AUTOCAD / DRAFTING
COURSE SYLLABUS
2016-2017
Mr. White
Course Description
The AutoCAD/Drafting program at the TCTC is a two-year class designed to
allow the student access to the basic principles of computer-aided design and drafting.
The course is heavily geared towards the use of the latest computer hardware and
software including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architectural, Inventor and Solidworks. A
range of alternative software packages will also be introduced to the student, so as not to
“limit” him or her to the possibilities of design in Architecture alone.
Instructional Philosophy
High standards will be met within the AutoCAD program. The daily class routine
will be modeled much like a professional Design/Drafting office. A positive work ethic
will be maintained, with each student working to his/her highest potential. As the
program progresses through the Junior year, teamwork and joint projects will be stressed
within the class. The facts are that technology is changing rapidly, and the student will be
required to perform in various levels of the Design process, which will mean students, at
times, will be assigned processes that will be completed within class and out of class.
Also included within the two years will be oral and written projects presented to the class
as a whole.
Course Goals
Students will…
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Demonstrate proper computer usage and lab/office safety and procedure
standards set forth by the instructor and the TCTC.
Students will demonstrate basic sketching and shape description
techniques, on paper and on computer monitors.
All students will be able to access the AutoCAD design software and the
other software packages as they are introduced.
File management techniques will be learned and demonstrated.
Learn time management skills with long-term projects.
Understand pre-engineering concepts and terms
Using learned analytical problem solving skills; students will envision and
conceive one major Architectural design.
Major Course Assignments and Projects
1. Because the lab is computer based, students will spend time on the machines daily
working with both short and long term assignments.
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Observe and demonstrate lab entrance and exit procedures.
Observe and demonstrate safety precautions and equipment care.
Start up/shut down computers and CAD systems.
Proper usage of jump drives, CD disks, and hard drives.
File management skills.
Set drawing parameters.
Create and edit computer aided drawing utilities.
Demonstrate use of drawing aids, and output devices.
Use of symbols and importation of same within existing files.
Manage layers, line types, and plotting of completed projects.
Advanced Computer Aided Drafting Skills
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Create three-dimensional displays and shapes.
Create wire frame and solid model shapes.
Create 2-D geometry from 3-D models.
Create 3-D wire frame models from 2-D geometry.
Demonstrate use of display commands (e.g. hidden line, shading, removal)
Architectural Drawings
2. A major component of the Program is to learn the Basics of Architectural Design.
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Students will draw residential floor plans from preliminary sketches.
Draw associated foundation and floor framing plans.
Complete associated elevations.
Draw sections and details, with schedules.
Complete electrical, plumbing, and HVAC plans.
Design a residential structure, including cost estimates.
Design, draw, and detail commercial structural shapes.
Introduction to Civil and Survey Drawing.
One self directed 9 weeks project
Related Academic and Problem Solving Skills
3. Teamwork, and interpersonal skills with others, is essential.
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Team design projects using computers
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Architectural mathematics and language skills
Learn basic building code requirements
Construction cost estimating and basic economics
Understand technical concepts and principles
Learn to apply academic knowledge and skills to the field of study
Read, understand and communicate in the language of the field
Evaluation Criteria
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Attendance (daily points)
Performance in the lab, time management skills
Practical lab exams
Related and written assignments and exams
Unit assignments
Tests, quizzes
Senior Project*
The following are the four Approved Courses with the major outcomes listed, that will be
addressed during the students’ lab experience:
Construction Technologies Career Field
Plan Reading Outcomes:
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Personal Safety
Equipment Operation
Site Management
Proposals
Construction Drawings
Construction Math
Construction Technologies Career Field
Architecture Design – Site and Foundation Plan Outcomes:
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Knowledge Management and Information Technology
Site Management
Proposals
Community Planning
Drafting
Construction Drawings
Construction Math
Field Organization
Construction Technologies Career Field
Architecture Design – Structural and
Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Outcomes:
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Knowledge Management and Information Technology
Proposals
Drafting
Construction Drawings
Construction Math
Construction Technologies Career Field
Construction Technology – Core and Sustainable Construction
Outcomes:
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Employability Skills
Leadership and Communications
Business Ethics and Law
Knowledge Management and Information Technology
Global Environment
Business Literacy
Site Safety
Personal Safety
Construction Drawings
Construction Math
Construction Scheduling
Field Organization
Maintenance Operations
Grading Scales
Grading in the AutoCAD program will follow the accepted system adopted by the
TCTC Board of education, which is described in the student handbook.
92% to 100%
83% to 91%
74% to 82%
66% to 73%
65% & below
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=B
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* Senior project will constitute a major part of the total grading structure. Not completing
any portion of the senior project can result in loss of lab certificate. Also, the Instructor
reserves the right to alter and or adjust any and all aspects of this lab/syllabus based upon
students’ progress, class dynamics any and all unforeseen circumstances which may
arise.
1. To be considered a completer and to walk across our stage at the TCTC completion
ceremony, students must complete all required components of the program as set forth
in your course of study. This can include but is not limited to: passing Senior Projects,
attempting OSHA, ASE, NCCER, SP2, Cosmetology State Board, and similar end of course
credentialing exams.
2. Students who take and fail any part of their 10-Hour OSHA exam three times, will be
allowed one instructor activated reset at no charge. Students who fail any part of their
exam tree times after this reset will not be awarded their OSHA certificates. This does
not disqualify them from being a completer or participating in the TCTC completion
ceremonies.
3. Programs have been converted to coursework. To be accepted into the senior year of
this program, students must maintain an absolute (excused AND unexcused) 90%
attendance rate (usually considered no more than 18 days absent) and a “C” average in
each course. Students not maintaining these standards will be subject to a review by the
program instructor and program supervisor. If it is determined that the potential for
success in the senior year is seriously at risk, and the student still wishes to enter the
senior year, a meeting will be held with the student, parent, instructor and program
supervisor. This meeting will be held to identify specific areas of concern, discuss what
must be done by all parties to address these concerns and to put in writing any/all
agreements reached.
Electronic devices
There will be no electronic devices accessed, used, or brought to this lab session,
at all, for any reason. These include any smart phone, I-devices, etc. They will be left at
home, in a locker, or in a car if the student drives. If the student insists on being in
possession of any such electronic devices, ignoring the instructors guide lines, daily
points and loss of lab grade will result. Under no circumstances shall the instructor or any
other person within the confines of the Lab, be recorded or photographed, without their
prior knowledge and permission. Doing so will result in approved disciplinary options, up
to and including appropriate legal action being taken by the instructor taken. I-Pads and
any other device, whether personal or supplied by the school district, will be
accessed and used in this lab at the sole discretion of the Instructor. No Exceptions.
Safety Testing
Skill and technical training is second only to the safety of our students. To that end, the
AutoCAD Program not only places a heavy emphasis on safety training, but requires that
each student in the program take and pass safety tests before they begin any work that
may have specific safety issues. The AutoCAD Program gives three such tests during the
course of the program.
 General Lab Safety: The AutoCAD Program has a safety test that is intended to
introduce the new student to safety issues associated with this program. There will
be general classroom instruction to cover these issues and a written test to assess
the student’s understanding of these issues and how to deal with them. This
general lab safety test must be passed at 100% before the student will be allowed
to begin working in the lab. A note will be sent home to the parent(s) indicating
that the student has passed the test and will require a signature from them. This
will be returned to the program and kept on file.
 Machine/Equipment Specific Safety: Students will begin using different types
of machines and equipment at various times throughout the program. Prior to
using each machine or piece of equipment for the first time, he/she will be
instructed in its safe and proper use. A test may be required to assess student
understanding. These tests must be passed with 100% accuracy.
 OSHA 10 hour Construction Safety / General Industry Safety. This test is a
10 hour on-line course that instructs each student in the safety issues associated
with their industry. This program is to be completed in the first two weeks of
class, requires 600 minutes of online interaction and may or may not be
completed during regular class time. Passage benchmarks for this test are set by
OSHA. Students who successfully complete this safety course will receive the
industry recognized 10 hour safety card issued by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration.
 OSHA
 Teaching students to work safely is more important than teaching any skill in any
program. The TCTC has made passing the 10 Hour OSHA safety course a
requirement for successful completion of this program. This nationally recognized
certificate will go into the student’s portfolio upon completion, and because safety
is so important to employers these days, it gives our students an important
advantage when applying for a job. The $18 nominal fee ($275 if taken after
graduation) is part of the program fees and may be re-assessed if the student fails
to complete the initial test successfully. Students will not receive their State
Certificates of Program Completion if they do not successfully complete this test.
General Safety Policies:
1. Students will be given safety instruction throughout the program. Students must
pass any safety tests associated with this instruction before beginning any actual
work in the specific area.
2. Parents of students, who fail the general lab safety, the OSHA 10 hour safety test
or any specific safety test three consecutive times, will be required to attend a
conference to discuss that student’s requirements for continued participation in
the program. This conference will be with the program teacher, program
supervisor as well as the student.