ACT-175: Environmental Building Systems

School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Building Sciences
Department
Architecture/Construction Tech
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Architecture/Construction
Course Number
175
Course Title
Environmental Building Systems
Credit Hours
4.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
77.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
77.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
ACT-101 and ACT-116
Catalog Course Description

Introduces residential environmental building systems including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP). Emphasizes sustainable design. Topics include heating systems, heat-loss calculations, supply and return air systems, water supply and disposal systems, service panels, wiring, lighting, and switch requirements. Also covers preparation of typical mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings using the appropriate design data and building codes. Discusses materials, fixtures, and practical shop installation as they relate to each topic area.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. Course introduction
  2. Plumbing terminology and codes
  3. Plumbing materials
  4. Plumbing installation
  5. Water supply systems
  6. Disposal systems
  7. Plumbing fixtures
  8. Determing pipe sizes
  9. Plumbing symbols
  10. Plumbing floor plan layout
  11. HVAC terminology and codes
  12. Heating system components
  13. Selecting a heating system
  14. Calculating heat loss
  15. Calculating duct sizes
  16. HVAC symbols
  17. HVAC floor plan layout
  18. Duct installation
  19. Electrical terminology and codes
  20. Wire and service entrance size
  21. Electrical floor plan layout
  22. Light fixture schedule
  23. Electrical riser diagram
  24. Circuit sizing and layout
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Define terminology used in electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing systems
  2. Interpret building codes relating to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
  3. Identify materials used in mechanical and electrical systems
  4. Identify and use correct symbols for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC plans
  5. Design and draw a water supply system*
  6. Design and draw a plumbing disposal system*
  7. Size pipes for water supply and disposal systems
  8. Develop and draw an isometric plumbing drawing*
  9. Calculate the heat loss of a residential building*
  10. Describe the benefits of different heating systems
  11. Calculate HVAC trunk and branch ductwork
  12. Design and draw a heating system layout
  13. Select appropriate electrical components
  14. Design and draw an electrical circuit layout*
  15. Calculate service entrance size
  16. Create a light fixture schedule
  17. Design and draw an electrical riser diagram
  18. Develop a wattage schedule

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

The following assessment tools will be common to all sections:

  1. Lab assignments
  2. Multiple-choice question tests
  3. Multiple-choice question final exam
  4. Student attendance

Credit for Prior College-Level Learning

Options for Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Other
Other Details
  1. Provide, in writing, a request to the department indicating the proposed rationale for requesting credit and describing the type of college-level learning upon which the request is based.
  2. Submit a portfolio of work and documentation to substantiate the request.
  3. Schedule an interview with the appropriate instructor(s) to discuss the request and portfolio.

Approval Dates

Effective Term
Fall 2015
ILT Approval Date
Curriculum Committee Approval Date