CNST 1000  Orientation to Construction and Development
1-2-2
An introduction to construction industry careers; an overview of construction industry sectors and the industry's impact on the economy; and discussion of the basics of the construction process. Also includes a preview of the construction degree curriculum and an overview of Southern Polytechnic policies, procedures, and resources.

CNST 2000  Construction Graphics
2-2-3
A study of the fundamentals of graphic language used by construction professionals, with an emphasis on developing skills in expressing concepts in visual form and in reading architectural and engineering construction documents.

CNST 2901-2904  Special Topics
1 to 4 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of the department head
Special topics in construction.  Offered by the department at its discretion.

CNST 3000  Computer Applications in Construction
1-3-2
An introduction to microcomputers and commercial software.  Students learn DOS and Windows manipulations, spreadsheets, word processing, visualization, and presentation software by actively using tutorials and help screens in a structured laboratory setting.  Scheduling and estimating software are introduced.

CNST 3110  Building Techniques and Methods I
3-2-4
Prerequisite: CNST 2000
A study of materials, techniques, and methods used in residential and light construction.  Foundations, wood frame and masonry structural systems, interior and exterior finishes, residential electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems are included. Also included are residential building code requirements.

CNST 3160  Building Techniques and Methods II
2-2-3
Prerequisite: CNST 2000
A study of the materials, techniques, and methods used in non-residential construction.  Foundations, structural frames, interior and exterior finishes, and specialties are included.  Special attention is given to an introductory study of mechanical, electrical and conveying systems used in commercial buildings.  Basic design of these systems and their major components is presented including: plumbing, HVAC, electrical power, lighting, alarm systems, elevators and other conveying systems.

CNST 3180  Building Techniques and Methods III
3-2-4
Prerequisite: CNST 2000
Study of building mechanical and electrical systems and how they affect the construction organization and construction project. Topic will include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, fire protection, electrical power, electrical lighting and building control systems. The analysis of current construction drawing will be integrated into each topic.

CNST 3210  Applied Structures I
4-0-4
Prerequisite: CET 2200
A study of structural design analysis and design concepts used in steel and concrete construction.  Topics include selection of structural systems and the design of columns, beams, and other structural components.

CNST 3260  Applied Structures II
2-2-3
Prerequisite: CET 2200
A study of structural design and analysis concepts of temporary structures used in the construction process. Topics include formwork design, scaffolding, and material handling equipment and staging.

CNST 3280  Codes and Loads
4-0-4
Study of building mechanical and electrical system loads and applicable codes.  Emphasis on how they affect the construction project.  Topics will include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, fire protection, electrical power, electrical lighting and building control systems.  The analysis of current construction drawings will be integrated into each topic.

CNST 3310  Development Planning
3-0-3
Prerequisite: CNST 1000
An overview of development and planning including introduction to real property development principles and processes. The roles of professionals involved in the process will be investigated. The relationship of land development to urban planning, community organization, housing, and economic development will be explored.

CNST 3410  Construction Estimating I
3-2-4
Prerequisites: CNST 3000, CNST 3160
A study of techniques in the process of construction estimating, with an emphasis on development of the quantity survey. The completion of a specification takeoff and a quantity survey of commercial construction are required.

CNST 3411  Construction Estimating Software
1-2-2
Prerequisite: CNST 3410
Hands-on computer application of commonly used commercial construction estimating software to construction projects. Instruction in use of the software.

CNST 3420  Construction Estimating II
3-2-4
Prerequisite: CNST 3410
The continued study of the estimating process emphasizing pricing the general contractor's work, including estimating procedures, development of direct and indirect unit costs, evaluation of subcontractor bids, bidding strategy and bid opening. The completion of an estimate, bid submission, and development of a schedule of values are required. Also included is an introduction to conceptual estimating.

CNST 3430  Construction Estimating III
2-2-3
Prerequisite: CNST 3410
A study of quantity take-off techniques and equipment productivity analysis necessary to development. Small scale development project budgeting will be analyzed from the developer viewpoint. Initial conceptual design budget is based on square foot or assembly pricing for the various construction systems and detailed estimate for the infrastructure costs including site work and utilities. Indirect costs associated with zoning, local codes, and ordinances, as well as soft cost associated with design and engineering will be discussed.

CNST 3480  Construction Estimating IV
3-2-4
Prerequisite: CNST 3410
A continuation of the study of the estimating process emphasizing the specialty contractors portion of the construction project.  Topics covered will include the estimating procedure, soft costs, using standard industry references and software, and bidding strategy.  A current set of mechanical, plumbing and electrical plans will be estimated.

CNST 3500  Building Codes
2-0-2
This course will provide an overview of building codes from the perspective of construction managers and superintendent. Various issues related to building codes, which must be considered by the PM/CM/superintendent, will be discussed and follow the scheduled reading assignments.

CNST 3620  Construction Finance and Feasibility
4-0-4
Prerequisite: ACCT 2101
A study of Financial Management for the Contractor, and Builder/Developer Organization. Topics include: balance sheet analysis using Percentage of Completion Method, Completed Contract Method with Absorption Analyses, and Work in Process Accounting regarding construction progress payments in excess of costs and estimated earnings.  Ratio analysis for construction industry and bid and payment/bond performance.  Cash flow projection for construction projects. Also included is building construction economics in terms of:  Value Engineering, Constructability, building delivery systems and real estate processes for the Builder/Developer and Construction Management organizations. Graduate students will do additional work on construction cost accounting.

CNST 3710  Site Planning
3-2-4
Prerequisite: CNST 2000
An integrated theory and applications course which provides an exposition of theoretical principles associated with the site planning process, and then involves the students in hands-on application exercises. The inter-relationship between site planning decisions and their potential consequences will be demonstrated through practical exercises.

CNST 3800  Construction Seminar
2-0-2
Business and management topics pertinent to the construction industry.  The course consists of a series of seminar presentations by prominent industry representatives.

CNST 3810  Construction Proposals
2-0-2
Elements in the pre-construction project proposal.  Emphasis is placed on content and presentation of construction proposals.  Included are techniques and methods for effective analysis of client need; and the selection and presentation of pertinent information on cost, quality and expertise.

CNST 3912  Workplace Law
3-0-3
A study of the legal constraints encountered in the workplace. Topics included are drugs and drug testing, sexual harassment, labor management cooperation, discrimination, worker compensation, foreign labor regulation, minority/women's business enterprises and professional regulation.

CNST 3901-3904  Special Topics
1 to 4 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of the department head
Special topics in construction.  Offered by the department at its discretion.

CNST 4510  Scheduling
2-2-3
Prerequisite: CNST 3000
A study of the management techniques used in controlling the time and cost of construction projects, including development of schedules and budgets, organization and presentation of project information, and updating and monitoring progress using critical path methodology. Development of a construction schedule and budget is required. Commonly used commercial software packages are introduced.

CNST 4511  Construction Scheduling Software
1-2-2
Prerequisite: CNST 4510 or approval of the department head
Hands-on computer application of commonly used commercial construction scheduling software to construction projects.  Instruction in use of the software.

CNST 4560  Construction Project Management
3-0-3
Prerequisite: CNST 3160
A study of the management of field operations and administration of the construction contract.  Contract documents, project organization, supervision, working with owners and design professionals, control of cash flow, procurement, management of subcontractors, job records, contract changes and payment procedures are discussed.

CNST 4570  Development Process I
4-0-4
This course is intended to provide the student with an understanding of the market forces that shape real estate development. The course will provide a familiarity of the principles and procedures employed in determining the feasibility of improvement of real property and with an elementary knowledge of the project appraisal process. Different tools and analysis techniques used in development feasibility are the main focus of this course.

CNST 4580  Specialty Construction Project Management
3-0-3
Prerequisite: CNST 4560
Principles of construction project management as applied to building mechanical and electrical systems.  Emphasis will be placed on how specialty project management influences and integrates with the overall construction project. Techniques for managing the construction of air conditioning, heating, plumbing, fire protection, electrical power, electrical lighting and building control systems are discussed. How project management techniques are applied to current construction drawings is included.

CNST 4620  Development Process II
4-0-4
Prerequisites: ACCT 2101, CNST 4570
A continuation of CNST 4570 including application exercises in the eight stages of project development that assist the developer/builder in the creation of the built environment. This course will include a study of the market forces affecting development planning including development demand, demographics, and location theories; and discussion of how the developer delivers the product to the consumer.

CNST 4680  Energy Conservation
Prerequisite: CNST 3180
4-0-4 Construction techniques and systems that can be used to reduce energy consumption.  Topics will include building materials, thermal load reduction, electrical load reduction, thermal storage, off-peak consumption, co-generation, utility rate structure, and the influence of building energy consumption on air and water quality.  Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and components will be analyzed for coefficient of performance, refrigeration effect and useful life.  ROI analysis of components and systems will be included.

CNST 4710  Construction Safety
4-0-4
A study of construction safety and loss control principles and practices. Topics include project security control, construction accident prevention, safety information sources, weather precautions, emergency planning, and OSHA procedures and regulations.

CNST 4760  Construction Law
3-0-3
Prerequisite: CNST 4560
A study of Construction Contract Documents and Claims. Topics include: analyses of AIA B141, A101, A201, and contractual graphic and technical documents. Other supporting construction contract documents such as bid bonds, payment and performance bond and construction modifications are studied. The traditional tri-union construction contract formation process is examined in relation to the owner, contractor, material, men, and subcontractors. Discussions regarding damages for differing and unforeseen conditions, defective workmanship, and construction delay claims are surveyed in conjunction with AAA construction arbitration rules regarding emerging construction manager contracting processes.

CNST 4770  Development Law
3-0-3
Prerequisite: CNST 4570
An examination of real property law, elements of land ownership, title of land in Georgia, eminent domain questions, estates and interest in land, zoning and easements, tenant landlord law, real property contracts, deeds, covenants, title examination and closing transactions, and environmental regulations.

CNST 4800  Construction Process Simulation
1-6-3
Prerequisites: CNST 3420, CNST 4510
Simulations and case studies of events that affect the construction organization and project.  Topics and event simulations will include problems typically encountered in the construction industry such as changed conditions, strikes, inconsistencies in documents, and surety assumption of the contract. Presentations by prominent industry representatives pertinent to the event being simulated.

CNST 4900  Capstone Project
1-6-4
Prerequisites: CNST 3620, CNST 4560, CNST 4710, CNST 4800, and an approved graduation petition
This project course is the application of course materials covered in the four-year curriculum to an actual construction project with a simulated business construct. Project includes developing a company organization, preparing a bid on a construction project approved by course professor, executing all documents necessary to create the company, implement the project management plan, and complete the construction contract.
 

Construction Graduate

CNST 5030  Descriptive Structural Systems
4-0-4
A descriptive study of structural behavior with an overview of statics, strength of materials, design of beams and columns for concrete, steel and timber structural systems.

CNST 6000  Information Methods
4-0-4
A course in communications technique improvement and preparation for functioning in an information based society.  Conceptual and methodological issues in construction research will be explored with emphasis on construction specific resources.  Data development and analysis will be studied to include the concepts of validity, reliability, and applications of statistics.

CNST 6100  Construction Law: Contracts and Claims
4-0-4
This course focuses on the legal problems and concerns frequently encountered by constructors and others who participate in the construction process.  Topics include the formation of contracts and the various contractual relationships; methods of modification and termination of the contracts; exploration of licensure and professional liability of the construction practitioner.

CNST 6110  Commercial Construction Transactions
4-0-4
Prerequisite: CNST 6100
This course is an extension of CNST 6100, with course topic discussion being devoted to commercial construction transactions in relation to the construction contracting process.  Discussion is devoted to UCC Article 2, 3, and 9 as applicable to construction vendor contracts.  Also, discussion is devoted to the hybrid contracting process and the legal implications of bidding for goods and services that qualify under commercial contract law.

CNST 6120  Dispute Resolution
4-0-4
Prerequisite: CNST 6100
This course will survey the growth of the alternate dispute resolution field, giving emphasis to alternative dispute resolution theory and its application to the construction industry.  A student will be exposed to different resolution processes relative to the construction industry: namely, negotiations, meditation and arbitration.

CNST 6130  Case Studies in Construction
4-0-4
Prerequisite: CNST 6100
This course is designed to explore the multiple contractual complications that typically arise within the construction contracting process.  Topics will develop and explore the technical aspects of procurement, implementation, construction operations, through to post contractual obligation and liabilities inherent in the construction industry.

CNST 6200  Strategic Bidding and Estimating
4-0-4
A review of all normal bid-preparation activities that should take place in a prime contractor's organization from the initial decisions on project selection and receipt of drawings and specifications, through the estimating process and sub-bid research, final bid assembly, markup and submission, to postmortems and necessary follow-up actions.  Significant attention will be devoted to bidding techniques, strategies, practices, and methods recommended to handle these functions.

CNST 6310  Advanced Scheduling and Integrated Controls
4-0-4
An exploration of current techniques and practices of integrated project control systems for construction.  Subjects covered include various methods of project scheduling and monitoring, resource management, time-cost tradeoffs, organizing and managing schedule data, forecasting and trend analysis, and presentation of schedule information.  Special emphasis is placed on the use of modern integrated scheduling practices and associated computer tools.

CNST 6320  Construction Information Systems
4-0-4
The interaction of information technology with the construction industry.  Opportunities and risks for individuals and organizations are examined in the realms of information flow, decision-making and a changing world.  Human and ethical issues are considered.  Students are introduced through laboratory exercises to construction specific products, to construction applications of conventional database systems and to data transfer technologies.

CNST 6330  Advanced Operations: Constructability, Value Engineering, Productivity
4-0-4
An exploration of project processes and organization including procurement, startup, documentation, payment, change order administration and job closeout. Included is project analysis for constructability, value engineering, and productivity analysis/improvement techniques.

CNST 6410  Building Failures and Defective Work
4-0-4
A study of problems, trends and issues related to workmanship and product failures during a time of rapid change in the construction industry.  It will discuss concepts, philosophy and technology behind the subject issues and seek the exchange of ideas and views.  Students will be expected to gain knowledge in the subject topics and develop skill in researching for facts extended to effective written and verbal presentations of the findings.

CNST 6420  Tall Buildings
4-0-4
A study of tall buildings in the society of today and tomorrow.  Form giving factors will be identified and problems of planning, design and construction explored.  The project manager's role in the tall building process will be related to specific building examples.  International differences in the role of tall buildings will become apparent, yet common threads will be found which can be useful in a shrinking world and a more universal construction industry.

CNST 6430  Automation and Robotics
4-0-4
A study of the level of application of automation and robots to construction.  Techniques and equipment in varying stages of development as well as current applications will be presented for analysis and discussion.  Students will be challenged to conceptualize new ways of applying technology to improve industry productivity through automation and robotics.

CNST 6510  Marketing of Construction Services
4-0-4
An examination of how construction services are marketed in the various sectors of the construction industry.  The relevant characteristics of construction organizations and target clients will be explored with various scenarios structured to highlight critical parameters of search and match.  The potential contributions of the media and conventional planning/analysis techniques will be considered.

CNST 6520  International Construction
4-0-4
An introduction to the construction industry in the international arena.  Projects and processes will be studied.  Issues of contract law, industry regulation, currency exchange, payment guarantees and risk management will be examined and related to respective countries of concern.  Operations under different cultural norms will be projected in realistic scenarios.

CNST 6530  Construction Markets
4-0-4
A study of the dominant factors at work in different construction markets.  Geographic, technological, economic, political, organizational, and social influences on construction markets are included.  Market groupings by type of construction are identified and paradigms of construction are explored.

CNST 6540  The Construction Company
4-0-4
Organization of the construction firm is covered in this course.  Financing of the firm, marketing the various construction services of the firm and exploring the economics which are unique to the construction industry are analyzed.  Strategic planning and planning for growth of a construction firm are included in the course.  Insurance, bonding, employee development, and labor relations are studied.  The continuing relationships with clients, bankers, bonding companies and design professionals are explored.

CNST 6600  Construction Risk Analysis and Control
4-0-4
This course focuses on the safety practices mandated by government regulation and required by good business practice.  The costs of safety and the lack of it is examined.  Workers' compensation insurance cost is integrated into the issues of safety.  Exposure analysis, risk management, risk transfer and the costs associated with each are examined in this course.

CNST 6800  Construction Seminar
2-0-2
Business and management topics pertinent to the construction industry.  The course consists of a series of seminar presentations by prominent industry representatives.

CNST 6901-6904  Special Topics
1 to 4 hours
Prerequisite:  Consent of the department head
Special topics offered by the department. Offered on a demand basis.

CNST 7701-7704  Master's Project
1 to 4 hours
Prerequisites:  CNST 6000 and consent of the department head This course is designed for the students who want to focus their course of study on a particular aspect of construction.  The student works independently under the supervision of the course professor on a project or an inquiry that is significant in the construction industry.  The topic of the project or inquiry must be approved prior to registration and the student must continue the work in a manner that is satisfactory to the course professor.  The student is expected to submit a substantial report and to defend this submittal and the course work taken in the degree program.  This course may be repeated with departmental approval but no more than 8 hours may be applied toward the requirements for graduation.

CNST 7801-7804  Master's Thesis
1 to 4 hours
Prerequisites:  CNST 6000, completion of 28 hours of graduate Construction degree course work or consent of the department head, approval of thesis proposal Intensive research project that results in a formal written thesis.  The thesis topic will usually be in an area of interest discovered by the student in early stages of the Construction program or work experience.  Students may enroll for a maximum of 4 hours per term for thesis credit.  The student works independently under the supervision of the thesis advisor on an inquiry that is significant to the construction industry.  The topic must be approved before registration and the student must continue the work in a manner that is satisfactory to the thesis advisor.  The student is expected to submit a substantial body of research work and to defend this submittal and the course work taken in the degree program.  This course may be repeated with departmental approval but no more than 8 hours may be applied toward the requirements of graduation.