Course Descriptions - Building Inspection Technology Departmen

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.

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

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

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

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

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