Course Overview
The first module in this course gives an overview of the main characteristics and properties of mass timber products, including the advantages and challenges of their use in construction. The concept and advantages of prefabrication are discussed. The second module helps students become familiar with the overall layout of a construction site and the key safety aspects related to work conducted on a mass timber constructions site. In the third module, the basic tools and types of estimates are described in relation to the stages in building design. This module presents information from the perspectives of a professional quantity surveyor and a construction estimator advising a construction client early in the building design process. The fourth module gives an introduction to the application of digital tools in project delivery which adds to the efficiency of projects in the mass timber construction industry. Students will learn about Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) as part of a digital project delivery. In addition to the course content, students will learn about mass timber construction by reviewing several case studies.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
2.5
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$719.86 - $734.48 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Module 1:
- Describe the evolution of wood construction in Canada
- Define mass timber
- Discuss the advantages and challenges of mass timber use in construction
- Identify the main types of mass timber products
- Describe the primary uses of mass timber products
- Compare the similarities and differences among the main types of mass timber products
- Recognize types of construction that incorporate mass timber components
- Explain the concept of prefabrication
- Recognize the advantages of prefabrication
- Describe the main types of prefabrication that apply to mass timber construction
- Identify basic regulatory requirements for mass timber products
Module 2:
- Describe the factors related to the site layout that must be considered on a mass timber construction site
- Identify the main activity areas on a construction site
Module 3:
- Define the concept of estimating
- Describe the roles of professional quantity surveyors and construction estimators in construction projects
- Identify the basic tools for estimating construction projects
- Compare the basic types of estimates used in the different stages of project design
- Describe the basic process and role of estimating in deciding between mass timber and other building materials
- Explain the key considerations and major cost drivers for pricing mass timber
- Compare cost differences between mass timber, steel and concrete structures
- Identify basic cost considerations associated with construction projects
- Describe ways to achieve cost efficiencies in mass timber projects
- Identify the basic procurement routes for mass timber projects
- Discuss the long-term costs and sustainability of mass timber projects
Module 4:
- Identify advantages and disadvantages of digital project delivery
- Describe the key stakeholder roles for effective digital project delivery
- Outline the use of digital tools and models during project delivery process
- Describe the use of digital models by different consultant groups
- Describe the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in digital project delivery
- Describe the use of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) in digital project delivery
Effective as of Fall 2021
Related Programs
Mass Timber Construction: Intro to Products, Layouts, Cost Estimation and Digital Project Delivery (XTMB 1001) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Construction and the Environment
- Introductory Studies in Mass Timber Construction
Microcredential Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of XTMB 1001 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 68296
Dates
Start any time Loading
- CRN 68296
- $719.86 Domestic fees
Continuous Entry, Distance or Online
This is an online learning course. Start any time. You have 8 weeks from the date you register to complete this course.
Duration
8 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course is to be taken with XTMB 1002 - Mass Timber Construction: Intro to Installation, Building Performance and Construction Management, as part of the "Introductory Studies in Mass Timber Construction" Micro-Credential program. Registration into this course includes all related fees for both XTMB 1001 and XTMB 1002. For further information and approval to register for this course, please contact Alyxces Igot at alyxces_igot@bcit.ca.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of XTMB 1001 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 48726
Dates
Start any time Loading
- CRN 48726
- $734.48 Domestic fees
Continuous Entry, Distance or Online
This is an online learning course. Start any time. You have 8 weeks from the date you register to complete this course.
Duration
8 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course is to be taken with XTMB 1002 - Mass Timber Construction: Intro to Installation, Building Performance and Construction Management, as part of the "Introductory Studies in Mass Timber Construction" Micro-Credential program. Registration into this course includes all related fees for both XTMB 1001 and XTMB 1002. For further information and approval to register for this course, please contact Christine Pinkham at cpinkham@bcit.ca.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.