Catalog: 2011–2012 Catalog Year

Course Descriptions

Construction (CONS)

Technology Division

CONS 108: Construction Materials and Methods

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Studies the various types of buildings and structures utilized in industrial, commercial and residential construction. Examines peculiarities and potential problem areas for each type of construction. Construction sequencing, inspection sequencing and required testing will be outlined as well as observable "red flags" that can be indicative of potential problems. Note: Non-transferable for a NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 114: Soils, Sitework, Concrete and Testing

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Covers soil classifications as related to bearing and compaction. The student also learns to interpret the elements of a site plan including contours, existing grades, finish grades, finish elevations, benchmarks, and on-site utilities. Also includes instruction in reading and verifying grade and horizontal control stakes. Course will cover underground utilities, foundations, flatwork, drains, swales and all associated testing. Note: Non-transferable for a NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 116: Plumbing Principles and Methods

Units (Credits): 2; Prerequisites: none

Studies the theory and application of various plumbing and HVAC systems. Plumbing components will include fixtures, pumps, pressure-reducing valves, recirculation systems, sizing, piping and venting. HVAC components will include gas heating, oil heating, heat pumps, boilers, air conditioning and solar. Note: Non-transferable for a NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 118: Construction Contract Documents

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Explores various bid documents including architectural and engineering blueprints, shop drawings and proposals. Common construction contracts and their implications will be explained as well as accepted procedures for resolution of contract disputes. Note: Non-transferable for a NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 120: Blueprint Reading and Specification

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Equips students with technical and practical interpretation of blueprints. Assignments are made in relation to complete sets of working drawings. Students study construction relationships between architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical drawings, bidding along with inspection procedure technique. Note: Non-transferable for a NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 121: Principles of Construction Estimating

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Presents basic criteria and procedure for estimating labor and material in residential and commercial applications. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 205: Construction Site Safety

Units (Credits): 1–3; Prerequisites: none

Includes ten hours of authorized training addressing the OSHA construction standards. Additional topics include the identification of asbestos, lead and radon in potential construction projects. Upon completion, students will be issued a course completion wallet card by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 216: Structural Layout Assembly

Units (Credits): 2; Prerequisites: CONS 205

Studies correct layout procedures for flooring systems, walls and roof systems as well as the integration of all structural components utilized in these systems. (wood frame emphasis) A portion of the course is practical and the student will lay out a floor system, roof system and construct a bearing wall to industry standards. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 220: Advanced Sitework Estimating

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: CONS 120 & AMP;CONS121 & AMP;MATH110 or higher or consent of instructor

Presents sitework estimating in the context of commercial and public works projects. Communication with design professionals is emphasized including shop drawings, submittals, alternates and approvals. Value engineering is explored as related to work force and materials. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 230: Electrical Distribution System

Units (Credits): 2; Prerequisites: CONS 205 or consent of instructor

Explains electrical theory, distribution systems and wiring techniques utilized in the construction industry. Topics will include high voltage distribution, grounding, GFCI's, transformers, load centers and circuits. Actual wiring techniques will be practiced in conjunction with electrical troubleshooting. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 260: Certified Inspectors of Structures-Residential

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Provides prescribed course of instruction for Certified Inspector of Structures as per the state of Nevada. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 261: Under-Floor Inspections-Certified Inspector

Units (Credits): 1; Prerequisites: CONS 260

Provides instruction on all of the under-floor components that the Certified Inspector of Structures must inspect to complete a certified inspection per 645D of the Nevada Administrative Code. Students will complete two supervised under-floor inspections and prepare extensive narrative inspection reports for evaluation. They will be required to sign "hold harmless" waivers when conducting inspections off state property. Students are strongly encouraged to have medical insurance that provides coverage in the event of a job-site injury. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 262: Above-Floor Inspections for Certified Inspector

Units (Credits): 2; Prerequisites: CONS 260

Provides instruction on all of the above-floor components typical of residential construction. Seismic and structural hardware will be discussed as will load-bearing, load-transferring and non-load-bearing assemblies. Extensive mechanical and electrical systems analyses will be conducted. Students will prepare extensive narrative inspection reports for evaluation, and sign "hold harmless" waivers when conducting inspections off state property. Students are strongly encouraged to have medical insurance that provides coverage in the event of a job-site injury. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 263: Supervised Residential Inspections for Certification

Units (Credits): 4; Prerequisites: CONS 260

Provides instruction on conducting residential inspections as per 645D of the Nevada Administrative Code. Students will explore methodologies for conducting inspections and develop an inspection format that they will utilize while completing ten supervised inspections. Students must complete ten inspection reports to be evaluated by the instructor and sign "hold harmless" waivers when conducting inspections off state property. Students are strongly encouraged to have medical insurance that provides coverage in the event of a job site injury. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 265: Manufactured/Mobile Home General Serviceperson - Theory

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Provides classroom instruction to insure an understanding of NRS Chapter 489, NAC Chapters 461A and 489 and the competencies required for a Professional Mobile/Manufactured Home General Serviceperson as referenced in the Federal Manufactured Home Standards and the Nevada Manufactured/Mobile Home and Commercial Coach Installation Standards. First of a two-course sequence that leads to State of Nevada certification as a Professional Mobile/Manufactured Home General Serviceperson. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 266: Manufactured/Mobile Home General Serviceperson - Field Observation

Units (Credits): 2; Prerequisites: CONS 265

Provides instruction via site observation, technique demonstrations and discussion with industry professionals to insure a student's ability to provide a building that is structurally, electrically and mechanically compliant with NRS Chapter 289, NAC Chapters 461A, 489 and the Federal Manufacturers Home Standards and the Nevada Manufactured/Mobile Home and commercial Coach Installation Standards. Second of a two-course sequence that leads to State of Nevada certification as professional Mobile/Manufactured Home General Serviceperson. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 280: Project Supervision

Units (Credits): 5; Prerequisites: none

Provides the basics for on-site execution of a construction project. Topics include skills and techniques recognized by industry as essential for the contemporary field superintendent. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 281: Construction Planning Scheduling And Control

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Explores project implementation including logistics, scheduling, delegation of responsibility and quality control. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 282: Construction Law

Units (Credits): 2–3; Prerequisites: none

Studies the legal implications of verbal and written communications among building officials, contractors, sub-contractors and clients. Investigates various construction contracts, information requirements, proper record-keeping, notification, bonds, liens, lien release instruments, and resolution of contract disputes. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 290: Internship in Construction

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: consent of instructor

Studies project management techniques on-site under the supervision of a project manager or superintendent. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CONS 351: Advanced Project Supervision

Units (Credits): 5; Prerequisites: admission to the BTech program or consent of advisor

Provides the management skills for on-site execution of a construction project. Topics include skills and techniques recognized by industry as essential for the contemporary field superintendent.

CONS 451: Advanced Internship in Construction

Units (Credits): 2; Prerequisites: CONS 351 and admission to the BTech program or consent of advisor

Studies project management techniques on-site under the supervision of a project manager or superintendent.



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