CMGT 330: Soil Mechanics, Concrete, and Construction Surveying
CMGT 330: Soil Mechanics, Concrete, and Construction Surveying
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course explores the properties and behaviors of soils, aggregates, and concrete when used as construction materials, Introduction to concrete including mix design, slump tests, and compressive strength, Fundamentals of surveying including staking, layout, and elevation control.
This course is a requirement for the Construction Management Degree, and also satisfies the UD-B Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning requirement for the Upper-Division Pathway
COURSE MODALITY
COURSE MODALITY
For Spring 2023 the class is presented in a hybrid/type format and is a lecture/lab class.
The lecture component
(two 50-minute lectures per week) are currently in zoom format with the entire class.
The lab component
(One 3-hour lab per week) are in person. The lab sections are of varying sizes (from a group of 7 to a group of 16).
COURSE DESIGN
COURSE DESIGN
CMGT 330 is designed around the lab time and best use of the limited amount of classroom time available given the wide range of content and subject matter.
New topics are introduced weekly, with threads to existing topics continued during the discussion periods or at the beginning of the lab period.
Labs are used to reinforce concepts discussed and/or introduce additional content to broaden the knowledge base.
Weekly quizzes and problem sets are given on the concepts introduced during that week, and also build on concepts previously taught.
Lab report write-ups are required for the majority of lab sessions and include subjective and objective perspectives, analysis, and reflection, as well as data driven deliverables.
INTERACTION & ENGAGEMENT
INTERACTION & ENGAGEMENT
CMGT 330 covers Soils, Concrete, and Surveying. While these subjects are in the same field, and do relate to each other in some very real and cogent ways, they are different.
The course is designed into two parts.
The first part is soils and concrete - which have more commonality. The lab activities are primarily indoors.
The second part is the surveying component - which has more hands-on activities and direct applicability to construction means and methods. Most lab activities are outdoors.
TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS
TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS
In Spring 2022, CMGT 330 was the recipient of a $26,000 Student Learning Fee Grant.
The grant was written to purchase some current surveying equipment-specifically GNSS receivers, software and associated equipment.
The new technology allows students to experience new applications of basic fundamentals that are taught in the course and get familiar with equipment that is in high use in the construction industry.
Being brand new-the implementation of the equipment is still being vetted-but students are actively encouraged to learn and explore with these incredible new tools.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING
CMGT 330 awards letter grades based on a total of 1000 points available each semester.
All point totals shown are approximate and subject to revision during the semester.
Attendance is taken in lab via sign-in sheet and during online zoom using zoom polls.
CMGT 330 predominantly uses the following types of assessments:
Quizzes: To familiarize the students with concepts and vocabulary
Problem Sets: To have students work the applicable concepts
Lab Reports: To reflect on any in-lab experiments or activities and summarize
Exams: To tie concepts together and illustrate the interconnectivity.
The Construction Management Degree at CSU Chico is accredited through ACCE-American Council for Construction Education.
CMGT 330 has a Direct Assessment for SLO #11-Apply Basic Surveying Techniques for Construction Layout and Control
Assessment is for the survey component of the course and occurs in-lab during the last week of the semester.
EXAMPLES OF A PROBLEM SET
EXAMPLES OF A PROBLEM SET
EXAMPLES OF LAB REPORT
EXAMPLES OF LAB REPORT
ACCESSIBILITY & UDL
ACCESSIBILITY & UDL
CMGT 330 has multiple opportunities to engage with the material in different ways. A hands-on experience is built into the format.
LAB FORMAT-EXAMPLE
In one lab activity-students work with currently accepted testing methods for compaction of soil. Although based on an industry testing standard, within this structure is the opportunity for the student to interact with the material being tested, make mistakes, and explore through sensory interaction. A portion of the lab reports are based on observations from this interaction, and how it ties into concepts discussed in the classroom.
OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
For the soils component of the class, CMGT 330 primarily uses publications in the public domain-such as those published by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Federal Agency).
Work on a student manual for use in this segment of the class to be published under a Creative Commons license will begin in Summer 2023 with a draft ready by the beginning of Spring 2024.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING & CONNECTION TO THE PROFESSION
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING & CONNECTION TO THE PROFESSION
CMGT 330 continues to be developed to include as many opportunities as possible for experiential and hands-on learning. The types of activities that are a part of the lab experience include direct connections to the construction industry, and the entry-level positions the 330 students will assume upon graduation.
Whether it is through the use of actual industry standard equipment, methods or materials, the bond continues to be strengthened through collaboration with on-campus projects and guest speakers.
DIFFERENTIAL LEVELLING AND AS-BUILTS
In this lab the students go out to an existing parking lot (the AG lot on Orange Street) and use the plans for the project to determine if the existing elevations of curb are per plan.
GUEST SPEAKERS
When possible, guest speakers are used to provide direct applicability to the concepts discussed in CMGT 330.
Pictured is a screenshot from a guest lecturer giving a presentation on current survey controls for the new BSS building on campus.
TRAINING IN COURSE DESIGN
TRAINING IN COURSE DESIGN
In spring 2023 I completed the FLC for UDL.
UDL is a fascinating approach to learning which I have only begun to incorporate into my courses, along with the realization that there are some things I am already doing that are UDL based.
An example of a future implementation is to offer an alternative to the traditional final comprehensive exam (link in photo).
This is in draft format-but may be launched this semester.
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