Elements and details of building construction, both residential and commercial, are explored. The course does not focus on design, but rather on specific building components, and on how these components work together to create a functional building. Some of the topics include foundations, wood light frame, heavy timber frame, steel, concrete, masonry, glass, roofing, cladding systems, and interior finishes. The role of building codes in design and construction is introduced. Sustainable building materials and systems are also introduced.

The objective of this course is to develop in the student an understanding of plans and drawings in civil engineering projects such as site development, structures, hydraulic structures, water and wastewater transport and treatment facilities, and transportation facilities. Students will also understand how related disciplines—architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, and landscape architecture—are incorporated into construction drawings. Students develop an understanding of the technical and legal purpose of plans and how to assemble them.

This course includes a fundamental overview of contract law, followed by the application of this material in the contracts for construction. Subsequently, the student is exposed to construction specifications. Substantial use is made of actual documents such as those of the New York State Department of Transportation, The Construction Specification Institute, Engineers Joint Contract Committee (EJCDC), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Associated General Contractors (AGC) and trade standards such as ANSI, ASTM, and others. Students are required to develop and assemble a mock-up set of contract documents and develop agreements/contracts. Arbitration, design-build, and partnering are discussed.

A capstone course in civil engineering technology. This course builds on and integrates the engineering concepts developed in prior course work into the complete design of a major civil engineering project. The course will require a written and an oral presentation of the completed design to include, where appropriate, plans and specifications.

An introduction to direct cost estimating for construction projects. The estimating techniques covered include quantity take-off, labor productivity, and pricing (labor, material, and equipment). Drawings, sketches, and specifications are used as a basis for developing quantities involving site work, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, and finishes. Students also use software tools to aid in developing takeoff quantities. Different estimate structures and various types of estimates are examined. Direct and indirect construction costs are explored along with approaches for estimating overhead costs and profit. A logistical study of Project Cost Management and Cost Control & Forecasting methods, including Earned Value Method. This course may be cross-listed with CONM-661; BSMS program students are advised to enroll in the graduate level course.