Individualized work, under the direction of an approved instructor.

Individualized work, under the direction of an approved instructor.

Individualized work, under the direction of an approved instructor.

The Commonwealth Honors College thesis or project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to define and carry out in-depth research or creative endeavors. It provides excellent preparation for students who intend to continue their education through graduate study or begin their professional careers. The student works closely with their 499Y Honors Research sponsor to pursue research on a topic or question of special interest to them in preparation for writing a 499T Honors Thesis or completing a 499P Honors Project.

Honors Thesis expectations are high. The intended end-product is a traditional research manuscript with accompanying artifact(s), all theses:
- are 6 credits or more of sustained research on a single topic, typically conducted over two semesters.
- begin with creative inquiry and systematic research.
- include documentation of substantive scholarly endeavor.
- culminate in an oral defense or other form of public presentation.

Honors Project expectations are high. The intended end-product is a traditional project manuscript with accompanying artifact(s), all projects:
- are 6 credits or more of sustained research on a single topic, typically conducted over two semesters.
- begin with creative inquiry and systematic research.
- include documentation of substantive scholarly endeavor.
- culminate in an oral defense or other form of public presentation.

A one-credit class that guides students through the proposal writing process required for entry into the BDIC major. Students will investigate career and graduate school options, finalize their course selections for the BDIC major and choose a faculty sponsor within the scope of the class. Admission to the class by application only.

The course serves as a dynamic sampling of the multiple disciplines necessary to create or modify the Built Environment. Lectures presented by various educators, researchers, and practitioners; experts in their fields will provide students with a broadened perspective, which will help foster critical thinking and provide a more expansive view of the Built Environment.

Students in the UMass Clean Energy Corps will work in teams with energy engineers and other staff of the UMass Clean Energy Extension to provide energy analysis and high-level energy audits to Massachusetts cities and towns. We will collect and analyze municipal energy data, conduct walk through and instrumented energy audits on site for some facilities, and provide guidance to help municipalities cut their energy consumption by at least 20%. Students will learn a variety of data analysis and building diagnostic techniques as well as gain experience working with municipal clients.

This course builds on building technology fundamentals and focuses on the design, control, and optimization of environmental (heating, cooling, and plumbing) systems in buildings. Students will learn how to analyze, design, and optimize active heating and cooling technology, including plumbing systems, in both residential and commercial buildings. In the lab, students will gain expertise in building energy modeling (BEM) using a state-of-the-art BEM tool (eQuest) to optimize the energy performance of an existing campus building.