CONST 350 Syllabus

“The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the nature of soils and to illustrate how soil materials may influence certain construction operations” (Schroeder, 2001, p. iii). 

Overview

This course is an introduction to soil materials, soil mechanics, and soil testing. In conjunction with the testing methods, the materials presented will provide the basic background for understanding soil behavior and how construction specifications related to it. The cost and control of excavating, hauling, grading, compacting, lifting, and the use of other heavy equipment will be discussed.

Prerequisites

ARCH 100: Construction Estimating will be helpful.

Outcomes

1. Classify differing soil types.
2. Understand standard testing methodology and interpret related data.
3. Identify methods to safely compact, stabilize, shore, and dewater soils on a job site.
4. Determine proper equipment to use for excavating a construction site.
5. Coordinate an excavation in conformance with regulations set forth by EPA using best management practices as it relates to erosion control.
6. Estimate quantities of fill material to be placed at a job site, with the consideration of shrink and swell phenomenon that occurs when soil is disturbed.

Required Materials

The course materials are available in the Course Materials List.

• Textbook Title: Soils in Construction
• Author: Warrington, D.C. and Schreoeder, W.L.
• Edition: 6th
• ISBN: 13-978-1-7486-3619-9

Learning Model

This course utilizes the BYU-Idaho Learning Model in its design. The activity type can be broken down as follows:

Prepare

Students prepare each week by completing the assigned reading and/or watching the videos.

Ponder

Students ponder what they have learned that week by completing a study guide, labs, and case studies.

Prove

Students prove what they have learned through quizzes, tests, and exams.

Teach One Another

Each week is a Q&A discussion board where students can ask questions or provide answers to that week's topic. This is an ungraded discussion board.

This course's primary Teach One Another component is a weekly Collaboration Board where students work as a group to offer insights into assigned prompts. These insights are gathered on a discussion board where students can compile a complete understanding of the concepts.

Structure

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes.

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. 

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

Expectations

Feedback

You can expect to receive grades and feedback within seven days of the due date for all assignments.

Workload

This is a three-credit class; therefore, you are expected to spend six hours a week on the materials for this class.

Group Work

Starting in W03, groups will meet (via Zoom, discussion board, emails, and/or another medium) to discuss assigned prompts from the Collaboration board. The group facilitator will post the group findings on the board.

Grading Policies

Weighted Categories

Assignments are graded on a point system and organized into the following weighted categories:

• Prepare (10% of total grade)
  • Each week, there will be reading assignments and questions about the reading. Depending on the week, each quiz allows two attempts where you get to keep your higher score.

• Teach One Another and Ponder (15% of total grade)
  • This category includes all the Teach One Another: Collaboration Boards and the Study Guide assignments. In W03, the Collaboration Board will be completed as a group, but each week the Study Guide assignment is completed individually. Rubrics for grading are included.
• Prove (15% of total grade)
  • After each chapter has been taught and labs are complete, a chapter test assesses mastery.
• Labs and Case Studies (15% of total grade)
  • There are soil-based labs and case studies within this course. These activities are for you to practice your newly acquired knowledge.
• Midterm Exam (15% of total grade)
  • The midterm exam is during given during Week 07 and will cover materials from the first half of the semester. Students are allowed to use an open book and notes.
• Final Exam (30% of total grade)
  • The final exam is a comprehensive assessment of all course outcomes. Students are allowed to use an open book and notes. 

Late Work

As a sign of professionalism and respect, you should complete your work on time. However, your instructor has the discretion to accept late work or extend due dates as appropriate. 

Grading Scale

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Accessibility Services Office at 1-208-496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Accessibility Services Office.

[This course may require synchronous meetings or this course includes required synchronous meetings.] If you are currently registered with the Accessibility Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at 1-208-496-9219.

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

• Student Honor
  • Academic Honesty
  • Student Conduct
  • Sexual Harassment
• Student with Disabilities
• Complaints and Grievances
• Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.