Developing computer based laboratory exercises for an MEP course in a construction science and management program

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in buildings are becoming a greater proportion of construction costs and building operating expenses. As such, MEP systems are required content in the curricula of construction programs. The current paper describes the implementation of computer-based laboratory exercises covering plan reading, material quantity take-offs, and basic material and labor estimating for MEP building systems using a commercially available take-off software package. Students were surveyed to assess their understanding of the course subjects at the beginning and the end of the term, and the survey results were used as an indicator of the effectiveness of the laboratory exercises in supporting the learning objectives of the courses. Finally, the paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of performing the computer-based exercises as opposed to traditional paper-based exercises, and discusses future opportunities to incorporate other software packages, such as Building Information Modeling, into the practical exercises of the MEP courses.