Course Number and Title:
AET 210 Building Service Systems
Prerequisites
ENG 101 and (MAT 183 concurrent or higher) and ((AET 200 or concurrent) or (CMT 110))
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
2 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course introduces students to the principles of sustainable building design and building service systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding energy flows, building loads, and the impact of climate conditions on design decisions. Students will explore both passive and active systems that enhance energy efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and support environmental sustainability. Through hands-on analysis, students will interpret heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression drawings, applying concepts that contribute to sustainable building design.
Additional Materials
See Supplemental course information
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Describe various sustainable guidelines, design practices, equipment, and other options available for buildings and building service systems. (CCC 2; PGC 2)
- Describe and identify how energy flows through buildings, what factors contribute to building loads, and how all these factors contribute to total energy use. (CCC 2, 6; PGC 2, 3)
- Describe and identify how climate conditions dictate design decisions. (CCC 2; PGC 2, 3)
- Describe and identify the basics of air movement and how air moves around a building as well as within a building. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 2, 4, 6)
- Compare various electrical and natural lighting systems in buildings. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 2, 4, 5)
- Compare the different types of water supply, wastewater removal, and fire suppression systems. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 2, 4)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Describe various sustainable guidelines, design practices, equipment, and other options available for buildings and building service systems.
- List and describe active and passive building systems and elements included in the U.S. Green Building Council: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (USGBC: LEED) standards or similar.
- List examples of and explain building orientation, passive building systems, and landscaping practices that result in decreased energy and resource costs for heating, cooling, electricity, and water.
- Name and explain active building systems that result in decreased energy and resource costs for heating, cooling, electricity, and water.
- Describe building service systems that may be available in the near future due to technology innovations, changes in regulations, or consumer acceptance that could result in further improvements in building sustainability and efficiency.
- Describe and identify how energy flows through buildings, what factors contribute to building loads, and how all these factors contribute to total energy use.
- Define heat transfer basics, and explain how energy flows within buildings.
- Produce and interpret heating and cooling load charts.
- List and describe the factors and building components and systems that contribute to internal heat gain.
- Calculate heat loss and heat gain.
- Make informed decisions about how to reduce energy use through building envelope constructions.
- Perform a whole building energy analysis to determine the thermal properties of materials, transmission and infiltration losses for all spaces, and total building heat loss.
- Describe and identify how climate conditions dictate design decisions.
- Explain how different climate metrics will impact design decisions.
- Use the psychrometric chart to determine means and methods of achieving thermal comfort.
- Associate passive design strategies with climate conditions.
- Explain the basics of climate-responsive buildings and how they affect energy efficiency.
- Describe and identify the basics of air movement and how air moves around a building as well as within a building.
- Identify passive design strategies to enable and enhance natural ventilation within a building.
- Determine what types of natural ventilation are most applicable for a building type and the strategies to implement them.
- Explain the different methods and systems commonly used in heating, cooling, and dehumidifying buildings.
- Explain the various methods for ensuring clean and healthful air in buildings.
- Interpret heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on drawings.
- Compare various electrical and natural lighting systems in buildings.
- Define how light is measured, and explain what factors contribute to desirable lighting levels.
- Determine how much light is needed to support the building program.
- List and describe various electrical components and code requirements.
- Interpret electrical drawings.
- Identify techniques for using daylighting to offset energy demands and bring natural light into spaces.
- Conduct daylight analysis and study illuminance levels.
- Compare the different types of water supply, wastewater removal, and fire suppression systems.
- List the various codes and regulations that ensure the quality of potable water.
- List and describe various water supply and wastewater systems, materials, components, and installation requirements.
- Utilize industry standards to determine the number of fixtures needed for a building.
- List codes and regulations governing plumbing installations.
- Interpret plumbing and fire suppression drawings.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
3-4 Exams (equally weighted) | 30% |
Formative Assessments |
Formative: Quizzes | 20% |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: - Homework Assignments
- Drafting Interpretation
- Hands-on Activities
- Readings
- Journals
- Class Participation
| 50% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Research and analyze existing site conditions.
- Apply principles of sustainability to the built environment.
- Employ the architectural design process.
- Interpret and apply building materials, standards, and codes.
- Utilize technical drawings, documents, and presentation graphics as appropriate in the industry.
- Demonstrate a commitment to quality, timeliness, professional development, and continuous improvement.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.