Aec Course

Lesson 1 • Project Delivery Methods

Compares design-bid-build, design-build, and integrated project delivery models. Students select appropriate delivery methods based on project goals.

Lesson 2 • AEC Industry Overview and Scope

Defines the AEC sector, its economic scale, and its three primary disciplines. Grounds all subsequent learning in real-world industry context.

Lesson 3 • Project Lifecycle Phases

Traces a project from concept through occupancy, defining milestones at each phase. Provides the timeline framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Regulatory and Standards Framework

Introduces building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards that govern AEC work. Students recognize compliance requirements as integral to project planning.

Lesson 1 • Contract Documents and Legal Basics

Reviews standard contract forms, general conditions, and supplementary conditions. Students identify contractual obligations and risk allocations.

Lesson 2 • Architectural Drawing Types

Covers floor plans, elevations, sections, and detail drawings and their interrelationships. Students interpret spatial relationships and design intent from 2D representations.

Lesson 3 • Specifications and Project Manuals

Explains specification divisions, sections, and the relationship between drawings and specs. Students use specifications to clarify material and workmanship requirements.

Lesson 4 • Structural and MEP Drawings

Introduces structural framing plans and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings. Students coordinate across disciplines to identify conflicts.

Lesson 1 • Sustainable Construction Practices

Examines green building strategies, material certifications, and energy-efficiency measures. Students apply sustainability criteria to material and system selection.

Lesson 2 • MEP Systems Fundamentals

Introduces mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and their spatial requirements. Students coordinate MEP needs within the building structure.

Lesson 3 • Interior Construction Methods

Addresses partition systems, flooring, ceilings, and finish materials. Students specify interior assemblies that meet functional and aesthetic requirements.

Lesson 4 • Building Envelope Systems

Covers exterior wall assemblies, roofing, glazing, and waterproofing strategies. Students assess envelope performance for energy and moisture control.

Lesson 1 • Critical Path Method Scheduling

Explains CPM logic, activity sequencing, and float calculation. Students build network diagrams and identify the critical path.

Lesson 2 • Work Breakdown Structure Development

Decomposes project scope into manageable work packages and activities. Provides the structural foundation for all scheduling and cost planning.

Lesson 3 • Schedule Monitoring and Control

Introduces earned value metrics and schedule variance analysis for tracking progress. Students update schedules and implement corrective actions.

Lesson 4 • Lean Scheduling Techniques

Presents pull planning, the Last Planner System, and look-ahead scheduling. Students apply lean principles to improve schedule reliability.

Lesson 1 • Labor, Material, and Equipment Pricing

Explains unit cost databases, labor burden, and equipment ownership costs. Students build unit prices from first principles and published data.

Lesson 2 • Value Engineering and Cost Control

Introduces value engineering methodology and life-cycle cost analysis. Students identify cost-saving alternatives without compromising project function.

Lesson 3 • Quantity Takeoff Methods

Covers manual and digital takeoff procedures for all major CSI divisions. Students measure and quantify work from drawings and models.

Lesson 4 • Overhead, Profit, and Bid Strategy

Addresses general conditions, markup, contingency, and competitive bid positioning. Students calculate total bid price and assess risk-adjusted margins.

Lesson 1 • Procurement and Subcontract Management

Covers bid solicitation, subcontract award, and ongoing subcontractor oversight. Students manage the supply chain to ensure timely material and labor delivery.

Lesson 2 • Project Startup and Mobilization

Details preconstruction planning, site setup, and subcontractor buyout. Establishes the management infrastructure needed before work begins.

Lesson 3 • Site Safety Management

Covers hazard identification, safety plans, toolbox talks, and incident investigation. Students build a safety culture that reduces workplace injuries.

Lesson 4 • Quality Management Systems

Introduces quality plans, inspection and test plans, and nonconformance management. Students implement quality controls that prevent rework and defects.

Lesson 1 • Common Data Environment and Collaboration

Introduces cloud-based CDE platforms, access control, and document management workflows. Students manage model versions and team communication in a shared environment.

Lesson 2 • Model Authoring and Coordination

Covers discipline model creation, federated model assembly, and clash detection. Students identify and resolve design conflicts before construction.

Lesson 3 • BIM for Facilities Management

Explains how as-built models support operations, maintenance, and asset management. Students prepare model deliverables that extend value beyond construction.

Lesson 4 • BIM Fundamentals and Standards

Defines BIM dimensions, levels of development, and open data standards. Establishes the conceptual framework for all BIM-related activities.

Lesson 1 • Program and Portfolio Management

Scales project management principles to multi-project programs and capital portfolios. Students prioritize resources and align projects with organizational strategy.

Lesson 2 • Strategic Decision-Making in AEC

Applies decision analysis, scenario planning, and stakeholder alignment to strategic choices. Students evaluate complex trade-offs and communicate recommendations to leadership.

Lesson 3 • Risk Management in AEC Projects

Introduces risk identification, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and response planning. Students build risk registers and contingency budgets for complex projects.

Lesson 4 • Earned Value Management

Covers EVM metrics, performance indices, and forecasting techniques for project control. Students diagnose project health and predict final cost and schedule outcomes.