COURSE RATIONALE

ARCH 2312: Architectural Technology I is offered through the Architectural and Engineering Computer Aided Design Department of Austin Community College.  This semester, this course is asynchronous online and uses a distance learning format delivered through Blackboard, ACC’s learning management system.  This course is offered to those who are Architecture Majors only, and is a required course for the Associate of Science (A.S) in Architecture degree. The course designation ARCH 2312 uses the Texas Common Course Numbering (TCCN) System to facilitate transfer to a Texas public university.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introduction to the materials and methods in the design and construction of buildings. Through readings, lecture materials, and class assignments this course familiarizes the student with the process of constructing a building, properties of common materials used in the construction of buildings, and the assemblies and systems in which these materials are used.

This course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: B.7 Building Envelope Systems and Assemblies; B.8 Building Materials and Assemblies.

• B.7 Building Envelope Systems and Assemblies:

Understanding of the basic principles involved in the appropriate selection and application of building envelope systems relative to fundamental performance, aesthetics, moisture transfer, durability, and energy and material resources.

• B.8 Building Materials and Assemblies:

Understanding of the basic principles used in the appropriate selection of interior and exterior construction materials, finishes, products, components, and assemblies based on their inherent performance, including environmental impact and reuse.

Semester Credit Hours: 3

Class Contact Hours per week: 5 hours

PREREQUISITES

ARCH-1311: Introduction to Architecture

This course (ARCH-2312) is available to Architecture Majors only.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS & COURSE MATERIALS

Textbook:

• REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Fundamentals of Building Construction:Materials and Methods, Seventh Edition* by Edward Allen, Joseph Iano; Wiley, 2019.  ISBN: 978-1-119-45025-2. *Paperback or e-book format.

Materials:

Internet connection required for all online course content.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is fully online in an asynchronous distance learning format. Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration. Blackboard will be used for instructor grading.

Occasionally students may be required to post their assignments to both Blackboard and Padlet. Padlet may be used for class group viewing, online project pinups, and peer review.

Participation in the online class meetings is not required. However, participation is highly encouraged. We will use that time to discuss processes, and to think critically and creatively about construction problems. [Refer to attendance policy on page 15 of this syllabus.]

Weekly learning modules will be posted to Blackboard each Tuesday at 8am.

Learning modules include:

• Lecture videos
• Textbook reading assignments
• Informational videos

There is a quiz attached to each weeks learning module, that will be due by 5 pm on the following Monday. Quiz questions will pull from the textbook readings for that week, lecture video, and informational videos.

In addition to weekly quizzes, there will be 3 assignments in this class. (See schedule at the end of this Syllabus for projected due dates.)

There will be a final exam at the end of the semester which covers all of the information learned in the course.

Communication with the instructor will be conducted via email, Google Meet, Blackboard discussions, and other technology as outlined in Blackboard.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Course Level Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Identify fundamental elements and key components of structural systems.
2. Identify different construction types for buildings.
3. Describe the properties and uses of building envelope systems and assemblies.
4. Recognize the different properties of major construction materials.
5. Describe the relationship between material properties and building form.
6. Recognize the sustainability and environmental impact of building material use and building performance.