Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Delivery
- Synchronous Online: Learning occurs online and in real time. These "Live Sessions" take place weekly from 7 pm to 9 pm (CST). In the event that your work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend, please review the recording of the Live Session for the particular week you were unable to attend.
Course Prerequisites
- ARCH 5812: Human Centric Design
- ARCH 5822: Foundations of Building Physics and Analysis
- ARCH 5832: Introduction to Building Performance Analysis
- ARCH 5842: Introduction to Research Methods for Analysis
Course Materials
All required materials can be found linked to the individual weekly modules within Canvas. They are also available at the RESOURCES: Course Materials page in the Start Here Module.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
The Building Operations Management course aligns with key program learning outcomes (PLOs) of the MS in Sustainable Architecture program, focusing on sustainable building practices' financial and operational aspects. CLO A addresses energy budgets and cost-recovery, aligning with financing strategies and societal impacts (PLOs 3, 4). CLOs B and C explore cost-benefit analyses and financing strategies for green initiatives, supporting design assessment and funding management (PLOs 2, 3). CLO D examines the planning and design process from stakeholder perspectives, connecting with design methods and societal impacts (PLOs 2, 4). This alignment ensures students develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable building operations, integrating financial considerations with design and environmental impacts, thus preparing them to effectively manage and optimize sustainable architectural projects.
- Research - Research and evaluate emerging science and methodologies for optimizing building and human performance through the case study method.
- Design, Build, and Assess - Use analysis, tools, and methods to design, develop, select materials and assess the building systems and performance of code-compliant sustainable projects.
- Fund and Manage - Evaluate financing and life cycle cost accounting strategies used in green building initiatives.
- Account for ESG Impacts - Explain how design decisions impact society, systemic issues and the environment for all communities today and in the future.
- AIA Framework - Demonstrate integrated project design and sustainability within the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) Alignment
| CLO | Description | PLO |
|---|---|---|
| A | Explain energy budgets and cost-recovery language. | 3, 4 |
| B | Identify cost-benefit and payback analyses for green building initiatives. | 2, 3 |
| C | Explain financing strategies and opportunities for integrating sustainability into overall building development strategies. | 2, 3 |
| D | Explain the planning and design process from the perspectives of key stakeholders to create and manage sustainable facilities. | 2, 4 |
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Quizzes | Six total quizzes with five questions each to assess understanding of the content of each module. | 30 points |
| Discussion Boards | Seven total asynchronous discussion boards where students respond to prompts and each other to foster discussion and deeper understanding of course topics. | 35 points |
| Assignments | Four total assignments, three of which are pass/fail and one which is an essay. | 35 points |
| Total | 100 points |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Course Component 1: Quizzes
Students will take a five-question quiz after modules 2-7. Question types will include multiple choice, true/false, and fill in the blank, with each question being worth one point for a total of five points and will be automatically graded. Quizzes are designed to assess and reinforce understanding of the course resources and live discussion.
Course Component 2: Discussion Boards
We will have an online asynchronous discussion board in after Modules 1-7. Each student must respond to one prompt and respond to a minimum two posts from other students. These discussions are intended to foster conversations that lead to a deeper understanding of each week's topic and encourage students to learn from each other's unique experiences. The Asynchronous Online Discussion Rubric will be used to award points based on the quality of posts.
Course Component 3: Assignments
This course includes four assignments that are intended to teach and encourage real-world applications for the concepts and tools taught as part of the class. The four assignments will be assessed as described below:
- Energy Star Portfolio Manager Assignment: complete/incomplete based on the Energy Star Portfolio Manager Assignment Rubric
- LCCA Certificate Assignment: complete/incomplete based on the LCCA Certificate Assignment Rubric
- Zero Tool Assignment: complete/incomplete based on the Zero Tool Assignment Rubric
- Career-Specific Action Plan Assignment: instructor-graded based on quality of the essay as outlined by the Career-Specific Action Plan Assignment Rubric
Course Policies
Communication
If you need to contact me, please e-mail me directly at cody.r.pistulka-1@ou.edu. Canvas messaging is unreliable, please only use OU email for communication with me. I will do my best to respond within 24 hours, 48 hours max. Please note that work-life balance is very important to me, and I make an effort to avoid checking e-mail on the weekends if at all possible.
How will we address each other? My pronouns are he/him. In terms of titles, Cody works just fine. If you go by a name other than the one listed in Canvas, please tell me how you prefer to be addressed. Additionally, if I mispronounce your name, do not hesitate to correct me. Respecting another's preferred pronouns, titles, and pronunciations is an easy way to show respect to your colleagues and is something I take very seriously.
Feedback
Assignments will be graded within one week of submission. If you would like a deeper dive into any feedback or grade you receive, I am happy to set up individual Zoom meetings to discuss further.
Late Policy
Late work will be accepted with a grade penalty as specified in the assignment rubrics. All assignments must be submitted by the due date. Extensions must be arranged prior to the deadline. Late submissions will incur a 10% grade reduction per day, and assignments submitted 3 or more days late will receive zero points.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Errata and Changes
Errors and omissions to this syllabus or class presentations will be revised as observed and do not constitute incomplete or late work from students. Students are responsible for bringing the professor’s attention to any and all possible errata they encounter. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus and content based on course pacing and current events that may be relevant to the material.
Additional Resources
If you need additional support or guidance in navigating Canvas, please visit the Sustainable Architecture Student Orientation Course for helpful tutorials, tips, and resources to enhance your experience with our learning management system.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Access the University Academic Policies Document.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|