Course

31410363 Building Science and Sustainability
Course Information
Description
In order to design and build quality, energy efficient and resource efficient homes, it is important to understand the interaction of building systems. In this course, students explore the home as a system through the lens of the four control layers. Building more sustainable homes will be discussed.
Total Credits
1
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Apply building science principles to sustainable home design
    Assessment Strategies
    Test
    Criteria
    Describe the concept of holistic design and the entire lifecycle of a home
    Associate the principles with minimizing environmental impact
    Associate the principles with maximizing occupant health and comfort

  2. Determine the role of four control layers within sustainable home construction
    Assessment Strategies
    Test
    Skill Demonstration in lab
    Criteria
    Describe the four control layers of a building envelope: water control, air control, vapor control, and thermal control
    Explain the interactions between the four control layers within a building system
    Analyze the impact of different climate zones on the design and performance requirements of each control layer

  3. Examine components of sustainable design
    Assessment Strategies
    Test
    Criteria
    Describe the impact of site optimization, energy efficiency, and water conservation
    Describe sources and content of common sustainable building materials
    Identify strategies to improve indoor environmental quality
    Identify waste reduction strategies