design (schematic design, design development, and construction documentation). There will be a strong emphasis on equity in housing, affordable housing, low-carbon modeling, energy modeling, detailing for construction, as well as construction scheduling and cost estimating as it relates to the project.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Fiocchi | In person, Amherst | Course Details
An introduction to the physical processes lying behind the design of a building’s site, envelope, and interior spaces and as an initiation for a proper integration of technology into architecture as it relates to building energy use. The course focuses on the minimization of energy costs and dependence on non-renewable fossil fuel sources through the implementation of time honored passive design strategies and effective building envelope construction practices. The course also introduces students to the fundamentals of building system loads and building annual energy consumption calculations providing the necessary metricized evaluation of a building’s energy and associated climate impacts in relation to other buildings of similar types and program in similar climates. This course that relies on a combination of lecture, reading materials, and a field trip exploring the methods and materials necessary to reduce a building’s environmental impact. Pre-requisite: BCT 211 or Graduate student status
4 Credits | Spring | Prof. Fiocchi | In person, Amherst | Course Details
This course is intended for those who wish to build on building technology and physics fundamentals and learn about active building energy and environmental systems from a both a traditional and a sustainable design perspective. Students will be introduced to the basics of active HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and plumbing systems as well as being exposed to the fundamentals of domestic water supply and distribution as well as wastewater and sewage systems Through a combination of lecture, reading materials, guest lectures, and field trips they will analyze and calculate elements that control the disposition of energy in buildings and learn how to introduce various systems into existing buildings and design these systems for high performance building. The lab component for this class introduces students to technical and non-technical aspects of whole building energy simulation during building design, retrofitting and maintenance. Students will learn to use a state-of-the-art building energy modeling tool, eQUEST (available for free from Department of Energy) to calculate and optimize whole building energy loads. The goal is to explore key design decisions such as building orientation and form along with system choices to calculate heating, cooling, and electrical loads through modeling and simulation. Pre-requisite: BCT 520 or ARCH 520
3 Credits | Spring | Prof. Kim | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Introduces the fundamental concepts of solar building design and energy systems. Through project-based study and occasional field visits, students will explore the theory, technologies, applications, and benefits of the solar design of buildings and discover how to utilize solar energy systems for residential and commercial buildings.
Students will be required to research and document technology and complete a semester case study project in which they will examine various energy conservation aspects and economics underlying solar energy systems.
Open to Seniors, Juniors and Graduate students only.
3 Credits | Spring | Prof. Clouston | In person, Amherst | Course Details
Not offered Spring 2025. The next time will be Spring 2026. Provides students with fundamental skills in structural engineering wood design. Focus is placed on the underlying principles behind design procedures for wood members in residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through class examples and assignments, students learn techniques for designing individual wood components including: beams, columns, trusses, wood/steel connections, and diaphragms using lumber and timber as well as engineered wood products.
Pre-requisites: ARCH 650, BCT 330, CE-ENGIN 241, or M&I-ENG 211.
3 Credits | Fall, Spring | Prof. Romero | In person, Amherst | Course Details
This course covers fundamentals of construction project scheduling and control. Topics discussed are: schedule networks, critical path method (CPM), resource allocation, project control, program evaluation and review, cost forecasting, scheduled versus actual job expenditures, schedule risk control.
Students will be exposed to scheduling software (Primavera P6 or MS Project) in hands-on labs.
Open to Seniors, Juniors and Graduate students only.
3 Credits | Spring | Prof. Musah | In person | Course Details
Sustainable, low-carbon construction has become a major focus in the industry over the last years with many builders and homeowners looking for new and different materials and methods of construction that can potentially offset energy costs, promote the use of local materials, and be adaptive to their environment. To meet this shift in demand, there is a need to look beyond conventional materials and embrace alternative materials and construction systems that can then blend with current technologies, which can improve embodied carbon and construction costs. Through real-world problems and hands-on lab projects and demonstrations, students in construction, sustainability, architecture, and engineering are introduced to different types of modular construction as well as alternative building materials, such as CLT, SIPs, adobe, rammed earth construction, log, bamboo, hemp masonry, and strawbale construction. This course will use global examples of such buildings to provide a thorough understanding of the construction processes, limitations, and advantages.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Musah | Amherst | Course Details
*Formerly BCT 590STB
This course introduces students to material testing and technological environments in which the construction industry operates today. The program is designed for students with a passion for technologies such as cloud data, drones, photogrammetry, additive manufacturing, AI, Robotics, VR, and AR in the Built Environment and a passion to influence the design and engineering of the built environment through material testing such as nondestructive testing and evaluation, chemical testing, thermal analysis, and code compliance testing. The curriculum will prepare this next generation of innovators to not only harness the power of technological innovation but to bridge the industry’s fragmentation in order to foster collaboration, catalyze change, and offer advanced and sustainable solutions to global problems.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Kim | In person, Amherst | Course Details
The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) Student Chapters Residential Construction Management Competition (RCMC) is one of the highlights of the annual International Builders’ Show. The competition gives students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to a real construction company by completing a management project/proposal. Proposals are submitted to a group of construction company executives who act as judges. During the convention, students defend their proposals to the judges in front of an audience.
Students will be required to attend the annual NAHB Student Competition, which is one of the highlights of the International Builders' Show (IBS).
Note: This course can be taken once, but the instructor can enroll the student in an independent study (e.g., BCT 596) if the student wants to take it twice.
0 Credits | Fall, Spring | Prof. | In person | Course Details
Independent studies are faculty-guided academic projects. They can be initiated either by faculty or a student and can comprise of research or other academic work. Contact a faculty advisor if you are interested in pursuing this.
1-6 credits can be assigned.
3 Credits | Spring | Prof. Levy | UWW (CPE) | Course Details
*Currently Not Offered
This course introduces conceptual and technical aspects of whole building energy simulation. Students will learn to use the energy modeling software eQUEST, underlying principles of energy modeling, and the ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G modeling methodology.
The technical aspects of this course will include using the "Wizard" and "Detailed" sides of eQUEST, to create building geometry, assemblies, internal loads, schedules, and HVAC systems. In addition, students will use parametric analysis to assess energy conservation measure (ECMs) to see how design alternatives can reduce energy use. The conceptual aspects of the course will explain the significance of these elements and how they interact with a model, independent of what software is used. In addition, the course will cover the ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G modeling methodology, which is used for the LEED "Optimize Energy Performance" Credit, energy code compliance and utility incentive programs.
This course has no prerequisites but students should have a basic understanding of envelope assemblies, HVAC systems, and building physics.
This is a Continuing Education (CPE) course, which can be taken by anyone for a per-credit fee.
1 Credits | Spring | Prof. Clouston | In person | Course Details
*Currently Not Offered
Wood Design Studio empowers students to design, build, and physically test their own ideas to solve construction related building problems. The course follows an inquiry-based learning format where students explore questions, develop and research hypotheses, reflect on their own learning and gain a deeper understanding of course concepts to become better critical thinkers. Course topics include fundamental engineering concepts such as: composite action, moment connections, joist stress, and compression arches. While learning about exciting and new composite materials (like laminated veneer bamboo and Cross Laminated Timber), this course is a great resume builder and a fun introduction to materials research and technical communication. The intent of the course is to develop learners who will become the next generation of innovators.
3 Credits | Fall, Spring | Prof. O'Neill | UWW (CPE) | Course Details
*Currently Not Offered
Legal issues arising from design and construction services, with a practical focus on risk management and liability awareness. Topical areas include basic legal doctrines, contract documents, contract administration, liens & bonds, claims, professional liability, human resources, legal evidence & record keeping, and dispute resolution. The course will also touch on the special legal challenges presented by technological, scientific, and cultural developments including sustainability, BIM/VDC, mass timber, automation, and climate change.
This is a University Without Walls (UWW, formerly called CPE) course, which can be taken by anyone for a per-credit fee.
3 Credits | Summer 1 | Prof. Romero | UWW (CPE) | Course Details
*Currently Not Offered
The main objective’s course is to prepare the students to try to adjust to working in a global environment and cultural differences around the world. Engineering and construction (E&C) professionals are required to work for global clients in foreign countries or working with foreign nationals within their own countries. The preparations for moving overseas are similar to planning any E&C project; they require planning, organizing, directing, and controlling.
3 Credits | Winter, Summer 1, Summer 2 | Prof. | In person, Amherst, Mount Ida | Course Details
Practica are work-related placements (e.g. internships). Contact a faculty advisor if you are interested in pursuing this. More details can be found here.
1-15 graded credits can be assigned.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Fiocchi | In person | Course Details
(formerly BCT 697LF)
Principles of Light-Frame Structure Technology / Tectonics I provides students with an understanding of the construction industry, processes, and building materials used in contemporary residential & light-frame construction. We will review the entire process of residential construction project: from regulation and design through site preparation, project management, and ultimate delivery of a completed structure. Close attention will be paid to the sequence of events as they occur in most construction projects.
Throughout the semester, focus is drawn to both the structural and energy related performance of various building elements, materials, systems, and strategies used to construct enduring and sensible homes. Coursework is tied closely to the arrival of new products, technologies and regulatory issues affecting the construction industry. This course investigates the products, systems and participants that shape the building-materials and construction industry.
3 Credits | Winter, Spring, Summer 2 | Prof. Kim | In person, Online, UWW (CPE), Amherst | Course Details
Combined section with BCT 414
The LEED Professional Credentials indicate professional excellence and a strong depth of knowledge as well as practical understanding of the LEED Rating Systems and how they apply to the high-performance design and construction of the built environment. Preparing to take the LEED Green Associate and AP exams requires more than taking one course; it is a process that involves the acquisition of disciplinary knowledge and understanding of complex building and environmental systems. This course introduces the core concepts of the USGBC LEED Rating Systems and assists students in study and preparation for the LEED Green Associate exam.
3 Credits | Spring | Prof. Schreyer | In person, Online, UWW (CPE), Amherst | Course Details
This course provides graduate students with an opportunity to deepen their studies in Building Information Modeling (BIM). In addition to learning about concepts from BCT 420 (enhanced 3D modeling skills and an introduction into Autodesk Revit and SketchUp), students in ECO 620 must independently research various BIM-related topics, present and use them. Students are required to complete an in-depth term project in which they explore advanced BIM topics like building energy modeling, estimating and scheduling, parametric modeling and the like.
Pre-requisite: BCT 320 or similar CAD/BIM experience.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Schreyer | In person, UWW (CPE), Amherst, Flex | Course Details
(formerly BCT 597W)
Wood is an amazing building material: It is beautiful and warm to the touch. It is easy to machine and abundantly available. It is light, yet strong and stiff. And best of all: It comes from a renewable source. To build with wood, however, requires understanding its peculiarities: the variability of its properties, its interaction with water and the possibility of biodeterioration.
This course expands on BCT 304 and introduces graduate students to the physical and mechanical properties of wood as applies to construction and architecture. It provides an overview of wood-based products and exposes students to structural systems in wood. Basic laboratory techniques for physical measurement and mechanical testing are introduced.
Open to graduate students only.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Schreyer | In person | Course Details
This course explores the interrelations between building functions, loads, structural system, materials and construction methods. Topics addressed are structural building layout, design, structural detailing, and documentation of predominantly large-scale buildings and other structures made of steel, concrete, engineered wood and masonry.
Students will be exposed to a wide range of topics centered around structural systems and will be encouraged to develop an integrated approach to planning that considers efficient and appropriate structural solutions. Concept-based design projects and assignments will provide an opportunity to practice this approach.
Emphasis is placed in this course on development of efficient structural form, conceptual and preliminary structural design (using software and approximate calculation methods), integrated design and structural detailing.
This course covers NAAB-requirements for structural systems.
Pre-requisite: Tectonics 2 (or BCT 530/330) or equivalent knowledge of mechanics.
1.5 Credits | Fall, Spring | Prof. Musah | In person, Online, UWW (CPE) | Course Details
Our Built Environment has a substantial impact on energy and material resources as well as being a critical determinant of health, comfort, and productivity for occupants. Additionally, there is the negative carbon impact on our environment; beginning with the embodied energy incorporated into the construction of a building followed by the lifelong accumulation of a building’s operational energy. In response, there are multiple subsets of disciplines and entities adopting green, sustainable criteria for new construction and renovations.
This course offers students an opportunity to be exposed through lecture and discussion to many of these multiple disciplines. Required Lectures (4) and Elective Lectures (4) serve as a dynamic sampling of the multiple disciplines necessary to create or modify the Built Environment. Lectures presented by various educators, researchers, and practitioners; experts in their fields will provide students with a broadened perspective, which will help foster critical thinking and provide a more expansive view of the Built Environment.
Can be taken twice for credit.
3 Credits | Fall | Prof. Schreyer, Weil, Clouston, Kim, Fiocchi, Romero, | In person, Online, UWW (CPE) | Course Details
Students in this course will read and discuss current publications that span the entire field of our graduate program. Regularly scheduled discussions will be led by each member of our graduate faculty. This course provides an overview of the breadth and an introduction to the depth of research in our field and serves as a primer for all our graduate students.