This writing-intensive course helps to prepare students for future writing in the world, focusing on writing related to their BDIC concentrations. Students will work on skills that cross disciplines and jobs, including how to find, use and evaluate resources, techniques and feedback that can help with writing, how to plan larger writing projects and how to use revision strategies effectively. Coursework includes several projects designed around the students' concentrations, an annotated bibliography, and a cover letter and resume. Prerequisite: BDIC 396P

Not available at this time

Sustainable, low-carbon construction has become a major focus in the industry over the last years with many builders and homeowners looking for new and different materials and methods of construction that can potentially offset energy costs, promote the use of local materials, and be adaptive to their environment. To meet this shift in demand, there is a need to look beyond conventional materials and embrace alternative materials and construction systems that can then blend with current technologies, which can improve embodied carbon and construction costs.

The success of a construction project is dependent on a schedule that is well-defined yet flexible to allow for inevitable delays or changes. Without an effective schedule, projects often run over budget and deadlines are missed which can jeopardize the success of the project. The Construction Project Scheduling and Control, is a comprehensive course that examines the analytical methods used to devise an efficient and successful schedule for construction projects of all sizes.

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.

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.

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 teaches construction safety concepts through lectures, demonstrations and a self-guided study of safety principles and OSHA requirements. Students will acquire additional safety credentials through independent study (at some additional cost). This can be an OSHA 10-hour card (a basic requirement for work on construction sites), or an OSHA 30-hour card. For those who already have an OSHA 10 card, an alternate safety certification/or independent study as agreed to by the instructor can be completed.

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.