Computer Aided Design & Drafting: Diploma
Description
The Computer Aided Design & Drafting (CADD) Diploma program is designed to develop and enhance practical skills; increasing students' knowledge for a successful CADD career. Throughout the program students will design and draft various projects that are produced in digital and physical models. Students will obtain extensive experience utilizing AutoCAD and BIM softwares.
This program offers students two unique ways to approach their learning. First, students may choose from several specialties including:
- Architectural
- Structural
- Mechanical
Second, the program offers students four options for their studies:
- Diploma in Computer Aided Design and Drafting
- Advanced Certificate in Computer Aided Design and Drafting
- Certificate in Computer Aided Design and Drafting
- Citation in Computer Aided Design and Drafting
The Advanced Certificate, Certificate, and Citation are embedded within the diploma. They allow students who do not wish to pursue a diploma in CADD to have an optional exit point after three, two, or one semester of coursework. Additional information is available from our program website at: kpu.ca/trades/cadd.
Specialties
After successful completion of the CADD Core students will choose their Specialty. Students are asked to consult with the CADD Program Chair through the Specialty selection planning process.
Architectural
Normally offered in the Spring or Summer semesters, students prepare sets of drawings to graphically convey design and dimensional information to meet the qualifications for a building permit in residential, commercial and institutional applications.
Architectural CADD/Drafting graduates create 3D models and 2D drawings for residential, commercial and government buildings. They may pursue an entry level position in a variety of employment situations such as an Architectural design office, a manufacturing company of prefabricated buildings or trusses, a construction company, a kitchen/cabinet design company, a municipal office, or a company that specializes in single and multi-family residential plans.
Structural
Normally offered in the Fall semester, students prepare sets of drawings to graphically convey design and dimensional information for concrete, steel and timber structures, site preparation and precast concrete. Structural CADD/Drafting graduates create 3D models and 2D drawings for steel, concrete, and wood structures. They also prepare site drawings. Graduates may pursue an entry level position in a variety of employment situations such as an engineering office, a municipal office, or a steel fabrication shop. Structural graduates work on structures for Architectural, Industrial, Highway, Railway and Marine facilities.
Mechanical
Mechanical CADD/Drafting graduate students create 3D models and 2D drawings that detail industrial layouts such as conveyors and process piping, and manufacturing information for component assemblies and details. Graduates may pursue entry-level positions in a variety of engineering firms, product design companies, construction companies or in fabrication shops. Graduates may work closely with machinists and fabricators to perfect the design, and to establish efficient production and installation procedures.
Multiple Specialties
Students may take more than one Specialty. In doing so, students should be aware of the university's policy on second credentials (Policy L.5: Requirements for Graduation). See kpu.ca/policies.
Other Specialties
The CADD Department has courses developed for Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing and Civil. These courses may be run as Special Purpose courses when there is sufficient demand. Please contact the CADD Department Chair at 604-598-6123 for more information.
Options
Diploma in Computer Aided Design and Drafting
The Diploma enables students to acquire advanced technical writing skills, Math skills and Physics skills, and to acquire technical skills in document control, web portfolio and CADD customization and networking. These CADD courses are offered in the evening to facilitate certificate and advanced certificate graduates who are working in their industry.
Advanced Certificate in Computer Aided Design and Drafting
The Advanced Certificate enables students to acquire math and management skills, 3D graphics, rendering and animation, and to augment their chosen Specialty with civil/surveying skills. The CADD courses are offered in the evening to facilitate certificate graduates who are working in their industry.
Certificate in Computer Aided Design and Drafting
The Certificate prepares students for an entry level position as a CADD Drafting technician in the chosen Specialty. Using the most advanced CADD (Computer Aided Design & Drafting) software and 3 dimensional (3D) software, students will learn to produce drawings from concept sketches, design information, codes and specifications as per industry standards for production by builders and manufacturers.
Citation in Computer Aided Design and Drafting
The Citation incorporates the CADD Core which prepares students for the Specialty semester.
Career Opportunities
CADD/Drafting graduates may pursue a career in a variety of employment situations in architectural, engineering, manufacturing or municipal offices, or in a production /construction setting.
After a few years in CADD/Drafting many of our graduates move on to positions in sales, customer service, production management, estimating, CADD and network management and contract services (self-employment). Responsibilities can include design team management, project management of small projects, and production scheduling.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to KPU's General university admission requirements including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply.
- Satisfy the Math requirement with one of:
- Principles of Mathematics 11 with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)
- Pre-Calculus 11 with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)
- Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)
- KPU MATH 1093, MATH 1117, ABEM 0082 or PSPM 1082 with a minimum grade of grade of C
- KPU ABEM 0011 or MATP 1011 or MATQ 1099 with a minimum grade of C
- Appropriate placement by the CADD Math Placement Test
Note: Students wishing to complete the Diploma program without having to undertake any preparatory courses must enter with English 12 – B (or equivalent), and one of Pre-calculus 12 – C; Principles of Math 12 – C; Pre-calculus 11 – B; or Principles of Math 11 – B (or equivalent).
Students with mental or physical impairments, who may require program accommodations, should contact the Department Chair at 604.598.6123 to discuss required skills and competencies and a Disability Advisor at 604.599.3233 to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.
Advanced Standing
Applicants with Drafting 11 and/or 12 from a BC Secondary School can challenge the CADD 1100 course by writing a Qualifying Assessment. There is a nominal fee to write the assessment. Applicants must meet the CADD Program entrance requirements to write the assessment. Contact the CADD Department Chair at 604-598-6123 or email cadd@kpu.ca for more information.
Additional Requirements
Applicants should have the ability to work well with co-workers as a member of a design team, which includes the ability to communicate in both written and oral English. The ability to pay attention to detail and the ability to visualize in two- and three-dimensions is an asset.
Program applicants benefit from having basic computer knowledge such as E-mail, Internet, file management, working knowledge of Windows environment, basic operating system functions and text editing.
Applicants can arrange to acquire these basic computer skills ahead of time through Academic Career Preparation upgrading.
Program Requirements
The Diploma in CADD program consists of 63 credits, organized into four semesters. After the first semester, courses are offered as open enrolment. Courses in semesters 3 and 4 are normally in the evening at the Cloverdale campus.
Semester 1 - CADD Core Requirements
All of: |
|||
| CADD 1100 | Drafting Fundamentals | 4 credits | |
| CADD 1110 | Summative Project | 4 credits | |
| CADD 1150 | Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD) Software | 4 credits | |
| CADD 1160 | Introduction to Office Procedures and Software | 3 credits | |
Upon successful completion of the Semester 1 CADD Core courses, students are eligible to exit the program and receive a Citation.
Semester 2 - Specialty Requirements
Note: The Specialty schedule is subject to change based on demand and not all specialties are regularly scheduled. Please check online timetable for an up-to-date schedule.
Architectural Specialty
All of: |
|||
| CADA 1200 | Architectural Fundamentals | 3 credits | |
| CADA 1210 | Single Family Residential | 4 credits | |
| CADA 1220 | Commercial Buildings | 4 credits | |
| CADA 1250 | Introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software for Architectural | 4 credits | |
Mechanical Specialty
All of: |
|||
| CADI 1210 | Conveyor Systems | 4 credits | |
| CADI 1220 | Process Piping | 4 credits | |
| CADM 1210 | Component Assembly and Details | 4 credits | |
| CADM 1250 | 3 Dimensional (3D) Parametric Solids Modeling Software | 4 credits | |
Structural Specialty
All of: |
|||
| CADS 1200 | Introduction to Structural Drafting and Concrete | 4 credits | |
| CADS 1210 | Structural Steel | 4 credits | |
| CADS 1220 | Wood Frame and Heavy Timber | 4 credits | |
| CADS 1250 | Introduction to Building Information Model (BIM) Software for Structural | 3 credits | |
Upon successful completion of the Semester 1 CADD Core courses and one of the Specialties in Semester 2, students are eligible to exit the program and receive a Certificate in their chosen Specialty.
Semester 3 - Requirements
All of: |
|||
| CADD 2100 | CADD Graphics and Models: Rendering and Animation | 4 credits | |
| CADD 2110 | Surveying and Site Work | 4 credits | |
| CADD 2160 | Professional Practice for Design and Drafting | 4 credits | |
| BUSI 1210 | Essentials of Management | 3 credits | |
| MATH 1112 | Pre-Calculus Algebra | 3 credits | |
Upon successful completion of the Semester 1 CADD Core courses, one of the Specialties in Semester 2, and the Semester 3 courses, students are eligible to exit the program and receive an Advanced Certificate.
Semester 4 - Requirements
All of: |
|||
| CADD 2210 | Document Control and Web Portfolio | 4 credits | |
| CADD 2250 | CADD Customization and Networks | 4 credits | |
| ENGL 1100 | Introduction to University Writing | 3 credits | |
| PHYS 1100 | Introductory Physics | 4 credits | |
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Diploma in Computer Aided Design and Drafting.
Upon successful completion of Semester 3, students are eligible to receive an Advanced Certificate in Computer Aided Design and Drafting.
Upon successful completion of Semester 2 (the Specialty), students are eligible to receive a Certificate in Computer Aided Design and Drafting in their chosen specialty.
Upon successful completion of Semester 1 (CADD Core), students are eligible to receive a Citation in Computer Aided Design and Drafting.
