AutoCAD Fundamentals

Computer-aided design or CAD is the primary tool for the building industry in Canada when it comes to the design and delineation of construction projects. Most industry professionals use AutoCAD to create construction plans and drawings. Architects will produce entire sets of plans with it, while contractors and trades will use it to delineate specific aspects of the work or to complete their obligations as construction managers and design builders. Knowing how to use and manipulate AutoCAD is considered to be a primary skill in the industry.

This course will provide learners with accumulating proficiency in the most recent version(s) of AutoCAD. Participants will get extensive hands-on experience in the preparation and understanding of two-dimensional architectural working drawings.

The course will cover: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 

1. Apply AutoCAD software to Construction applications.
2. Produce simple drawings to industry standards using 2D features of AutoCAD.
3. Save and retrieve AutoCAD drawings.
4. Interpret simple orthographic projections.
5. Modify drawings to industry standards using 2D features of AutoCAD.
6. Plot .dwg files to paper and electronic requirements using industry standards.

 Online discussions and many practical exercises will provide the basis of the course.

 Participants will be provided with and work with a copy of Architectural Drafting Assignments using AutoCAD (Revised) [ISBN 9780176807399, Centage (formerly Nelson) Publishing] textbook authored by the course instructor. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: This workshop requires full face-to-face interaction and participation from both the instructor and students. In order to attend, you must make sure you have the following: 

1. Computer or laptop with webcam (webcams are strongly encouraged): This workshop will involve on-screen interaction with your instructor and classmates, reading/viewing on-screen content like slides or videos, and interacting via typing with questions or responses. For this reason, attendees are not permitted to attend via a tablet or cell phone.  
2. Participants will need access to AutoCAD version 2020 - 2022.
3. Sharing a single registration between two or more individuals is not permitted. Please register each person that will be in attendance. 
4. A quiet space with minimal distractions: Please plan to be fully engaged in the class, and clear your work schedule just as you would for attendance in an in-class program. 
5. Attendance and participation in all workshop sessions are mandatory for workshop completion. Please note that if a student misses a class session, we are unable to transfer a registration or provide a partial refund of the registration fees. 

Delivery Method: Virtual Session – Zoom Meetings 

Course Fee Includes:  Access to the course, course materials, digital textbook, and upon completion a digital certificate.  

This course is delivered in partnership with local and provincial construction associations across Canada. You will be participating with a group of industry peers from multiple regions.  

There are no prerequisites for this course.   

While architects and architectural technologists are trained and generally well-versed in computer aided design, many other construction professionals will benefit from some knowledge of AutoCAD. Construction office personnel including estimators and project managers as well as field personnel including engineers and supervisors – anyone involved in reading drawings to communicating construction information will get something from this course. This course will prove especially helpful to those relatively new to computer aided design or to those who have never taken a formal CAD course. 

1. Computer or laptop

• • This course will involve on-screen interaction with your instructor and classmates, reading/viewing on-screen content (slides or videos), and interacting via typing with questions or responses. For this reason, cellphones may not be adequate. 

  • Windows 10 or Mac iOS. 

  • Access to AutoCAD version 2020 - 2022.

2. Webcam (Suggested)– in order to engage and collaborate, participants will be expected to have their webcams on for the duration of the class

3. Microphone (Suggested)

4. Internet connection- For best results, you will want to ensure you have an internet connection with an upload/download speed of 3-5 Mbps. You can test your internet speed here. The minimum recommended speed is 1.5 Mbps, but anything below 3 Mbps may result in loss of quality or buffering. Ideally hardwired connection versus wireless for stability - connect your computer directly to your router using an ethernet cable, rather than using your home wi-fi.

5. A quiet space with minimal distractions –The microphone will be engaged for interactive sessions. Please plan to be fully engaged in the class and clear your work schedule just as you would for the in-class program.

6. Comfortable chair