Electrical Construction Design & Management (ECDM), AAS
At Dunwoody College of Technology, the Electrical Construction Design & Management program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment in the electrical engineering/construction industry.
Graduates of the program start a career as drafters, designers, estimators, or project managers at engineering firms or electrical contractor companies. Students receive training in: fundamental electrical theory and application; motors, transformers, and generators; electrical control systems; electrical installations and wiring; electrical safety; drafting and designing power, lighting, and low voltage systems; lighting calculations; power system analysis; cost estimation; CSI specifications; and project management.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is studied extensively. Students learn crucial problem-solving skills as they advance through the program.
Arts & Sciences curriculum supports the technical skills students learn as well as enhance oral and written communication skills, fundamental math skills, and critical thinking ability.
Students also complete a capstone project that integrates and documents all aspects of drafting, designing, specifying and analyzing, estimating, and managing.
Length of Program: 2 years (4 semesters)
Classes Offered: Day
Available Starts: Fall Semester; Spring Semester
Bachelor's Completion Option(s): Construction Management (CMGT), Bachelor of Science | Business Management Leadership (AMGT), Bachelor of Science
- An ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve well-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
- An ability to design solutions for well-defined technical problems and assist with the engineering design of systems, components, or processes appropriate to the discipline.
- An ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in well-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
- An ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments, and to analyze and interpret the results.
- An ability to function effectively as a member of a technical team.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | ||
| MATH1000 | Algebra & Trigonometry | 3 |
| MATH1300 | Boolean Algebra & Number Systems | 2 |
| Communications Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Physical/Natural Science w/Lab Elective | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| Technical Requirements | ||
| ELEC1111 | AC & DC Electrical Lab | 5 |
| ELEC1113 | AC & DC Electrical Principles | 7 |
| ELEC1114 | Introduction to the NEC | 1 |
| ELEC1215 | Plans & Estimates for Electricians | 2 |
| ECDM2101 | Electrical Theory & Practice - Delta | 3 |
| ECDM2102 | Design Lab - Delta | 3 |
| ECDM2103 | Illumination Technology & Design | 4 |
| ECDM2201 | Electrical Theory & Practice - Omega | 3 |
| ECDM2202 | Design Lab - Omega | 3 |
| ECDM2203 | Electrical Estimating | 3 |
| ECDM2301 | Advanced Topics & Technology | 3 |
| CSBT2110 | Building Codes | 3 |
| CMGT1231 | Construction Planning & Scheduling I | 3 |
| CMGT1313 | Construction Contracts | 1 |
| Technical Elective (Choose one course): | ||
| ECDM2204 | Electrical Field Studies | 1 |
| or CMGT1901 | International AEC Fields & Practices | |
| Technical Elective (Choose one course): | ||
| ECDM2302 | Design Capstone | 3 |
| or ECDM2303 | ECDM Co-op/Internship | |
| Total Credits | 65 | |
The following sample academic plan demonstrates how a student's schedule might look on a semester-by-semester basis, including elective courses. Your actual degree plan may differ from this sequence, depending on whether you start in the fall or spring semester, what transfer credits you may have (if any), and which Arts & Sciences courses and electives you take and when you take them.
The sample academic plan is for informational purposes only. To determine your academic plan, please meet with an academic advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ELEC1111 | AC & DC Electrical Lab | 5 |
| ELEC1113 | AC & DC Electrical Principles | 7 |
| ELEC1114 | Introduction to the NEC | 1 |
| ELEC1215 | Plans & Estimates for Electricians | 2 |
| MATH1000 | Algebra & Trigonometry | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| ECDM2101 | Electrical Theory & Practice - Delta | 3 |
| ECDM2102 | Design Lab - Delta | 3 |
| ECDM2103 | Illumination Technology & Design | 4 |
| MATH1300 | Boolean Algebra & Number Systems | 2 |
| Physical/Natural Science w/Lab Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ECDM2201 | Electrical Theory & Practice - Omega | 3 |
| ECDM2202 | Design Lab - Omega | 3 |
| ECDM2203 | Electrical Estimating | 3 |
| ECDM2204 or CMGT1901 |
Electrical Field Studies or International AEC Fields & Practices |
1 |
| Communications | 3 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| CMGT1231 | Construction Planning & Scheduling I | 3 |
| ECDM2301 | Advanced Topics & Technology | 3 |
| ECDM2302 or ECDM2303 |
Design Capstone or ECDM Co-op/Internship |
3 |
| CSBT2110 | Building Codes | 3 |
| CMGT1313 | Construction Contracts | 1 |
| Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
Descriptions
ELEC1111 | AC & DC Electrical Lab | Laboratory (5 Credits)
Investigation and application of electronics and electrical alternating and direct current principles and theories utilizing electrical math, basic schematics, test equipment, circuit connections, and analysis techniques to identify and predict electrical and electronic component and circuit behaviors.
ELEC1113 | AC & DC Electrical Principles | Lecture (7 Credits)
Examine electronics and electrical alternating and direct current principles and theories utilizing electrical math, basic schematics, and circuit analysis techniques to identify and predict electrical and electronic component and circuit behaviors.
ELEC1114 | Introduction to the NEC | Seminar (1 Credit)
Introduction to the National Electrical Code through investigation of the history to formulate a necessary base knowledge in which to develop basic skills and understanding of the NEC and how it applies to the electrical applications in the field.
ELEC1215 | Plans & Estimates for Electricians | Lecture/Laboratory (2 Credits)
Investigate construction drawings, specifications, estimates, and sequencing through the interpretation of various symbols, take-off methodologies, cost analysis, and planning utilized in the electrical industry.
ECDM2101 | Electrical Theory & Practice - Delta | Lecture (3 Credits)
Principles and practices of electrical system design. Design and calculations involved in electrical construction. Apply occupant perspectives, construction techniques, and relevant codes. Examine the entire electrical system, with a focus on branch circuits and low voltage systems.
Prerequisite(s): ELEC1111
ECDM2102 | Design Lab - Delta | Laboratory (3 Credits)
Electrical design of a simulated residential and commercial building project. This project covers utility to outlets, with a focus on branch circuits and low voltage systems utilizing owner specifications and building and electrical codes. Practical design implementation is emphasized. Detailed documentation of all aspects of the project. CAD, Revit, and other modeling and analysis software is used to produce a final portfolio.
Prerequisite(s): ELEC1111
Corequisite(s): ECDM2105
ECDM2103 | Illumination Technology & Design | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)
Interior and exterior applications of lighting. Discussion of energy code, including control system implementation and lighting power density. Analyze photometric data and their application. Use 3D modeling to design layouts, taking into account fixture selection and basic aesthetic considerations.
Prerequisite(s): ELEC1111
ECDM2201 | Electrical Theory & Practice - Omega | Lecture (3 Credits)
Principles and practices of electrical system design. Design and calculations involved in electrical construction. Apply occupant perspectives, construction techniques, and relevant codes. Examine the entire electrical system, with a focus on distribution, such as transformers, generators, panels, and feeders.
Prerequisite(s): ELEC1111
ECDM2202 | Design Lab - Omega | Laboratory (3 Credits)
: Electrical design of simulated building project. This project covers utility to outlets, with a focus on distribution, such as transformers, generators, panels and feeders for a commercial and industrial project. Practical design implementation is emphasized. Detail documentation of all aspects of the project. Use contemporary 2D, 3D, and other modeling and analysis software to produce a final portfolio.
Corequisite(s): ECDM2204
ECDM2203 | Electrical Estimating | Lecture (3 Credits)
Detailed estimation and project management of electrical construction projects using industry software. Scheduling and bidding of construction projects and project documentations.
Corequisite(s): ECDM2204
ECDM2204 | Electrical Field Studies | Seminar (1 Credit)
Explore electrical systems in completed construction, and converse with owners and facility managers to discuss implications of design. Tour in-progress projects, and discuss project management obstacles and best practices.
ECDM2301 | Advanced Topics & Technology | Lecture (3 Credits)
Building on the design theory and labs, in depth analysis of specific electrical design applications, such as residential, medical, data centers, industrial, and other construction. Examine emerging technologies, such as renewable energy and building automation.
ECDM2302 | Design Capstone | Laboratory (3 Credits)
Integration of all aspects of electrical construction design and management, including drafting, designing, estimating, and managing projects, to create a complete comprehensive capstone project. The capstone project is presented and reviewed by industry experts and leaders, providing valuable feedback from their own experiences.
ECDM2303 | ECDM Co-op/Internship | Directed Study (3 Credits)
The Co-op or Internship course allows students to gain credit for work experience. In either option, students must have faculty approval before registering for this course. The Co-op Track is an educational experience combining academic and career interests with industry experience, offering the opportunity to test career interests, such as design, estimating, or project management. Students are paired with one or two companies over the course of a semester. Through the Co-op Option students are empowered to create a career plan enabling them to make well-informed choices for early career success. The Internship Track is a work experience in a typical company scenario. Students work on real and current projects that allow them to explore the difference in scope and types of work that exist outside the academic classroom.
CMGT1231 | Construction Planning & Scheduling I | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)
Analyze a sequence of construction tasks using network diagrams, Gantt charts, and the critical path method to create a project schedule.
CMGT1313 | Construction Contracts | Seminar (1 Credit)
Introduction to construction administration documents, systems, and procedures to understand the construction contracting process including planning and scheduling the job, bidding through closeout to meet project requirements.
CMGT1901 | International AEC Fields & Practices | Travel Study (1 Credit)
Introduction to the international aspects of architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Emphasis on inter-cultural communication, cultural intelligence, and globalization of technology. Traditional classroom sessions (held before travel) include lectures, seminar discussions, case studies, participatory activities, and guest speaker presentations. Coursework during travel is primarily experiential based and includes fieldwork, group projects and community based service-learning. Travel expenses are incurred by the student.
CSBT2110 | Building Codes | Lecture (3 Credits)
Select and apply appropriate federal, state/provincial and municipal codes, standards and accessibility guidelines using industry standards with an emphasis on Life Safety Codes and the ADA to prepare for licensing exams, meet with codes officials, and to design spaces that enhance the health, safety and welfare of the general public.
MATH1000 | Algebra & Trigonometry | Lecture (3 Credits)
Real numbers and polynomials, exponents and radicals, fractional equations; proportions and linear equations; trigonometric functions, solutions of triangles, radians, trig functions graphs, vectors, and basic identities.
General Education: Mathematics
MATH1300 | Boolean Algebra & Number Systems | Lecture (2 Credits)
Binary, octal and hexadecimal number systems. Boolean algebra and mapping.
General Education: Mathematics