Online Course Syllabus

ARCT 140 Construction Blueprint Reading
2 CREDITS

 

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Course Description

A study of residential and light commercial construction prints. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of linework, symbols, and details commonly shown in light commercial building prints.

This course will help the student develop the vocabulary and knowledge sufficient to accurately interpret a complete set of residential construction blueprints. The course also introduces basic mathematics and sketching skills as well as construction materials and construction practices used in this large industry.

Prerequisite Courses

None

Textbooks and Software and Other Materials

Printreading for Residential Construction, Thomas E. Proctor and Leonard P. Toenjes, 4th Edition, 2004. 
American Technical Publications (ATP)
ISBN 0-8269-0409-2
(One CD and three sets of plans are included with this text)

Fundamentals of Dwelling Construction, 2000 International Residential Code (IRC) (ISBN 1-58001-043-1)

Handouts provided by the Instructor

(Optional:  Triangular Architects scale)

Contact Coleen at the NDSCS Bookstore for the most current textbook information (1-800-342-4325, ext 2239 or coleen.thoe@ndscs.nodak.edu). You may also visit the Bookstore web site at http://www.ndscsbooks.com/ and search for book information by class by clicking the "Textbook" tab.

Software: Microsoft Office Professional 2003 or newer

Technology Required

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

  1. Define types of drawings included in complete set of construction plans
  2. Define basic tools used in creation of plans
  3. Define common sketching tools and techniques
  4. Define different types of drawings, orthographic, isometric and oblique
  5. Interpret correctly the orthographic views of a structure
  6. Accurately read measurements and scales
  7. Calculate dimensions used on plans
  8. Interpret the relationship between plans and elevations
  9. Calculate basic mathematics problems used while reading blueprints
  10. Accurately interpret floor plan symbols
  11. Define commonly used abbreviations used in construction
  12. Interpret floor plan dimensions
  13. Sketch floor plan symbols
  14. Interpret plot plan information accurately
  15. Calculate elevations from information given on plot plans
  16. Sketch plot plan symbols and linetypes
  17. Define and sketch symbols used on elevations
  18. Define roof types and styles
  19. Define and identify window types and symbols
  20. Sketch elevations given a floor plan
  21. Identify and interpret sections and details
  22. Sketch sections and details
  23. Identify cross sectional materials by name
  24. Identify trades people involved in the construction industry
  25. List in order the operations performed on a residential jobsite
  26. Accurately interpret full sets of residential plans

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.

Grade will be determined by the following activities:  

·     Threaded Discussions (approximately 200pts)
·     Collected Assignments  (approximately 100pts)
·     Quizzes  (approximately 100pts)
·     Session Exams (approximately 500pts)
·     Final Exam  (300pts)
·     Total points for course = approximately1200 (plus other exercises as assigned)

Grading Scale

Letter grades will be awarded as follows:

100.00% to 93.00% = A
  92.99% to 86.00% = B
  85.99% to 79.00% = C
  78.99% to 70.00% = D
        Below 70.00% = F

Work Expectations

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

You can contact me in any way that is easiest and best for you in the particular instance.  There are several areas inside the course area that you can post a message -- keep in mind that these posted comments are visible to everyone enrolled in the class.  Many times, this is appropriate and exactly what you WANT ... at other times you may have comments or questions that you want to be more private.  At these times please contact me by email or by phone. 

When posting a question inside the course - please know that I will answer the questions within 48 hours, and I will make every attempt to answer within 24 hours.  The exact time required would depend on the time the question was posted and the day of the week in which it was posted. 

NDSCS online students should be aware of various policies and procedures, including those below.

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.

Academic Integrity - Integrity is an NDSCS core value and there is an expectation that all students, as members of the college community, adhere to the highest levels of academic integrity.

Dishonesty in class, laboratory, shop work or tests is regarded as a serious offense and is subject to disciplinary action by the instructor and dean of the respective division. For more information, refer to the NDSCS Student Planner or College Catalog under College Policies and Basic Regulations of Conduct.

Types of Misconduct

  • 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.

Disabilities and Special Needs

If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Disability Support Services Office, 225 Mildred Johnson Library (phone 701-671-2623, 800-342-4325, ext 32623) as early as possible in the term.

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

See tuition and fee information, Refund Policy and Withdrawal Schedule information in the NDSCS Online site under Financial Information. Tuition and fee costs do not include books, software, supplies and other program or course fees which may vary by program.

Instructor Information

Instructors may vary.