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Office of the University Registrar

2009-10 Undergraduate Catalog

Course Descriptions



M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Building Construction


BCN 1102 Introduction to Building Construction
Credits: 1.

This course will familiarize pre-construction students with the nature and functioning of the construction industry and the building construction curriculum. The specific safety regulations pertaining to the construction industry will be emphasized.

BCN 1210 Construction Materials
Credits: 3.

Sources, properties and uses of construction materials.

BCN 1251C Construction Drawing
Credits: 3.

Provides basic working knowledge of architectural graphics, practice in instrumental drawing, and experience in free hand sketching.

BCN 1582 International Sustainable Development
Credits: 3.

Provides an overview of international trends in reducing the environmental impacts of land development and construction. Surveys best practices in a dozen countries around the world. (S, N)

BCN 2400C Construction Mechanics Statics
Credits: 2; Prereq: PHY 2004 and PHY 2004L.

An introductory course in the evaluation of structural behavior as it relates to building. Primarily for building construction majors. The combination of BCN 2400 and 2401 is equivalent to BCN 2405.

BCN 2401C Construction Mechanics Strength of Materials
Credits: 2; Prereq: BCN 2400.

Structural behavior of load resisting members in buildings. Properties of structural materials. Primarily for building construction majors. The combination of BCN 2400 and 2401 is equivalent to BCN 2405.

BCN 2405C Construction Mechanics
Credits: 4; Prereq: PHY 2004 and PHY 2004L.

An introductory course in the evaluation of structural behavior as it relates to buildings, the properties of structural materials, and the structural behavior of load resisting members. Primarily for building construction majors.

BCN 3012 History of Construction
Credits: 3.

Traces western building technology from prehistoric man to the present. Development of the art and science of building. (H, N)

BCN 3027C Introduction to Construction Management
Credits: 3; Prereq: junior standing, or instructor permission.

Examination of role of various players involved in the construction and the administration of a construction project. Importance of ethical conduct in all aspects of construction business and operations. Development of advanced writing and presentation skills for construction professionals.

BCN 3223C Soils and Concrete
Credits: 3. Prereq: BCN 1210, BCN 2405C, BCN 3224.

Study of the construction process to include soils, demolition, earth-moving equipment, foundations, concrete mix design and concrete placement techniques. Includes field visits, and soils and concrete laboratories.

BCN 3224C Construction Techniques
Credits: 3; Prereq: BCN 1210 and BCN 1252C.

Study of the vertical construction process to include wooden platform frame construction, cast-in-place and pre-cast concrete construction and steel erection. Included are masonry construction, interior and exterior finishes, vertical transportation systems, roofing and other building components.

BCN 3255C Graphic Communication in Construction
Credits: 3; Prereq: BCN 1252C.

Study of construction communication tools, including the use of computer-aided drafting (applications of 4-D modeling in construction), blueprint reading, free hand sketching, model building, piece-based simulations and the Internet.

BCN 3281C Construction Methods Laboratory
Credits: 2.

Construction aspects of surveying with field and classroom exercises in the use of transit, level, chain and related equipment.

BCN 3431C Structures
Credits: 3.

To familiarize the student with the material properties, code requirements, analysis, and construction procedures for steel and reinforced concrete structures.

BCN 3521C Electrical Systems
Credits: 2.

Principles and practices of electrical systems, including code provisions and cost estimations.

BCN 3611C Construction Estimating 1
Credits: 3; Prereq: BCN 3027C, BCN 3224C, BCN 3255C.

Classification of work, quantity survey techniques and basic estimating principles applied to simple construction projects.

BCN 3700 Construction Contracts
Credits: 3. Prereq: BCN 3027C.

Function of the construction industry, construction contracting practices and construction contracts and delivery methods.

BCN 3735 Construction, Safety, Health and the Environment
Credits: 3.

Construction safety issues, concerns, requirements, and procedures. The analysis includes costs, planning, administration, inspection, prevention, loss control and drug-free place. Understanding of the major health issues encountered on construction sites. Appreciation for the need to be environmentally responsible.

BCN 4023 Creating Affordable Housing
Credits: 3; Prereq: senior standing, or instructor permission.

To familiarize students with the need for affordable housing. Factors in the housing delivery processing that contribute to affordability problems and potential methods to facilitate the provision of affordable housing will be emphasized.

BCN 4237 Roofing Systems
Credits: 3.

Study and analysis of building various roof systems, including design, materials, installation, inspection and maintenance. Includes damp-proofing and waterproofing techniques.

BCN 4258 3D Modeling for Construction
Credits: 3; Prereq: BCN 3223C, BCN 3224C, BCN 3255C or equivalent experience.

Course explores a number of related computer graphics programs and how they can be combined to enhance construction communications. Includes 3D modeling software, HTML and VRML authoring tools, and illustration and drawing programs.

BCN 4423C Temporary Structures
Credits: 3; Prereq: 3431C, senior standing.

To study the temporary structures that contractors have to build in order to construct the primary structure. This includes formwork, scaffolding, and equipment for hoisting materials, personnel, and erecting structures.

BCN 4510C Mechanical Systems
Credits: 4; Prereq: senior standing.

Principles and practices of building piping systems, hydraulics and pumps, comfort conditioning systems for building, heating and refrigeration equipment, building code considerations, plan reading and cost estimation.

BCN 4612C Construction Estimating 2
Credits: 3; Prereq: BCN 3611C and senior standing.

Analysis and determination of cost of construction operations including applicable indirect and overhead costs and the preparation of bid proposals for commercial construction projects. A cost control system is introduced and implemented with sample field generated problems.

BCN 4709C Construction Project Management
Credits: 3; Prereq: BCN 4612C and senior standing.

Understanding the various forms of project delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Construction Management) and the underlying principles for choosing the appropriate system. Recognizing the complexity of the preconstruction process including conceptual estimating and scheduling, life cycle costing, constructability reviews, value engineering, risk management, and special contract requirements. Understanding management and administration of a construction project.

BCN 4712C Leadership and Management in Construction
Credits: 3; Prereq: senior standing.

Leadership and management principles for construction professionals, with a major emphasis on the diverse workforce, ethical issues in construction, and the development of negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.

BCN 4720 Construction Planning and Control
Credits: 3; Prereq: BCN 3611C and senior standing.

Computer application of cost and manpower estimates as construction scheduling and management techniques.

BCN 4751C Project Planning and Feasibility
Credits: 3; Prereq: BCN 4612C, BCN 4720, BCN 4753 and senior standing.

Principles and practices of residential and commercial land development.

BCN 4753 Construction Finance
Credits: 3; Prereq: senior standing.

Basic principles and applications of construction finance with an emphasis on the acquisition and management of construction loans, mortgages and construction accounting.

BCN 4770 Housing Transactions for Homebuilders
Credits: 4; Prereq: senior standing, or instructor permission.

An introduction to ownership rights in real property and limitations on those rights, the transfer of rights, and the process of selling property including contracts and closing, mortgages, markets, and valuation of property. Course emphasis providing the homebuilder with a working knowledge of the sale and leasing of property.

BCN 4787C Construction Capstone Project
Credits: 3; Prereq: BCN 4612C, BCN 4720, BCN 4753 and senior standing.

A construction project will be simulated with each student being responsible for designing, developing, estimating, scheduling, contracting and administering the work for the completion of a small commercial, residential, or light industrial project.

BCN 4905 Special Studies in Construction
Credits: 1 to 4.

Special areas of study in construction adjusted to the needs of individual students. Enrollment upon recommendation of director only.

BCN 4949 Construction Management Internship
Credits: 3.

Minimum two-term employment in construction management. Requires advance approval. Internship work reports and oral presentation also required. (S-U)

BCN 4956 International Studies in Construction
Credits: 1 to 4; can be repeated with a change in content up to 6 credits. Admission to a UF approved study abroad program and permission of the school director.

Formal course work taken at a foreign university as part of an approved study abroad program. The course focus is on the construction industry in the host country. Course content will vary and may address various construction issues including local construction techniques, construction materials, and the influence on construction of the local culture, traditions, architecture, history, and political climate.



General Education Categories
Consult Schedule of Courses for specific information.

  • Biological Sciences (B)
  • Composition (C)
  • Diversity (D)*
  • Humanities (H)
  • International (N)*
  • Mathematics (M)
  • Physical Sciences (P)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (S)

* Students who entered UF prior to Summer B 2007 and/or whose catalog year is not 2007-08: Current students who have not already completed six hours of "I" - international/diversity credits can do so now by taking "D" and "N" courses.

Symbols Used in Course Descriptions

  • (WR) indicates the course satisfies the writing requirement.
  • (MR) indicates the course satisfies the math requirement.
  • (S-U) indicates the course may be taken on a satisfactory-unsatisfactory basis.
  • Refer to the Schedule of Courses for specific information.