107 courses with the subject AE, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
of another First-Year Seminar Select one of the following: 3 ECON 14 Principles of Economics 3 ECON 102 Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy 3 ECON 104 Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy 3 Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better 3 Select one of the following: 3
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in-depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.
This course exposes students to (1) the interdependencies between various building systems (2) the interdisciplinary nature of the field of architectural engineering, and (3) the concept of professional practice in the building and construction industries. Students learn to integrate architectural design and detailing, the influence of thermal science, and building codes in the design of building systems. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce simple integrative building designs, attain fundamental knowledge of fire protection principles, design a roof storm water drainage system, have a fundamental knowledge of climate as a design driver, gain working knowledge of passive design strategies, attain a fundamental knowledge of psychrometrics, understand the principles defining thermal comfort, gain working knowledge of heat transfer through building envelope assemblies, calculate heat loss for a building, perform simple energy calculations and gain a fundamental knowledge of typical energy codes. The course also introduces the principles of social and environmental responsibility through discussion of sustainable design. The course utilizes lectures, practicums, examinations, projects and presentations to deliver and reinforce the technical content. The course offers students the opportunity to work in team settings and to present their work orally to their peers. The projects present opportunities to engage students in the discussion and application of social and ethical responsibilities.
AE 211 3
This course covers the fundamentals of: (1) building materials to form building systems, (2) building construction methods to assemble building systems, and (3) computer modeling strategies to convey system designs. All three areas are concurrently taught to connect the lectures to a thematic area in building design. Thematic areas covered in AE 221 include: various architectural and structural materials; visual documentation of architectural designs and structural systems in 2D and 3D representations; industry accepted software tools to convey designs; and finally, building codes and their requirements. Students learn the course content in a variety of active strategies including: site tours, building construction demos and lab builds, utilizing campus buildings in assignments, guest speakers and more. By the end of the course, students will be able to comprehend trends in how materials are used to create buildings; identify and select current and emerging building materials for a variety of applications; apply technology to communicate designs to many different stakeholders; read, interpret and generate construction documents (e.g. 2D and 3D models); and connect building codes and standards requirements to building materials. AE 221 is a required course for all students in the Architectural Engineering undergraduate program.
This course covers materials and methods of construction used in residences, and the preparation of working drawings for a small building. The course objective is for students to understand construction documents, to communicate construction information with sketches, and to create drawings and specifications. The course is organized around a series of modules related to working drawings. These modules consist of: 1) reading and interpreting construction documents, 2) creating hand drawn sketches, from existing mock-ups, from existing drawings, from assigned details of existing campus buildings, from only given material and connection parameters, and 3) generating CAD drawings of plans, elevations, wall sections, building sections, details, schedules. The final partial construction documents will be in accordance with CAD standards and building various codes, including Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3597 zoning. This course prepares students for further study in the advanced architectural engineering courses. Student evaluation and individual grades are based on a combination of homework, projects, in class assignments, exams, quizzes and attendance. In class assignments are generally short and given to demonstrate a concept or as practice. Special facilities consist of: 1) the drafting room, where various drawings and specifications are utilized and where students prepare sketches, 2) the computer lab, where students have access to computer aided design software, presentation software and communication software, 3) the material samples room, where actual material samples and fasteners are examined and understood and 4) the hands-on mock-up room, where true size mock-ups that represent the students' drawings are built by student groups. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 221
The goal of this course is to provide students with fundamental knowledge of programming and data science so that it can be applied to a broad set of problems in architectural engineering. The course introduces students to programming concepts in Python, such as object oriented and functional programming as well as data science concepts, including exploratory data analysis and data visualization libraries that can be applied in Python, as well as similar applications available in spreadsheet tools. Basic topics related to statistics and optimization in architectural engineering applications are also included. During the final part of the course students will synthesize the topics they learned and apply them to AE CAD software and other tasks. This course provides a foundation for architectural engineering students to apply programming and data science techniques not only to challenges that exist today, but also to new challenges that will emerge as this field changes with time. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MATH 140
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in-depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.
Algebraic and graphical methods of analysis of determinate members, deflections; introduction to indeterminate analysis methods. Course includes practicums. AE 308 Introduction to Structural Analysis (4) In this introductory course, students develop skills to perform analysis of structures, with emphasis on buildings and their structural elements. The objectives of this course are as follows: 1) to determine loads that the buildings/structural elements are likely to be subjected to during the lifetime of the building; 2) to discuss procedures used to determine reactions and internal forces in trusses, beams, and frames; 3) to introduce methods that can be used to calculate deflections. These objectives can be seen as three general steps that define structural analysis. Although the main emphasis in this course is the analysis of planar, statically determinate structures, an introduction to the analysis of indeterminate structures is also given. The course is required to be taken by all architectural engineering undergraduate students in the third year. A knowledge of statics and strength of materials is required and this
This course introduces students to the acoustical analysis and design of buildings by having a fundamental understanding of the physics of sound including frequency, wavelength, sound pressure, and the human auditory system. The course encompasses four distinct areas of study: (1) fundamentals of acoustics, (2) room acoustics, (3) sound isolation, and (4) human hearing. A key goal of the course is to equip students with the skills to provide building occupants with high-quality listening environments that minimize intrusion by offending noises. The course also overviews the acoustical performance of typical building materials. By manipulating architectural materials and geometric configurations, students learn to improve acoustical performance of a building, specifically reverberation time for interior room acoustics and sound transmission class for sound isolation. By the end of the course, students will be able to: perform calculations related to sound pressure level, sound power level, weighted average absorption coefficient, reverberation time, and sound transmission class; design rooms in terms of a suitable reverberation time; and design sound isolation between rooms in terms of a suitable partition selection. Through lectures, practicums, projects, and examinations, the concepts of acoustical design are delivered and reinforced. The course offers students the opportunity to work in a team setting. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: AE 221
This course explores a variety of HVAC systems and presents methods of analyzing air-conditioning processes. HVAC systems maintain not only an acceptable level of thermal comfort within conditioned spaces, but also a healthy indoor environment. Hence, the conditions for a comfortable and healthy indoor environment, such as physiological considerations, environmental indices, and control of indoor air quality are also presented. Successful design of an HVAC system requires an accurate estimate of the peak rate at which thermal energy must be added to (heating load) or removed from (cooling load) a space. Accordingly, the various types of heat transmission in buildings and methods for estimating them are discussed to prepare students to estimate a building's energy consumption and size HVAC systems properly. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of elements that influence HVAC design (such as, climatic conditions, building enclosure and factors of integrative design); attain fundamental knowledge of cooling load estimating; be knowledgeable about typical building HVAC systems (such as, steam, hydronic, and air systems); understand the psychrometric processes involved in maintaining indoor conditions for comfort and health; and evaluate the processes needed to maintain acceptable indoor air quality. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ME 201. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: AE 202
In Fundamentals of Electrical and Illumination Systems for Buildings (AE 311), students gain an understanding of the basic knowledge and methods for analyzing, designing, and specifying building lighting and electrical systems. Lighting content introduces vision and perception, color, photometric calculations, luminaire types and their application, lighting controls, architectural lighting design principles, and lighting design documents. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze, design, and specify simple architectural lighting systems. More specifically, students will gain a working knowledge of the terminology and principles of architectural lighting design and the role of lighting designers within the building design process; learn to apply the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) design guidelines, and applicable energy code requirements in various space types. They will also be able to recognize, select, configure, and specify architectural luminaires and related control systems; understand the basics of color theory and the psychological impacts of lighting; and create and validate simple computer models for the purpose of facilitating lighting design. Electrical content introduces fundamental electrical calculations, electrical design processes, power distribution layout and equipment selection; the National Electrical Code, including application of its overcurrent and grounding requirements; electrical construction documents; and utility coordination. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze, design and document architectural electrical systems. Specifically, students will gain a working knowledge of the terminology and principles of architectural electrical systems and the role of electrical engineers within the building design process; size and specify conductors, conduit, and overcurrent protection devices according to the National Electrical Code, and coordinate and layout panelboards and switchboards; identify topics in electrical building system design that create safety issues; and understand electric utility services and rate structures as they apply to building design. Lecture material is reinforced with homework, hands- on practicums, and team projects. AE 311 is a required course for all students in the Architectural Engineering undergraduate program and typically taken in the third year. This course serves as a prerequisite for courses on building illumination and electrical systems in the Architectural Engineering undergraduate program. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PHYS 212
In this course, students will gain an understanding of the basic knowledge and methods used to organize and manage the delivery of a construction project. Construction topics covered include an introduction to the construction industry; organizational and contractual arrangements for construction projects; construction cost estimating techniques; construction scheduling approaches; critical path method scheduling; construction risk management, including bonds and insurance; and project management related to safety, quality, cost, and schedule. By the end of the course, students will: understand core concepts associated with construction planning and management approaches for building projects; be able to define the goals and objectives of the various players on a construction project; select a delivery method for organizing and delivering a successful construction project; know the typical types of contracts, insurance, and bonds, along with when they are appropriately used; create conceptual, square foot, assembly, and unit price construction cost estimates; develop a Critical
/Maximum of 6 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.
Design of Steel and Wood Structures for Buildings (AE 401) is a first course in structural steel and wood design that focuses on the application of principles of structural behavior and material properties to the layout, analysis, design, and detailing of structural elements in steel and wood buildings. This course will prepare students to: (1) analyze and design members in gravity systems (steel and wood) and (2) identify, interpret and apply the appropriate provisions (from the American Institute of Steel Construction and the American Wood Council) to evaluate limit states at a member level. The primary steel topics covered in AE 401 include: steel system configurations; tension and compression members; non-composite and composite beams; decking and joists; conceptual layout of steel gravity systems, and bolt and weld limit states. The primary wood topics covered in AE401 include: wood design philosophy, wood gravity systems, along with correlations between what is similar and unique between steel and wood structures. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 221 and AE 222 and AE 308
7-8 AE 403 Advanced Steel Design for Buildings 3
By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze and design multi-story steel framing systems by: understanding and applying the provisions of national standards and specifications for design loads and associated criteria; designing gravity and lateral elements in a comprehensive design project; applying state-of-the-art guidelines for serviceability; creating and validating computer models for the purpose of facilitating design; Students will also be able to identify topics in steel design that are beyond the scope of classroom instruction; identify and apply resources available from the American Institute of Steel Construction; and explain their ethical and professional responsibilities for designing safe, serviceable, and economical steel designs. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 401 and AE 430
In this course, students gain an ability to design simple building members in steel and concrete using current professional standards, specifications, and guidelines. Students will learn how to combine these members into simple structural systems and compare the performance and load carrying characteristics of these systems. The course also addresses general performance parameters of these materials, construction issues, and key systemsintegration issues for beams, columns, flooring and roofing systems, and lateral bracing systems constructed in steel and concrete. By the end of the course students will be able to: apply structural loads based on relevant codes and standards; understand the layout of various steel flooring and roof systems; select steel deck system based on design requirements; calculate the loads for different deck configurations and use them to assess the forces on floor members; design floor members including joists and standard steel W-shapes; calculate the loads on steel columns and design them; understand various lateral load resisting system in steel buildings and their efficient layout; understand various types of connections in steel buildings; understand various reinforced concrete floor systems and their applicability; calculate the loads and moments on beams, girders and one way-slabs; analyze beams for flexure and shear; design columns and two-way slabs using tables from the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI). This course is considered to be the terminal course in structures for non-Structural option AE students, and is designed to provide a general understanding of design, construction, and integration issues that affect these structural systems. This course may not be taken by students in the Structural option in the Architectural Engineering undergraduate program or by students in the Architecture program. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 221 and AE 222 and AE 308
This course prepares students in the analysis, evaluation, and design of the most commonly used foundation systems to support buildings with an emphasis on shallow foundations. Included is a discussion of how all structural loads on buildings, most notably gravity loads and wind/ seismic lateral loads, are transferred to the soil supporting the building. The design of foundation systems is a function of soil material properties, foundation material, and the selected foundation system. Topics include the basics of soil mechanics for foundation design for both strength
General Education Course 3 General Education Course 3 18 18
AE 424 3
f AE 431 Advanced Concrete Design for Buildings 3
Advanced Concrete Design for Buildings (AE 431) is the second course in reinforced concrete design that builds upon previously learned skills in reinforced concrete design and analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate systems. Successful students will gain a sufficient understanding of the theoretical basis of concrete design to be able to learn any further aspect of concrete design on their own, and a set of specific critical skills needed by a structural designer involved with reinforced concrete structures. By the end of the course, students will be able to: interpret the organization and meaning of the ACI 318; apply behavior knowledge to evaluate limit states to assess if concrete one and two way gravity and lateral systems are properly sized; execute appropriate methods for designing concrete members and systems using the strength design approach; develop skills in layout, design and evaluation of conceptual concrete system designs for a building; analyze and design reinforced concrete structures by understanding that reinforced concrete analysis and design are inextricably linked; to interpret design issues, select and conduct the required analysis, and specify a design for a particular application. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 402 and AE 430
Design of Masonry Structures (AE 432) prepares students to design load- bearing and non load-bearing masonry structures. Although the emphasis is on reinforced masonry, some topics in unreinforced masonry are also covered. The course begins with a discussion of the materials used in masonry construction: clay units, concrete units, mortars, grout, and reinforcement. Since masonry code covers both allowable and strength design methods, a discussion of both design philosophies is necessary. The primary focus is on the analysis and design of reinforced masonry lintels, columns, shear walls, as well as out of plane walls. Additional topics such as deep beams, deflection, anchorage, and development length are also covered. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze and design lintels in flexure and shear; analyze and design concrete masonry columns and pilasters under restrained or unrestrained conditions; analyze distribution of lateral loads to shear walls with openings; analyze and design masonry wall (load bearing and non-load bearing) in flexure and shear for in-plane loads; analyze and design concrete masonry walls and out-of-plane loads; design deep beams; detail miscellaneous steel attachments to masonry. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 402 or CE 341
This course will focus on understanding the economics of the building lifecycle and the analytical approaches to evaluate higher cost building systems that may reduce overall lifecycle costs. Buildings are typically prototype combinations of systems that have varying costs in terms of
Building Retuning focuses on the identification and implementation of energy-efficient retuning measures for commercial buildings to detect energy savings opportunities and implement improvements. This class introduces the topics of energy efficiency management through no-cost and low-cost operational measures in the following major focus areas: lighting, building envelope, hot water/steam systems, HVAC, compressed air, indoor environmental quality, and plug loads. This course builds upon prerequisite knowledge in building energy systems and is intended to support careers in the energy services industry. Students will learn how data is acquired through several on-site building surveys and walkdowns, analyze them, convert them to graphical formats, and interpret them for operational diagnosis and write a report on their recommendations. Students will also gain experience to interact with building occupants and operators and practice how to effectively work as a team. By the end of the course, students will: understand the roles of various technologies, methods, and analytical tools designed to evaluate building energy systems, envelope, and occupancy; be proficient in the use of analytical tools used for energy modeling of existing buildings and the development of energy efficiency recommendations; be capable of synthesizing multiple sets of criteria in the design of energy efficiency measures and packages that are unique and responsive to situational conditions; and be experienced in communication with facility owners and managers in a manner that encourages actionable steps toward energy efficient systems. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 424 or AE 476 or AE 454
The goal of this course is to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of parametric thinking, visual programming, and data management for applications in architectural engineering. These concepts are promoted for use in the different stages of engineering design. The course begins with an introduction to algorithms with an emphasis on geometry and generative design for buildings, covering logic operators, vectors, curves, surfaces, meshes, intersections, and transformations. It then explores data structures and management in visual programming software, including data types, list operations, and tree operations. Next, it places parametric techniques in the context of the engineering design process, exposing students to discipline-specific analysis that can be implemented parametrically to inform engineering decisions. Finally, it introduces applications of visual programming for design space exploration and transferring data to later phases in the design and delivery of buildings. The course culminates with a group Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3601 project that enables students to pursue their own AE computational interests. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 240 Recommended Preparations: Basic computer programming skills are required.
or AE 454 Advanced Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 11 credits from technical courses on department option list Students having successfully completed ROTC upon graduation, may apply 3 credits of ROTC to these courses. Additionally, 3 credits o ROTC may be applied to GHW. Mechanical Option (35 credits) Code Title Credits 3 Prescribed Courses
This course provides students with fundamental theories and advanced knowledge to design HVAC systems for energy-efficient, healthy, and sustainable buildings. Students learn approaches to analyzing complex
35 Conditioning System Design
In this course, students will gain an understanding of basic automatic control theory, control system components, and control system design for applications related to building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The course builds on knowledge of HVAC system function and design obtained in prior courses in the curriculum and prepares students for advanced design courses and the capstone project. The course begins with an introduction to concepts and terminology of automatic control, followed by detailed study of control system components: sensors, controlled devices, and controllers. Understanding of these fundamentals is then applied to the development and documentation of controls for common HVAC systems and the commissioning of control systems. Relevant standard and guideline documents are referenced as appropriate. Students gain skills to design, document, and analyze the performance of building control systems. By the end of the course, students will be able to describe the characteristics of dynamic control systems and illustrate typical responses; identify, explain, and select the components of a control system; select and explain appropriate control strategies and sequences of operation; design and specify complex building automation systems for a variety of building types; and assess and contrast HVAC control sequences. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 454
This course focuses on noise control and room acoustics in buildings with an emphasis on the control of HVAC system noise, sound isolation in buildings, speech privacy, and acoustic design variables in spaces for speech and music. By the end of the course, students will be able to predict sound pressure levels (Lp) along ductwork due to sound power levels of a fan; design HVAC systems using noise control strategies to achieve suitable Lp; design noise barriers for outdoor HVAC equipment, e.g. cooling towers & rooftop units; design rooms for speech and /or music taking into account reverberation time, clarity index, room shape, materials and reflectors; specify appropriate sound transmission class (STC) of wall partitions and noise criteria (NC) for speech privacy; and design sound isolation for floor-ceiling assemblies in terms of impact insulation class (IIC). Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 309
This course provides students with hands-on experience in the measurement of building energy performance, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality. Students learn standardized test methods and instrumentation for field investigation of building system performance. Using the measurement data from real buildings (both commercial and residential), students will be able to critically evaluate performance of building HVAC systems, building envelopes, and environmental quality in occupied spaces. Students will also learn how to renovate building systems based on field monitoring data. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply fundamental building science principles to measure mass and energy flow in buildings; leverage instrumentation and standardized test methods for high performance buildings; assess measurement science, uncertainty, and quality control associated with field measurements; and critique energy performance and indoor environmental quality of a building using field measurements and data analysis. The topics in this course provide a foundation for engineering students on the design of net-zero energy and high-performance buildings that address energy savings, occupant comfort, productivity, and health. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 310 and AE 454
This course enables students to design basic lighting systems by providing them with a working knowledge to (1) evaluate the applicability of different lamp, luminaire, and control types in a particular design situation; (2) establish fundamental design criteria for a variety of lighting applications; (3) conduct appropriate and accurate analyses of lighting systems to assess system performance and evaluate their ability to meet design criteria; and (4) implement a completed design by specifying all of the components of the system and providing an appropriate system layout. By the end of the course, students will be able to converse intelligently about the art and science of light; apply technical terminology utilized in the lighting industry; understand how to establish fundamental design criteria for a variety of lighting situations; apply a design process for selecting and evaluating lighting hardware including light sources and luminaires; create a lighting design, reflected ceiling plan, light fixture schedule, and be able to appropriately present design solutions; and recognize basic ethical issues and understand proper frameworks for evaluating situations. Topics covered include: lighting and color metrics; the lighting design process; psychological aspects of lighting; light sources, luminaires, lighting systems, and the layering of light; lighting system documentation; presentation skills; ethics, professional issues, and the business of lighting. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 311
AE 462 is designed for students who wish to gain a more thorough understanding of architectural lighting controls and integration of controls with other building systems. This course examines how sustainability, human needs, costs, psychology, codes, corporate branding, and more all overlap to drive design decisions. It builds upon a fundamental understanding of the architectural lighting design process to develop a student's awareness of control issues. Topics include control philosophy, control topologies, control componentry, design documentation, code evaluation, and advanced control logic. The course investigates the methodology and processes behind basic control systems to modern data driven IoT (Internet of Things) solutions at the cutting edge of technology. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 461
Solar geometry, building orientation and form, daylight design methods, characterization of interior and exterior lighting conditions. Offered in Rome. Analysis of Roman architecture from the perspective of daylight. Topics include solar geometry; building orientation and form; daylight design methods including toplighting and sidelighting strategies; illuminance meters; characterization of interior and exterior lighting conditions; site visits. Course includes development of a software tool to compute solar geometry and daylight availability for any location on the globe and for clear, overcast, and cloudy sky conditions. The software tool will also run in reverse, providing time of day and year when the sun is in a desired position for any latitude and longitude. Offered on location in Rome. Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3603 Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ARCH 130A and AE 202
The course focuses on advanced topics related to lighting design such as luminous flux transfer and its application to lighting analysis tools, advanced issues in photometry, advanced control systems, and the design and evaluation of daylighting systems. Course topics include: Codes and standards; photometry, lighting and daylighting system performance metrics; lighting calculations for point and area sources, methods for modeling interreflection; the Lumen Method; light loss factors; proper application of lighting system modeling software; the fundamentals of daylighting and daylight delivery systems; basic and automated lighting control systems and their application, plus their role in emergency lighting. By the end of the course, students will be able to: convey a thorough understanding of photometric data and its application, including the ability to derive photometric reports from luminous intensity data; apply engineering principles and software to evaluate lighting and daylighting system performance; recognize different daylight delivery systems and list design considerations and performance features for these systems; apply daylight performance metrics to the analysis of daylight delivery systems; apply a working knowledge on the wide range of lighting control systems available, and properly select an appropriate control system and equipment for a specific application. The course includes hands-on practicum experiences, homework, analysis and design problems and exams. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: AE 461
This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the steps involved in the lighting design process, including the design and analysis for outdoor area; floodlighting; and interior applications, including design criteria; economic analysis; modeling algorithms; and visualization. The goal of this course is to cultivate an understanding of good lighting design practice through a series of design and analysis problems. Students gain experience and skill in applying these steps to real design problems, as well as effectively communicating their designs. Topics include the design process; outdoor area and interior architectural lighting design considerations; design criteria; schematic level design; lighting system modeling, performance evaluation and visualization; equipment selection and layout; and graphic and oral communication of schematic and final lighting design solutions. By the end of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of and the ability to: establish and follow a design process from programming through construction documentation; apply nontechnical skills that are essential to success in the AE professions of lighting design and illuminating engineering, including time management, effective communication, collegiality, and initiative; analyze lighting system performance with lighting software that employs advanced modeling algorithms; present design concepts, design processes, and lighting design solutions with clarity and professionalism, both visually and orally. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 461
Advanced Building Electrical System Design (AE 467) offers an in-depth look at electrical power distribution system design for buildings. The course reviews electrical calculation fundamentals, power distribution layout and equipment selection, metering/monitoring concepts, simple power flow control concepts, the National Electrical Code, design analysis and construction documents for electrical systems, and utility coordination. Lecture material is reinforced with homework and a semester-long project completed by each student. By the end of the course, students will have mastered core concepts needed to complete assignments encountered in electrical design for buildings. Specifically, students will be able to: explain and apply the electrical design process for buildings; evaluate facility loads and select an appropriate electrical distribution system configuration for a facility that complies with owner requirements; layout basic normal and emergency power distribution systems; understand the concepts of power system redundancy; address coordination details for the utility serving a project and create a detail that explains the interface with the utility; understand power studies (fault, device coordination and arc flash energy) and how to apply the study information to project design; select normal and emergency power distribution equipment that meets owner and project requirements; design feeders, branch circuits, and motor circuits and select distribution equipment sizes based upon loads and NEC rules; know basic metering and monitoring concepts and how these are applied to project systems; understand control systems for power flow, lighting, and equipment in buildings, and how to apply simple control strategies using control switches, relays/contactors and time switches for lighting circuits and transfer switches, as well as contactors and electrically-controlled breakers for power distribution systems; evaluate and compare power distribution system options utilizing cost data as well as an evaluation model; understand the concepts and NEC rules for residential/living unit electrical design; read and apply the National Electrical Code to normal and emergency power distribution equipment, conductors, raceways, overcurrent protection and grounding; demonstrate mastery of basic electrical calculations needed for the design of single- and three-phase systems; and understand how electrical design is presented in project contract documents. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 311
Special Building Electrical and Communication Systems is an elective course within the architectural engineering program. It addresses specialized components and analysis of building electrical systems, cost and availability of electrical energy, and power quality. Students will also develop an a more in-depth understanding of alternative electrical sources, the National Electric Code, advanced design issues of electrical systems, as well as other electrical and building communication issues. In addition, part of the course will focus on the fundamentals of special systems typically included within the electrical discipline scope of work such as fire alarm, access control, surveillance, voice, video and data systems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the fundamentals of special electrical and communication systems within a building. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 467
This course offers in-depth study in the areas of solar energy sources, photovoltaic (PV) systems design, and their interface with building electrical systems. The course provides an overview of PV systems and common applications in residential and commercial buildings, including the availability, intensity, and utilization methods of solar irradiance and insolation based on latitude and climate as well as site survey and assessment methods for the positioning of PV systems. Technical topics include solar radiation modeling, calculations, and simulation, traditional and emerging photovoltaic technologies, DC-AC power inversion, energy storage systems, and system sizing and design. The integration of PV systems with the building electrical system, including discussions of the pertinent building codes, utility interconnection, and the economic analysis of PV systems, is also included in this course. By the end of the course, students will be able to calculate and account for the factors which affect the performance of PV systems in various climates and conditions; distinguish the features and performance variables of solar modules and inverters in the design of PV systems; calculate string sizing and inverter matching variables in the design of PV systems; communicate the critical design features of safe and efficient PV system integration with buildings and utilities; evaluate and quantify the factors affecting the successful installation and performance of PV systems in a variety of settings; and apply newly acquired inquiry skills to assess new products entering the solar energy marketplace. In addition to understanding the key issues with system design, students will be able to choose components properly and to design a basic grid-tied system for a chosen building. Students will also be able to conduct an economic analysis of PV systems in the context of residential and commercial building construction. Lecture material is reinforced with homework, hands-on exercises, and a semester-long project completed by each student. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 311 or EE 210 or EE 211 or EE 212
Residential Building Design and Construction (AE 470) familiarizes students with the residential construction industry and allows students to apply principles studied in other coursework to residential buildings. The content of this course provides an understanding of the residential construction process and the overall design of the various structural and enclosure systems within residential buildings. This course also focuses on the role of building science and the building enclosure in the performance and efficiency of residential buildings. The scope of residential construction considered in this course is primarily focused on single-family and multi-family dwellings. Furthermore, most of the topics covered are applicable to new construction, remodeling, as well as repair projects. By the end of the course, students will be knowledgeable of the operation of the residential construction industry and its role in the local and national economy; understand the construction process and the overall design of various systems within residential dwellings; and have experience with the role that building physics and the building envelope play in the performance and efficiency of residential buildings. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 372 or CE 332
This course introduces students to the processes by which building construction contractors acquire building projects, and the range of services typically provided on these projects. This course offers a working understanding of the preconstruction process and methods of acquiring negotiated work in building construction; addresses cost estimates, schedules, cash-flow curves, and site plans for building projects; and provides a working knowledge of competitive presentation strategies and helps students develop professional presentation skills. The content of the course centers upon the process by which companies plan for and acquire projects as construction managers and general contractors. Specific topics include schematic estimating and scheduling, design coordination of structural, architectural, and mechanical systems, value engineering processes, and site planning. The financial aspects of construction work are also presented, including project financing, cash flow, and accounting. A significant portion of the course is devoted to the development of strategic and competitive business presentation, including risk assessment, fee structure, team dynamics, and technical presentation skills. By the end of the course, students will understand and participate in the planning, development, and presentation of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a construction effort. Specifically: understand the steps required to review and assemble a reply to a complex RFP; create a company organization chart, outline roles and responsibilities, company charter, and demonstrate an understanding of creating an interesting response; understand the roles of consultants and project staff; assemble schematic estimates, site logistics, project schedules, and research the project needs and drivers; apply technology to enhance their deliverables; create a safety analysis to reduce risk and learn ways to control costs, enhance fees, and communicate/document project issues; acquire presentation skills and understand ethical practices and network development. The class relies heavily upon the application of all content in the context of a team project. The project involves the distribution of a "Request for Proposal" for which students prepare a competitive proposal for an actual building construction project planned on the Penn State University Campus. Class Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3605 activities include the presentation of key issues followed by in-class or independent exercises to reinforce themes and strategies to be applied in the project proposal. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 475
In Building Construction Management and Control (AE 473), students will learn how to perform detailed construction planning, identify potential problems during construction, and manage changes throughout a construction project. Students gain an understanding of the role of the general contractor/construction manager in analyzing the construction aspects of a building project and designing the construction engineering and management systems to effectively execute the project. Additional course topics include the key decisions that construction executives make when managing a construction company and identifying potential projects to pursue; the management of changes which occur throughout a project and ethical standards for a professional engineer and their impact on decisions within the construction industry. By the end of the course, students will be able to: explain key decisions that construction executives make when managing a construction company; perform detailed planning for a construction project; implement a construction plan and monitor the progress of a project including cost, schedule, quality, and safety performance; manage changes which occur throughout the project and how to negotiate contract changes; follow ethical standards for a construction professional and explain how ethics impacts decisions within the construction industry. The course is taught via a combination of teaching methods that rely on problem-based learning through both in- and out-of-class activities; lectures by faculty and industry experts; project case studies; student presentations; and team and individual assignments. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 472
Building Construction Engineering I (AE 475) offers students core knowledge about the construction processes and methods of different construction systems. Key issues for the construction management of these systems are addressed. This course explores the main methods and procedures for constructing buildings, and focuses on the civil, structural, and envelope elements of buildings. Four main components of building construction engineering are investigated: preconstruction, civil systems, structural systems, and architectural systems. The objective of this course is to develop the students' fundamental understanding of the required steps to plan and construct a successful building project. By the end of the course, students will be able to: identify the construction methods for the building systems; describe the method; explain why the method is being used; provide alternatives for the design; provide a rationale to support or evaluate the choice of alternatives; use their knowledge of building materials and equipment, such as concrete, steel, and masonry, to support their decision-making on the related issues in different construction projects; describe different construction procedures and details and identify the best one for a construction project; create a reasonable project estimate and schedule using the tools for cost estimation and task scheduling; clearly identify project safety, productivity, and quality control concerns as they relate to the systems discussed in this course; show awareness of current design and construction industry trends, issues, and events; and understand
Construction of mechanical and electrical systems in major buildings; fire protection, sound control, elevatoring; trade coordination; manufacturers' developments; computer application. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 475. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: AE 310
or CE 336 Materials Science for Civil Engineers & CE 337 and Civil Engineering Materials Laboratory Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 7-8 credits from technical courses on department list Students having successfully completed ROTC upon graduation, may apply 3 credits of ROTC to these courses. Additionally, 3 credits o ROTC may be applied to GHW. Lighting/Electrical Option (35 credits) Code Title Cre
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Continuation of AE 481 Engineering analysis of building systems; emphasis on analysis and design of building structural, mechanical, lighting/electrical, and construction related systems. Final written report, web-based project portfolio and verbal presentation are required.
In this course, students enrolled in the Integrated (IUG) Bachelor and Masters of Architectural Engineering degree programs address the AE undergraduate capstone project breadth requirements, as well as develop related material for a final presentation that is delivered at the conclusion of the semester for the work on this project. Students perform investigations into the design and analysis of building systems and/ or construction processes for two breadth study areas that lie outside their undergraduate option area of study, with an emphasis on systems integration, sustainability, and performance. Students develop criteria for the selected areas of study; perform research into engineered building systems and construction processes; conduct technical analyses; finalize their recommendations; produce content for a final written report; and present their solutions in a final project presentation. Project work is performed through independent study with an Architectural Engineering faculty member acting as a technical adviser and grader. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: AE 481W Enforced Corequisite at Enrollment: AE 882
/Maximum of 12 This course provides students with research skills related to the following: problem formulation, literature review, research study design, data collection, and analysis of results. The student¿s research is directed by a faculty supervisor and culminates in the writing of an honors thesis in Architectural Engineering. Recommended Preparations: Students must have approval of a thesis adviser before scheduling this course.
Comprehensive Architectural Engineering Senior Project development and planning with an honors thesis focus. In this course, an honors student in architectural engineering will work on a real-world building
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in-depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in-depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest. Architectural Engineering Technology (AET)
Theory and application of structural analysis using the direct stiffness method. Modeling assumptions, validation, interpretation of computer output. A E 530 Computer Modeling of Building Structures (3) This course addresses the theory and application of structural analysis using the direct stiffness method with matrix formulation, applying computer programs to the analysis of two- and three-dimensional structures. Topics include validation and interpretation of results from computer analyses, as well as practical analysis techniques and the design of building structures to satisfy building code requirements.The course is designed to provide students with the ability to create computer models representative of actual building response and in line with prevalent modeling techniques implemented using commercial structural analysis software. Primary objectives include developing an understanding of the process used by computers to solve structural systems, with emphasis on the use of computer models in the analysis and design process to satisfy building code requirements.This is a mandatory course for students in the structural option within the integrated undergraduate- graduate degree program in architectural engineering (B AE/M AE), and it is a valuable course for all structural engineering graduate students.Students must have completed an undergraduate course in structural analysis of determinate and indeterminate systems. Since some homework problems require proportioning structural members to resist combined loading conditions, the course prerequisites include introductory courses on the design of steel and concrete members. Also required is the knowledge of elementary matrix algebra and exposure to advanced programming of electronic spreadsheets.This course involves significant instruction in the AE Department computer laboratory, which is equipped with several commercial structural analysis software programs capable of handling large structural models.
Basic legal doctrines, contractual relationships between parties, analysis of construction contract clauses, contract performance, and professional practice problems. Cross-listed with: CE 531
This class will explore a set of structural solutions that are often selecte when buildings need long spans and/or thinner structural solutions, including efficient transfer members. Students will develop an ability to analyze and design pre-stressed concrete with a specific focus on Post- Tensioned (PT) applications to buildings. PT Design will specifically be applied to building solutions as applicable to ACI 318 and PTI Standards. Content will interweave a focus on the analysis and design of one- and two-way PT slabs systems, beams and girder systems, while also covering lateral systems and the repair and rehabilitation of aging PT projects. Discussions on new innovative PT research ventures will be included. The goal of this class is threefold: 1) take on the role of a designer and create structural solutions in PT, 2) apply fundamental knowledge of pre-stressed concrete to evaluate serviceability and strength to see if members that were designed have sufficient capacity, and 3) learn commercially available software to design gravity systems at a larger content than isolated slabs.
Connection analysis and design for steel buildings with an emphasis on the AISC Specification. A E 534 A E 534 Analysis and Design of Steel Connections (3) This course covers the theory of steel connection analysis and design including member, bolt and weld limit states as described in the AISC Specification and theManual of Steel Construction . With sound knowledge in the basics of steel connection limit states, specific shear, moment and bracing connections are studied in detail. Along with the fundamental theory applied to each connection type, use of the applicable design aids contained in theManual of Steel Constructionis covered. This course is expected to be particularly useful for students entering the structural design profession upon graduation or those engaging in steel connection research. This course is required of students enrolled in the MAE Structural Option in the Architectural Engineering Department. Additionally, this course is commonly taken by structural engineering graduate students in both the Architectural Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering Departments. Student evaluations are based on their performance on a mid-semester exam, a final exam, out of class assignments, projects, and presentations. This course will generally be offered each fall, with an anticipated enrollment of 25-35 students. Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 921
/Maximum of 999 Qualitative, graphical, and quantitative methods of structural design as practiced from ancient Rome through the nineteenth century. This course will explore, qualitatively and quantitatively, methods of structural analysis and design used from 100 BC through the end of the nineteenth century, with an emphasis on nineteenth century design methods. The course will increase students' appreciation for the effectiveness of obsolete structural analysis and design methods. Participation in the course will prepare students for successful preservation of historic structures by introducing the process by which these structures were conceived and designed. d
This course provides a background in identification, evaluation, and analysis of a broad set of architectural and structural performance failures.
Introductory engineering seismology, basic principles of structural dynamics, application of earthquake design provisions of model building codes to design of buildings. A E (C E) 538 Earthquake Resistant Design of Buildings (3) The main objective of this course is to familiarize students with basic principles of design of buildings to resist earthquake effects. Since building design is governed by the Building Code, currently, International Building Code that adopts American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) document ASCE-7 for load determination, the seismic provisions of ASCE-7 will be used as the basis for design. The course starts by introducing earthquake phenomenon and engineering seismology concepts. The basic principles of structural dynamics are then covered for single degree of freedom systems starting from free vibration to random loading so that students learn how a ground acceleration time-history subjected to the base of a building can be converted to a time varying effective seismic load on the mass. After introduction of response spectrum, introductory material on multi-degree of freedom systems is introduced so that students can determine natural frequencies and mode shapes for multi-story buildings and perform modal superposition analysis to determine displacement and force responses. Next, the principles of earthquake resisting design related to energy dissipation, ductility, over-strength, and redundancy followed by seismic provision of the building code are discussed. The main design principles related to the two main materials for building construction consisting of reinforced concrete and structural steel are next discussed. The focus will be to illustrate how lateral load resisting systems such as shear walls, moment resisting frames, or braced frames made with such materials as appropriate are designed to resist earthquake effects based on respective material code provisions, that is, American Concrete Institute (ACI) for concrete and American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) for steel. The last part of the course will introduce seismic retrofit, base isolation systems and the concept of performance based design. Cross-listed with: CE 538
This course focuses on emerging computational approaches for creative multi-factor parametric research, early-stage design and optimization of buildings. It begins with an overview of the principles of parametric design and visual programming before covering strategies for design space exploration and optimization in depth. Topics include computational design fundamentals such as problem parameterization and formulation; heuristic, gradient-based, and interactive optimization; multi-objective optimization; surrogate modeling; and data visualization for decision-making. Beyond traditional optimization, it highlights ways in which elements of a building design optimization problem (variables, the geometric definition, constraints, objectives) can be interactively interpreted, manipulated, and connected, often using data science techniques, to provide effective feedback and guidance during building- related research and design, which can include both qualitative and quantitative goals. Although the theory of these subjects is described, the emphasis is on how they can be used in research to improve the design and construction process. Recommended Preparations: Basic understanding of calculus, linear algebra, at least one major building engineering subdiscipline (structural, mechanical, lighting/electrical, acoustics, construction), and programming concepts.
The building enclosure: nature, importance, loadings; building science: control of heat, moisture, air, hygrothermal analysis; design: walls, windows, roofs, joints. A E 542 A E (C E ) 542 Building Enclosure Science and Design (3) The building enclosure, or envelope, is the environmental separator in any building and is, like the superstructure and the service systems, one of the major physical components of the building. The primary objective of this course is to develop an understanding of the nature, importance, functions, and performance of the building envelope in general. The necessary building science--concerning primarily heat, moisture, and air--is covered, and hygrothermal analysis procedures are developed. A generalized categorization system for enclosure elements, i.e., walls (both above- and below-grade), roofs, and other enclosure sub- assemblies is proposed. General design strategies are developed. The design of specific wall systems (both above- and below-grade), roof systems, base floors, windows, and their joints is then addressed in some detail. The integration of structures (composite action, restraints, etc.), service systems (especially energy consumption), and finish (exterior and interior) is considered in sonic detail. Evaluation is based on an equal combination of assignments (6) and examinations (2). This course complements courses in architecture, civil engineering, architectural engineering, and mechanical engineering. Cross-listed with: CE 542
Research skills, critical thinking, academic writing, presentations, use of electronic media, and experimental design applied to AE resarch topics. A E 543 Research Methods in Architectural Engineering (3) This is a course intended primarily for graduate students in Architectural Engineering. Other students interested in Architectural Engineering research may also take the course. The main objective of the course is to build research skills for students pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Architectural Engineering. The research skills to be targeted are critical thinking, academic writing, presentation, oral communication, and use of electronic media, based on materials from architectural engineering projects and literature. These skills will be developed through a series of lectures and exercises to include architectural engineering research topics, such as novel building physical characteristics and occupant performance/environmental perceptions.Lectures in academic writing will cover proposal, report, paper, and thesis writing requirements for Architectural Engineering students. Students will write several assigned essays and term project to gain experience in different academic writing forms as well as architectural engineering research topics. Students are encouraged to use their actual research for the semester project. Based on the project content, each student will then be required to develop an in-class presentation. This part of the course will cover presentation preparation and the critical thinking that is embedded into oral communication skills. The electronic media portion of the course will cover topics such as electronic databases relevant to architectural engineering research topics, search engines, publishing, use of web materials, ethics, and legal considerations. All of the assignments are designed to develop critical thinking through instructor and peer feedback.In addition to the three major targeted areas of research skills development, this course will begin and end with a focus on architectural engineering research topics. The introductory part of the course covers the topics and methods for the four focus areas within the Architectural Engineering program, while the closing portion emphasizes interdisciplinary research efforts and encourages students to thinking in that direction. For example, while experimental design is directly applicable to each individual focus area, the specific instrumentation is area (focus) dependent. Nevertheless, knowledge of different specific data collection methodologies from multiple Architectural Engineering options can enhance the understanding of integrated architectural engineering research topics. Overall, the communication established in all of the course assignments can be used to help develop new architectural engineering research ideas and polish existing ones, which will be helpful to students who are taking the course during their first or second semester in residence.
Systems through Data Analytics
This course aims to equip building science researchers and engineers with the tools for efficiently and effectively transforming data into knowledge, decision, and action. In particular, the course explores parametric and non-parametric regression methods, unsupervised clustering, classification, decision trees, random forests, and support vector machines. Additional advanced statistical learning methods are incorporated as they emerge and become relevant to the field. The course considers the multiple phases of statistical analysis, including data cleaning and pre-processing, exploratory analysis, model building and testing, data visualization, and reporting. Statistical learning topics are motivated through application and case studies involving thermal/ building/renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and environmental engineering. This course provides a foundation for graduate researchers to engage in follow-on study of more advanced statistical learning methods, while also providing fundamental and beneficial data analysis skills to industry-bound students.
Thermodynamic and thermo-economic analyses methods for determination of optimal, on-site, total energy systems for commercial buildings. AE 551 Combined Heat and Power System Design for Buildings (3) Building systems consume about 40% of the primary energy resources utilized in the United States each year and are responsible for a proportional fraction of air contaminants (NO, SO, fine particulates, CO) and greenhouse gas, CO,. A conventional energy supply mix for building (grid electricity, site fossil fuel heating) results in approximately 50% primary fuel energy utilization. Advances in scalable, low emissions, electric power generating devices are leading to incorporating on-site power production into the building design. The "waste heat" general is of such a quality that it can be utilized at the site in heating, hot water, absorption cooling, and dehumidification applications. The simultaneous utilization of a primary fuel to generate both the electrical and thermal components in Building Combined Heat and Power (BCHP) can result in total primary fuel utilization values of 85% or greater, electric power reliability increases and significantly reduced emissions, particularly greenhouse gases. This course examines the underlying thermodynamic principles involved in BCHP, pollutant and greenhouse emission mechanisms and levels associated with both Separate Heat and Power (SHP) and BCHP designs for a given building site. Economic and regulatory principles that govern the application feasibility of a BCHP design for a given building configuration are examined. At the end of the course, students will have the skills and tools necessary to perform an assessment of the feasibility of a BCHP application to a given building site. Specific combinations of distributed, electric power generation equipment (micro-turbines, fuel cells, diesel engines, wind- power) and thermal "waste" utilization from these generating systems will be discussed and analyzed. Case studies are utilized to illustrate the evaluation processes. Using the SHP design methods and principles (ducted air supply systems, hydronic heating and cooling systems, etc.) Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 923 covered in AE 454 (Advanced HVAC) and central system methods covered in AE 557 (Centralized Cooling Production and Distribution Systems) or
Indoor air pollutants, their sources and health effects; transport of pollutants; modelling of pollutant concentration in buildings.
Fundamentals of building energy dynamics and the simulation of energy flows in a building; validation of programs; practical applications.
Advanced techniques in the theoretical analysis and practical design of the automatic comfort controls used in building thermal systems. A E 555 Building Automation and Control Systems (3) A E 555 complements and expands upon the material covered in the undergraduate HVAC control systems course. The objectives of this course are to provide students with an enhanced capability to design advanced building control systems and to ensure proper operation through the use of comprehensive design and analysis tools and evaluation methods. Particular emphasis will be placed on systems integration, fault detection, diagnosis and correction, optimization and performance monitoring. Reference materials will be drawn from recent technical papers and conference proceedings and cover both model-based predictive control and data- driven modeling and control. Students will develop skills to stimulate building control system performance for a wide range of system designs and to implement advanced control strategies and sequences relevant to modern integrated building systems.
Advanced quantitative methods of predicting transient active and passive solar process performance with an emphasis on building solar applications.
Central cooling plant and distribution components and systems; thermal, hydraulic, and economic modeling for planning and design.
Description and analysis of central heating plant and distribution components and systems; thermal and economic modeling for planning and design.
Theory and applications of building environmental modeling with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). A E 559 A E 559 Computational Fluid Dynamics in Building Design (3) This course will be a primary interest to Architectural Engineering graduate students in the Mechanical Systems emphasis. Other students interested in the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to Architectural Engineering may schedule the course if they have satisfied the prerequisites. The main objective of this course is to build the knowledge necessary for successful simulations of building indoor and outdoor environments using CFD. The skills developed in the course build on the knowledge of fluid mechanics and building mechanical systems. The course will also add to the available pool of electives for students in the integrated BAE/MAE program.The first part of the course covers general CFD topics on the solution of Navier-Stokes partial differential equations. Different concepts necessary for the solution of the partial differential equations expressing the conservation laws will be introduced along with a CFD software package. In this phase, the course focus will be on the derivation of different equations and their solutions. Analytical solutions will be derived when possible, while most of the problems will require use of numerical solutions. Several homework assignments will require development of small computer programs. The introduced CFD software package will prepare students for the second part of the course that is more applied.The use of CFD in building design is different from its use for other engineering applications because of the domain size and specific boundary conditions such as diffuser airflow, wind, or solar radiation. Most of the time, appropriate boundary conditions distinguish successful from unsuccessful applications of CFD. To address the issues of quality control in CFD simulations, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recently developed CFD guidelines that the course will follow from the beginning. The actual guidelines will be introduced to fortify everything learned during the course.Evaluation will be based primarily on analytical homework assignments (30%), two projects (30%), a mid-semester quiz (20%), and a final examination (20%). This course will be offered each Spring, with an anticipated enrollment of 10 students.
In-depth scientific principles of light generation in modem electric light sources, and the resultant characteristics that influence their use for buildings.
Radiative transfer applied to lighting analysis; methods for computing direct and interreflected illumination; nearfield photometry.
Optical design of reflectors and refractors for lighting systems; manufacturing methods.
This course provides students with an understanding of the research that led to the development and application of various metrics for the assessment of color appearance, the performance of light sources and the specification of object colors. Students will learn the scientific theory and practical application of color measurement, including the fundamental theories and computational modeling of human color vision. The goal of this course is for the students to apply knowledge of colorimetry and photometry to evaluate light sources and quantify the color appearance and properties of objects. Students will gain a detailed understanding of the fundamental quantities commonly used in illumination engineering (e.g., color temperature, color rendition metrics, etc.), their use, and limitations. The course is grounded in past and current research literature. Students will build on existing theoretical frameworks and methodologies, allowing students to synthesize new knowledge and produce scholarly work in this field. Recommended Preparations: A basic understanding of human vision, lighting design practice, and the units applied to lighting measurement
Design concepts, solar position, sky luminance distribution models, integration of daylighting and electric lighting controls, physical modeling, computer analysis techniques.
This course consists of three major sections. It begins with the basics of solar and sky radiation and the theoretical knowledge in the intersectional area between radiometry and photometry related
Seminar on prior and current research in illumination engineering which define current recommendations and design practice.
Applications of production management tools to capital facility projects; theory of production systems in construction; development of production control manual. A E 570 A E 570 Production Management in Construction (3) A E 570 explores the use of production management to efficiently manage the delivery processes of capital facility projects. Students will learn about fundamental models of managing project processes and about tools to manage projects as production systems. The procurement, design, and construction processes that are used in capital facility projects are not usually through of in production process terms. Yet, doing so can develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of capital facility projects and enable project production to be efficiently managed. Production management emphasizes managing projects as complex wholes focusing on the relationships between the parties and tasks to optimize total process performance.A E 570 analyzes the latest production thinking and management tools to manage capital facility projects. The learning objectives of this course are for students to:a) recognize that capital facility projects are complex production systems and understand how principles of production relate to construction projects; b) understand the principles and methods of new production management methods like lean construction; c) be able to apply specific production management tools to specific problems identified on projects, especially those encountered on high performance sustainable building projects; and, d) understand how to use the latest production management planning and control tools to improve the management of capital facilities projects.A E 570 will be offered each spring with an anticipated enrollment of 25 students. This course uses classroom demonstration, case-based materials, in-class game simulation, and computer software to demonstrate key concepts and production tool applications. Assessment is conducted through out-of-class assignments, homework exercises, and a major project requiring appropriate tool to remedy the problem. The final grade for Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 925 this course will be based on:Construction process analysis assignment - 15% Experiment design assignment - 25% Homework exercises and classroom participation - 25% Major project, including class presentation - 35%Students entering this course are expected to have knowledge of the construction industry, project delivery processes, and construction means and methods.
Evaluation of international project environments and participants, modeling and planning international projects.
Methods employed by owners and developers to initiate capital facility projects; defining project objectives, constraints, participants, financing, and delivery methods. A E 572 A E 572 Project Development and Delivery Planning (3) The course explores the methods used by capital facility owners and developers to initiate a project. Many vital decisions are made and critical activities performed early in a project that have major bearing on how the project is completed. These include defining the project objectives, identifying constraints, recognizing stakeholders, and selecting financing and delivery methods. The course explores the latest project development and delivery techniques used to support these decisions. Students will learn how early development activities shape a project, and how building industry professionals are helping to support these activities. Students will develop knowledge and perspective to help their decision-making skills. As the course title implies, special focus will be on high performance delivery planning.The learning objectives of the course are for students to: 1) Understand what occurs in the early stages of project formation as capital facility owners and developers initiate a project; 2) Understand the methods owners and developers use to progress through the capital facility process; 3) Understand the different types of acquisition strategies, project delivery methods, and contractual systems to achieving capital facility owner objectives; and, 4) Understand the decision-making needs of high performance sustainable building projects.Offered in the Fall semester, the course uses case- based materials, hands-on computer simulation, and other classroom demonstration. Case study projects assigned by the instructor, individual homework exercises, and a group project requiring students to apply development techniques to a current downtown State College capital facility development site from the assessment for the course.Students entering this course are expected to know how the construction industry operates, including project delivery methods, engineering economics, preconstruction, and construction means and methods.
The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of the challenges confronting automation and robotics in the construction domain, and the current state of such technologies; an advanced understanding of automation and robotics, and the fundamentals needed to begin computer programming for construction automation and robotics. The
AE 575 is designed for students who wish to gain a more thorough understanding of the application of virtual facility prototypes in the construction industry. This course examines how building information modeling, advanced visualization, and virtual and augmented reality technology can be used to improve decision-making on construction projects. It builds upon a fundamental understanding of physical design and construction planning information in virtual models of building projects. Topics include virtual prototyping research and applications, design methodologies for interactive virtual prototypes, building design, construction, and operation visualization techniques, and virtual and augmented reality applications for the built environment.
AE 576 is designed for students who wish to gain a thorough understanding of research and application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) projects and within AEC organizations. This course explores advanced topics related to the BIM Project Execution Planning Procedure, including research into advanced BIM and information management approaches. Students will learn how to design a BIM approach to maximize value to a project. Additionally, AE 576 examines the organizational strategy, execution and project procurement to leverage BIM implementation. Students will research planning approaches for organizations to develop their BIM strategy through assessing organizational maturity, aligning BIM vision and objectives to organization¿s mission and goals, and develop organizational roadmaps to integrate BIM within an organization. The course delves into planning detailed BIM implementation within the operations of an organization through establishing organizational goals and BIM objectives; identifying BIM uses; designing processes; and determining information, infrastructure, and personnel needs. Students should have a general understanding of the AEC industry as a prerequisite to taking this course. Recommended Preparations: General understanding of the Architecture/ Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry.
At least 6 of the double-counted credits must be at the 500- or 800-leve Independent study courses and credits associated with the culminating experience for the graduate degree cannot be double-counted. Students are expected to complete the undergraduate degree requirements within the typical time to degree for the undergraduate major. In the semester in which the undergraduate degree requirements will be completed, IUG students must apply to graduate, and the undergraduate degree should be conferred at the next appropriate 3 Commencement. If students accepted into the IUG program are unable 3 to complete the M.A.E. or the M.S. degree, they are still eligible to receive their undergraduate degree if all the undergraduate degree requirements have been satisfied.
/Maximum of 9 CREATIVE PROJECTS, INCLUDING NONTHESIS RESEARCH, WHICH ARE SUPERVISED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND WHICH FALL OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF FORMAL COURSES.
/Maximum of 9 FORMAL COURSES GIVEN ON A TOPICAL OR SPECIAL INTEREST SUBJECT WHICH MAY BE OFFERED INFREQUENTLY; SEVERAL DIFFERENT TOPICS MAY BE TAUGHT IN ONE YEAR OR SEMESTER.
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently.
/Maximum of 999 No description.
0 Credits/Maximum of 999 No description.
/Maximum of 6 Supervised experience in teaching and orientation to other selected aspects of the professional at the Pennsylvania State University.
/Maximum of 999 Foreign study and/or research constituting progress toward the degree at a foreign university.
/Maximum of 999 No description.
0 Credits/Maximum of 999 No description.
Theories and practices of distributed energy production and management in the context of regional and integrated energy grid structures.
Theories and practices of solar electric systems including component selection, performance simulation, grid interconnection, codes, and design documentation.
Economic analysis of solar energy projects, project development process, energy policies, finance methods, and economic analysis tools.
This course serves as the capstone project course for the Integrated (IUG) Master of Architectural Engineering degree. Students conduct independent investigations into the design and analysis of building systems and/or construction processes for an actual building project, with an emphasis on systems integration, sustainability, and performance. Each student proposes the scope of work they will address on their building project, which must include topics from one or more of a student's MAE graduate-level courses and be approved by the course instructor. Students may also investigate topic areas that lie beyond those covered in formal coursework. Students perform research into engineered building system options and construction processes that meet established project criteria, conduct technical analyses, finalize their recommendations, prepare a written report on their work, and deliver a final project presentation. Meetings with the instructor/project adviser(s) are scheduled throughout the semester to review progress and provide feedback on the student's work. While most student projects are conducted independently, students may also work as part of a multi- disciplinary team (consisting of students from different undergraduate option areas) where integration across subject areas is a major design consideration in addition to the focused work in the student's AE option area. Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 927
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently; several different topics may be taught in one year or semester.
Source: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59
