3D AutoCAD / Revit

Course Description

ETD2390 — 3D AutoCAD/Revit — is a sophomore-level, lecture/laboratory course within the Engineering Technologies > Engineering Design Drafting taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course introduces students to advanced three-dimensional computer-aided design using Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit, the industry-standard platform for Building Information Modeling (BIM). Students transition from 2D drafting fundamentals into parametric 3D modeling workflows, learning how intelligent building models automatically generate coordinated plans, elevations, schedules, and construction documents. The course is delivered in a computer-laboratory setting and requires outside project work. A minimum grade of C is required to satisfy program requirements at most Florida institutions.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Navigate the AutoCAD 3D and Revit interfaces, including the ribbon, browser, and view controls.
• Explain core Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts and how they support integrated design and documentation workflows.
• Apply the basic methodology of parametric modeling systems using Revit software technology.
• Construct 2D and basic 3D drawings using AutoCAD, including the translation of 2D data into 3D objects.
• Build a coordinated 3D building model in Revit, including walls, floors, roofs, doors, windows, and stairs.
• Generate floor plans, elevations, sections, 3D views, sheets, and schedules directly from the BIM model.
• Produce professional-quality construction documents that meet industry drafting standards (ANSI/ASME Y14).
• Import and coordinate files between AutoCAD and Revit environments.
• Apply appropriate layer management, annotation, dimensioning, and plotting conventions in both software platforms.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also:

• Create high-quality photorealistic renderings from 3D Revit views using cloud rendering services.
• Model curtain walls, in-place families, and advanced roof geometries in Revit.
• Integrate structural elements and basic MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) components into a BIM model.
• Apply civil engineering drafting techniques such as site plans, contoured maps, and roadway alignments using Civil 3D concepts.
• Utilize 3D printing or rapid prototyping to physically fabricate CAD-created design models.
• Prepare a portfolio of completed drawings and models suitable for employment or transfer portfolios.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• AutoCAD 3D Fundamentals — 3D workspace setup, UCS (User Coordinate System), viewports, and basic 3D drawing commands; translating 2D drawings to 3D models.
• Introduction to BIM and Revit — BIM methodology overview; Revit interface navigation; project templates, levels, and grids.
• Parametric Modeling in Revit — Wall types, floor systems, roofs, doors, windows, and curtain wall basics; understanding parametric relationships between model elements.
• Vertical Circulation — Modeling stairs, ramps, and railings in Revit.
• View Creation and Documentation — Generating floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, building sections, elevations, and 3D perspective views from the model.
• Sheets, Schedules, and Annotation — Assembling drawing sheets; creating door, window, and room schedules; adding dimensions, tags, and text.
• Construction Documents — Plotting and publishing professional-quality drawing sets; print settings and sheet organization.
• File Interoperability — Importing/linking AutoCAD DWG files into Revit; exporting Revit models to DWG and other formats.
• Drafting Standards — Applying ANSI/ASME Y14 drafting conventions; layer naming, line weights, and title block standards.

Optional Topics

• Photorealistic Rendering — Cloud-based and local rendering workflows; material assignment and lighting in Revit.
• Advanced Revit Families — Loadable and in-place families; custom component creation.
• Structural and MEP Elements — Introduction to structural framing, beams, columns; basic mechanical/electrical/plumbing system placement.
• Toposurface and Site Modeling — Creating and editing site topography and site components in Revit.
• Civil 3D Concepts — Property line layout, contoured mapping, roadway alignments, and cut/fill diagrams as supplemental civil applications.
• Rapid Prototyping / 3D Printing — Exporting CAD/BIM data to 3D printing workflows; fabricating scale models from digital files.
• AutoCAD Advanced 3D — Solid modeling, Boolean operations, and surface modeling within AutoCAD.

Resources & Tools

• Software: Autodesk AutoCAD (current release), Autodesk Revit (current release) — available via Autodesk Education Community at no cost to enrolled students.
• Hardware: Dedicated computer lab with workstations meeting Autodesk minimum system requirements; access to large-format plotter for construction document output.
• Optional Hardware: 3D printer for rapid-prototyping exercises.
• Textbook (typical): Autodesk-approved courseware such as Autodesk Revit: Architecture (Autodesk Official Training Guide) or instructor-supplied digital materials; no single statewide-required text is mandated.
• Online Resources: Autodesk Knowledge Network, Autodesk University on-demand videos, Lynda.com / LinkedIn Learning (Revit and AutoCAD 3D learning paths).
• Cloud Services: Autodesk BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud (optional collaboration); Autodesk cloud rendering for Revit.
• File Storage: Students typically required to maintain organized project file storage (USB drive, institutional network drive, or approved cloud storage).

Career Pathways

Completion of ETD2390 prepares students for entry-level and advancing roles in design, engineering, and construction industries across Florida and nationwide. Florida CAD/Drafting program graduates find employment with engineering firms, architectural companies, contractors, and government agencies.

• Architectural Drafter / BIM Technician — Preparing construction documents and 3D models for architectural firms.
• Civil Engineering Drafter — Supporting civil engineers with site plans, infrastructure drawings, and mapping.
• Mechanical/Structural Drafter — Creating mechanical component and structural framing drawings.
• BIM Coordinator / BIM Manager (with additional experience) — Managing Revit models and coordinating multidisciplinary BIM workflows on large projects.
• Construction Project Technician — Using CAD and BIM tools in construction management and contractor environments.
• Interior Design Drafter — Producing space planning and finish documentation for interior projects.
• Transfer Pathway: Credits earned in this course may transfer toward Bachelor of Science programs in Engineering Technology, Architecture, or Construction Management at Florida universities via the SCNS articulation system.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course aligns with and provides preparation toward the following industry-recognized Autodesk certifications:

• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) — Revit: Entry-level certification validating fundamental Revit skills covered in this course.
• Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) — Revit Architecture: Professional-level BIM certification; students who complete this course and a follow-on Revit course are encouraged to pursue this credential.
• Autodesk Certified Professional — AutoCAD for Design and Drafting: Validates advanced AutoCAD skills including 3D modeling workflows introduced in this course.

Florida college drafting and design programs may offer on-site Certiport testing centers where students can sit for Autodesk certification exams at a reduced cost. Students should consult their institution's program advisor for current testing availability and exam voucher opportunities.

Program Context

ETD2390 is typically offered as part of the Computer-Aided Drafting and Design A.S. degree or Drafting Design Certificate programs at Florida colleges including Tallahassee State College, Seminole State College, Eastern Florida State College, and Pasco-Hernando State College. The course builds directly on 2D CAD and technical drawing fundamentals and serves as a gateway to advanced specialty drafting electives in architectural, civil, mechanical, or structural disciplines.