AutoCAD I: Introduction to Computer-Aided Design

Course Description

ETD1320C — AutoCAD I is the first course in computer-aided design (CAD), combining lecture and lab work using AutoCAD software. The course uses AutoCAD software to teach students how to apply basic drafting procedures to the computer environment, developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to work at an entry-level position such as CAD technician trainee, CAD system operator, or CAD technician. The "C" suffix designates a combined lecture/laboratory course. This course is part of the Engineering Technologies > Engineering Design Drafting taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) and is offered as part of A.S. degree and Technical Certificate programs across Florida colleges.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

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

• Create and save an electronic CAD drawing file using AutoCAD software.
• Locate points electronically using coordinate entry methods (absolute, relative, and polar coordinates).
• Maintain drawing accuracy using grid, snap, ortho, and object snap (OSNAP) tools.
• Organize sheet size and units in a drawing, including setting limits, units, and scales.
• Use graphic primitives (lines, arcs, circles, rectangles, polygons) to construct drawings.
• Draw and modify polylines, including use of the PEDIT command.
• Modify drawing file contents using standard editing commands (copy, move, trim, extend, offset, mirror, array, fillet, chamfer).
• Use advanced editing techniques to refine and complete drawings.
• Understand and apply dimensioning using AutoCAD, including linear, angular, radial, and aligned dimensions.
• Attach and format text annotations (single-line and multiline text) within drawings.
• Create, store, and insert blocks to reuse drawing elements efficiently.
• Enhance drawings with hatch patterns and shading.
• Create multiple viewports to display different views of a drawing.
• Create multiple images from minimal input using array, copy, and mirror commands.
• Use the ZOOM command and navigation tools to manage drawing display.
• Use inquiry commands (DIST, AREA, LIST, ID) to extract drawing data.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Depending on the institution and instructor, the following outcomes may also be addressed:

• Use point filters and tracking for precise object placement.
• Draw dynamic graphic entities and use dynamic input features.
• Use sketch lines for freehand drawing input.
• Define and use block attributes to embed text data in reusable symbols.
• Manage and organize drawings using a layer system with color, linetype, and lineweight standards.
• Configure and use paper space / layout tabs for sheet setup and plot preparation.
• Produce plotted output configured for correct scale, pen assignments, and paper size.
• Prepare a basic title block and border for professional drawing presentation.
• Use technology to organize, acquire, and convey information on drawings and reports.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following topics are covered across all Florida college offerings of ETD1320C:

• AutoCAD Interface & Command Structure — Ribbon, command line, toolbars, function keys, and command entry methods.
• Drawing Setup — Setting units, limits, grid, snap, and drawing scale; organizing sheet sizes.
• Coordinate Systems — Absolute, relative, and polar coordinate entry for precise point location.
• Drawing Primitives — Line, arc, circle, ellipse, rectangle, polygon, and donut commands.
• Object Snap (OSNAP) & Precision Tools — Grid, snap, ortho, polar tracking, and OSNAP modes for drawing accuracy.
• Editing & Modify Commands — Erase, copy, move, rotate, scale, stretch, trim, extend, offset, mirror, array, fillet, chamfer, and explode.
• Polylines & PEDIT — Drawing polylines, editing with PEDIT, and modifying width and vertices.
• Text & Annotation — Single-line and multiline text; text styles; attaching text tags to drawings.
• Dimensioning — Linear, aligned, angular, radial, and diameter dimensions; dimension styles and overrides.
• Hatching & Patterns — Applying and editing hatch patterns and solid fills (HATCH / BHATCH).
• Blocks — Creating, saving, inserting, and managing drawing blocks (BLOCK, WBLOCK, INSERT).
• Viewports & Zoom — Creating multiple viewports; using ZOOM, PAN, and REGEN for display management.
• Inquiry Commands — DIST, AREA, LIST, ID, and PROPERTIES to query drawing data.
• File Management — Opening, saving, backing up, and organizing CAD drawing files; use of USB/cloud storage.

Optional Topics

Topics covered at some institutions depending on course scope and time:

• Layer Management — Creating, naming, color-coding, and controlling visibility of layers; linetype and lineweight assignments.
• Block Attributes — Defining and extracting attribute data embedded in block definitions.
• Point Filters & Tracking — XY point filters, object snap tracking, and temporary tracking points.
• Dynamic Input & Sketch Lines — Using dynamic input mode and freehand SKETCH command.
• Paper Space / Layouts — Setting up layout tabs, creating floating viewports, and configuring plot scales.
• Title Blocks & Borders — Drawing or inserting standard title blocks; filling in drawing information.
• Plotting & Output — Plot dialog configuration, pen assignments, plot-to-scale, and printing to PDF.
• Introduction to External References (XREF) — Attaching and managing external drawing references.

Resources & Tools

• Software: Autodesk AutoCAD (current version). Available free to students via the Autodesk Education Community (students.autodesk.com). College computer labs also provide licensed access.
• Scales: One architect's scale and one engineer's scale (physical drafting tools used for reference and print reading).
• Storage: USB flash drive or cloud storage (e.g., Autodesk Drive) for file backup and portability.
• Textbook: No required textbook at most Florida institutions (Zero Textbook Cost / ZTC designation common). Instructors provide lecture outlines and digital resources via the college LMS (Canvas).
• LMS: Canvas — used for assignment submission, lecture outlines, due dates, and communication.
• Autodesk Online Resources: Autodesk Knowledge Network, AutoCAD Help documentation, and Autodesk tutorials.

Career Pathways

ETD1320C provides foundational skills for entry-level employment and further study in design and drafting fields. Graduates may pursue roles such as:

• CAD Technician Trainee — Entry-level drafting support in engineering or design firms.
• CAD System Operator — Operating and managing CAD workstations and file libraries.
• Drafting Technician — Producing technical drawings in architectural, mechanical, civil, or electrical disciplines.
• Design Technician — Supporting licensed engineers and architects with CAD-produced construction documents.

This course articulates into A.S. degree programs in Engineering Design Drafting Technology and Technical Certificate programs such as the Computer Aided Technical Design (T.C.) offered at FSCJ and similar institutions. Students who complete ETD1320C may progress to ETD1320C sequel courses (AutoCAD II, 3D CAD, Civil 3D, SolidWorks) depending on their program of study.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

The skills developed in ETD1320C align with the Autodesk Certified User (ACU) — AutoCAD certification exam. Students seeking industry recognition are encouraged to pursue this credential after course completion. The ACU certification demonstrates proficiency in AutoCAD fundamentals to potential employers and validates competency in 2D drafting, editing, dimensioning, and file management within the AutoCAD environment.

Lab & Technology Requirements

This is a lecture/laboratory combination course (indicated by the "C" suffix in the course number). Students are expected to complete drawing assignments using AutoCAD software, either in the college computer lab during scheduled open lab hours or on a personal computer with the free Autodesk student license installed. Regular and reliable access to a computer running AutoCAD is required to succeed in this course.