2006-07 Catalog Archive (Archived July 31, 2006)

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Course Descriptions

BCM103
Construction and Program Orientation
This course is an introduction to college, the construction management program and the construction industry. The responsibilities of successful college students and industry professionals will be discussed. Topics will include introductory construction vocabulary, the various construction career paths available, common project participants, types of construction companies, and industry demographics and statistics. Prominent and noteworthy projects of the day and throughout history will be highlighted along with exploration of current trends, technologies and developments. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)

BCM105
Materials and Methods of Construction I
This course is an examination of the basic materials and methods used in the construction industry. Topics include: properties of materials, materials usage, material and product selection, history of materials and methods, materials familiarization, and an introduction to the construction vernacular. Materials discussed are used throughout the various sectors of construction including residential, commercial, industrial and heavy civil. (Formerly BCM 101) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)

BCM115
Drafting and Plan Reading
This course is designed to provide instruction in the interpretation and production of residential and commercial drawings utilized during the construction process. Laboratory practice will be employed to develop familiarity and proficiency in areas to include: manual drafting, computer aided drafting, design and codes issues, and blueprint reading. (Formerly BCM112) 3 Credits (1 Lecture - 6 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM103 and BCM105.

BCM125
Materials and Methods of Construction II
This course is a continuation of the preceding course, BCM 105 Materials and Methods of Construction I. The course will provide further explanation to assist in the understanding of basic materials and methods used in the construction industry. More advanced systems of construction will be reviewed as the course progresses. Multiple system and design solutions will be developed, evaluated and selected based upon project or situational objectives. Residential, commercial, industrial and heavy/civil industry segments will be included. (Formerly BCM 102) 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM103 and BCM105.

BCM220
Construction Equipment Applications
This course provides a study of the types and uses of construction equipment. Productivity issues including cycle time, operational efficiency, and proper equipment selection and sizing will be covered in depth. Additional topics include earthwork estimating, equipment financial issues, equipment and site safety, and an examination of the similarities and differences between equipment utilized in the various sectors of construction. (Formerly BCM 201) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM115 and BCM125 and MTH180.

BCM230
Construction Surveying
This course provides explanation and instruction of surveying operations utilized in the construction process. Techniques taught will include taping, differential leveling, laying off vertical and horizontal angles, open and closed traverse surveys, topographic surveys, and construction control surveys. (Formerly BCM 202) 3 Credits (1 Lecture - 6 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM115 and MTH180.

BCM240
Computers in Construction
This course presents an introduction to the use of the microcomputer for construction applications. Building upon the foundation laid by prerequisite courses, the course will combine construction-related software programs and real-world information to instruct how to generate building design, construction estimates, and project schedules. The course will also include instruction on how to utilize the personal computer for construction organization duties using word processing, presentation, spreadsheet and database applications. Construction-related business software will be used and evaluated in the course. (Formerly BCM 255) 3 Credits (1 Lecture - 6 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM115 and BCM125.

BCM270
Construction Documents and Specifications
This course will provide instruction in the interpretation and composition of construction documents including the bidding documents, contract documents, and the project manual. The function of the specifications from various points of view shall be analyzed with particular emphasis on how the specifier and contractor relate to the documents. This course satisfies the writing enriched requirement for bachelor's degrees at Penn College, and will utilize multiple types of writing exercises to develop an understanding of the core concepts as well as practice composing construction documents. (Formerly BCM 300) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM240 and ENL201 and SPC101 or BCM240 and ENL201 and SPC201. (Writing Enriched)

BCM280
Construction Estimating
This course covers standard construction estimating from conceptual estimates to project award. Areas of construction estimating from general conditions to punch list items will be introduced and discussed. The course will also explain how construction estimating is affected by building codes, zoning regulations, and other constraints. Application will consist of utilizing all acquired knowledge for production of residential and light commercial building estimates. (Formerly BCM 250) 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM220 and BCM230 and BCM240 and MTH182.

BCM304
Advanced Estimating and Cost Control
This course builds on previous course work and expands the concepts to provide a comprehensive understanding of the construction costing process. The course includes reviewing project selection criteria, quantity take-off, pricing, subcontractor bid analysis, cash flow forecasting, and historical cost analysis. The private and public bidding environments are compared and contrasted. (Formerly BCM 410) 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM270 and BCM280.

BCM305
Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Buildings
This course is designed to provide basic knowledge of electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems used in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Emphasis is placed on advantages and disadvantages of various systems, and how their design and installation integrates into the management of the building process. Particular attention is given to soliciting and managing mechanical and electrical subcontractors. (Formerly BCM 302) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM270 and BCM280.

BCM309
Construction Structural Analysis and Design
This course presents the fundamental principles of structural mechanics as they are applied to the design and selection of structural components in residential and commercial building. Topics will include how loads and stresses are determined, the proper use of tables to size and select structural members, and how the construction manager can assist the engineer in the solution of structural problems. (Formerly BCM 306) 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM270 and MTH230 and PHS115.

BCM340
Project Planning, Scheduling and Control
This course introduces the student to the concepts of project planning, scheduling, and control. Emphasis will be on scheduling theory and the development of network logic diagrams. The development of the project schedule and its relationship to the estimate are included and contractual scheduling requirements are examined. (Formerly BCM 412) 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM304 and BCM305 and BCM309.

BCM350
Construction Jobsite Management
This course is an in-depth examination of the responsibilities and challenges of a construction job site superintendent. Major topics to be covered include job site planning, scheduling and coordination; safety responsibilities; jobsite specific estimating, and project documentation requirements. Emphasis will be on developing the critical thinking and communications skills necessary for successful construction jobsite supervision. (Formerly BCM 406) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM304 and BCM305 and HRM300 and MGT231 or BCM304 and BCM305 and HRM300 and MGT301.

BCM390
Advanced Topics in Construction Technology
This course provides a broad investigation of the impact of technology on the construction industry. The course will include investigation of construction technologies, general business technology aspects, and their influence on various aspects of society and the construction industry. (Formerly BCM 409) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM304. (Science, Technology and Society)

BCM420
Construction Safety
This course is a broad investigation and analysis of safety standards and regulations and their relationship to the construction industry. Specifically, the course addresses employee health and safety regulatory requirements, including multi-employer responsibility, training, record keeping, hazard recognition, and safety inspections. The principles of safety management, accident prevention, and safety program development methods will be covered. (Formerly BCM 110) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM340 and BCM350.

BCM430
Construction Project Management
This course provides an in-depth examination of the responsibilities and challenges of a construction project manager. Major topics to be covered include project coordination, legal requirements, estimating, finance, and documentation requirements. Emphasis will be on developing the critical thinking and communications skills necessary for successful management and administration of a construction project. (Formerly BCM 408) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM340 and BCM350 and BCM390.

BCM440
Construction Project Development
This course will utilize the fundamental concepts developed in prior courses to examine each step of project development in the construction process. The topics of real estate, law, financing, property valuation, property ownership, and government rights and power will be investigated. Practical examples, problems, projects, and guest speakers will reinforce and further the understanding of project development. Experiences occurring out of the classroom environment and in the actual development environment will be used when possible in the learning process. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM420 and BCM430 and MGT249.

BCM450
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
This course examines the issue of Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) in the construction process. The constructors' roles in ensuring quality are analyzed. Interpretation of building code requirements, assessment of the utilization of QA/QC and its impact on project quality, cost, schedule, productivity, and safety are examined. (Formerly BCM 405) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM420 and BCM430. (Writing Enriched)

BCM497
Senior Capstone Project
This is the capstone course for the Construction Management (BCM) program and is designed to provide instruction in the successful analysis of a construction-related project. Coordination with the BCM course faculty is required to propose, design and implement a project that will analyze, integrate, and synthesize concepts and knowledge from previous BCM and related course work. Independent research will be performed to develop projects in preparation for a formal final presentation for the BCM course faculty, selected other college professors, and participating industry professionals. The Directed BCM Construction Elective must be completed prior to enrolling in this course. (Formerly BCM 495) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCM420 and BCM430.