Engineering Graphics

Course Description

EGN1111C – Engineering Graphics is a 3-credit, combined lecture and laboratory course in the Engineering: General taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course introduces students to the principles of technical drawing and visual communication used by engineers. Students learn to read, interpret, and produce engineering drawings using both traditional sketching techniques and modern computer-aided drafting (CAD) software. Topics include descriptive geometry, orthographic projection, isometric and pictorial drawings, sectional and auxiliary views, dimensioning, tolerancing, and the production of working drawings. The "C" indicator denotes that lecture and laboratory experiences are integrated, with hands-on CAD work — typically in AutoCAD or Autodesk Inventor — applied alongside theoretical instruction.

EGN1111C serves as a foundational course for students pursuing engineering, engineering technology, drafting, architecture, and related disciplines. It is widely articulated across Florida's engineering A.A. and A.S. transfer pathways and meets the preparatory graphics requirement for upper-division mechanical, civil, aerospace, and industrial engineering programs.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply standard drafting principles and engineering drawing conventions, including line types, lettering, scale, and sheet layout in accordance with ANSI/ASME Y14 standards.
• Visualize three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional views and produce accurate multiview orthographic projections using both first-angle and third-angle projection methods.
• Construct pictorial drawings, including isometric, oblique, and perspective views, from orthographic data.
• Apply dimensioning and tolerancing principles to engineering drawings, including basic geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) symbols.
• Produce sectional and auxiliary views to communicate internal features and inclined surfaces.
• Operate computer-aided drafting software (typically AutoCAD or Autodesk Inventor) to create, edit, and plot 2D engineering drawings.
• Read and interpret working drawings, including detail drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of materials.
• Apply principles of descriptive geometry to solve spatial problems involving points, lines, and planes.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also:

• Create parametric 3D solid models and assemblies using software such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or Creo.
• Apply basic 3D rendering and visualization techniques to engineering models.
• Generate drawings from 3D models, including exploded assembly views and animations.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary design teams on graphical communication projects.
• Apply 3D printing or rapid prototyping workflows to translate digital models into physical artifacts.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Introduction to Engineering Graphics: History and role of graphical communication in engineering; drawing standards (ANSI/ASME Y14); lettering, line types, and sheet layout.
• Sketching and Visualization: Freehand sketching techniques; visualization of 3D objects from 2D views; spatial reasoning exercises.
• Geometric Construction: Construction of lines, angles, polygons, tangents, and conic sections used in engineering layouts.
• Orthographic Projection: Theory of multiview projection; first-angle and third-angle methods; selection and arrangement of views.
• Pictorial Drawings: Isometric, oblique (cabinet and cavalier), and perspective drawings.
• Sectional Views: Full, half, broken-out, revolved, removed, and offset sections; section line conventions.
• Auxiliary Views: Primary and secondary auxiliary views for inclined and oblique surfaces.
• Dimensioning and Tolerancing: Linear, angular, and geometric dimensioning; tolerance accumulation; introduction to GD&T.
• Working Drawings: Detail drawings, assembly drawings, exploded views, parts lists, and title blocks.
• Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD): AutoCAD interface and commands; layers, blocks, and plotting; production of CAD drawings to industry standards.
• Descriptive Geometry: Points, lines, planes, and intersections in space; true length and true shape constructions.

Optional Topics

• 3D Solid Modeling: Parametric modeling concepts; sketches, features, parts, and assemblies in Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks.
• Threads and Fasteners: Thread representation, fastener types, and standard fastener libraries.
• Welding and Manufacturing Symbols: Standard symbology for fabrication drawings.
• Rendering and Animation: Photorealistic rendering, motion studies, and exploded animations.
• Reverse Engineering and 3D Printing: Capturing and producing physical artifacts from CAD models.
• Engineering Design Process: Team-based design projects emphasizing graphical documentation.

Resources & Tools

• CAD Software: Autodesk AutoCAD (industry standard for 2D drafting); Autodesk Inventor or Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks (for 3D parametric modeling)
• Drawing Standards: ANSI/ASME Y14 series — Engineering Drawing and Related Documentation Practices; ISO drafting standards (international reference)
• Recommended Textbooks: Technical Drawing with Engineering Graphics by Giesecke et al.; Engineering Graphics: Tools for the Mind by Earle; Fundamentals of Graphics Communication by Bertoline et al.
• Lab Equipment: Drafting workstations with current-version CAD software; large-format plotter; engineering scale rulers, drafting triangles, and compasses for sketching exercises
• Online Resources: Autodesk Education Community (free student licenses); ANSI Y14 reference materials

Career Pathways

EGN1111C provides foundational graphics skills used across virtually every engineering and technical discipline. Successful completion supports progression into the following pathways:

• Engineering A.A. Transfer Pathway – Required preparation for upper-division mechanical, civil, aerospace, and industrial engineering programs at Florida public universities (UF, USF, UCF, FAU, FIU, FAMU-FSU, FGCU).
• Engineering Technology A.S. Programs – Foundation course for students pursuing degrees in mechanical, civil, manufacturing, or electronics engineering technology.
• CAD Drafter / Drafting Technician (SOC 17-3011) – Entry-level technical drafting roles in engineering, architecture, and construction firms.
• Architectural and Civil Drafter – Production of construction documents, site plans, and infrastructure drawings.
• Mechanical Drafter – Documentation of machine parts, assemblies, and product designs for manufacturers.
• Engineering Technician roles in Florida's aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors (Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Embraer, and the Space Coast aerospace cluster).

Special Information

Certification Preparation

Course content aligns with foundational competencies tested in the following industry credentials:

• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) – AutoCAD: Entry-level certification recognizing fundamental AutoCAD skills.
• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) – Inventor: Validates basic parametric modeling skills (when 3D modeling is covered).
• SolidWorks Certified Associate (CSWA): Industry-recognized credential in 3D parametric modeling (for institutions that use SolidWorks).
• American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) Certified Drafter (CD): Professional drafting credential.

Transferability and Articulation

EGN1111C is designated as part of Florida's Statewide Articulation Manual common prerequisites for transfer engineering programs. The course transfers as equivalent across Florida public colleges and universities (under Florida SCNS). Some institutions offer the same course as EGN1110C – Engineering Drawing; both numbers represent equivalent content under the SCNS.