|
Students in this program should be prepared for close, careful reading of
technical material; they must learn the meanings of many technical terms,
relate various visual aids to the accompanying text and follow a detailed
sequence of instructions to complete drawing projects. First-semester texts,
which are a central part of the coursework, are written at approximately a
college level. Other reading materials, which are used both in the classroom
and on the job, include computer and autocad operating manuals, trade
publications and customer specification forms.
View more information on reading skills in the Computer-Aided Design Technology
program.
Both written and oral communication skills are important in this program. All
students will take Composition I (ENG 105) in their first term and those who
opt for the AAS degree will also take Composition II: Technical Writing
(ENG 108) in their fourth term. In addition, students will be required to
keep an engineering log to accompany their design projects in Term 5. These
concise notes are used to describe and justify choices made during the design
process. In the work place such notes are important records if projects are
reassigned or if legal liability is an issue.
Oral presentations may be
assigned in the psychology/human relations option taken in Term 2. In their
drafting classes, students learn to explain problems clearly, using proper
technical language. On the job, they will interact not only with engineers
and other drafters, but also with sales personnel. They must be able to
translate a customer's concept into a sketch, using language understandable
to the customer.
View more information on language skills in the Computer-Aided Design Technology
program.
Very strong math skills are needed for success in Computer-Aided Design
Technology; students who have taken high school level courses in algebra,
geometry, and trig do best in this program. Required math courses, beginning
Term I, include Applied Math (MAT 772) and Applied Math II
(MAT 773). Descriptive Geometry is taught as part of CAD Graphics II
(CAD 152). Students should be careful to stay in sequence with these
requirements, as the skills learned are immediately applied in their drafting
coursework. Computer Aided Drafting makes extensive use of x and y
coordinates, including positive and negative numbers, on a graph. Other math
used in the program and on the job includes triangulation, geometric
constructions and manipulating formulas to solve for unknowns.
View more information on math skills in the Computer-Aided Design Technology program.
The ability to conceptualize spatial relationships—to visualize how things fit
together—is crucial to success in this program. Students must be able to see
the similarities and differences between objects, to understand how specific
mouse or track ball commands translate into changes on the computer screen
and to follow the proper chronological sequence in creating their drawings.
View more information on learning skills in the Computer-Aided Design Technology
program.
General familiarity with computers would be helpful for students entering the
program. In every term, they will take computer-aided drafting and design
courses. They may also use word processing programs to complete writing
assignments for Composition I, Composition II: Technical Writing, and other
classes.
View more information on computer skills in the Computer-Aided Design Technology
program.
|
