AE 372Introduction to the Building Construction Industry

3 credits · Architectural Engineering · Penn State

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the basic knowledge and methods used to organize and manage the delivery of a construction project. Construction topics covered include an introduction to the construction industry; organizational and contractual arrangements for construction projects; construction cost estimating techniques; construction scheduling approaches; critical path method scheduling; construction risk management, including bonds and insurance; and project management related to safety, quality, cost, and schedule. By the end of the course, students will: understand core concepts associated with construction planning and management approaches for building projects; be able to define the goals and objectives of the various players on a construction project; select a delivery method for organizing and delivering a successful construction project; know the typical types of contracts, insurance, and bonds, along with when they are appropriately used; create conceptual, square foot, assembly, and unit price construction cost estimates; develop a Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule for a construction project or group of activities; and define and apply the typical methods for managing and controlling a construction project. Lecture material is reinforced with hands-on practicums, team projects, and individual assignments. Upon successful completion of AE 372 , students will understand core concepts associated with construction planning and management approaches for building projects.