2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Building Construction (BLDG)

BLDG1015  DRAWINGS & SPECIFICATIONS  

The development and interpretation of civil, architectural, structural, and electrical drawings; freehand sketching of construction details and sections; computer-aided construction drafting. (4 credits) summer

BLDG1050  CONTRACTS & CODES  

A comprehensive study of construction contracts including conditions of agreement and modifications. Students analyze the Massachusetts State Building Code as it applies to buildings. Prerequisites: BLDG1015 and BLDG1100 (4 credits)

BLDG1100  CONSTRUCTION METHODS  

A detailed study of current methods and equipment used in timber, masonry and steel construction. Laboratory exercises emphasize plan reading. (4 credits)

BLDG1500  COST ESTIMATING  

The fundamentals of construction estimating are covered. Quantity surveys are made for various building components and prices determined for labor and materials, using a current pricing handbook. Standard estimators' forms are prepared. Computer techniques and applications are also examined. (4 credits) summer

BLDG1600  HORIZONTAL CONSTRUCTION  

Survey of current methods and equipment used in heavy construction projects including highways, tunnels, bridges, dams, storm drains and sanitary sewers. Prerequisite: BLDG1100 (2 credits)

BLDG1900  BASIC BUILDING SERVICES  

Examines the basic building services, including heating, water, plumbing, drainage, ventilation, air-conditioning, vertical transportation, acoustical control, electrical controls, and associated building code requirements. (4 credits)

BLDG2000  STRUCTURAL DESIGN I  

Topics include the principles of mechanics with emphasis on the use of dimensions, weights, forces and angles, centroids, center of gravity, free body diagrams and the laws of equilibrium as applied to trusses. Prerequisite: MATH1065 and PHYS1005

BLDG2200  BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING  

This course examines the use of Autodesk's REVIT software platform as a complete building design and documentation solution, supporting all phases of design, construction documentation, and construction management required for a building project. Students will create massing and conceptual studies that evolve into building models with schedules, details, renderings, walk-throughs, and other topics via studying real-world building designs. Prerequisite: BLDG1015 (4 credits)

BLDG2500  PROJECT ESTIMATING & SCHEDULING  

Students learn and apply the basic principles and current practices employed in estimating project costs including unit costs, overhead and profit. Scheduling tools, such as critical path method and bar charts, are examined as an aid and technique in project planning, budgeting and cost control. Prerequisites: BLDG1015 and BLDG1100 (4 credits)

BLDG2600  TESTING OF MATERIALS  

Testing of Materials focuses on how to properly determine the properties of the most common construction industry materials. These materials include soils, aggregates, asphalt, concrete, steel, wood and masonry. Particular attention is paid to proper laboratory techniques for data acquisition and reporting. (2 credits)

BLDG3100  CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS  

Material handling in heavy construction. The selection and application of heavy construction equipment including equipment productivity and cost Prerequisite: BLDG1100 (4 credits)

BLDG3200  PLANNING & SCHEDULING  

Topic items include project network planning, scheduling, and cost control models. Computer applications to PERT and CPM will be explored and used by the student. (4 credits) spring

BLDG3450  CONSTRUCTION PROJECT COST ANALYSIS  

This course will also introduce students to modern techniques for analyzing costs for both vertical and horizontal construction. Costs will be compared to a baselines established for project control. Students will analyze the variety of factors and different methods that affect construction costs. Primary class emphasis is on the cost analysis process available to project managers. Prerequisite: BLDG3200 (4 credits)

BLDG3600  CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT THEORY  

Construction project management from conception to completion is covered. The course covers feasibility studies, site selection, planning, programming, design coordination, and contracting procedures of actual construction. Emphasis is placed on contractor operations, project administration, job planning, and subcontract coordination. Prerequisite: third year status; or BLDG1500 and enrollment in the Professional Certificate in Managing Construction Projects (4 credits)

BLDG3700  CONSTRUCTION SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT  

Topics include the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage safety compliance and risk associated with construction. Prerequisite: BLDG1100 (3 credits)

BLDG3800  SPECIAL TOPICS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION  

These courses present topics that are not covered by existing courses and are likely to change from semester to semester. Refer to the semester schedule for the courses offered that semester. Contact the faculty assigned for more information about the course topic. (1 - 4 credits)

BLDG4250  FINANCING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT  

An investigation of construction financing during all phases of project development. Topic items include: permanent loans, construction loans, sources of mortgage funds and venture capital, and tax and interest considerations. Emphasis is placed on the role of the banker as a vital member of the construction management team. Prerequisite: third year status (4 credits)

BLDG5500  SENIOR PROJECT IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT  

Students have the opportunity to explore and present on a construction management topic of their choice. A final oral presentation is required. (4 credits)