Computer Aided Design/Drafting
11 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
CADD 5 Introduction to Mechanical Drafting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This introduction to mechanical drafting covers the basics of creating technical drawings using traditional manual drafting instruments and sketching and Computer Aided Design/Drafting (CADD) using AutoCAD software. Topics include lettering, sketching multiview drawings, geometric construction, computer and orthographic CADD, Two Dimensional (2D) and basic Three Dimensional (3D) computer drawings, threads and fasteners and working and assembly drawings using CADD software.
CADD 7 Solid Modeling, Assemblies and Two Dimensional (2D) Drawings
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Advisory
- CADD 5 or one year of high school drafting or industry experience
- Formerly
- Computer Aided Design/Drafting 10abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students create two-dimensional (2D) sketches, three-dimensional (3D) wireframe and solid models. Models or assemblies are displayed on a 2D drawing format and orthographically projected with dimensions added. Shading, rendering and solid model modifications are also available in the 2D mode. Auxiliary, detail and section views are also created with the use of the place view toolbar and its commands. This course utilizes Autodesk Inventor Pro software (Inventor Pro).
CADD 14 Introduction to 3D Design with CATIA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture/4 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This foundational course welcomes students to the realm of CATIA, an advanced engineering CAD (Computer-Aided Design) program. This course offers a thorough orientation and overview of the CATIA Three-Dimensional (3D) modeling ecosystem, with a spotlight on crafting three-dimensional geometries, solid modeling from wireframe profiles, sketch planes, elementary assemblies, and drafting methodologies. Students also acquire an in-depth comprehension of the part design, generative shape, and drafting modules within the CATIA software. This is the first course of the two-part CATIA series certificate
CADD 16 Advanced 3D Design with CATIA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture/4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Computer Aided Design/Drafting 14 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
Building on the fundamental skills honed in the introductory course, CADD-14, this is the second course of the two-part CATIA series certificate. In this advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) course, students navigate through the extensive surfacing and analysis/simulation capabilities of CATIA. They explore kinematic analysis, generative stress analysis, wireframe and surface functionality throughout the course. Learners attain proficiency in crafting, manipulating, analyzing, and rendering sophisticated three-dimensional surface models, along with engaging in other Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) functions.
CADD 22 Introduction to 3D Design with SolidWorks
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture/4 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This introductory course in three-dimensional (3D) modeling and drafting utilizes SolidWorks, an industry-level engineering and product design software. It caters to individuals new to 3D design or those without prior Computer Aided Design (CAD) experience. The curriculum guides students in creating 3D models from mechanical drawings and developing industry-standard CAD drawings for manufacturing. Covered topics encompass design intent and process, sketching techniques, model and drawing modifications, orthographic two-dimensional (2D) drawings with dimensions, and basic assembly techniques. This course, the first installment in a three-part series, readies students for the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) and/or Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) exams.
CADD 23 Intermediate 3D Design with SolidWorks
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture/4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Computer Aided Design/Drafting 22 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is an intermediate level course in three-dimensional (3D) modeling and assembly using SolidWorks, a professional engineering and product design software. Building on the foundational skills acquired in the introductory course (CADD-22), this is the second part in the three-course SolidWorks series. It delves into more complex 3D modeling and assembly techniques. Students explore sheet metal design, modify parametric features and equations, understand material mass properties, engage with advanced mechanical mate assemblies, rendering, and 3D printing. By course end, students will be well-versed and prepared to take the Certified SolidWorks Associate exam (CSWA) and/or the Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) exam.
CADD 24 Advanced 3D Design with SolidWorks
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture/4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Computer Aided Design/Drafting 23 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This advanced-level course, the culmination in the three-part SolidWorks series, elevates students' three-dimensional (3D) modeling and analysis skills using industry-grade SolidWorks software. It introduces advanced surfacing tools, analysis, and simulation, covering advanced sub-assemblies, design for manufacturing, motion studies, animations, product rendering, 3D printing, CAM features, and mold design. A pivotal aspect of this course is to prepare students for a job-ready design portfolio, showcasing their refined capabilities in engineering and product design, prepared for practical and professional applications. This course readies students for the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) and/or Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) exams.
CADD 43 Design Process and Concepts
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CADD 7 or CADD 28 or CADD 31 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This advanced design and drafting course addresses the processes of product design, from concept through final production drawings. Documentation requirements for each step includes: design requirements definition, conceptual design, design evaluation/refinement, preliminary design, detail design, and final production documentation. Industry practices are stressed throughout the course as students develop skills in conceptual sketching, orthographic projection, dimensioning and tolerancing, and drawing notes. Research, planning and sketching are done manually, while formal drawings are prepared on a personal computer utilizing appropriate Computer Aided Design/Drafting (CADD) software.
CADD 45 Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the application and interpretation of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) as prescribed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Y14.5M 2009 standard. It includes tolerance zone generation and interpretation using Maximum Material Condition (MMC), Least Material Condition (LMC) and Regardless of Feature Size (RFS) principles. Also covered are datum referencing and simulation, tolerances of form, orientation, runout, position and bonus tolerances. This course emphasizes the identification and use of datums and positional tolerances.
CADD 95 Cooperative Work Experience Education
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Computer Aided Design/Drafting 95abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
Through a set of learning objectives established by the student, supervisor, and instructor, each student will work with and learn from experts in the Computer Aided Design/Drafting field. These experiences will enable students to improve job skills, analyze career opportunities and requirements, and compare them to personal abilities and career expectations.
CADD 99 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Computer Aided Design/Drafting 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Computer Aided Design/Drafting not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Computer Aided Design/Drafting projects (54 hours per unit).