Graphical Communications

Course Description

EGN1113 – Graphical Communications is a 2-credit-hour foundational engineering course that develops competency in the visual communication of engineering ideas through technical drawings, sketches, and computer-aided design (CAD) at the introductory level. The course covers the fundamental conventions of engineering drawing — orthographic projection, basic dimensioning, sectional views — along with introductory CAD software use. Compared to the more comprehensive 3-credit engineering graphics courses (EGN1110C and EGN1111C), EGN1113 typically provides a more focused introduction at lower credit hour intensity, often suitable for engineering technology students or as a graphical communication foundation in engineering programs that defer more comprehensive CAD training to later courses.

The 2-credit course typically meets with 2 lecture hours and 2 laboratory hours per week (often documented as "2-2" in catalog entries), or a comparable structure providing both instructional and hands-on practice time. Coursework typically progresses from basic engineering sketching and orthographic projection through introductory CAD software use, basic dimensioning, and the production of simple engineering drawings. The course establishes the foundational graphical literacy that supports subsequent engineering coursework requiring drawing interpretation and creation.

EGN1113 is a Florida common course offered at approximately 2 Florida institutions. Many Florida institutions use the more comprehensive 3-credit engineering graphics courses (EGN1110C — Engineering Drawing, ~4 institutions; EGN1111C — Engineering Graphics, ~9 institutions) instead. Students should verify with their specific institution which course satisfies their program's graphics requirement. EGN1113 transfers as the equivalent course at all Florida public postsecondary institutions per SCNS articulation policy where the receiving institution accepts the course.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Apply engineering sketching at the foundational level, including freehand orthographic and isometric sketches as engineering communication tools.
• Apply orthographic projection, including the third-angle projection convention used in U.S. engineering practice; visualization of three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional views; the relationship between front, top, and right-side views.
• Apply basic sectional views at the introductory level, including full sections and the proper use of section conventions.
• Apply dimensioning at the foundational level per ANSI/ASME Y14.5 conventions, including linear and angular dimensioning, leader lines, dimension placement, and dimensioning of common features.
• Apply basic tolerancing, including limit dimensions and plus-or-minus tolerancing.
• Use industry-standard CAD software at introductory level (typically AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360, or similar — institutional choice) for the creation of basic 2D drawings and (where included) introductory 3D modeling.
• Apply title block and drawing organization standards, including standard title block content, drawing scale, and line types and weights per ANSI standards.
• Create simple detail drawings for individual parts, including basic views, dimensions, and title block information.

Optional Outcomes

• Apply introductory 3D parametric modeling using sketch-based feature techniques (extrude, revolve) where included in the course.
• Apply basic threads, fasteners, and standard part conventions at introductory level.
• Apply basic assembly drawings at introductory level.
• Engage with discipline-specific drawing applications (architectural drawings, civil drawings, electrical schematics) at introductory level.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• The Role of Engineering Drawing: Engineering drawing as the visual language of engineering; the importance of standards (ANSI/ASME Y14 series); the role of the drawing in communication between designer and manufacturer.
• Engineering Sketching: Freehand sketching for design ideation; orthographic and isometric sketching; the role of sketching in early-stage design.
• Drawing Standards and Conventions: ANSI/ASME Y14 series at introductory level; line types and weights (visible, hidden, center, dimension, extension, leader); standard sheet sizes; title blocks.
• Orthographic Projection: The third-angle projection convention; relating 3D objects to 2D views; choosing the front view; standard arrangement of front, top, and right-side views; visualization exercises.
• Sectional Views — Introduction: Full sections; the cutting plane line; section hatching; the proper use of section conventions.
• Dimensioning Fundamentals: Dimension lines; extension lines; leader lines; dimension placement; sizing dimensions vs. location dimensions; dimensioning of common features (holes, fillets, rounds, chamfers).
• Tolerancing — Basic: Plus-or-minus tolerancing; limit dimensions; the relationship between tolerance and manufacturing.
• CAD Software Fundamentals: Introduction to industry-standard CAD software at introductory level; the user interface; basic 2D drafting commands; layer management.
• 2D CAD: 2D drawing creation; commands (line, circle, arc, polygon); modification commands (trim, extend, fillet, chamfer, mirror, copy, move); dimensioning in CAD.
• Detail Drawings — Introduction: Required content (views, dimensions, title block); the relationship between drawings and manufacturing.

Optional Topics

• Introductory 3D Parametric Modeling: Sketch-based features (extrude, revolve) at introductory level; the basics of 3D modeling.
• Threads and Fasteners — Introduction: Simplified thread representation; common threaded fasteners.
• Basic Assembly Drawings: Simple assembly views; balloon callouts; basic parts list.
• Discipline-Specific Drawings: Brief introduction to architectural drawings, civil drawings, electrical schematics, or P&IDs depending on program emphasis.

Resources & Tools

• Common Texts: Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD (Bethune); Technical Drawing with Engineering Graphics (Giesecke et al.); Engineering Drawing and Design (Madsen/Madsen); abridged or introductory versions of standard engineering graphics texts
• Software: AutoCAD (most widely adopted in introductory drafting courses); SolidWorks (where 3D modeling is included); Inventor; Fusion 360 (cloud-based, free for students); institutional licensing varies
• Lab Equipment: Computer lab with CAD software; large-format printer/plotter for engineering drawings (where used)
• Reference Standards: ANSI/ASME Y14 series — Y14.1 (drawing sheet sizes), Y14.2 (line conventions), Y14.3 (multiview projection), Y14.5 (dimensioning and tolerancing) at introductory level
• Reference Resources: Autodesk learning resources (free, online); SolidWorks tutorials (free, online); LinkedIn Learning courses on CAD software

Career Pathways

EGN1113 supports career pathways requiring foundational engineering drawing literacy:

• Engineering Technology Programs — Foundation for engineering technology A.S. and B.S. programs.
• Drafter / CAD Technician (SOC 17-3013) — With additional CAD coursework, supports drafting career pathways.
• Construction Management — Drawing literacy is essential for managing construction.
• Manufacturing Technician — Drawing reading is essential for manufacturing roles.
• Engineering Programs — Foundation that may need to be supplemented by more comprehensive CAD coursework (EGN1110C/EGN1111C or EGN2123) at the receiving institution.

Special Information

The 2-Credit Format

EGN1113 is a 2-credit-hour course, typically meeting with 2 lecture hours and 2 laboratory hours per week (denoted "2-2" in catalog entries). This contrasts with the 3-credit comprehensive engineering graphics courses (EGN1110C, EGN1111C) which provide deeper coverage including parametric 3D modeling, GD&T introduction, and assembly modeling. Students who complete EGN1113 may need additional CAD coursework (EGN2123 or equivalent) for engineering programs requiring advanced graphics.

Course Code Comparison

Florida institutions vary in their engineering graphics course coding:

• EGN1111C – Engineering Graphics — 3 credits, ~9 institutions; the most widely adopted comprehensive course.
• EGN1110C – Engineering Drawing — 3 credits, ~4 institutions; comprehensive course.
• EGN1113 – Graphical Communications (this course) — 2 credits, ~2 institutions; introductory course at lower credit-hour intensity.

General Education and Transfer

EGN1113 is a Florida common course number that transfers as the equivalent course at all Florida public postsecondary institutions per SCNS articulation policy where the receiving institution accepts the course. Students transferring from a 2-credit EGN1113 to a program requiring a 3-credit engineering graphics course (EGN1110C or EGN1111C) may need to complete additional coursework at the receiving institution.

Course Format

EGN1113 is offered in face-to-face, hybrid, and increasingly online formats. The CAD software work is well-suited to online delivery; many institutions offer fully online sections.

Industry Certification

Foundational engineering graphics work supports preparation for industry credentials:

• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) in AutoCAD or Fusion 360
• SolidWorks Certified Associate (CSWA) at the entry level (where SolidWorks is taught)

Some programs incorporate certification preparation as part of the course.