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Essential Construction Math
Class Syllabus

Introduction
Learning Objectives
Class Organization and Grading
Grading Policies
The Textbook

Introduction 

This self-paced class is intended to develop mathematical skills that can be applied to the construction trade through practice and application. This course is an introduction to other courses in construction. While this class is not a prerequisite for any other classes, it does provide a foundation for them.

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Learning objectives

By the end of this class you should:

  • be able to use and understand all operations on fractions and decimals that are common to the construction industry.
  • be able to convert fractions to decimals
  • be able to calculate area, and volume of various shapes
  • be able to convert measurements from cubic feet to cubic yards
  • be able to measure the volume of concrete footings, slabs, walls, and columns.
  • be able to calculate board feet
  • be able to calculate and measure for basic constructions in wood and concrete

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Class Organization and Grading

For this class it is highly recommended to keep a spiral bound or similar notebook to keep all assignments and notes together. Each week you will be given a lecture, assignment, answers (from the previous assignment) and a quiz. The reading and lecture will be designed to aid in the completion of the homework. 

While homework will not be checked there will be answers posted each week to self-check your progress. There will also be a quiz testing the topics on the previous assignments. There will also be two projects to complete, one mid-semester and one at the end of the class. The projects are applications of mathematics to a contraction problem. 

 The following table lists the learning modules, the maximum value in points a student can receive within each module, and the time in which the modules must be finished.

Module

Point Value By End of Week
0. Student Orientation 0 Before start
1. Numbers 10 1
2. Fractions 10 2
3. Conversion 10 3
4. Using ratios 10 4
5. Angles and triangles 10 5
6. Formulas: Area and Volume 10 6
Case study 1 50 7
7. Board Measure Lumber pricing   10 7
8.  Concrete 10 8
9.  Walls and roofs 10 9
10.  Stairs and covering 10 10
Case study 2 50 10
Participation in two discussions 20 10
Total Points

220

 

It is important that the student keep up with the class and not fall behind.   Course modules will be made available to students on Sunday of each week.  Class work must be completed before the following Monday.  Students will not be able to work ahead of the class although reading assignments will be made available in advance.   Actual dates that modules will become available will be posted in advance on the course calendar.

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Grading Policies

Graded assignments will consist of one quiz for each module and participation in at least two class discussions, worth 20 points.   Each quiz will count for 10 points.  There will be two case studies each worth 100 points.

Grades will be posted on a weekly basis.  You will have full access to your grade sheet so you will be able to keep track of how you are doing at all times.

Your overall grade in the course will be determined by the total number of points you have accumulated on quizzes and assignments.   The grading scale is as follows:

  • A  198 to 220 points

  • B  176 to 197 points

  • C  154 to 175 points

  • D  131 to 153

  • Anything less will be considered an unauthorized withdrawal from the course.

You will be given more information about the grading and other course matters in the Orientation Module.

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The Textbook

The textbook for this class is:  Mathematics for Carpentry and the Construction Trades.  ISBN: 0-13-163305-8, Publisher: Prentice Hall, Copyright: 2002, Format: Paper; 384 pp, Published: 07/19/2001, Alfred P. Webster & Kathryn B. Judy.   This book will include all the reading and the assignments.

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