General Academics 2022-07-13T15:08:55-04:00

General Academics

Williamson takes a unique approach to occupational education. Over the course of three years at the college, students receive a broad education that includes study of trade and technical theory in the classroom and realistic work projects. Students also receive academic instruction that is designed to contribute to their career success. This well-rounded training is intended to provide graduates with the skills necessary for success in a wide variety of career options, from positions in the trade and technical fields to employment as small business owners.

Core Courses

Blueprint Reading

BLPR 112 Power Plant Blueprint Reading I (.5 credit) Using the drawings of equipment and flow diagrams in the Williamson power plant, instructs power plant technology students in reading and understanding the different styles of drafting used in piping or electrical drawings and the symbols used to represent various fittings, valves, and pipe sizes.

BLPR 113 Architectural Blueprint Reading (.5 credit) Acquaints building trade students with the different styles of residential and commercial construction and the symbols used to represent various construction materials. Also offers additional practice in reading specifications and making cost estimates from blueprints.

BLPR 117 Electrical Drawings (0.5 credits) Covers the drawings typically associated with substations and the skills needed for their interpretation. Provides detailed instruction on elementary, schematic, and general component arrangement drawings. Also covers wiring diagrams and drawing schedules.

BLPR 123 Power Plant Blueprint Reading II (.5 credit) Using drawings from actual power plants and refineries, instructs power plant technology students in reading and understanding the different styles of drafting. Continues to provide familiarization and practice in reading specifications, interpreting bills of material, and estimating costs from blueprints.

BLPR 241 Advanced Mechanical Blueprint Reading (2 credits) Continues to develop students’ ability to recognize standard graphic symbols dealing with machine threads, tolerance allowances, and the various styles of dimensioning used in the industry along with reading finishes and material requirements.

Business

BUSN 102 Introduction to Business (3 credits) Introduces students to the business world, emphasizing the terminology used in business. Explores the events and economic conditions that affect business. Discusses business in a global environment, the various forms of business, the social responsibility of business and the functions of accounting, marketing, management, and human resource management. Also explores the role of technology in business.

BUSN 241 Foremanship and Supervision (3 credits) Prepares students to become supervisors in a business setting. Includes an overview of the role of supervisors and a detailed look at each of the many jobs they perform.

BUSN 251 Personal Finance (3 credits) Acquaints the student with a model for personal financial planning as a method for managing his financial resources and improving his life-style by establishing and achieving financial goals. Topics include the American banking system, budgeting, recordkeeping, insurance, basics of investing, and retirement and estate planning.

BUSN 253 Small Business Start-Up (3 credits) Provides students with a detailed overview of the knowledge, skills, theory, and applications associated with starting a business, specifically in the trades. This includes a business plan and marketing plan.

Communications

COMM 110 Effective Speaking (3 credits) Teaches students the principles of articulate speaking through familiarization with concepts and mechanics of spoken communication and through practical usage. Develops understanding of speech processing, speech-building (including research), speech delivery, non-verbal communication, self- and peer-evaluation, problem solving, and terminology associated with the physical act of speaking. Provides instruction in the successful performance of six types of speeches (memorized passage, impromptu, extemporaneous, demonstrative, persuasive, and informative). Includes study of the founder’s history.

COMM 120 Basic Writing (3 credits) Provides instruction in the fundamentals of English composition, including writing summaries, narratives, instructional analysis, descriptive prose, extended definitions and a research paper reflecting a single point of view on a controversial topic.

COMM 230 Writing for Business and Industry (3 credits) Focuses on the special needs for written communication skills in the business world. Familiarizes students with various forms of technical writing and allows students practice in a wide variety of formats they may encounter in a business or technical setting.

COMM 240 Speech Communications (3 credits) Offers advanced study of communication based on intrapersonal and interpersonal skills needed in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on listening, conflict management, customer relations, group dynamics, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

COMM 250 Resume Writing and Interviewing (1 credit) Prepares third-year students to conduct effective job searches and to maximize opportunities for obtaining the best possible employment upon graduation. Includes preparation of cover letters, resumes, and applications, as well as proper conduct in an employment interview. At the end of the course, each student is expected to have a complete dossier and be thoroughly prepared to find a full-time job in his chosen field.

Computer Technology

CPTR 110 Computer Applications (1.5 credits) Introduces the use and operation of microcomputers for home, educational, business, and industrial applications. Emphasizes developing skills with the Windows versions of Microsoft Works and other Windows programs. Students will learn word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications that operate within the Windows environment. Students will progress from the fundamental components of a computer system to DOS commands to the multitasking aspects of Windows based programs.

CPTR 130 Introduction to Computer-Aided Design (1.5 credits) Familiarizes students with computer-aided design (CAD) software and assists in developing the skills and knowledge required to operate a CAD system. Requires completion of a series of drafting assignments.

CPTR 241 Advanced CAD in Machine Tool Technology I (1.5 credits) Provides additional training and practice in the use of CAD, requiring progressively more complex drawing assignments. Covers entering pertinent data for drawings, using relative and absolute coordinates, employing keyboard digitizing or pointing devices, sending drawing commands to a plotter, and producing a hard copy.

CPTR 250 Computer-Aided Design Applications (1.5 credits) Provides additional training and practice in the use of CAD, using progressively more complex drawing assignments in drafting assignments. Covers entering pertinent data for drawings, using relative and absolute coordinates, employing keyboard digitizing or pointing devices, sending drawing commands to a plotter, and producing a hard copy.

CPTR 256 Advanced CAD/SketchUp (1.5 credits) Provides additional training and practice in the use of AutoCAD and SketchUp for Carpentry and Masonry students, requiring progressively more complex drawing assignments. Instruction in the development of architectural plan and elevation drawings, wall sections, details, schedules and working 3D models.

CPTR 263 Advanced CAM in Machine Tool Technology I (1.5 credits) Provides a comprehensive exploration of topics in computer-aided manufacturing. Emphasizes modeling and programming, methods, production environment, and production impacts.

CPTR 264 Advanced CAM in Machine Tool Technology II (1.5 credits) Continues the exploration of complex topics associated with computer-aided manufacturing in CPTR 263. Emphasizes modeling and programming, methods, production environment, future forward developments in the field, and troubleshooting techniques.

Drafting

DRFT 114 Power Plant Drafting and Sketching (1.5 credits) Using knowledge from BLPR 112, instructs power plant student in the drawing of sectional views, single-line and isometric piping diagrams, elevations and spool drawings.

DRFT 119 General Drafting and Blueprint Reading (1.5 credits)Introduces basic concepts and drawing skills, including sketching freehand and with tools, manual drafting, orthographics, isometric and oblique drawings, using a scale, drawing to various scales, and solving geometric problems in drafting. Also teaches Machine Shop students to read and understand various styles of mechanical drawings and blueprints and to interpret drawings in relation to basic information provided so that possible errors or omissions can be corrected before proceeding on work assignments. Develops ability to recognize standard graphic symbols dealing with machine threads, tolerance allowances, and the various styles of dimensioning used in the industry.

DRFT 123 Architectural Sketching (1.5 credits) Develops the ability to illustrate with drawings, using the appropriate scale and details necessary for building residential homes, including foundations, footings, framing, roof sections, stairs, windows, and door details. This includes a detailed introduction to SketchUp and how to utilize the software.

DRFT 171 Landscape Drafting and Sketching (1.5 credits) Develops basic skills in hand drawing and sketching techniques to create reasonably-scaled landscape designs using horticultural symbols, different line weights, textures and colors.

DRFT 175 Electrical Drafting and Sketching (1.5 credits) Explores how drafting pertains to electronic components, equipment, and systems manufacturing, including the following units of study: diagrams, schematics, printed circuit boards, and other relative designs, along with electrical and electronic drawings stressing modern representation used for block diagrams, schematic diagrams, logic diagrams, wiring/assembly drawings, printed circuit board layouts, motor control diagrams, power distribution diagrams, and electrical one-line diagrams. The respective roles of engineers, designers, and draftsmen and how these relate to the electrical shop will be explored.

Humanities

HMAN 100 Fundamental Program Skills (.5 credit) Provides instruction in practical study skills, including the SQ4R study method, note-taking, time management, problem solving, test taking, dictionary use, research techniques, vocabulary, and reading for comprehension.

HMAN 120 Personal and Business Ethics (3 credits) Offers a philosophical study of moral values, including rational approaches to life and how to treat others. Seeks to clarify and critically assess moral ideas with the goal of refining and enriching moral experience and judgment. Also explores how concepts of human good relate to business activities, and evaluates contemporary business practices.

HMAN 150 Spanish for the Trades (1.5 credits) Introduces students to basic Spanish usage and vocabulary relevant to their trade. Course emphasizes practical and interactive communication skills.

HMAN 160 Advanced Spanish for the Trades (1.5 credits) Continues instruction in basic Spanish usage and vocabulary relevant to the student’s trade. Continues emphasis on practical and interactive communication skills.

Mathematics

MATH 110 Fundamentals of Technical Mathematics (2 credits) Reviews scientific notation, rounding numbers, fractions, and operations with polynomials and powers. Covers the metric system; equations (including the use of the distributive property and fractional); ratios and proportions; formula evaluation and arrangement; basic right triangle trigonometry; and solution of oblique triangles.

MATH 120 Basic Algebra and Geometry (2 credits) Offers a study of angles and angle measure; triangles; polygons and their areas and perimeters; circles; geometric solids; powers and roots; and products and factoring.

MATH 140 Advanced Algebra I (2 credits) Reviews equations and covers solving and graphing linear and simultaneous equations; further develops ratios, proportions, and formulas, including variation; expands on exponents, negative and zero.

MATH 150 Advanced Algebra II (2 credits) Examines fractional exponents; imaginary and complex numbers; solving irrational equations; checking for extraneous roots; solving and graphing quadratic equations. Reviews complex trigonometric problems as they apply to practical situations in the trades.

MATH 160 Advanced Technical Mathematics (2 credits) Exposes students to approaches on advanced functions, limits, derivatives, anti-derivatives, and integration. Covers applications with algebraic implants, geometric applications, graphical solutions, and areas/volumes under curves.

Physical Science

PSCI 110 Physical Science I – Chemistry (3 credits) Examines measurement using the English and metric systems, with special attention to accuracy and precision and the principles of measuring physical quantities. Also includes matter and energy concepts, simple density and displacement problems, chemical structure, equations and neutralization reactions, solutions, stoichiometry, acids, bases, and salts, using ion theory.

PSCI 120 Physical Science II – Physics (3 credits) Offers an introduction to the study of vector and static equilibrium forces and composition and resolution of parallel forces. Explains and demonstrates applications of friction and center of gravity, mechanics of motion, Newton’s laws, impulse, momentum, gravitation, work power, kinetic and potential energy, and principles of simple machines.

Technical Courses – Construction Technology

CMGT 101 Fundamentals of the Construction Industry I (3 credits) Provides a general overview of the planning, administration, management, and cost of construction projects and an introduction to the methodology used in executing specific designs. Emphasizes the organization of construction firms, use and types of primary construction equipment, estimating and quantity take-offs, contractual and management systems, scheduling, project administration, and inspection of construction operations.

CMGT 102 Fundamentals of the Construction Industry II (3 credits) Introduces the design process and development of construction documents. Covers the standard design phases: programming, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction administration, and the format and utilization of project manuals including contract specifications, the interpretation and analysis of engineering plans and specifications, and the new technologies being used in the design including Building Informational Modeling (BIM) and sustainable (green) practices. Also explores the various common project delivery methods.

CMGT 103 Project Building Systems (3 credits) Provides instruction in the description and identification of the equipment and materials used in mechanical systems for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, piping, gas, lighting, water and waste water, conveyance, life safety systems, environmental, security, audio/visual, and building system controls. Also introduces building structural and envelope systems.

CMGT 104 Project Administration (3 credits) Provides exposure to and use of various types of projects control systems for project efficiency and documentation. Covers how the submittal process operates and is monitored. Reviews a variety of tools used in tracking project documentation, and essential elements related to contract law and administration.

CMGT 105 Construction Safety and Loss Prevention (3 credits) Offers a practical guide for eliminating safety and health hazards from construction worksites. Covers program development, safety and health program implementation, intervention, and prevention of construction incidents, regulatory hazards faced by those working in the construction industry and sources of information. Also features updates for construction regulations, construction job audit, training requirements, and OSHA regulations. Includes new record keeping guidelines and forms with additional material on focused inspections. Provides updated contact information for the newest agencies and presents a model safety and health program, and examples of accident analysis and prevention approaches.

CMGT 106 Construction Cost Accounting, Estimating, and Finance (3 credits) Introduces various costs of construction including direct and indirect project costs, comparison of hard and soft costs, job cost analysis and forecasting of cost to completion, labor, material and equipment expenses, cash flow, overhead, profitability, and general conditions costs. Covers research techniques used to create accurate estimating and bidding procedures.

CMGT 107 Construction Project Planning and Scheduling (3 credits) Provides instruction in procedures used in project planning and scheduling that employ float methods of scheduling logic. Examines the critical path series of activities of project completion, including the use of computer software applications for problem solving, and related tools, spreadsheets, and information management. Also covers work breakdown structures, activity durations, status reports, resource allocation, re-planning, monitoring, and updating of projects. Students will develop project site logistics plans.

CMGT 141 Construction Take-Off (2.5 credits) Develops fundamental construction estimating skills especially during the construction take-off process. This includes general conditions, material quantities, concrete, rough carpentry, electrical work, masonry (brick and block), steel, mechanical work, finish applications, and labor. It involves familiarization with formal bids, insurance, and bonds. Students will be expected to identify and use appropriate math formulas, interpret construction plans and specifications, and compile essential data to develop an actual estimate, including summaries and costs by category.

CMGT 209 Building Energy Systems for Construction Managers (3 credits) Provides a conceptual understanding of functions and performances of energy systems including mechanical, electrical, electronic, and plumbing and transport systems in residential and commercial buildings. Also provides information on integration between energy systems and other building components. Introduces the concepts of alternative energy sources, energy efficiency, structural implications of mechanical systems, indoor air quality, and environmental control strategies. Familiarizes students with more recent and current efforts in sustainability and green building ideas. Also introduces codes and standards relevant to energy devices used in building construction, such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and National Electrical Code (NEC).

CMGT 210 Building Construction Systems & Codes (3 credits) Provides a conceptual understanding of functions and performance of structural building systems. Familiarizes students with use of construction code with reference to International Building Codes (IBC) 2012. Provides an understanding of how the code was developed, how it is to be interpreted, and how it is applied to design and construction of buildings, with the goal of making implementation of the code easier and clearer to understand. Discusses structural elements and their construction methods, use and occupancy, types of construction, fire-resistive constructions, interior finishes, building materials, inspections, and tests.

Technical Courses – General

CTEC 137 Strength and Structures (2 credits) Offers a cross section of applied mathematics to the field of machine and/or structural design and the basic principles of forces in equilibrium, including forces and stresses, moments and reactions, bending, and shear and bending moments, plus properties of sections. This course emphasizes the use of formulas rather than their derivation.

METL 150 Metals Survey (.5 credit) Presents basic metal and metallurgical information to seniors in Power Plant. Topics include mechanical and physical properties of metal; production, classification, and recommended uses of steel, cast iron, alloys, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals; heat treatment; and basic, welding, and powder metallurgy. Includes a foundry and forging seminar.

WELD 131 Introduction to Welding (.5 credit) Provides students with the knowledge and skills required to safely setup and operate oxyacetylene and electric arc welding equipment.

WELD 132 Welding Fundamentals I (1.5 credits) Provides students with the knowledge and skills required to safely setup and operate oxyacetylene and electric arc welding equipment. Provides demonstration in oxyacetylene cutting and electric arc welding of various joint configurations to industry standards.