AutoCAD 2005 (150 hours)

Course Overview/Description

First released in 1982, AutoCAD is now the leading program for computer-aided design throughout the world. It is an essential tool in many industries, including mechanical and civil engineering, architecture, facilities planning and management. More employers use it, and need workers skilled in it, than any other CAD system.

The course takes a step-by-step approach to learning AutoCAD, starting with a few basic tools to let students create and edit a simple drawing, and then gradually introducing more advanced tools. Examples and practice exercises are taken from a variety of the fields where AutoCAD is used.

This program begins by focusing on basic 2D drawing and editing tools, objects on layers, text, and basic dimensions. Once the student masters the basic skills, they will move on to explore efficiency tools, complex objects, using external reference/image files, advanced plotting, enhancing productivity with simple customization.

Course Objectives

By completing this course the student will learn to:

• Create accurate dimensioned drawings.
• Setup drawings to plot.
• Build a library of symbols that can be reused.
• Develop template files with standard settings.
• Coordinate reference drawings.

Course Outline

I. Level 1

1. Creating a Simple Drawing
   1. Getting Started with AutoCAD 2005
   2. Basic Drawing and Editing Commands
2. Making Your Drawings More Precise
   1. Drawing Precision in AutoCAD
   2. Making Changes in Your Drawings
3. Drawing Organization and Information
   1. Organizing Your Drawing with Layers
   2. Two More Object Types
   3. Getting Information from Your Drawing
4. Creating More Complex Objects
   1. Advanced Editing Commands
   2. Inserting Blocks
5. Preparing to Print
   1. Setting Up a Layout
   2. Printing Your Drawing
6. Annotating Your Drawing
   1. Text
   2. Hatching
   3. Adding Dimensions
7. Productivity Tools
   1. Selection Sets
   2. Accurate Positioning
8. Creating and Organizing Blocks
   1. Creating Blocks
   2. Blocks in Tool Palettes
9. Drawing Setup and Utilities
   1. Creating Templates
   2. Advanced Viewing Tools

II. Level 2
1. Productivity Tools
   1. Working Efficiently with AutoCAD 2005
   2. Quick Editing Techniques
2. Advanced Object Types
   1. Polylines and Regions
   2. Multilines (Optional)
3. Advanced Blocks and Attributes
   1. Advanced Blocks
   2. Attributes
4. Referencing and Sharing Information
   1. External Reference
   2. Working with Images
   3. Other Tools for Collaboration
5. Layouts and Plotting
   1. Working with Layouts
   2. Advanced Plotting Features
6. Sheet Sets
   1. Introduction to Sheet Sets
7. Introduction to 3D
   1. Working in 3D
   2. Solid Modeling
   3. Visualization Techniques
8. Introduction to Customization
   1. Getting Started with Customization

Prerequisites/Audience

There are no specific prerequisites for this course other than an Internet connection and emailing capabilities.

This course is intended for students who are interested in Computer Aided Design or for students who want to become proficient using AutoCAD software.

PC Requirements/Materials Included

System Requirements
System Requirements Autodesk recommends a Pentium III or better system, 800MHz or better, a minimum of 256 MB of RAM. AutoCAD only works on IBM PC's (not Macs) with operating systems Windows 2000 or Windows XP (Professional or Home Edition).

GES will provide each student with the required textbook and AutoCAD 2005 with a one year student license.

Instructor Bio

Claire Eirmann holds a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design and a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts/Technology Education from the State University of New York. She is a New York State Certified Teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching. She has taught AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor to learners ranging in age from 9 through 84 years old. Claire's passion is learning. Claire enjoys working with students at various levels of ability and experience. She is currently working in a position developing curriculum used by many CAD training companies. Previously she taught with an Autodesk reseller for over 14 years. She is also an experienced college, high school, and middle school teacher in a variety of technical subject areas. Claire's CAD experience includes: AutoCAD 20 years, Autodesk Inventor 5 years, employment and industry experience 14 years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I register?
Click on the register button at the top of the page and follow the directions. It is important that you type all your information in the boxes, then print it out to sign.  Payment and sending instructions are in the bottom right corner of the form.

2. How much do the courses cost?
The fee is in the pink box at the top of the page.

3. Can I register for courses if I live outside the United States?
Yes you can!

4. Do I ever have go to the school I register with?
All of our courses are delivered entirely online, so you never have to go to a class or travel to the school.

5. How long does it take to complete a course?
All of our courses are self-paced and open enrollment. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days (6 months) to complete the course. If you need more time, extensions are available.

6. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All materials are included. The cost of materials is covered by your tuition. GES ships all materials via UPS ground service upon registration.

7. Can I get financial aid?
GES courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.

• GES provides a loan opportunity for students. Simply go to www.collegeloanapplication.com to apply for an easier qualifying loan at a slightly higher rate. Click here for more information on this loan program.

8. What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school with which you registered. You must obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater to be awarded a certificate.

9. Am I guaranteed a job?
GES courses will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We do not provide direct job placement services, but our instructors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the course. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

10. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via email or phone) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.

11. What do I have to have in order to take an online course, and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online courses, you must have access to a computer and the Internet (a normal dial-up connection is fine). You can access the course contents from any Web-enabled computer. There are no necessary plug-ins. You do not have to use the same computer to log-in to the course every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.

12. Can this course be taken on a Mac?
No.

13. How can I get more information on the course?
All of the information we have is available online under our course catalog (www.gatlineducation.com). If you have questions that are not answered online, please feel free to email us at courseinfo@gatlineducation.com or call 817-870-2870. We will answer your questions promptly.