Construction Technology I – Building Systems

Technology I Course Syllabus (16 modules)

Module 1 — Building Components and Construction Terminology
This introductory module familiarizes students with the fundamental components that make up a building and the terminology used in construction practice. Students learn how buildings are organized into structural elements, enclosure systems, service systems, interior components, and finishing layers. The module introduces the vocabulary used to describe foundations, structural frames, floors, walls, roofs, openings, building services, and interior elements. By mastering this terminology early, students develop the language needed to understand construction drawings, technical discussions, and communication on construction sites.

 
Module 2 — Structural Materials and Framing Principles
This module introduces the core materials used in building construction and explains how structural framing systems are formed from them. Students explore reinforced concrete, structural steel, timber framing, and load-bearing masonry, understanding their basic properties, structural behavior, and typical applications. The module explains how framing systems distribute loads through beams, columns, slabs, and structural walls, providing the fundamental knowledge required to understand the structural systems used throughout buildings.

 
Module 3 — Foundation Systems
Students learn how buildings transfer loads safely into the ground through foundation systems. The module explains common foundation types such as spread footings, strip footings, raft foundations, and pile systems. Students also learn about foundation walls, ground beams, soil interaction, and structural reinforcement used in foundations. The goal is to understand how stability begins at ground level and how foundation systems support the entire building structure.

 
Module 4 — Floor Systems
This module focuses on the design and construction of floor systems, which form the horizontal structural planes of buildings. Students explore common floor types such as reinforced concrete slabs, beam-and-slab systems, hollow-core slab systems, steel deck floors, and timber floor framing. The module explains how floor systems span between supports, how loads are distributed, and how structural framing and reinforcement ensure stability and durability.

 
Module 5 — Wall Systems
Students learn about the multiple roles played by walls in buildings, including structural support, enclosure, insulation, and interior space division. The module covers load-bearing masonry walls, reinforced concrete walls, steel-framed walls, and timber-framed walls. Students explore how walls connect to foundations and floors, how structural openings are created, and how walls contribute to the stability and enclosure of buildings.

 
Module 6 — Openings, Doors, Windows, and Glazing Systems
This module examines how openings are integrated into building walls and how they influence building functionality and environmental performance. Students learn about door systems, window systems, glazing assemblies, frame materials, and installation methods. The module also explains lintels and structural supports around openings, weatherproofing details, and the roles doors and windows play in lighting, ventilation, accessibility, and security.

 
Module 7 — Roof Systems
This module examines the structural and protective systems that form building roofs. Students learn about roof structures such as flat roofs, pitched roofs, trusses, and space frame systems. The module explains roof framing in reinforced concrete, steel, and timber structures, as well as roofing layers that protect buildings from environmental exposure. Students gain an understanding of how roofs resist loads, shed water, and contribute to building durability.

 
Module 8 — Moisture Protection and Building Envelope Integrity
This module focuses on protecting buildings from water penetration and moisture-related damage. Students learn the principles of waterproofing, damp-proofing, drainage layers, flashing systems, and sealing techniques used in foundations, walls, roofs, and openings. The module explains how moisture enters buildings and how proper detailing prevents structural deterioration, mold growth, and interior damage.

 
Module 9 — Mechanical Systems (HVAC)
This module introduces the mechanical systems responsible for controlling indoor environmental conditions. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Students learn the basic principles of air circulation, temperature control, and ventilation in buildings. The module explains the main components of HVAC systems such as ducts, air handling units, ventilation shafts, condensers, diffusers, and mechanical rooms. Students also learn how HVAC systems are integrated within ceilings, floors, and service spaces while coordinating with structural and architectural elements.

 
Module 10 — Plumbing and Sanitary Systems
This module introduces the systems responsible for water supply and wastewater removal in buildings. Students learn how potable water enters buildings, how drainage systems evacuate wastewater, and how plumbing networks are distributed vertically and horizontally through floors and walls. The module explains components such as pipes, valves, traps, fixtures, drainage stacks, and sewer connections. Students also learn how plumbing systems must be coordinated with structure and architectural layout.

 
Module 11 — Electrical and Lighting Systems
Students are introduced to the electrical infrastructure that powers buildings. The module explains how electrical power enters a building and how circuits distribute electricity to lighting, equipment, and outlets. Students learn about electrical panels, wiring systems, switches, sockets, lighting fixtures, and safety considerations. The module also highlights the importance of coordination between electrical systems and other building components.

 
Module 12 — Building Performance Systems (Thermal, Acoustic, and Fire Protection)
Students explore the systems that ensure comfort, safety, and performance within buildings. The module introduces thermal insulation for energy efficiency, soundproofing systems for acoustic comfort, and fire protection systems that improve building safety. Students learn how these layers are integrated into walls, floors, and roofs and how they contribute to the overall durability and safety of buildings.

 
Module 13 — Finishes and Finishing Materials
This module introduces the materials and techniques used to complete and protect building surfaces. Students learn about interior and exterior finishes such as plastering, rendering, painting, flooring systems, tiling, ceiling finishes, cladding, and protective coatings. The module explains how finishing materials improve aesthetics, durability, hygiene, and maintenance of buildings.

 
Module 14 — Architectural Millwork and Decorative Elements
This module introduces crafted architectural components that enhance the visual and functional quality of buildings. Students learn about millwork elements such as cabinetry, moldings, trims, stair railings, paneling, built-in shelving, and decorative woodwork. The module also explores ornamental architectural elements such as cornices, balustrades, columns, and façade decorations, helping students understand how these elements contribute to architectural character and craftsmanship.

 
Module 15 — Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FFE)
This module introduces the role of furniture, fixtures, and equipment in completed buildings. Students learn how elements such as built-in furniture, kitchen equipment, sanitary fixtures, lighting fixtures, and other equipment integrate into architectural spaces and building services. The module explains how FFE influences space planning, functionality, and user comfort.

 
Module 16 — Prefabrication and Modern Construction Systems
The final module introduces prefabrication and industrialized building methods. Students learn how construction elements can be manufactured off-site and assembled on site to improve speed, precision, and quality. The module explores precast concrete systems, modular construction, steel prefabrication, and panelized building systems, showing how modern construction increasingly combines traditional building knowledge with industrial production techniques.

Technology II Course Syllabus (10 modules)

Module 1 — Construction Execution Workflow (From Start to Finish)
Students learn how construction projects are executed step-by-step from site preparation through structural work, enclosure, services installation, and finishing stages. The module explains the logic of construction sequencing and the relationship between different trades and work packages. Students develop an understanding of how construction progresses on site and why improper sequencing often leads to delays, conflicts between trades, and costly rework.

 
Module 2 — Construction Site Safety and Risk Management
This module focuses on safety practices and hazard prevention on construction sites. Students learn to identify common site risks and apply basic safety procedures used in professional projects. The module covers personal protective equipment, safe work practices, hazard communication, safety signage, and accident reporting. Students also learn how safety supervision and daily safety briefings contribute to maintaining a safe working environment.

 
Module 3 — Construction Equipment and Machinery
This module introduces the equipment commonly used in construction projects and explains how machines support productivity and efficiency on site. Students learn about excavators, loaders, cranes, concrete mixers, concrete pumps, compactors, lifting equipment, and other common machinery. The module explains the purpose of each type of equipment, how it is used in different construction phases, and how equipment selection affects productivity, safety, and project cost.

 
Module 4 — Temporary Works and Scaffolding Systems
Students learn about temporary structures used to support construction activities before the permanent structure is completed. The module focuses on scaffolding systems, formwork, shoring, and temporary supports. Students explore different scaffolding types, basic safety considerations, load capacity awareness, and the role temporary works play in allowing safe access to work areas such as façades, roofs, and high structural elements.

 
Module 5 — Site Organization and Construction Management Basics
This module explains how construction sites are organized and managed for efficient work execution. Students learn about site layout planning, storage organization, access routes, material flow, and workforce coordination. The module also introduces daily planning routines, communication between supervisors and workers, and the discipline of maintaining site records and basic reporting practices.

 
Module 6 — Construction Methods and Productivity Thinking
Students explore how construction work is practically performed on site and how productivity is influenced by work methods. The module explains how tasks are organized within work crews, how tools and equipment affect efficiency, and how workflow organization impacts construction speed. Students develop an understanding of how work methods influence labor productivity and project performance.

 
Module 7 — Construction Planning and Scheduling
This module focuses on organizing construction activities in time. Students learn how to structure activity sequences, identify dependencies between trades, estimate realistic durations, and create simple construction schedules. The module also explains how project progress is monitored and how scheduling helps coordinate multiple construction activities occurring simultaneously.

 
Module 8 — Procurement and Materials Management
Students learn how materials are planned, ordered, delivered, stored, and distributed on construction sites. The module explains how procurement decisions influence project time, cost, and productivity. Students also learn how poor storage practices, incorrect ordering, and weak inventory management lead to delays and material waste.

 
Module 9 — Quality Control and Site Inspection Discipline
This module introduces the practical discipline of maintaining construction quality. Students learn how inspections are performed during different construction stages, how common defects are detected, and how supervision helps prevent errors. The module emphasizes maintaining workmanship standards and ensuring that construction meets design and performance requirements.

 
Module 10 — Estimating Fundamentals and Construction Cost Control
The final module introduces the logic of construction estimating and basic cost control. Students learn how quantities are derived, how construction units are structured, and how labor and material costs contribute to project expenses. The module also explains how cost awareness and simple reporting practices help contractors monitor spending and avoid hidden financial losses during project execution.