ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CAD CLASSES

Revised August 21, 2012

COURSE INFORMATION: The most up-to-date information about all courses can be accessed on the website. New courses and course revisions (dates, times, course descriptions, etc.) are posted as needed. http://www.nscc.ca/Learning_Programs/ConEd/Program.aspx?I=4

PREREQUISITES FOR CAD CLASSES: All CAD classes require students to have prior knowledge in specific areas in order to register. These prerequisites vary depending on the course. The two prerequisites for the first CAD course (CADD 1000CAD 1 Auto CAD Level I) are:
1. Successful completion of COMP 1217 (Computer Applications I) course or accepted equivalent. The student must be comfortable with computers, and have basic skills such as knowledge of Windows features, etc. Working knowledge of Drafting concepts. An understanding of what you are drawing and why you are drawing is really important to learning the software. Note, people have been allowed entry into the course with minimal drafting experience and done well. The student must be aware that the instructor is not teaching drafting. Faculty will teach CAD concepts and will expect students to have a sufficient background before they start the course.

2.

After reviewing the prerequisites on the course pages, if you have further questions contact the Training Coordinator, BRENDA SILVER, 491 4892, Brenda.Silver@nscc.ca

REGISTRATION: Several options are available: http://www.nscc.ca/Learning_Programs/ConEd/Registration.asp When you decide to enrol, determine the class name and number and contact Admissions. Online Classes: Registration is via continuous intake throughout each term allowing one to enroll at any time during the Academic year up to mid-May. Registration resumes in late July when the autumn courses are posted. Fall courses begin in mid-September. Within a few days of registration, students receive a welcome notice from the instructor (Kirby Reycraft) containing their username, temporary password and a number of valuable links. Classroom courses usually accept registration up to the first day of class provided the course does not have a waiting list. Students are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment. 1

Classroom:

APPLIED PROJECT COURSES: Applicants must obtain approval from the online CAD instructor and a permission number from the Training Coordinator before registering for CADD7000 (Applied Project I) CADD7001 (Applied Project II). Contact: BRENDA SILVER, 491 4892, Brenda.Silver@nscc.ca

Students will apply CAD skills to create a set of drawings. The actual assignment is determined after consultation with the instructor. The consultation, and later correspondence with the instructor, can be done via phone, email or in-person. Students are not required to attend class.

COURSE LENGTH: Online Classes: Students participate in online courses at their own speed but must remain within a 14 week time frame from the date they begin. If you finish an online course mid-semester you may register for another one immediately afterward, due to the continuous intake policy. Classroom based courses have set start and end dates. They run once a week, 3 hours/night over 14 weeks for a total of 42 hours beginning and ending on scheduled dates in the fall (September December) and winter (January to April) terms only.

Classroom:

ESTIMATED STUDY TIME: Most online CAD classes will require at least 3 6 hours/week of study. The time spent working on the material may vary depending on your level of interest and how much you want to devote to your studies.

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS: You can check the computer requirements by visiting the following sites:
CADD1000 & CADD4003 - AutoCAD http://usa.autodesk.com/autocad/system-requirements/ CADD4025 & CADD5025- Revit Architecture http://usa.autodesk.com/revit-architecture/system-requirements/ CADD7050 - Revit Structure - http://usa.autodesk.com/revit-structure/system-requirements/ CADD4024 - Civil-3D - http://usa.autodesk.com/civil-3d/system-requirements/ CADD4018 - Inventor - http://usa.autodesk.com/autodesk-inventor/system-requirements/

ASSESSING YOUR SUITABILITY FOR ONLINE COURSE STUDY: Students who are unsure if they are ready to tackle an online course can complete two self-tests that will analyze their suitability in two areas: computer skill and motivation. Visit the Student Services section of our Online Learning website and refer to the left column where you will find links under the title Am I ready for online courses? http://onlinelearning.nscc.ca/Services/

NSCC EMAIL ACCOUNT: Once registered, you will be assigned a student number and email address. It is recommended that you set up your account after receiving the NSCC email address and temporary password. You can change the password by using the Password Management Tool: http://www.nscc.ca/it/policies/Password_Policy.asp http://www.nscc.ca/Services/My_NSCC/Password.asp NSCC passwords expire after 90 days. Students must reset their password before the deadline to avoid losing access to email and online courses. Enrollment in the Password Management Tool will also allow you to reset your password after expiry without having to contact the IT helpdesk.

SOFTWARE: Using your NSCC email account you are able to obtain a free student copy of AutoCAD from the following website: http://students.autodesk.com. You can choose a version suitable for PC or Mac. Refer to the support section of website for more details: http://students.autodesk.com/?nd=problem_form The software may be downloaded to one computer and will stay active for approximately 36 months. This is two years longer than the previous arrangement. or You can purchase a student version (approx. $200 CAD) of AutoCAD from www.studica.com or http://www.studica.com/ca/en/Software/Engineering-CAD/civil-design.html Students enrolled in the classroom based course will receive this software link in class. The instructor will also distribute log-ins and temporary passwords.

TEXTBOOKS: Textbooks for certain courses (CADD 1000, CADD 4003 and CADD 4025) may be purchased in person from the Institute of Technology (IT) or Waterfront campus bookstores. CAD books range in price from $40 - $150. 3

Students taking the classroom based CADD 1000 course usually buy the text from the bookstore on the first night, just before going to class. Online students may purchase the book from the IT or Waterfront bookstore or order it from the online bookstore. Information about obtaining textbooks for online courses is here: http://onlinelearning.nscc.ca/Services/Textbooks/textbooks_NSCC.html Textbooks can be mailed to your home or you may arrange to have the book delivered to the NSCC campus bookstore closest to your home. If you choose home delivery you will be charged for the postage. Students opting to have books shipped to the closest NSCC bookstore will not be required to pay postage. Books must be picked up during regular bookstore hours. It is recommended that you call ahead to confirm their hours. Waterfront campus bookstore, Mawiomi Place, Dartmouth: Institute of Technology campus bookstore, Leeds Street, Halifax: Campus addresses are here: http://www.nscc.ca/Contact_Us/Campus.asp Students in CAD courses (other than CADD 1000, CADD 4003 and CADD 4025) that require books will be given links to order the books directly from the publisher or from online bookstores. The instructor will email the information to the students as part of their welcome message. (902) 491-1079 (902) 491-4730

COURSE MARKS: Credit based courses such as CAD, grant marks as proof of completion. Non-credit courses (i.e. Gardening, Home Maintenance for Women, etc.) provide Certificates of Continuing Education to students in non-graded courses who attend 80% of the classes. NSCC students can view marks and print unofficial transcripts by logging into their account via MyNSCC: http://www.nscc.ca/services/my_nscc/index.asp This link will also allow students to see their financial and demographic information, and update phone numbers, addresses, personal email accounts, etc.

CERTIFICATE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT IN CAD: We offer the option of obtaining a Certificate of Accomplishment in CAD Technologies. Distinguish yourself from your peers. Autodesk has developed a series of complex and powerful tools to support the Architectural design, Mechanical and Civil Engineering industries. Get the most out of these CAD products, plus enhance your own credentials by completing your Certificate of Accomplishment in CAD Technologies. Follow the three steps to certification: First complete our three Foundation courses. Then choose any two electives from either the Architectural, Mechanical, or Civil streams of CAD courses. Finally, conclude your certification by completing your CAD Applied Project II. 4

You are granted a Certificate once you have successfully completed the required courses. The link below provides a course map indicating the path to completion. http://www.nscc.ca/learning_programs/coned/Program.aspx?I=4

OCCUPATIONS REQUIRING CAD SKILLS: CAD skills are beneficial in a variety of professions. Often CAD study is paired with trades education and/or experience to expand opportunities for employment. The Government of Canada uses a National Occupational Code (NOC) system to define career categories. A summary of occupations and employment prospects can be seen on the following websites: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Unit Group Summary for NOC 2253 Drafting Technologists and Technicians: http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/ProfileQuickSearch.aspx?val=2&val1=2253&val65=CA D Working in Canada Occupation ReportsDrafting Technologists and Technicians (links to related professions are also shown): http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/reporteng.do?lang=eng&noc=2253&action=search_occupation_confirm&titleKeyword=Drafting