MEC 120 - Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Credits: 3
3 Skills Lab Hours

Description
This is an introductory course in computer-aided design (CAD) fundamentals. Students are introduced to the concepts and techniques used by drafters and designers to create and modify computer generated drawings. Students learn the commands and functions necessary to input, process and output working drawings to printers and plotters.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Prepare new CAD drawings by setting the drawing environment to include the paper size and inserting a border and title block.
Produce CAD drawings using the screen cursor, absolute coordinates, relative coordinates, polar coordinates and direct distance entry for point entry.
Complete CAD drawings using drawing commands.
Modify CAD drawings using editing commands.
Utilize hatching tools to fill in surfaces.
Produce hard copy prints of completed CAD drawings.
Manage drawing layers.
Add text, linear, angular, diameter and radius dimensions to CAD drawings.
Create orthographic and isometric CAD drawings.
Use appropriate commands to draw polyline objects.
Demonstrate the conversion of file formats for use in industry-standard CAD software packages, including AutoCAD and Solidworks.

Listed Topics

The CAD environment
Input/output devices
Operating and CAD software
Basic drawing commands
Coordinate geometry
Editing commands
Multiview drawings
Geometric constructions
Solids, fills and isometric drawings
Hatching
Text and lettering
Dimensioning and drawing annotation
Polylines

Reference Materials
Instructor-approved textbook

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Information Literacy
Technological Competence

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 03/09/2026
Last Reviewed: 03/09/2026

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