College Catalog
One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701-5799 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222
Course Descriptions
Construction Safety and Equipment
BCT102
Survey of auxiliary equipment and systems used to perform construction work, focusing on their safe and effective operation. Course work includes erecting various types of scaffold and operating moving equipment, power generating equipment, and powered fastening systems. Other topics include personal safety issues, issues specific to individual pieces of construction equipment, and OSHA requirements/guidelines specific to the construction industry. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Construction Hand and Power Tools
BCT103
Survey of hand and power tools typically used to perform construction work. Emphasis on the development of skills needed to effectively perform layout, measurement, cutting, fastening, and finishing operations. Study also includes maintenance of tools and equipment, safe use of hand and power tools, and emerging tool technology. 1 Credit (0 Lecture - 3 Lab)
Print Reading and Architectural Drafting
BCT107
Fundamentals of print reading and architectural drafting. Techniques in reading and interpreting prints, structural drawings, schedules, and specifications are covered so that students understand typical construction drawings as encountered in industry. The drafting component focuses on the use and care of drawing instruments, lettering, orthographies projection principles, and preliminary drawing and sketching, in the preparation of working drawings. 3 Credits (1 Lecture - 6 Lab)
Framing Principles
BCT109
Theory and application of framing techniques in residential and light commercial construction. Emphasis on basic principles and skills used in hand and machine woodworking operations. 4 Credits (2 Lecture - 6 Lab) Corequisite(s): BCT102 and BCT103.
Site Preparation and Layout
BCT110
Introduction to site management, site preparation, and layout of structures as it relates to current code and safety standards. Topics covered include the use of the construction instruments for laying out structures, triangle calculations, differential leveling, and erection of batter boards and markers. 2 Credits (1 Lecture - 3 Lab)
Construction Materials and Application I
BCT117
Study of residential building techniques and materials. Topics include specific erection and fabrication techniques, construction materials, as well as their uses and sustainability. Both traditional and prefabricated/pre-manufactured methods and materials are covered. Course serves as technical knowledge base for those who will manage the residential building process. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Construction Materials and Applications II
BCT118
Study of commercial and residential finish materials and light commercial structural methods, providing the technical knowledge base necessary to manage and direct the building process for light commercial buildings and projects. Building types studied include pre-engineered and tilt-up concrete and composite types consisting of masonry, steel, and wood modular systems. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCT117.
Roof Framing and Exterior Finishing
BCT127
Study of various types of roofs and parts of a roof system, including layout terms, rafter sizes, rafter layout, and the use of a framing square. Emphasis on roof framing principles and application, including gable, hip, and intersection roof designs. Course work includes construction of various roof systems and skill development in the selection and installation of siding and roofing materials, soffit, and fascia. 5 Credits (2 Lecture - 9 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCT109.
Building Materials Applications
BCT128
Hands-on, team-based learning opportunity that includes physically building various projects to gain an understanding of characteristics of typical construction materials used in residential and light commercial construction. 2 Credits (1 Lecture - 3 Lab)
Interior Finish
BCT130
Introduction to the skills and knowledge base needed to effectively finish the interior of a structure. Floor finish techniques include traditional hardwood, floating laminate systems, and ceramic tile installation. Wall finish techniques focus on gypsum board products, wood paneling, and ceramic tile. The application of unitized ceiling finish systems such as suspended ceilings and acoustic tile is covered as well as textured finishes applied over gypsum board products. Applicable IRC code standards for interior finish are studied and applied. 3 Credits (1 Lecture - 6 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCT109.
Masonry Principles
BCT234
Introduction to masonry construction materials and methods, with an emphasis on the terms, definitions, and methods of construction practices related to concrete block and brick construction. Topics also include the different types of mortar mixes and their strengths and uses, reinforcement of masonry walls, masonry cleaning, weather protection for masonry, and estimating supplies and materials. 5 Credits (2 Lecture - 9 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCT102 and BCT103.
Concrete Construction
BCT238
Principles of concrete design, including water/cement rations, proportions of ingredients, reinforced concrete, concrete footers and walls, finishing with hand and power trowel equipment, and proper methods of curing and testing concrete. 3 Credits (1 Lecture - 6 Lab) Corequisite(s): BCT102 and BCT103.
Construction Estimating
BCT255
Techniques for standard construction estimating procedures from take-off to bid, covering the areas of excavation, concrete, steel, masonry, carpentry, alteration work, mechanical work, electrical work, and general conditions. Topics introduced include preparation of the typical quantity take-off and estimated cost recording documents and techniques as well as preparation and presentation of formal bidding document. Course work includes presentation of an actual estimate. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCT117 and BCT119 or BCT118 and BCT127 or ACH120 and ACH230 or ACH119 and ACH129.
Residential Construction Planning, Scheduling and Management
BCT256
Fundamentals of planning and scheduling the residential construction process, with emphasis on mixing and matching available resources in the most efficient combinations to complete projects on time and within budget. Also included is an examination of construction management practices as applied by the residential building contractor, including the interrelationship between architects, sub-contractors, and others in the labor force. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Corequisite(s): BCT255.
Interior Finish and Trim
BCT257
Principles and methods of interior carpentry and finishing. Includes the installation of interior trim, doors, stair building, and cabinetry. Also included is modern finishing materials: drywall, plaster, tile, paneling, wallpaper, flooring, carpet, and ceiling treatments. 5 Credits (2 Lecture - 9 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCT109.
Computer Applications for Construction
BCT258
Introduction to the use of the microcomputer for construction applications. Basic design, construction estimating, project management, word processing, spreadsheets, database, and construction related business software are used and evaluated. Computer equipment, keyboard, and other related software for the construction field are included. 4 Credits (2 Lecture - 6 Lab) Prerequisite(s): CSC110 or CSC124.
Trim and Millwork
BCT259
Study and application of the skills necessary to perform quality interior trim and advanced carpentry techniques, including the installation of interior trim, doors, windows, stairs, and cabinets. Course work also includes the design and fabrication of fine architectural millwork and the replication of molding, as well as an introduction to various countertop materials and finishing techniques. 5 Credits (2 Lecture - 9 Lab)
Introduction to Electrical and Mechanical Systems
BCT260
Introduction to the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems used in residential and light commercial buildings. Emphasis on the 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 the contractor's viewpoint and the soliciting and managing of mechanical and electrical sub-contractors. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Residential Management I
BCT300
Introduction to the soft skills required to manage a residential business or project. Course work includes a business plan for a residential builder. Topics include modes of communication, feasibility studies, sales, marketing, advertising, insurance issues, conflict resolution, warranty issues, and customer relations. Formal and informal writing are emphasized. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): ENL111 and MGT115. (Writing Enriched)
Residential Management II
BCT310
Cost control systems used in residential construction. Topics include construction loans and mortgages, residential bids and contracts, penalty and incentive provisions, profits, overhead and cash flow. Emphasis on business organization and cost engineering tasks, including database management and software applications. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): ACC112 and BCT300 and MTH180 or ACC113 and BCT300 and MTH180. Corequisite(s): ACC210.
Construction Safety Management
BCT311
Introduction to the construction safety management process. Topics include the criteria for reviewing project safety and how to improve safety on the job. Course work includes preparing and implementing a project safety manual, safety administration, program development, and federal and state regulations. (Formerly BCM110) 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Design and Build/Plan Modification Issues
BCT320
Development of skills required to successfully manage change during the construction process. Skills include the use of software programs to modify and transmit drawings and specifications. Both CAD and sketch/edit software are applied. Emphasis on solving real world design modifications encountered by managers of residential construction. Issues related to operating a residential design and build construction company are examined. Consideration also given to writing and modifying specifications to satisfy specific job needs. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): ACH115 and CSC110 or ACH116 and ACH117 and CSC110 or ACH116 and ACH118 and CSC110 or ACH115 and CSC124 or ACH116 and ACH117 and CSC124 or ACH116 and ACH118 and CSC124.
Residential Building Systems
BCT330
Technical information pertaining to current building systems used in the residential construction industry. Topics include the integration of manufactured components, innovative and alternative foundation options, the modular housing industry, site built framing techniques using the latest in pre-engineered products, steel framing, and traditional log and post-beam construction. Practical examples and current information from sources such as the National Association of Home Builders reinforce the student's awareness of all the various building systems available to builders today. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Advanced Residential Estimating and Scheduling
BCT410
Expanded study of basic estimating and scheduling skills from previous coursework. Study covers the residential construction costing process that follows quantity take-offs, including bidding analysis, productivity assessments and resource allocations. Job sequencing and scheduling as related to the total cost controls are discussed. Various software applications are used. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCT255 and BCT310 or BCT310 and MCT265.
Advanced Mechanical Systems
BCT420
Study focusing on the importance of electrical and mechanical systems in the total homebuilding package. Skills learned include assessing customer needs, market trends, and emerging technologies in electrical and mechanical systems to complete the homebuilding process. Emphasis will onc planning, scheduling, bidding, and managerial skills from other coursework to develop a complete electrical and mechanical package for today's homebuyers. Particular attention is given to energy conservation, and environmental and safety issues as they relate to electrical and mechanical systems. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCT330.
Contemporary Issues in Residential Construction
BCT430
This course will enlighten the student to the constant changing dynamics of the residential construction industry and the effect on both the consumers and the providers within the industry. The intent of this course is to provide the student with current, contemporary issues of culture, politics, economics, environment, and demographics that are affecting the residential building industry. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BCT330. (Science, Technology and Society)
Senior Project Internship
BCT496I
Specialized work experience allows students to apply skills acquired in previous courses to solve real-world residential construction problems. Activities may include library and field research, data analysis, report writing, presentation of the final project, or approved internship experience. Topics may include, but are not limited to, entrepreneurship, residential management field practices, estimating and scheduling, and cost control. Completion of this course through an internship experience with a residential construction employer, with approval of a faculty adviser, is strongly encouraged. (Formerly BCT495C) 3 Credits (0 Lecture - 15 Lab)