These courses can be used to expand your knowledge in specific construction skill areas. They will focus on design principles, system integration, code compliance, and construction coordination.
Classes will be offered via live video instruction giving you the convenience of joining the class from home or work while engaging with the instructor and other students.
Career Potential
As the construction industry grows, so does the demand for knowledge of building systems. Employers are looking for maintenance technicians, construction, and project managers who understand the design aspects needed for plumbing, preventative maintenance, HVAC, wiring, pipe systems, and so on.
Source: Burning Glass Technologies’ Labor Insight™ Real-time Labor Market Information tool.
Meet the Instructor
Francis K. Rapisarda earned his architecture degree from Drexel University and has returned to Drexel as an adjunct professor teaching similar courses. He has held multiple positions throughout his career in the Philadelphia region including director of architecture, construction, and project manager.
Course Offerings
Introduction to Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection Systems - AE 5558
This course introduces the principles of the building systems with the intent to provide the construction/project managers with the knowledge to identify, integrate, and coordinate with project engineers and consultants. The building systems to be covered include, but are not limited to the following:
- HVAC Systems (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and the impact on design solution
- Indoor Air Quality; impact from products and their application
- Electrical Systems/Energy Controls, code requirements
- Communication and Data Systems
- Plumbing Systems, and code requirements
- Fire Protection Systems, code requirements
Introduction to Structural and Building Envelope Systems – AE 5001
The course will introduce the principles of structural systems and the building envelope with the intent to provide the construction/project managers with the knowledge to identify, integrate, and coordinate with project engineers and consultants. The building systems to be covered include, but are not limited to the following:
- Foundation Systems - Footing, Slabs
- Wall Systems - Masonry, Steel, Curtain Wall, Rain Screen
- Roof Systems - Various membranes, Flat Roof, Sloped Roofs, Trusses
- Fenestration Systems - Glazing, Veneers
- Structural Forces - Compression, Tension, Bending, Shear, Moments