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Course Descriptions

Currently accepting applications Apply now >> Next program starts: Autumn 2008 Program location: UW campus, Seattle Next information meeting: Thurs., May 15 (see details >>) Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Program at a glance >>

Prerequisites to the Certificate Program

• Students must have basic proficiency in the use of Windows programs, word processing and spread sheets on a microcomputer to successfully complete CM 422. Those lacking this knowledge should take a basic Windows class from a local community college before enrolling in CM 422.

• Students must have basic familiarity with the materials and processes involved in the construction industry. UW Extension offers two courses that address this area and prepare students for the Certificate Program in Construction Management: CM 313/323 Construction Methods and Materials, and CM 320 Construction Contract Documents. Go to prerequisite courses page.

Construction Methods and Materials is offered every spring and summer in Seattle. Construction Contract Documents is offered every winter and summer in Seattle, similar courses may be offered elsewhere. Students interested in applying for the program must take these two courses or have equivalent proficiency in the topics of construction drawing, interpretation of specifications, methods, materials, and the sequence of the construction process.

Waivers: Waivers for CM 320 (Construction Contract Documents) and CM 313/323 (Construction Methods and Materials) are possible, but not common (particularly for 313/323). Individuals who wish to pursue a waiver or need more details about the process should review the Waivers section of our complete Prerequisites page.

Autumn Course

Construction Estimating (CM 410)

Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-8:20 p.m., Sept. 25-Dec. 4, 2008; 5 credits; $1,100 plus a $21 technology fee. Instructors: Dan Gallagher and David Westmoreland.

Principles of commercial cost estimating are emphasized in this course, which covers methods for developing a personal estimating manual, and estimating as a medium-sized general contractor. Topics:

• Plans and specifications interpretation
• Quantity takeoff
• Pricing
• Bid preparation

Prerequisites: See above.

Winter Courses

Project Planning and Control (CM 411)

Section A: Thursdays, 6:00-8:50 p.m., Jan. 8-March 12, 2009; 3 credits; $660 plus a $13 technology fee. Instructor: Harold Gerber.

Section B: Tuesdays, 6:00-8:50 p.m., Jan. 6-March 10, 2009; 3 credits; $660 plus a $13 technology fee. Instructor: Harold Gerber.

Principles, practices and techniques of planning, scheduling and controlling construction projects are addressed. Students develop a construction schedule for the commercial project introduced in CM 410. Topics:

• Construction planning
• Schedule development
• Resource and cash flow analysis
• Project controls

Prerequisite: CM 410

Section A: Mondays*, 6:00-8:50 p.m., Jan. 5-March 11, 2009; 3 credits; $660 plus a $13 technology fee. Instructor: Alan Sutherland.

Section B: Wednesdays, 6:00-8:50 p.m., Jan. 7-March 11, 2009; 3 credits; $660 plus a $13 technology fee. Instructor: Alan Sutherland.

Introduction to accident prevention in the construction industry

• Hazard identification and correction
• Procedures for ensuring safety
• Personal protective equipment
• Regulatory requirements
• Fall protection, scaffolding, cranes
• Excavation and trenching

Spring Courses

Computer Applications in Construction (CM 422)

Section A: Mondays, 6:00-8:50 p.m.**, Mar. 30-June 8, 2009; 2 credits; $440 plus a $9 technology fee. Instructor: Andy Martinsen.

Section B: Wednesdays, 6:00-8:50 p.m.**, Apr. 1-June 3, 2009; 2 credits; $440 plus a $9 technology fee. Instructor: Andy Martinsen .

Section C: Thursdays, 6:00-8:50 p.m.**, Apr. 2-June 4, 2009; 2 credits; $440 plus a $9 technology fee. Instructor: Andy Martinsen.

• Overview of the use of microcomputers for cost estimating and construction scheduling, taught through lectures, demonstrations and student exercises.
• Hands-on experience, using Primavera SureTrak.

Prerequisites: CM 410 and 411. To register for this course, students must already have a strong knowledge of how to work within the Windows environment, including creating, saving and copying files, and use of mouse and application menus. Training on these functions is not provided during the course.

**Students who would like more time in class may come in one hour earlier, 5:00 p.m. instead of 6:00 p.m., and stay an hour later (until 9:50 p.m. instead of 8:50 p.m.).

Project Management (CM 421)

Section A: Tuesdays, 6:00-8:50 p.m., Mar. 31-June 2, 2009; 3 credits; $660 plus a $13 technology fee. Instructor: Mike Matter.

Section B: Tuesdays, 6:00-8:50 p.m., Mar. 31-June 2, 2009; 3 credits; $660 plus a $13 technology fee. Instructor: Sara Gerde.

Section C: Tuesdays, 6-8:50 p.m., Mar. 31-June 2, 2009; 3 credits; $660 plus a $13 technology fee. Instructor: Len Holm.

Introduction to basic principles, practices and techniques used to manage and control construction projects. Students analyze and debate case studies depicting actual events in construction project management. Topics:

• Responsibilities of project superintendents and managers on contemporary construction projects
• Project organization
• Project budgeting and inspection
• Start-up procedures
• Project documentation (reports, logs, etc.)
• Progress measurement
• Concepts of partnering and total quality management
• Change orders, claims and submittal processing
• Cost control
• Project closeout

Prerequisites: CM 333, 410, 411