College Catalog

The Building Science and Sustainable Design major promotes a healthier, more energy efficient way to build which reduces negative environmental impacts and slows the depletion of natural resources. Students study sustainable approaches to materials, construction, site design, building design, and the generation of energy. In addition, students receive training in building science fundamentals related to the measurement of building performance. Students also learn skills vital to historic preservation and the renovation and re-use of existing buildings. Graduates should be equipped with the knowledge to design and/or construct buildings that make positive contributions to their communities.

Students may also declare the Building Construction Technology associate-degree major (CB); they can then petition to graduate in CB after completing the first two years of the BSC program.  

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities with a wide range of employers exist nationwide. Potential employers include architects, engineers, contractors, environmental organizations, building materials manufacturers, and government agencies. Potential job titles include LEED specialist, sustainable housing specialist, solar project manager, green building analyst/consultant, building science/sustainability researcher, sustainable designer, architectural project team member, sustainability contractor, sustainable HVAC technology leader, facility manager and building commissioning specialist.

Recommended High School Subjects

Two years of algebra and trigonometry, one year of physics, four years of oral and written communications courses, one year of computer skills. Students are encouraged to take trade skills courses in CAD, carpentry, masonry, HVAC, drafting, electrical, etc.

Special Equipment Needs

See the Tool List on the Building Construction Technology web page.

Remediation Strategies

All entering students will be tested for English, math, and reading deficiencies. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College catalog (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/PlacementTesting.htm ).

Transfer Procedures

All transfer students will be considered for junior-level status, as they will have earned the first two years in their respective associate-degree majors. Eligible majors include Electrical Technology, Architectural Technology, HVAC or Plumbing Technology, Building Construction Technology, Masonry, Business Management, and Information Technology. Students who have not met the bachelor-degree requirements for the first four semesters will be required to take the necessary courses in order to complete the degree. Students who have not previously taken courses related to building materials and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems will be required to do so, due to prerequisite requirements in program courses. Students transferring from other institutions with an A.A.S. in a related field will be evaluated for admission to the BSD major based on their degree and appropriate course work in general education areas. Additional transfer protocols, as established by the College, apply (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ).

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• make sustainable decisions for buildings and communities based on energy conservation, resource efficiency and lifestyle choices.
• assess building performance and evaluate solutions for improvement.
• evaluate the financial and environmental impacts of buildings and design decisions.
• apply sustainable design practices to existing and new construction to promote occupant health and wellbeing.
• create sustainable solutions to real-world problems by communicating effectively in a collaborative environment.
• synthesize knowledge of building science to prevent and solve building performance problems.
• evaluate and apply appropriate passive and active design strategies.
• defend the preservation and continued use of historic structures and identify the challenges involved.
• design and specify a small-scale alternative energy system.
• assess the lifecycle and embodied energy of materials and systems.
• critique the sustainability of neighborhood and community designs.
• assess the impact of governmental policy on sustainable design.
• compile project-related information by employing appropriate methods of inquiry.

Curriculum

Students who have not taken ACH 262 - Sustainability: Building and Living Green, should take this course as their 5th semester Open Elective due to it being a prerequisite for BSD 400, BSD 430 and BSD 450.  ACH 262 will meet the Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Writing Enriched (WRT) requirements.

Additional Information

Students will be required to take the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) exam as part of their BSD 450 "Sustainable Rating Systems" course.