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Construction Management Course Descriptions

CONST 100: Computers In Construction

Credits: 4.0

Introduction to business computing with emphasis on construction management using Windows, PDFs,and MS Office. Applies the computer as a problem-solving tool for the construction professional. Use spreadsheets, word processing, information management, and presentation software in construction specific exercises.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate an ability to use the common computer hardware and software systems found in construction business settings.
  2. Create common construction documents in Word.
  3. Create an Excel worksheet.
  4. Demonstrate the use of formulas, functions and formatting in Excel.
  5. Create and utilize commonly used construction spreadsheets, estimate sheets, logs, recap and quantity sheets.
  6. Utilize Web based plan centers and Web based databases.

CONST 141: Architectural Blueprint Reading I

Credits: 4.0

An introduction to reading and interpreting architectural drawings. Layout, terminology, graphic standards and drafting fundamentals. Emphasis on how to locate information and cross reference with details, schedules, and specifications for clarification.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe and explain how complex plan sets are organized.
  2. Define typical construction symbols, line types, and terminology.
  3. Identify typical contract documents and describe their function.
  4. Identify and describe the components of an exterior wall section.
  5. Identify and describe the components of site plans.
  6. Identify and describe the components of civil plans.
  7. Describe the special characteristics of commercial plans and explain how to read and interpret them.

CONST 145: Introduction to Surveying

Credits: 4.0

Math, procedures, and concepts relevant to construction layout using a measuring tape, eye-level, and transit. Calculate angles and distances, determine elevations, and construction features. Legal descriptions and easements are discussed. Recommended completion of MATH 77.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Calculate elevation of given points using algebra and arithmetic.
  2. Determine the elevation of given points using surveying equipment.
  3. Calculate angles and distances using trigonometry.
  4. Calculate and layout construction features using trigonometry and surveying equipment.
  5. Demonstrate ability to create and interpret topographical maps.
  6. Demonstrate ability to read and understand legal description of property, easements, and legal restrictions that run with the land.
  7. Determine the quantity of earth to be excavated.

CONST 155: Special Topics in Construction Management

Credits: Maximum of 5.0 possible

Seminars on current issues in the construction industry.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate course-specific objectives determined by instructor.

CONST 160: Materials and Methods

Credits: 4.0

Exploration of the relationship between design criteria, material selection, and methods of construction. Focus on the properties of common materials and the various construction techniques associated with them. Includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe how construction documents are created and how they evolve.
  2. Describe commonly used specification formats.
  3. Describe the function of specifications, addenda, modifications, alternates, substitutions, and submittals.
  4. Describe properties of common construction materials including soils, concrete, wood and steel.
  5. Describe common earth retaining systems, foundations, structural frames and exterior shells.
  6. Research and report on material characteristics and system designs as necessary to effectively estimate costs, develop scopes of work, and perform quality control in the field.
  7. Recognize key elements of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems and how the Building Code effects MEP construction.
  8. Identify major types of construction equipment.

CONST 165: Erosion Control

Credits: 1.0

Overview of drainage codes and regulations governing construction job sites intended for builders and inspectors. Impacts of new codes and new technologies. Focus is on acceptable methods for controlling construction site erosion.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Conduct organized observations of erosion control issues at actual job sites.
  2. Collect and analyze data that will be used to prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.
  3. Identify and select site specific erosion control techniques.

CONST 170: LEED/Green Building Construction

Credits: 1.0

Introduction to sustainability concepts in construction. Overview of green building programs and certifications. Focus on managing LEED implementation on construction job sites. Covers preconstruction planning, LEED documentation, and submittal requirements.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe basic Green Building issues and techniques.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the USGBC LEED structure.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the USGBC LEED terminology.
  4. Pursue certification at the Green Associate Level.

CONST 177: Structural Concrete I

Credits: 4.0

Introduction to concrete technology. How concrete is manufactured, delivered, and handled at the construction site; inspection and testing methods. Benefits anyone responsible for the design, preparation, placement and inspection of structural concrete.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify concrete types and their applications.
  2. Identify and distinguish the proper methods of handling, placing, finishing, curing and testing from those practices that result in inferior concrete.
  3. List the proper concrete management and inspection techniques for quality concrete construction.
  4. Define common terminology found in the concrete construction field.
  5. Research a method of concrete construction.
  6. Give a presentation on a method of concrete construction.

CONST 183: International Residential Building Code

Credits: 3.0

Introduction to the International Residential Building Code, the building code is dedicated to single-family dwellings, duplexes, and townhouses. The course focuses on the IRC format, terminology, interpretation, intent, and application. Recommended completion of CONST 141.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Interpret the scope and intent using language defined by the parameters of the code while investigating common applications of code theory and practice.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal aspects and responsibilities of the design, construction, and the code administrators from the IRC.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of other construction codes (such as IBC, fire, plumbing, mechanical, and energy) and how they work with the IRC (as amended by Washington State and other jurisdictions) to regulate construction.

CONST 185: Civil Construction

Credits: 1.0 to 5.0

Introduction to civil construction methods, materials, and inspections. Roads, storm drainage, water, and sewer systems are covered. WSDOT/APWA standard specifications and plans are studied. Conflict resolution is explored using negotiations case studies. Recommended completion of CONST 100 andCONST 141.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate and discuss civil construction methods, materials, standards, and practices using interactive negotiation techniques.
  2. Discuss and analyze the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specification code book as a reference.
  3. Apply and interpret multiple code sections to determine resulting outcomes.
  4. Determine quantity of materials from civil plans and specifications.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the intent of specific codes requirements.

CONST 200: Basic Estimating

Credits: 4.0

A detailed introduction to the world of construction estimating and bidding. Basic concepts, procedures, and terminology. Quantity take-off and pricing techniques. Scope of work issues and costs associated with the major components of a construction project. Recommended completion of CONST 100 andCONST 141.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Create a process for screening potential clients.
  2. Utilize plans, specifications, and contracts in estimating exercises.
  3. Divide a job into work packages.
  4. Access pricing information.
  5. Perform a quantity survey for excavation and concrete.
  6. Compute estimated costs from pricing and quantity information.
  7. Organize an estimating worksheet to facilitate accuracy and retrieval of information.
  8. Summarize estimated costs in a complete estimate format.
  9. Describe how the estimate is used for cost control.
  10. Describe how profit margin targets are determined.

CONST 201: Commercial Estimating

Credits: 4.0

This advanced estimating course further develops the methods and procedures of estimating for application in commercial construction. Emphasis is placed on pricing through the utilization of schedule of values, preconstruction services, budgetary estimating, and on-line take-offs, which are completed in connection with the estimating process. Recommend completion of CONST 200.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate the ability to estimate quantities using on-line quantity take-off skills.
  2. Identify the fundamentals of preconstruction estimating services.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to estimate costs based on pricing through the utilization of schedule of values.

CONST 202: Online Plan Center

Credits: 1.0

Detailed overview of Online Plan Centers. Access drawings, specifications, and other bid documents. Find unit costs in data bases, perform quantity take offs using the online digitizer, copy to estimating spreadsheet. Introduction into QuickEye software. Recommend completion of CONST 100 and concurrent enrollment in CONST 200 advised.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Successfully navigate within the BXWA website.
  2. Demonstrate how to locate the bid documents that are used in CONST 200.
  3. Demonstrate how to set scale and perform quantity take off exercises with the digitizer.
  4. Demonstrate how to use a data base and Excel spreadsheet to perform a complete estimate.
  5. Identify key elements of QuickEye estimating software.

CONST 220: Scope and Quality Standards

Credits: 3.0

Introduction to the use of contracts as a management tool. Investigate contract delivery systems and material assemblies to discover why they fail to perform up to expectations. Develop scopes of work and quality control standards for contracts. Recommend completion or concurrent enrollment in CONST 141 and CONST 160 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Evaluate trade contracts based on a set of objective criteria.
  2. Create an acceptable scope of work definition for use in a trade contract agreement.
  3. Conduct research into product/system characteristics, acceptable construction methods, and causes of common system failures.
  4. Create acceptable quality standards for use in trade contracts.

CONST 230: Project Planning and Scheduling

Credits: 4.0

Planning and scheduling of a construction project utilizing the critical path methods (CPM). evelop and manipulate a computerized schedule for a construction project using MS Project application software. Recommend completion of CONST 141 and CONST 160.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Use a PC to obtain, store, organize and communicate planning and scheduling project information.
  2. Apply planning and scheduling fundamentals to a sample construction project.
  3. Create a work breakdown structure, sequence project tasks and assign accurate durations to the tasks using outside resources.
  4. Create a bar chart schedule.
  5. Create a Critical Path Method schedule using scheduling software.
  6. Manipulate and update a CPM schedule.
  7. Define and coordinate resources.
  8. Prepare a procurement schedule.

CONST 241: AutoCAD for Construction

Credits: 3.0

Introduction to the fundamentals of architectural graphics and geometric construction in multiple views using computer aided drafting software. Prepares students for creating, reading, and communicating graphic images in electronic formats. Recommend completion of CONST 100 and CONST 141.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Generate and modify architectural drawings in AutoCAD using drawing toolbar commands.
  2. Generate and modify architectural drawings in AutoCAD using modify toolbar commands.
  3. Generate and modify architectural drawings in AutoCAD using layers toolbar commands.
  4. Generate and modify architectural drawings in AutoCAD using dimension toolbar commands.
  5. Generate and modify architectural drawings in AutoCAD using Line Type and Line Weight commands
  6. Generate and modify architectural drawings in AutoCAD using standard toolbar commands.
  7. Generate and modify architectural drawings in AutoCAD using the Block command.

CONST 246: Building Information Modeling

Credits: 4.0

Introduces multiple aspects of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, such as using Revit, inputting project data, and creating construction documents including: 4D Schedule and 5D quantity take-offs, and implementing conflict detecting and resolution. Recommendcompletion of CONST 100 andCONST 141.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate basic elements of multiple BIM technologies.
  2. Describe how BIM technologies are used in the management of construction projects.
  3. Demonstrate how BIM is used to create coordinated construction documents.
  4. Define key differences between Computer Aided Drafting and BIM.

CONST 250: Safety and Accident Prevention

Credits: 3.0

WISHA/OSHA regulations for the construction industry and how accidents can be prevented. Focus on enhancing hazard recognition skills and knowledge of safe work practices. Develop work rules, communicate expectations, and make job-site safety inspections.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify hazards common to construction job sites.
  2. Identify basic abatement techniques and procedures.
  3. Perform a job hazard analysis and write work rules for inclusion in a site specific Safety Plan.
  4. Use Washington State Safety Standards as a resource for performing all of the above.

CONST 251: Safety Plan Administration

Credits: 3.0

Emphasis on job site safety and potential liability for general contractors. Management systems, procedures, and documentation that address WISHA requirements and provide a safe working environment. Effective integration of safety into management systems is stressed. Recommend completion of CONST 250.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the liability issues associated with injuries and citations on multi-employer job sites.
  2. List the basic elements that must be addressed in a general contractor's safety plan in order to prepare for an affirmative defense against WISHA citations.
  3. Describe techniques used to develop a site-specific focus in a safety plan.
  4. Critique a safety plan with respect to the affirmative defense elements.
  5. Evaluate insurance coverage and insurance certificates.

CONST 260: Construction Project Management

Credits: 3.0

Management concepts and techniques relevant to construction project organization, supervision, and inspection. Communication systems, contract documents, record keeping, dispute resolution, quality assurance, and schedule management are covered. Recommend completion of CONST 200, CONST 250, CONST 230, and CONST 266.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate the key tasks in construction project management.
  2. Lay out a job site to meet specified criteria.
  3. Manage a CPM schedule and nonproduction task scheduling.
  4. Describe change proposal format and changes procedures.
  5. Describe the elements of a quality control plan.
  6. Describe project close out procedures and issues.

CONST 266: Advanced Computers for Construction

Credits: 4.0

Focus on industry-standard construction exercises utilizing computers and cloud-based software, such as Procore and Bluebeam, for Construction Project Management and to generate project costs. Advanced spreadsheet design, word-processing, and databases are also used. Recommend completion of CONST 100 and CONST 200.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Create and manage a construction project using computer software.
  2. Perform management-level tasks using computer software
  3. Use computer software to review and update construction contract documents
  4. Use computer software to log in and distribute ongoing changes and updates in a project
  5. Research and collect specific construction cost data.

CONST 270: Structural Design I

Credits: 5.0

Beginning structural requirements for frame construction including review of engineering algebra, dead and live loads of buildings, forces and stresses, moments and reactions, types of beams, kinds of loads, shear and bending moments, engineering notations, and materials and methods related to structural design. Recommend completion of CONST 145 and MATH 77.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe and recognize component forces in vectors.
  2. Describe and recognize forces on a body using moments.
  3. Interpret free body diagrams.
  4. Calculate stress and thermal deformation.
  5. Size joists, beams, columns, and rafters.
  6. Describe and recognize shear and bracing issues of walls concepts.
  7. Describe and recognize common methods of fastening structural materials.
  8. Describe and apply seismic retrofitting concepts.

CONST 280: Building Codes I

Credits: 3.0

Introduction to the International Building Code and applicable parts of the IRC. Covers content, format, and application of building code. Definitions, administration, general requirements, occupancy classification, types of construction, fire and safety requirements.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the history,evolution, development, and rationale of building codes.
  2. Calculate building plan review fees and building inspection fees.
  3. Describe the building code and the residential code and their application.
  4. Demonstrate an ability to correctly apply specific occupancy regulations and type of construction requirements, calculate area increases, identify and calculate means of egress.
  5. Demonstrate an ability to use the IBC code book as a resource to perform all of the above.

CONST 281: Building Codes II: Interpretation

Credits: 3.0

An in-depth study of the relationships between occupancy classification, types of construction, location on property, exiting requirements, and fire-resistive standards. Interpretation of the International Building Code and applicable parts of the IRC. Recommend completion of CONST 280.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Utilize an empirical and reasonable approach to the building plan review process.
  2. Describe the intent of specific code requirements by process of application.
  3. Apply multiple code sections for desired outcomes.

CONST 282: Building Codes III: Inspection

Credits: 3.0

A study of building inspection including masonry, concrete, wood, steel construction, glazing, excavation, grading, special inspection of residential and commercial building. Application of the International Building Code and applicable parts of the IRC. Recommend completion of CONST 280.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the intent of specific code requirements by process of application.
  2. Apply multiple code sections for desired outcomes.
  3. Demonstrate an empirical and reasonable approach to building inspection process.
  4. Apply organized code process allowing multiple solutions to a singular problem.

CONST 292: Capstone Project Seminar

Credits: 1.0

Review requirements of the Capstone Project. Students submit project proposals, final reports, and give oral presentations outlining accomplishments of project objectives. Registration permitted first seven weeks (six in summer) as space is available. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in CONST 293 and department head permission. Corequisite(s): CONST 293.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify professional goals.
  2. Develop a plan for achieving those goals.
  3. Describe their goals and objectives through group discussions.
  4. Demonstrate mastery over selected construction management program objectives.

CONST 293: Capstone Project

Credits: 1.0 to 5.0

Students complete a career related public service project with an industry partner. Allows students to demonstrate mastery of CM program outcomes. Permit code required. Registration permitted first seven weeks (six in summer) as space is available. Recommend completion of the bulk of the CM classes or instructor permission. Corequisite(s): CONST 292.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Collaborate with an industry partner to define project parameters and project objectives.
  2. Prepare a written report and oral presentation that describes an industry based project.
  3. Demonstrate mastery of selected construction management program outcomes.

CONST 299: Special Project: Construction Management

Credits: 1.0 to 5.0

Individual projects in construction oriented study to give exposure to practical construction problems and everyday operations in areas of particular interest to the student. Note: Department permission required.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Define project parameters.
  2. Demonstrate how project objectives align with program outcomes.
  3. Demonstrate completion of the project through written and oral reports.
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