Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

CCOG for BCT 104 Spring 2024

View archive version »
Course Number:
BCT 104
Course Title:
Construction Math
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Provides a framework for learners to apply mathematical concepts and principles to building construction situations problems through collaborative learning. Learners will also develop, articulate and document their own problem solving strategies. Exploration of construction problems will be limited to light framing, concrete, finish carpentry and cabinetmaking. Prerequisites: Placement into MTH 20 or department approval. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Learners will both individually and collaboratively produce a mathematical reference guide as a marketing tool for future employment and as a field guide for their use

Intended Outcomes for the course

To carry out building construction tasks (light framing, concrete, finish carpentry and cabinetmaking) requiring mathematical calculations.

To use and upgrade a reference manual containing formulas and procedures used to solve math related building construction problems.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

1. Work individually and collaboratively to solve building construction problems that require the application of measurement and mathematics.

2. Create a Construction Math “Reference Manual”, which can be used on the construction job site to solve building construction problems requiring mathematics.

3. Successfully complete the following to demonstrate mastery of the applications presented:

In Class Assignments

Homework Assignments

Weekly Quizzes

Midterm and Final Examinations

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes, issues and concepts

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Documentation
  • Linear measurements
  • Fractions/ Decimals / Conversion between the two
  • Square measurements
  • Volumetric measurements
  • Repetitive members
  • Ratios, factors and proportions
  • Board Footage and Pricing
  • Stair layout
  • Rafter layout
  • Construction geometry
  • Percentages, discounts and markup

Process Skills
1. Learn to read and use a tape measure

2. Use a hand held calculator to solve mathematical problems.

3. Sketch to help solve problems through visualization.

4. Apply formulas to solve for unknowns.

5. Convert numbers from one unit type to another. i.e. decimal feet to decimal inches