Course Descriptions

BIT 1050 Foundations of Construction Codes and Inspections Credits 3 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1050

This course provides an introduction to the field of building inspection and construction codes. Provides an introduction to the field of building inspection and construction codes. The student will learn about the history of codes, what codes and standards are and how they are developed, along with receiving an introduction to plan reading, field inspections, department administrations, plumbing, mechanical systems and information on the industry and types of positions that work in a building department. This course is intended to provide a student with a broad overview of the building inspection industry and construction codes.

BIT 1100 Field Inspection Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1100

This course provides a basic understanding of how to conduct field inspections under the IRC. Students will learn about building components and systems and how building code requirements are applied to these systems during construction. This course is intended for a student working toward a career in the construction industry as an inspector or as a project manager. For BIT students it is recommended that BIT 1000 be completed before this course.

BIT 1150 Residential Plan Review and Field Inspections Credits 4 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1150

Emphasizes techniques for plan review and field inspections on single family dwellings, townhomes, and accessory structures associated with dwellings, in accordance with the current International Residential Code (IRC). Students will learn about egress components, basic fire and life safety, building construction techniques, building components and systems, and other requirements related to residential dwellings. Prerequisite: BIT 1050

BIT 1210 Advanced Field Inspection Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1210

This course is designed to give the experienced construction inspector an understanding of the more detailed requirements of the International Building Code. Topics covered will include standards referenced in the International Building Code, which are considered an extension of the code. Emphasis will be on commercial, industrial, and multi-story buildings. For BIT students it is recommended that BIT 1100 be completed before taking this course.

BIT 1250 Commercial Plan Review and Field Inspections Credits 4 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1250

Emphasizes techniques for plan review and field inspections on commercial, industrial, multi-story buildings, and multi-family structures in accordance with the International Building Code (IBC). Discussion topics shall include, but not be limited to, occupancy classification, allowable area, types of construction, fire resistive construction, fire protection requirements, building systems and exiting. Prerequisites: BIT 1050 and 1150

BIT 1300 Plan Review Non-Structural Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1300

BIT 1305 Advanced Plan Review: Non-Structural Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1305

This course emphasizes techniques for plan review on commercial, industrial and multi-family structures in accordance with the Minnesota State Building Code. Discussion topics shall include, but not be limited to, occupancy classification, allowable area, types of construction, fire resistive construction, fire protection requirements, exiting and accessibility. For BIT students it is recommended that BIT 1000 and BIT 1300 be completed before taking this course.

BIT 1310 Plan Review Structural Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1310

This course will introduce the techniques of conducting the structural plan review of a building design with special emphasis on wood frame construction, wood beams, joists, rafters, studs, columns and shear-resisting elements. Students will learn how to apply relevant equations to computer load, shear and other relevant structural forces. Ability to deal with equational material is essential, therefore prior math skills are recommended. For BIT students CMSV 2860 or equivalent knowledge is recommended before taking this course.

BIT 1410 Mechanical Inspection Credits 4 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1410

This course acquaints the student with the methods and techniques using the Minnesota Mechanical Code in plan review and field inspection of mechanical systems that including heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. The course is intended for anyone looking for a BIT degree/certificate, students pursuing a Construction Management degree, or those entering the mechanical inspection field. Ability to deal with equational material is essential, therefore prior math skills are recommended. For BIT students BIT 1000, Math 0901 and CMSV 2860 or equivalent knowledge are recommended before taking this course.

BIT 1420 Electrical Inspection Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1420

This course acquaints the student with a working knowledge of plan review and field inspection relative to the international electrical code and the sate code. Students will have the opportunity to study electrical design and perform electrical computations. Prior math skills are recommended. For BIT students it is recommended that CMSV 2860 or equivalent knowledge be completed before taking this course.

BIT 1600 Energy Conservation in Building Construction Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1600

This course presents the principles involved in the design of energy efficient buildings and familiarizes the student with the Minnesota Energy Code and its application to different types of buildings.

BIT 1700 Plumbing Code Credits 3 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1700

The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the Minnesota Plumbing Code, including code provisions, plan review, and field inspection. This course also provides a comprehensive overview of common plumbing materials and practices. For BIT students it is recommended that BIT 1000 be completed before taking this course.

BIT 1800 Housing Field Inspection Fundamentals Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1800

This course provides both new and experienced housing inspectors with historical and current techniques and materials used in the construction of the structural, electrical and mechanical components within existing residential structures. The course focuses on common construction and installation techniques and equipment, while giving special emphasis to the visible indicators of system deterioration and failure and hazardous and/or non-professional installations.

BIT 1805 Advanced Housing Field Inspection Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1805

This course provides students with information about housing construction elements that extend beyond basic structural, electrical and mechanical systems. The primary emphasis is to look at non-technical issues, including legal and constitutional requirements for enforcement as well as personal liability concerns. How to become an effective communicator and how to evaluate the supplemental housing elements are important components of the course. In addition, the course considers the leadership and management skills required for directing a comprehensive municipal housing inspection program. For those students interested in starting a home inspection business, the course offers information to understand marketing, liability and insurance issues. For BIT students it is recommended that BIT 1800 be completed before taking this course.

BIT 1810 Multi Housing Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1810

This course provides a basic understanding of fire stopping, general fire codes, and state codes which apply to rental and/or multi-housing. Students will learn about plumbing and mechanical elements, management/owners role in property maintenance, and tenant/landlord issues of multi-housing. Right of entry issues and rental licensing programs will be covered. For BIT students it is recommended that BIT 1000 be completed before taking this course.

BIT 1900 Legal and Administrative Aspects of Construction Codes Credits 3 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1900

Provides students with foundational concepts of modern administrative government, legal responsibilities in building inspection, inspector's authority, courtroom procedures, building inspection liability, the application of legal rules pertaining to public negligence, governmental liability and ethics. Current issues in the industry will be discussed and integrated into the course as appropriate. The course will provide students with an understanding of public administration as it relates to a code official. Prerequisites: BIT 1050 and BIT 1150

BIT 2000 Public Administration for the Code Official Credits 3 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 2000

The course covers establishment and maintenance of a building inspection department and its relationship with other community departments. Typical problems of functions, duties, intra- and inter-department relations, personnel, budget, legislative, public relations, and records-keeping are discussed.

BIT 2020 Legal Aspects of Building Inspection Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 2020

The class will consist of an overview of modern administrative government, legal responsibilities in building inspection, inspector's authority, courtroom procedures, building inspection liability, the application of legal rules pertaining to public negligence, governmental liability and ethics. This class is intended for governmental officials, building inspectors, elected officials, contractors and real estate professionals. For BIT students it is recommended that BIT 1000 be completed before taking this course.

BIT 2300 Advanced Plan Review Structural Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 2300

This course acquaints the inspector with engineering principles and provides some understanding of their application in the design and plan review areas. The course covers design of wood trusses; steel and wood beams; and columns and reinforced concrete systems. Prerequisite: BIT 1310

BIT 2400 Land Use Zoning Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 2400

This course has been designed to give the student an understanding of land-use and zoning regulations. These regulations include variances, conditional-uses, grading and preliminary plats. Students will learn what a municipal ordinance is and the, state regulations for county and municipal governments to enforce them. Also included are the DNR regulations pertaining to shoreline and flood plane elevations.

BIT 2500 Fire Suppression Systems Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 2500

This course will provide a review of the National Fire Prevention Guidelines along with a review of fire suppression blueprint. Field inspection and design of fire suppression systems also is covered.

BIT 2600 Building Inspection Internship Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 2600

Supervised work experience in a municipal building inspection department provides a variety of experiences for people new to the field. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

BIT 2650 Administering the MN State Building Code Credits 2 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 2650

The role of the building official is a complex one. Key aspects of a building official's job involves: having a solid understanding of codes and standards, an understanding of how to properly administer these codes and standards, along with working with various federal, state, and local agencies in order to provide conditions for a safe built environment. This course will bring together the concepts that the student has collected throughout the BIT curriculum, and apply this knowledge in a comprehensive review of the role of the building official. This course will provide essential background and understanding of how to properly administer the Minnesota State Building Code. This course is recommended for current and future building officials, inspectors, and other interested parties. Prerequisite: BIT 1000, 1100, 1300 and 2020