College Catalog
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Course Descriptions
Sustainable Materials
BSD310
Examination of the need, development and application of sustainable building materials, methods, and systems used in both residential and commercial construction. Emphasis on those materials that reduce environmental and energy impact. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): ACH119 or BCT118. Fall Only.
Sustainable Sites
BSD320
Theory and application of the development of sustainable sites at scales ranging from the individual plot to a neighborhood, a community, or an urban plan. Emphasis on the integration between a particular site and the greater community. Course work includes development of site plans that incorporate sustainable concepts. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Fall Only.
Passive Design
BSD330
Introduction to passive design strategies employed to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and increase human comfort. Topics include the importance of site and climate conditions, the use of the sun to provide heat and light to indoor environments, and the use of natural ventilation. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Fall Only.
Building Information Modeling
BSD350
Introduction to the principles and benefits of building information modeling. Topics include interference detection, evaluation of energy usage, generation of construction documents, assignment of attributes for quantity takeoffs and cost estimates, simulation of the construction sequence, and facilities management. Course work includes development of a building information model that can be modified and used throughout the building's life cycle by architects, engineers, contractors, and the building owner. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Spring Only.
Building Performance Optimization
BSD360
Exploration of the technological equipment and software used to verify that a building and its integrated systems are constructed and installed in accordance with the building's design and specification. Provides the architectural designer with the practical verification techniques used to assure that a building's construction and systems work as intended. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): ACH119 and ACH240 or BCT118 and BCT260. Spring Only.
Internship
BSD400
Work experience intended to provide exposure to real-world building science and sustainable design practices. Students must obtain written approval from Building Science faculty for proposed Industry internships prior to the start of the internship. One semester duration with a l5-hour per week or 240 hour minimum. A detailed write-up describing sustainable aspects of internship experience is required. 3 Credits (0 Lecture - 15 Lab) Prerequisite(s): ACH262 and BSD310 and BSD320 and BSD330 and BSD360. As needed.
Historic Preservation
BSD410
Introduction to the concepts of preservation and adaptive re-use and their importance to sustainable design. Topics include historic materials, construction techniques, building systems, the economics of preservation, forensics, remediation practices, and a review of related legislation, government programs and resources. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BSD310. Fall Only.
Renewable Energy Technologies
BSD420
Overview of renewable energy using sunlight, wind, tides, geothermal, biomass and biofuels. Topics include the relative efficiencies and installation of various energy systems, and a review of public policies, incentives, and grants. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BSD330. Fall Only.
Whole Building Design
BSD430
Exploration of integrated design approach which includes all building stakeholders during all stages of planning and design in order to achieve high building performance. Emphasis on benchmarks and using computer applications to evaluate the interaction of design decisions. Course work includes case studies of existing buildings and teamwork to design and evaluate building projects. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): ACH262 and BSD310 and BSD330 and BSD350. Fall Only.
Sustainable Rating Systems
BSD450
Examination of sustainable building rating systems used in the United States. Emphasis on compliance with U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification program. A sustainable rating system certification exam may be included at the participants' expense. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): ACH262. Spring Only.
Senior Project
BSD495
Designed to demonstrate the student's mastery of core building science and sustainability concerns and practices. Students will propose and implement a project that allows them to analyze, integrate, and synthesize concepts from previous course work. Activities may involve field research, data analysis, report writing, building design, and presentation. Independent research required to resolve project related problems. Formal presentation of project results given by each student. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BSD420 and BSD430.