The Building Science Program prepares students to design, analyze, and upgrade buildings to have a minimal ecological footprint. Students will learn how to execute sustainable building practices by studying site analysis methods, passive design strategies, materials and processes, energy conservation, HVAC systems, and renewable energy. In addition, students will study building science principles, such as thermodynamics, which will help them understand the house-as-a-system approach to building efficiency. Students will obtain experience with industry appropriate equipment, tools, and software. Upon completion, professional opportunities may include energy auditing, solar project management, sustainability consulting, or building information and analysis modeling. While this program is designed primarily for career preparation, it may also serve students interested in continuing their studies towards a bachelor's degree in a related field.
Building Science
Description:
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:
- Interpret and produce architectural and structural drawings and documents, demonstrating knowledge of various building materials and related building technologies.
- Describe key building science and energy auditing practices, including energy efficiency concepts, sustainability, and systems (HVAC, plumbing, renewables).
- Utilize computer systems for project planning, management, and the production of estimates of probable construction cost, including analysis of costs and benefits.
- Explain how to provide leadership and create and maintain a safe working environment.
Program Entry Requirements:
Students are normally required to take the College's placement tests at the time of entry. Students identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses in addition to the requirements of their program.
Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
To qualify for the A.A.S. degree in Building Science, a student must complete a minimum of 63 credits as prescribed and attain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 ("C" average).
Course Sequence:
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 credits | Tech Comp | ||
| 3 credits | Tech Comp | ||
| 3 credits | |||
| 3 credits | ENGL 101 | ||
|
MATH 137 - Geometry for Design (or higher MATH)
|
3 credits | Mathematics |
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 credits | |||
| 3 credits | |||
| 3 credits | |||
| 3 credits | |||
|
ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better
|
3 credits | ENGL 102 & Info Lit |
Summer 1
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADC 163 - Digital Documentation in Architecture and Construction | ADC 103 | 3 credits |
Semester 3
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADC 176 / HIST 176 - Philadelphia History: Architecture and Planning or Humanities Elective |
3 credits | Humanities | |
| SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or |
3 credits | Social Sciences Interpretive Studies American/Global Diversity Writing Intensive |
|
| 3 credits | |||
| 3 credits | |||
| 3 credits |
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 106 - General Biology I or EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation or Science Elective * |
3 or 4 credits | Natural Sciences | |
| 3 credits | |||
| 3 credits | |||
| 3 credits | |||
| 3 credits |
Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate:
63
* Biology 106 is a recommended science course for Building Science, given the interaction with the natural world, although according to a student’s interests, Chemistry 110 or Physics 111 may also be appropriate. CHEM 110 requires that students be FMNT 118 and ENGL 101 ready. Physics 111 requires completion of MATH 162 or MATH 171 as prerequisite.
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
For More Information, Contact:
The Division of Liberal Studies, Room BR-21, 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Telephone (215) 751-8450; or the College Information Center (215) 751-8010.