AECT 450 - Building Science

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory (or Other) Hours: 0

Other Course Attribute(s): APOA

Prerequisite(s): None
Restriction(s): Restricted to junior and senior Construction Management and Architecture students

Corequisite(s): None

Buildings have become more complex as the effects of energy efficiency and mechanical systems have become more sophisticated. This course examines how all systems in a building interact with each other and how their interaction affects indoor air quality, energy usage and air/moisture migration within the structure. Also examined are the use of diagnostic methods, including blower door test results and FLIR images, to supplement heat-loss data when evaluating the built structure.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Describe the relationship of the three pathways for heat loss through a building section.
Explain methods employed to minimize air infiltration into a building.
Describe pathways and mitigation measures for slowing migration of water into a building.
Contrast the functions of a vapor retarder and an air barrier.
Calculate the overall estimated heat loss and resulting heating cost of building given the appropriate data.
Describe a blower door test and the use of a FLIR camera