Introduction

The purpose of this course is to give the student an overall and elementary understanding of construction materials and processes. We will study one specific material category, one specific construction process, and an overall construction system each week. The student will have the opportunity to expand the studies to include materials and processes which are normally encountered by the student in his/her work place.

Learning objectives

By the end of this class you should:

1. Be able to recognize quality control procedures for various materials.
2. Be familiar with material manufacturing processes.
3. Understand the physical limitations of the materials we are studying.
4. Understand how the materials we are studying are used in construction.
5. Know where to find information about materials when needed.
6. Understand the regulatory environment under which materials are manufactured and incorporated into new structures.
7. Know the relevant history of each material.
8. Know the important aspects of how each material is used in construction processes.

Class Organization and Grading

The following table lists the learning modules, the maximum value in points a student can receive within each module, and the time in which the modules must be finished.

It is important that the student keep up with the class and not fall behind. Course modules will be made available to students on Sunday of each week. Class work must be completed before the following Monday. Students will not be able to work ahead of the class although reading assignments will be made available in advance. Actual dates that modules will become available will be posted in advance on the course calendar.

Grading Policies

Graded assignments will consist of one quiz for each module and participation in at least two class discussions. Each quiz will count for 10 points and class discussions will count 15 points per module. You can see that I consider class discussions to be a very important part of this course. For that reason, the regular weekly discussions are even more important than the weekly quizzes. Students should provide at least four contributions to the class discussion each week to gain the maximum points.

Grades will be posted on a weekly basis. You will have full access to your grade sheet so you will be able to keep track of how you are doing at all times.

Your overall grade in the course will be determined by the total number of points you have accumulated on quizzes and assignments. The grading scale is as follows:

You will be given more information about the grading and other course matters in the Orientation Module.

The Textbook

Building Construction Illustrated, 4th edition by Francis Ching and Cassandra Adams. ISBN: 0-471-35898-3, Publisher: Wiley.

Please note: This book is included in the price of the course and will be sent to you by the instructor.

Withdrawal Policy

You may withdraw from this course by sending an email to cmiller@aacei.org or by conventional mail requesting to be dropped from the course. Non-attendance or notifying the instructor does not constitute officially dropping or withdrawing from a course. Students who stop attending courses without officially dropping will receive a grade of U in the class. Refunds are not automatic. NO refunds are due unless the course is officially dropped within stated guidelines in the refund schedule.

Refund Schedule

Registration

Tuition: $500 / $450 (Nonmember / AACE member)

Click here to REGISTER.