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Vermont Technical College: Technology Driven. Results Proven.
Architectural/Building Engineering Technology (ARC)

ARC-1000 Freshmen Orientation (1) fall
This course provides a forum for first-year students to learn about the program and about the architecture profession, building construction industry, and related engineering disciplines. Skills that will assist the student in having a successful experience at the College are also discussed. The course makes use of guest speakers from within the College community and from the building industry. 1 hour of seminar per week. Prerequisite: None.

ARC-1010 Architectural Woodframe Construction (3) fall
This course covers basic instruction in architectural construction graphics and the use of hand drawing equipment, as well as an introduction to the materials of light woodframe construction. A set of drawings for a small residence is developed, in keeping with contemporary office practices. 6 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: None.

ARC-1021 Architectural CAD I (2) fall
This course covers basic instruction in computer-aided drafting and design as related to architectural and building engineering technology. The students will receive instruction using AutoCAD. 3 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: ARC-1010 and CIS-1050 or permission of the instructor. [Course fee: $35.00]

ARC-1210 Construction Materials and Methods (6) spring
A comprehensive study of common construction materials and methods of fabrication and erection employed in building construction. Sources, methods of manufacture, and uses of materials are covered. There are two different studio sessions with this course: the materials studio sessions familiarize students with physical characteristics and uses of materials, performance of standard tests, and preparation of technical reports; the design/drafting studio involves the detailing and drafting of construction assemblies. Hand drafting and CAD are both used in this lab. 4 hours of lecture, 3 hours of testing studio, and 3 hours of detailing studio per week. Prerequisite: ARC-1010 and ARC-1021.

ARC-1220 Architectural History (3) spring
Through photo slide lectures and small group seminars, the student is introduced to architectural design philosophies and construction systems that have developed over the ages. Influences such as social, political, religious, economic, and technological advances are traced from the first significant works of humans 5,000 years ago through the present day. A major concentration is worldwide development since the 18th century, particularly in America, and its significance to today's society. Small group seminars provide an opportunity for the student to join in follow-up discussions of lectures with the objective of developing visual perception and knowledge of aesthetic principles from a view of architectural history. 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: None.

ARC-2022 Architectural CAD II (3) spring
This course covers advanced instruction in computer-aided drafting and design for architecture. There will be combined lecture and studio sessions in the use of productivity modules to improve two dimensional plan/detail construction drawings, three-dimensional building models, and presentation rendering. 6 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: ARC-1021 and 2051.

ARC-2031 Environmental Systems I (3) fall
This course covers the natural environmental influences upon building design and construction as well as the principal internal necessities for human habitation including sanitation, heating and ventilating, and mechanical requirements in small buildings. The laboratory session reinforces the lectures by teaching the student how to design plumbing and heating systems for a small residential scale building. 2 hours of lecture, 3 hours of studio per week. Co-requisite: PHY-1043.

ARC-2032 Environmental Systems II (3) spring
This is a continuation of Environmental Systems I. Broad-scale aspects of mechanical, electrical, and sanitary systems are investigated and studied as applied to larger buildings and groups of buildings. Other topics covered include electrical and lighting design, the impact that building codes and other regulations have on buildings, and current environmental topics affecting society today. 2 hours of lecture, 3 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: ARC-2031.

ARC-2040 Construction Practices (3) fall
This course is a combination of several distinct areas in the building construction industry. One half of the course is comprised of an introduction to fundamental surveying principles and methods, including distance measurement, angular measurement, and elevational differences. Instrument practice and care for levels, electronic distance measurement instruments, and total station equipment are introduced. Other topics studied are: terminology, computations, developing site plans, and construction layout. Another part of the course covers topics in construction estimates and records including estimating, take-offs, and pricing for both residential and commercial construction. A third part of the course covers construction management principles including scheduling practices, contracts, general conditions, and specifications. 2 hours of lecture, 3 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: ARC-1210.

ARC-2051 Architectural Design I (3) fall
Individual design projects are developed by the student from conception to presentation under faculty supervision. Problem solving and the process of design are taught and reinforced throughout the semester. Graphic techniques for design drawings are a major emphasis in this course. Building types covered range from small artifacts through the house to a small public building. Throughout the course, graphic and oral communication of goals, methods, and solutions are emphasized. Some projects are presented by the student before a jury of architecture faculty and practicing architects. 6 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: ARC-1010, 1210, and 1220. Co-requisite: ARC-2031.

ARC-2052 Architectural Design II (3) spring
The course design project is located in a Vermont town. Input in the planning and design process is received from proposed users of the building and local officials.Projects have been done throughout Vermont. Existing conditions and constraints are explored in-depth as a prelude to design. Students then respond to the building program on a specific site. The architectural program is then developed and appropriate design responses generated. Throughout the course, oral and graphic communication and presentation skills are developed as appropriate. Students work in teams on these projects to simulate real world working dynamics. The course terminates with the presentation of projects before a jury of architecture faculty and architectural practitioners. 6 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: ARC-2051.

ARC-2720 Architecture Seminar (0) spring
This lecture/seminar course for second-year students concentrates on developing knowledge and skills used in the workplace and throughout the student's life. Topics include job skills, continuing education, office practices, project management, and soft skills. 1 hour of lecture per week. Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing.

ARC-3010 Design Systems Integration (3) spring
The intent of this course is to concentrate the student's design thinking toward the areas used in Architectural Engineering, particularly in the integration of environmental and structural systems into the building design. The course complements the Architectural Engineering curriculum by introducing students to the design of sustainable low-energy systems in small buildings, and by providing tools for analysis in the schematic phase. 6 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: ARC-2032, 2051, CET-2120, or instructor permission.

ARC-3020 Structural Analysis (3) fall
This course covers the analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate structures, building on the foundation that most students obtain in a course on statics. Topics include static determinacy and stability, reactions, member forces and moments in beams, frames, and trusses (2-D and 3-D) through both determinate and indeterminate methods, as well as approximate methods. Deflection analysis is also covered. Computer applications for analysis are used and matrix methods of analysis are introduced. Dynamics structural analysis is also introduced. Prerequisite: MAT-1520 and CET-2040.

ARC-3030 Steel Structures Design (3) spring
This course covers the design of steel structures, including typical structural elements such as tension members, beams, columns, base plates, connections, open web joists, and deck systems. Designs are based on the AISC Steel Construction Manual using the load and resistance factor design methodology. Issues such as economics of construction and constructibility are also addressed. 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: ARC-3020, ARC-3110, and CET-2120.

ARC-3040 Electrical/Lighting Systems (3) spring
This course familiarizes students with the various electrical and lighting systems commonly found in modern buildings. Systems include lighting, power, communications, and emergency systems. The course emphasizes design practices, safety/Code issues, and coordination with other design professionals and building trades. 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: ARC-2032, ARC-3110, and ELT-3020 or SDT-3020.

ARC-3050 Fundamentals of Fluids and Thermodynamics (4) spring
Students study the basic concepts and practical applications of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. Topics include fluid properties and measurement, energy conservation, pipe and duct flow, pumps and fans, first and second laws of thermodynamics, refrigeration, psychrometrics, basic thermodynamic processes, and HVAC. 3 hours of lecture, 3 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: MAT-1520 and PHY-1043.

ARC-3110 Codes and Loads (3) fall
This course provides students with an understanding of which codes and specifications govern the determination of design structural, heating/cooling, and lighting/electrical loads for buildings and other structures. It introduces students to the determination of applicable code provisions, the application of those code provisions, and also to methods for calculating and estimating loads that are not specifically addressed, (or are insufficiently addressed), in code books, manuals, and elsewhere (e.g., special studies, rules of thumb, past experience, expert elicitation). The course provides the basic knowledge and skills for the determination and use of such loads in courses such as steel structures design, concrete structures design, HVAC, plumbing, electrical/lighting, and Senior Project. Lectures introduce topics and methods of application; the laboratory emphasizes the application of codes and methods on varying structure types. 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: ARC-2032, CET-2120, and MAT-1520 or instructor permission.

ARC-4010 Concrete Structures Design (3) fall
This course covers the design of typical statically determinate and indeterminate concrete structures. The course will make extensive use of the American Concrete Institute Building Code Requirements and will consider concrete and steel material properties, design approximations, design of concrete linear members (beam and columns), one-way and two-way slabs, and foundation footings and walls. 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: CET-2120, ARC-3110, ARC-3020.

ARC-4020 Architectural Engineering Management (3) fall
This course covers many of the business, management, professional, and ethical subjects that architectural and other engineers may face during their careers. These include legal issues; business organizational frameworks; personnel and diversity issues;, business planning and decision making; marketing; scheduling; professional ethics; project and design cost issues (including engineering economics) information management; technical presentation skills; and others. The course helps students develop communication skills and the ability to analyze and create management-related reports using various methods and tools, especially in a team setting on team projects. 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: ARC-2040.

ARC-4030 HVAC Systems (4) fall
This course addresses the engineering aspects of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems design. There is a focus on mechanical systems for commercial buildings that includes psychrometrics, basic HVAC calculations, design condition determination, load estimating, duct and pipe sizing, HVAC systems, and HVAC equipment selection. Students are required to perform system design on a commercial building in preparation for Senior Project. Introductions to energy conservation, comfort condition, indoor air quality, and mechanical codes are included. ASHRAE standards and international codes are used as a basis in these areas. 3 hours of lecture, 3 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: ARC-2032, ARC-3050, and ARC-3110.

ARC-4040 Plumbing Systems (3) spring
Students in this course learn the basic practices and techniques for the design of plumbing systems in buildings. International Plumbing Code commentary is the basis of course materials. Emphasis is placed on the design and calculations for sizing sanitary waste and vent systems; domestic hot and cold water systems; water heaters; storm drainage systems; and fire sprinkler systems, as well as fixture selection. Each topic includes discussions on materials and methods of construction and installation; code requirements; computer applications; specifications; and drafting symbols and standards. 2 hours of lecture, 3 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: ARC-2032 and ARC-3050.

ARC-4050 FE Exam Survey (1) spring
This course provides students and practicing professionals with applications for, and review of, engineering, math, and science concepts to prepare for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination administered by most states as a first step toward professional licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE). The course focuses on topics that students have been exposed to previously, and on topics that are generally easier to understand and apply with limited explanation of background material. FE exam topics that are covered significantly in Senior-level ARC courses (e.g., ethics and engineering economics) receive limited coverage. Strategies for studying for and taking the FE and similar examinations are covered, as is the application of engineering judgement in general. Applications are primarily in SI units to match the FE examination. 3 hours of lecture/ laboratory per week for 8 weeks. Prerequisite: Senior standing, AET or an ABET accredited program, or instructor permission.

ARC-4720 Senior Project (4) spring
This course is a capstone course that integrates knowledge and skills developed through other coursework and life experience. Students prepare drawings, design documentation, and presentations for a commercial project based on preliminary and incomplete architectural plans (the ASHRAE national student competition building is typically selected) or other information. Students may work on schematic drawings for electrical/lighting, mechanical, and structural systems, and then focus on one technical specialty for the development of a final design; in most cases, a semester-long final design in one subject area is done. 2 hours of lecture, 6 hours of studio per week. Prerequisite: ARC-3013, 3030, 3040, 3110, 4010, 4020, and 4030.