Would you like to pursue a career in computer assisted design? If you’re looking for a creative career and job security, computer assisted design might be the perfect field for you. This course is ideal for budding drafters, designers and engineers.
Introduction to Computer Assisted Design (CAD) is an online professional development course that will provide you with foundation knowledge in computer-assisted design concepts and processes.
In this CAD course, you will learn about the history of technical drawing and applications of CAD, including landscaping, construction, engineering, architecture, urban planning and manufacturing. You’ll also discover the importance of 3D printing, virtual reality and artificial intelligence in CAD.
While software is not provided, there are numerous open-source CAD software applications available that can be downloaded for free for learning and assessment purposes.
On completion of this course, you will have a foundation understanding of the processes and principles of CAD for entry-level roles or to pursue further studies in this field.
Course Structure
Unit - Computer Assisted Design (CAD)
Unit 1 – Scope and Nature of Computer Aided Design
- The use of computer software
- History of technical drawing
- History of CAD
- Why CAD?
- CAD software applications
- General discipline applications
- Applications of CAD
- Solid modelling or manufacturing
- Surface modelling and assembly
- Drafting detailing
- Reverse engineering
Unit 2 – Types of CAD Software
- Types of CAD
- 2d CAD
- 5d CAD
- 3d CAD
- CAD modelling types
- CAD system components
- Application logic
- Database
- Visualisation suite
- The mesher
- The modeler
- Translation suite
- User interface
- Popular CAD software
- Create a CAD project
- Categories of CAD file format
Unit 3 – CAD Design Principles
- Basics of CAD
- Cartesian coordinate system
- Spatial reasoning
- Spatial vision
- Spatial orientation
- Orthographic projections
- CAD design general principles
- Automation
- Simulation
- Integration
- CAD design process
- Conception
- The identification stage
- Problem definition
- First draft design
- Design
- Geometric modelling
- Engineering analysis
- Validation
- Design review
- Design evaluation
- Presentation
- Drafting
- CAD design effective use principles
Unit 4 – Landscape Mapping and Planning
- Landscaping, mapping, and planning make extensive use of CAD
- Plan types
- Site plan/base plan
- Topographic plan
- Concept plan
- The final plan
- The planting plan
- How landscape plans are presented
- Examples of types of drawings
- Steps in the design procedure
- Landscape graphics
- Scale and lettering
- Design drawing
- Different types of lines
- Surveying and measurement
- Triangulation
- Slope and direct contouring
- The grid system
- Levelling
- Datum line
- Reduced level
- Area measurement
- Flat areas – triangular area method
- Sloped areas – length interval method
- Measurement of volume
- The depth area method
- Triangulated irregular network (tin) method
- Earthworks
- Required grading drawings
- Grading operations
- Doing the earthworks
- A rotary hoe or earth moving machinery
- Limitations of CAD in landscape design
Unit 5 – Construction and Engineering
- The purpose of construction and engineering
- CAD in construction
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- Construction managers
- Application to construction
- Types of drawings
- Architectural drawings
- Site plan
- Location plan/drawings
- Elevation
- The landscape plan
- Excavation drawing
- Floor plan and line plan
- Cross section diagrams
- Section drawings
- Detail/finishing drawings
- Installation drawings
- Working plan
- As-built drawings
- Component, engineering or shop drawings
- Structural drawings
- Design drawings
- Beam layout
- Column layout
- Framing plans
- Roof slab layout
- Building services drawings
- Electrical drawings
- Plumbing drawing
- HVAC/mechanical drawing
- Firefighting drawing
- Miscellaneous drawings
- Submission drawing
- Models
- Environment plans
- 2d or 3d software
Unit 6 – Architecture and Urban Planning
- CAD modelling
- Urban planning
- Architecture
- Architectural views
- Using templates
- CAD visualisation
- Virtual tours
- Risk management
- Risk identification
- Risk assessment
- Building information modelling
Unit 7 – Manufacturing
- Computer numerical control (CNC)
- Computer aided manufacturing (CAM)
- Production processes
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Technology
- Design benefits
- Financial benefits
- Outsourcing parts of manufacturing process
- Quality & inspection
- Logistics
- Green strategy
Unit 8 – Rapid Prototyping
- Prototypes important part of the product development cycle
- Why rapid prototyping is important
- The prototyping process
- Types of rapid prototyping
- Other manufacturing techniques
- High speed machining
- Laser cutting
- Water cutting
- Electrical discharge machining
- Extruding
- Moulding approaches
- Casting
- Injection moulding
- Compressive
Unit 9 – 3-D Printing
- History of 3d printing
- Types of 3d printing
- Multi jet fusion (MJF)
- Direct metal laser sintering
- Selective laser melting (SLM)
- Fused deposition modelling (FDM)
- Selective laser sintering (SLS)
- Electron beam melting
- Stereolithography (SLA)
- Digital light processing (DLP)
- 3d scanners
- Types of software
- Slicer software
- Types of materials
- Plastics, powders, resin and metals
- Advantages of 3d printing
- Disadvantages of 3d printing
- Applications of 3d printing
- Replacement parts
- Customised parts
- The future of 3d printing
Unit 10 – Further Applications
- Enhanced reality
- Augmented reality
- Virtual reality
- Mixed reality
- Artificial intelligence (ai)
- Generative design
- The cloud
- Customisation & other applications
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Enrol Now (Credit Card) or Enrol Now (Internet Banking/BPAY)
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Designer
- CAD drafter/technician
- Engineers
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