Drafting Technology
10 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
DT 101 AutoCAD I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
AutoCAD I is an introduction to applied drafting theory, principles, and techniques for computer aided drafting using AutoCAD software. AutoCAD fundamentals include drawing, modifying, annotating (creating text, dimensioning, tolerancing, leaders, tables, and title blocks), design intent, layout, user interface customization, file management, and plotting/printing. Topics are covered in a sequential and progressive manner while incorporating industry best practices and standards.
DT 102 AutoCAD II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DT 101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
AutoCAD II furthers the student's understanding of drafting and design and builds upon the concepts introduced in AutoCAD I. Students will learn advanced design and modeling techniques to create more complex parts in 2D and 3D spaces not easily achieved with the basic commands. Drawing and design concepts will continue to be developed, using more advanced techniques and transition into 3D modeling of wireframes, surfaces, meshes and solids. Models will be assigned materials and rendered into photorealistic presentation. Lab exercises reinforce these learned concepts, while incorporating industry best practices and standards.
DT 103 SolidWorks I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
SolidWorks I is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for parametric feature-based solid modeling, assembly construction, technical drawing creation, finite element analysis (FEA) and motion simulation. This class introduces students to the concept of parametric modeling, and how if differs from direct modeling while exploring and applying design intent and design elements. Lecture topics cover elements starting with basic core features of all parts, continuing with building simple assemblies of those parts, and culminating with creating both detail part and assembly production-ready drawings. Lab exercises reinforce these learned concepts, while incorporating industry best practices and standards.
DT 104 SolidWorks II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DT 103
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
SolidWorks II is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for parametric feature-based solid modeling, assembly construction, technical drawing creation, finite element analysis (FEA) and motion simulation. This class furthers the student’s understanding of parametric 3D design, and builds upon the concepts introduced in SolidWorks I. Students will learn advanced modeling techniques to create more complex parts incorporating organic shapes not easily achieved with the basic core features. Advanced assemblies will now be constructed using joint connections between components, constituting a basic mechanism. The student will perform kinematic (motion) studies using these mechanized assemblies to analyze the feasibility of the design. Large assembly management techniques will be taught. Drawing and design concepts will continue to be developed, using more advanced methods. Lab exercises reinforce these learned concepts, while incorporating industry best practices and standards.
DT 110 Technical Drafting I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): DT 101
- Transfers to
- CSU
Technical Drafting I studies the necessary fundamental concepts and theory of methodological drafting. Students will create accurate representations of designs for production and manufacturing while using industry standard CAD software. Topics include geometric constructions, orthographic projections, multi-view constructions, view alignment, dimension standards and notes, section views, auxiliary views, and isometric drawings. Lab exercises will reinforce these learned concepts, while incorporating industry best practices and standards.
DT 111 Conceptual Design through Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DT 101 and DT 103 or DT 114 Recommended Preparation: MACH 117
- Transfers to
- CSU
The Conceptual Design through Production class is an opportunity for a team of students to take an idea and make it a reality. Students will present a design to take from concept to production. When the design is approved, a written design proposal will be presented to the project manager for approval. Production drawings will be generated using industry standard software. Following print revisions and approval of the production drawings, the prototyping process will begin. After drawing revisions are made, the production package is completed, and the prototype is perfected, the part(s) will be 3D printed and/or machined using specified materials. The part will be inspected using GD&T and approved by the project manager. Final project will be presented and evaluated by peers and faculty.
DT 114 Creo Parametric I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Creo Parametric is a computer-aided design (CAD) software for learning parametric feature-based solid modeling, assembly construction, technical drawing creation, finite element analysis (FEA) and motion simulation. Creo Parametric I introduces students to the concept of parametric modeling and how if differs from direct modeling. The class explores the importance of applying design intent through the use of design elements. Lecture topics cover basic core features of all parts, continuing with building simple assemblies of those parts, and culminating with creating both detail part and assembly production-ready drawings. Lab exercises reinforce these learned concepts, while incorporating industry best practices and standards.
DT 115 Creo Parametric II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DT 114
- Transfers to
- CSU
Creo Parametric is a computer-aided design (CAD) software for learning parametric feature-based solid modeling, assembly construction, technical drawing creation, and finite element analysis (FEA) and motion simulation. This class furthers the student's understanding of parametric 3D design and builds upon the concepts introduced in Creo Parametric I. Students will learn advanced modeling techniques to create more complex parts incorporating organic shapes not easily achieved with the basic core features. Advanced assemblies will now be constructed using joint connections between components, constituting a basic mechanism. The student will perform kinematic (motion) studies using these mechanized assemblies to analyze the feasibility of the design. Large assembly management techniques will be taught. Drawing and design concepts will continue to be developed, using more advanced methods. Lab exercises reinforce these learned concepts, while incorporating industry best practices and standards.
DT 226 Printed Circuit Board Design I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Advisory
- Student should have basic knowledge of MS Windows 10 Operating System (OS). This includes the ability to navigate files and directories, install software, locate and open software, and access the Internet through a web browser.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Printed Circuit Board Design I provides process flow and software tool usage instruction for the creation of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) based on the four stages of libraries, schematics, PCB layout and documentation. These four stages will be covered in the context of Design for Test (DFT) and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) to ensure that the design is manufacturable and testable. PCBs will be designed using a high-end circuit board software(s).
DT 227 Printed Circuit Board Design II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DT 226
- Transfers to
- CSU
Printed Circuit Board Design II builds upon the design process and tool knowledge gained in PCB Design I. Board fabrication and assembly practices will be discussed in detail to reinforce design best practices. Additional topics are honed to the needs of the electronics industry, such as high-speed, design density, rigid-flex and system design. The four PCB projects will develop skills from concept to manufacturing/assembly documentation.