Architectural and Engineering Technology, Building Construction Management

PURPOSE: The Architectural and Engineering Technology degree is designed to develop qualified technicians for the field of engineering. The technician serves as an important link between the engineering professional and the skilled tradesperson in the design, construction, and operation of engineering projects.

OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES: This program will provide graduates with the skills and specialized knowledge for employment as highly trained architectural drafters; managers for the construction industry; technicians for construction projects such as highway, bridge, dam, commercial and residential construction; and other related occupations in a highly active industry. Employment opportunities are numerous from the planning stage through project completion and inspection in the following areas: the construction industry in private enterprise, government-related business, consulting, and other engineering-related activities.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• To bid on a project or to plan a project (during construction) companies must estimate the quantities involved to 1) price what they cost and 2) provide the workers on the job the proper quantity of materials required to complete the work. Students should be able to do this type of quantity estimating accurately. Developing an accurate estimate takes a little more knowledge than is possible to predict at this level. That is where work experience comes in.
  
  
• In order to make drawings and connect components in a design, one must understand the forces being applied so that proper reinforcement and alignment can occur.
  
  
• This objective matches our expectations for the end of program capabilities for students. This involves both 2D drafting techniques and the advanced 3D techniques. The industry is moving toward being able to perform collision avoidance analysis in the execution of projects. While we are not teaching the specifics of how to perform collision avoidance (more suitable for on the job learning), student understanding and ability to develop a 3-dimensional model a design is critical to their capabilities that will be expected in performing their jobs upon degree completion.
  
  
• While students will not be required to develop designs for these systems, they will have to work with engineers who design them and they need to understand the types of systems available. They will need to allow enough space in the buildings to accommodate the selected system and how to maintain its integrity.
  
  
• These are the major structural materials used in residential and commercial construction. They do not necessarily apply to Building Finishes (but can in some instances). It is important for students to understand that dissimilar materials can, not be joined together without proper preparation and protections of the adjoining members. Understanding these interrelationships creates student confidence that their drawings are suitable for field operations.
  
  
• Estimating is a key function of a construction business. If projects are not bid properly there are two consequences. 1) The company will not win any bids and not be able to keep their workforce employed or 2) The company that wins a low bid may not have accounted for all project costs and therefore will lose money on the project causing the organization undue financial pressure. A proper estimate involves knowing all project requirements and specifications as well as the anticipated duration and potential weather impacts.
  
  
• First students will learn the tools of Computer-Aided Drafting software . Then we will introduce the science of Building Technology over several courses which teaches them the interrelationships of how building components go together, The terminology will be new: Floor and Ceiling Joists, Headers, Steel Joists for Roofs, Columns, Footings, Caissons, and Piles . They will not be able to draw them unless they understand them . Also important is developing their understanding of drafting conventions such as what should be visible in a plan, sections and details. While in previous outcomes students learn the interrelationships of Building Components, this outcome assures us that students can relay those relationships properly on a set of working drawings that communicate construction information appropriately.
  
  
• While in previous outcomes students learn the interrelationships of Building Components, this outcome assures us that students can relay those relationships properly on a set of working drawings that communicate construction information appropriately.
  
  
• While in previous outcomes students learn the interrelationships of Building Components, this outcome assures us that students can relay those relationships properly on a set of working drawings that communicate construction information appropriately. We introduce Commercial Construction but the primary focus is Residential Structures.
  
  
• Understand the use of Residential Building codes, their influence on design (Outcome #3), how to read and interpret the codes adopted by the State of Virginia which are written by the international code council. Code requirements are the minimum standards that a structure must meet and any student designs must address these requirements.
  
  
• These are the major structural materials used in Residential and Commercial Construction. They do not necessarily apply to Building Finishes (but can in some instances). It is important for students to understand that dissimilar materials cannot be joined together without proper preparation and protections of the adjoining members. Understanding these interrelationships creates student confidence that their drawings are suitable for field operations.
  
  
• First students will learn the tools of Computer-Aided Drafting software. Then we will introduce the science of Building Technology over several courses which teaches them the interrelationships of how building components go together. The terminology will be new: Floor and Ceiling Joists, Headers, Steel Joists for Roofs, Columns, Footings, Caissons, and Piles. They will not be able to draw them unless they understand them. Also important is developing their understanding of drafting conventions such as what should be visible in a plan, sections and details.
  
  
• Construction operations are inherently risky.  Students must be aware of the concerns when bidding, contracting and executing projects. They must be good communicators and stay on top of project details. They also must understand RFI’s, change orders, plus the importance of time and safety management.
  
  
• While students will not be required to develop designs for these systems they will have to work with engineers who design them and they need to understand the types of systems available. They will need to allow enough space in the buildings to accommodate the selected system and how to maintain its integrity.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: General college curricular admission.

PROGRAM NOTES: In addition to general college admission, applicants shall have (1) completed placement testing and (2) met with their advisor to establish a planned course of study prior to being allowed to register for courses. Satisfactory completion of the following high school units or their equivalent, at a minimum, is strongly recommended: four units of English, one unit of laboratory science (preferably physical science), one unit of social studies, and two units of mathematics (one unit of algebra and one unit of geometry).

COMPUTER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT: Students in this program will meet the Reynolds computer competency requirement by successfully completing ITE 152. Students can also meet this requirement by passing the Reynolds computer competency exam, administered in the testing centers on each campus, in which case they will receive college credit for ITE 152. Students not passing the computer competency exam may retake the exam only once.