AutoCAD Drafting and Design

Catalog Description

The AutoCAD Drafting and Design Program provides students with a solid foundation for an entry level position using the most current AutoCAD drafting technology available. This program is designed for students who are planning a career in drafting as well as those who are already working in the industry and want to improve skills in drafting and design. This will provide the knowledge and skillset to advance the student’s professional goals.

Program Requirements and Prerequisites:

DT101 – AutoCAD I (No prerequisite)

DT102 – AutoCAD II (Prerequisite AutoCAD I)

DT117 – Print Reading and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) (No prerequisite)

Enrollment Limitations:

None known

Student Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate modeling techniques to create mechanical industry standard drawings

Analyze and incorporate design intent into models as it applies to all the elements of its design throughout the drawing process

Apply industry standard geometric dimensioning and tolerancing practices to mechanical drawings for documentation and manufacturing.

25 Certificates Annually

Program Goal

The goal of this program is for local workforce preparation. This certificate will prepare a student for an entry level drafting position while completing a more advanced, robust AS Degree and/or Certificate of Achievement in Drafting if desired. The three courses in this certificate are inclusive in two AS Degree and Certificate of Achievements currently offered at Palomar College: Mechanical Engineering Drafting and Design Technology (27 units) and Drafting and Design CADD/CAM Technology (24 units). This stackable certificate is designed to quickly prepare a student for an entry level position in Drafting (part time or full time) while completing the above-mentioned awards. Additionally, this certificate is designed to take a student who may be working out in the field at their present company, and move them into a higher wage-earning job at their current company in the CAD Department.

Program Objectives:

This certificate as well as the required courses in the certificate provide an engaging teaching and learning environment for students of diverse origins, experiences, needs, abilities, and goals. The Drafting Technology Department supports and encourages students who are pursuing transfer-readiness, basic skills, career and technical training, and lifelong education.

The Drafting Technology Department is committed to helping our students achieve the learning outcomes necessary to contribute as individuals and global citizens living responsibly, effectively, and creatively in an interdependent and ever-changing world.

The courses in this certificate are directly aligned with the course and program outcomes to promote students’ success in subsequent educational, employment, and career goals.

The courses offered in the Drafting Technology Department align directly with the skills required by local industry engaged in Design and Manufacturing, Engineering, and related fields of employment. A few skills obtained in this course are:

Examine AutoCAD software programs currently used in the mechanical 2D and 3D engineering field.

Synthesize technical skills using current computer aided, industry standard software and hardware to create graphic representations of 2D and 3D mechanical engineering designs.

Apply technical skills using current computer aided, industry standard software and hardware to print, plot, store and share engineering drawings and projects.

Develop soft skills such as leadership, team work, communication, problem solving, work ethic, flexibility, adaptability and interpersonal skills throughout the course.

This is a 3 course 9-unit Certificate attainable in two semesters.