BLDA-150: Environmental Building Systems

School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Building Sciences
Department
Architecture/Construction Tech
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Bldg Sciences-Architecture
Course Number
150
Course Title
Environmental Building Systems
Cross-Referenced Course
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
BLDA-100
Catalog Course Description

This course combines building systems design with fabrication and installation. Students will design mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems based on design data, building codes, and sustainability. Students will also complete heat loss calculations and analyse building materials based on their thermal qualities. The practical fabrication and installation of plumbing and electrical systems will take place in the lab as it relates to the design of these systems. Emphasis will be on the interrelationship of environmental building systems and the challenges they pose to the designer related to building performance.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the design of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and to develop an appreciation for the interrelationship of these systems to the built environment.

Core Course Topics
  1. Heat loss calculations
    • Analyze the thermal properties of construction materials
    • Develop heat loss calculations for a residential structure
  2. HVAC systems and duct design
    • Analyze the benefits of different heating systems
    • Design supply and return air duct systems
  3. HVAC documentation
    • Draw a supply and return air duct system
    • Annotate HVAC floor plans following industry standards
    • Print HVAC drawings using correct scale and line weights
  4. Supply water and drainage system design
    • Explain the plumbing codes as they relate to residential supply water and drainage systems
    • Summarize the benefits of different plumbing materials
  5. Plumbing systems documentation
    • Draw supply water and drainage systems
    • Annotate plumbing floor plans following industry standards
    • Print plumbing drawings using correct scale and line weights
  6. Plumbing system fabrication and installation
    • Following provided blueprints and using PEX piping, install a supply water system
    • Following provided blueprints and using PVC piping, install a drainage system
    • Demonstrate proper plumbing joining techniques using multiple materials
  7. Electrical system design
    • Explain the electrical codes (NEC) related to residential design
    • Develop a residential electrical floor plan
  8. Electrical system documentation
    • Draw an electrical floor plan including all required lights, switches, and receptacles
    • Annotate an electrical floor plan following industry standards
    • Print electrical drawings using correct scale and line weights
  9. Electrical fabrication and installation
    • Following provided blueprints, install lights, switches, and receptacles
    • Following provided blueprints, install an electric service panel
    • Connect all lights, switches, and receptacles to the service panel
    • Test the electrical installation for proper circuitry

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

The following assessment tools will be common to all sections:
1) Assignments 2) Quizzes 3) Final Exam.

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No

Credit for Prior College-Level Learning

Options for Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Interview
Interview Details

Interview given in department by department faculty. Faculty will interview applicants and will assess against evaluation rubric. Evaluation rubric and student checklist located in department office.

Effective Term
Fall 2019