Online Course Syllabus

Course Description

This course is an introduction to methods of construction and the terminology and use of building materials.

Prerequisite Courses

None

Email: Students taking online classes from NDSCS also need a working email account. Be sure email address is updated in student record in PeopleSoft system.

Internet Access required. High speed Internet service is highly recommended. If students are unable to get high speed service, an alternate site may be needed to view some of the course components.

Course Objectives

The following is a short list of broad objectives for each chapter -- these are broken down further in each chapter:

1. Identify the individuals involved in a construction project
2. Identify the specific individuals involved in building a structure
3. Identify the specific individuals involved in the design of a structure
4. Describe the advantages and limitations of wood as a building material
5. Describe the advantages and limitations of masonry materials in building
6. Describe the advantages and limitations of concrete as a building material
7. Identify the procedure followed in preparing a site for construction
8. Identify the different materials used in constructing a foundation
9. Identify the procedure followed in constructing a foundation
10. Describe the different framing methods used in constructing a frame structure
11. Identify the materials and methods used in finishing the roof
12. Identify the materials and methods in finishing the exterior of a structure
13. Describe the materials used while plumbing a residential structure
14. Describe the options available in the HVAC
15. Describe the materials used while installing the residential electrical system

Grading Policy

Your performance in this class will be based on the quality and accuracy of your sketches and answers on assignments, quizzes, and tests.  Assignments that do not meet the deadlines given by the instructor will be reduced 10% per day.

Students should estimate approximately three hours of course work per credit per week for NDSCS classes. For example, a three-credit class may require approximately nine hours of work time a week for the student. This amount may vary by class and by student.

Policies and Procedures

NDSCS online students should be aware of various policies and procedures.

Attendance - Students are expected to log into their online classes frequently during each week of the semester and to submit course work on time to meet due dates set by the instructors. Attendance and class participation is monitored and students not submitting work in their online classes may be dropped from the class. Review the Attendance Policy for further details.

Computer Access - It is the student's responsibility to maintain access to a working computer and Internet connection to keep up in online class assignments. Because computer problems do occur, students should have a plan for alternative computer access in case of computer problems. Students will be able to access their online classes from any computer with an Internet connection.

Refund Policy/Withdrawal Refund Schedule

Academic Calendar - Online classes follow the same calendar as regular on-campus classes. They begin with the semester begins and students do not need to log in at specific days/times but instructors do set due dates for assignments and exams to be submitted so there is structure to the classes. Online classes are not self-paced but do provide flexibility in that they are accessible 24/7 to allow students to work around other commitments when doing their course work.

• Cheating: Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise.
• Fabrication: Intentionally and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.
• Facilitating academic dishonesty: Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty.
• Plagiarism: Intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own in any academic exercise.

Other College Policies can be found in the Catalog

Student-Instructor Communications

While an online class is available 24 hours a day and offers greater flexibility for the student and instructor, keep in mind that your instructor will not be available 24 hours a day. I will check my email, voicemail, and Cyber Office messages on a regular basis, but there may be times when I am unavailable due to other commitments and job responsibilities. I will respond to email, voicemail, or Cyber Office messages as time allows. As a general rule, you can expect your direct question to be answered within 24 hours during week days.

When sending an email, please include your full name so I know to whom I'm responding. Often, the email address does not indicate who is sending the message.

Schedule

Online classes follow the same academic calendar for start and end dates as regular on-campus classes. While there is no set time for students to be logged into a class each day, instructors do set due dates for assignments and exams. Students should lot into classes frequently to keep up with announcements and to keep up with course work. Online classes are not self-paced.

You may want to print the for NDSCS Academic Calendar reference during the year. It includes semester start and end dates, final days to add/drop classes for each semester, vacation dates, etc.

Tuition/Fees

Instructor Information

Instructors may vary from semester to semester.