Courses may include
These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.
Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.
CADD 1110 - CAD - Mechanical I
In this course learners apply concepts of computer aided drafting to mechanical drafting. Applications include orthographic, sectional, and isometric drawings of machine parts, precision dimensioning, and appropriate specifications.
COMM 1245 - Technical Communications I
This course introduces students to the writing, oral presentation, critical thinking and interpersonal communications skills required of technical professionals in the workplace. The fundamentals of clear, concise writing and presenting will be reviewed and refined. Experience will be gained in organizing, writing and presenting technical information. In addition, career development skills and portfolio preparation will be discussed. There will be several opportunities, through assignments and lab work, to develop portfolio components. Students will learn how to collect appropriate work samples and documentation from other courses in the program as well as from other sources.
COMM 2245 - Technical Communications II
This course focuses on the interpersonal, written and oral technical communication skills necessary for working independently and as part of a team in a technical environment. Further skill development in written forms of technical documentation required for the workplace as well as report creation and oral presentation skills will continue to be emphasized. Team building principles, group dynamics and collaborative writing will be discussed. Students will participate in meetings and take responsibilities in a group project from its inception to completion and evaluation. Students will continue to enhance and apply their research skills and project management principles will also be introduced. Successful job interviews and the portfolio will be discussed.
DRAM 1002 - Technical Mathematics I
This course introduces the students to mathematical concepts that are used to solve applied technical and vocational problems. A practical rather than an academic approach to mathematics is emphasized. Understanding of basic concepts followed by the application of concepts in real situations is stressed. The second semester course focuses on the principles of algebra, plane geometry and trigonometry. The integration of algebraic and geometric principles with trigonometry helps students solve occupationally related problems.
DRAM 1006 - Technical Mathematics II
This course continues to introduce the students to mathematical concepts that are used to solve applied technical and vocational problems. A practical rather than an academic approach to mathematics is emphasized. Understanding of basic concepts followed by the application of concepts in real situations is stressed. The second semester course focuses on the principles of algebra, plane geometry and trigonometry. The integration of algebraic and geometric principles with trigonometry helps students solve occupationally related problems.
DRAM 1009 - Mechanical Drafting
This course covers technical information and mechanical drawing principles related to the manufacturing industry. Topics include welding processes and symbols, pattern developments, screw thread design, and fastening devices and methods. Learners apply their knowledge and skills to produce a full set of working drawings.
DRAM 1011 - Engineering Materials
This course introduces the learner to both traditional and recently developed materials used in manufacturing. Topics covered include the structure and properties of materials and how they are tested and identified. The course investigates the role of materials in product success and how materials are chosen for a given application.
DRAM 1015 - Technical Drafting
This course introduces the learner to the language and skills of technical drawing. It presents drafting principles and practices so that learners can read drawings readily that are produced by others and produce drawings clearly for those who use them. The skills that are presented are relevant both to manual and computer-aided drafting. Throughout the course, learners will be introduced to accept conventions and practices as related to international, national, and industrial standards and codes. By the end of this course, learners will be able to produce sectional and pictorial engineering drawings. Learners will learn how to annotate mechanical detail drawings using machining callouts and tolerance dimensions.
DRAM 3001 - Machine Design - Mechanisms
This course introduces some of the more common mechanical components used in technical design. Gears, cams, pulleys and belts, chains and sprockets, and mechanical linkages are all used to transmit power and motion. Bearings and couplings are also important machine elements. The design and drafting of these elements is covered using the latest engineering drawing standards.
DRAM 3002 - CAD - Mechanical II
This course will expand the learner's abilities to use Computer Aided Drafting and in particular, AutoDesk Inventor, to produce 3D drawings. The learner will explore the practical application of parametric modelling as used in today’s technical field with a focus on mechanical part modelling.
DRAM 3003 - Physical Science I
This is an introductory course in Physics. Topics include vectors, forces, momentum, linear and circular motion, work and energy, and simple machines. Problems used to investigate physical principles are practical and relative to problems drafters may encounter on the job.
DRAM 3006 - Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
This course introduces the standards, techniques and practices associated with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. Learners learn the types of geometric dimensions and tolerances, how they are measured and how their associated symbols are used in technical drawings.
DRAM 3012 - CAD - Mechanical III
This course, while building on the skills learned in CAD – Mechanical II, will expand the learner’s abilities to use AutoDesk Inventor, and in particular, Design tools to produce 3D models of machine parts. Learners will use advanced part and assembly modelling techniques to enhance mechanical designs. Learners will also create fully dimensioned detail drawings in Inventor using both conventional and geometric tolerancing.
DRAM 3015 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry level positions within the drafting occupation. The Mechanical Drafting program shall include an experiential learning component which consists of an appropriate balance of learning outcomes between specific occupational knowledge and skills on one-hand and employability skills on the other. Successful completion of work experience is required in order to meet the requirements for the Mechanical Drafting program and to be eligible to graduate.
DRAM 3020 - Specialty Drafting
The purpose of this course is to expose students to specialized industry fields of drafting. The course focuses on drafting skills required to produce drawings for process piping and fluid power to appropriate industry standards.
DRAM 3101 - Drafting for Advanced Manufacturing
This course introduces a variety of advanced manufacturing and design techniques. Learners will become familiar with technologies to improve both products and processes. Learners will produce 3D CAD models and fully dimensioned drawings for additively manufactured parts and be introduced to advanced topics such as finite element analysis (FEA), compliant mechanisms, generative design, and CNC programming.
DRAM 3111 - Data Management
This course explores concepts related to Engineering Data Management (EDM), which is the administration of documents and CAD data related to engineering design applications using computers and electronic storage media. Topics such as document and revision control, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and other engineering documentation processes are discussed and put into practice.
DRAM 3500 - Applied Project I
Applying skills and knowledge learned in earlier courses, the objective of this course is to further develop the learner’s drafting and design as well as professional skills. Working in teams, the learners will engage in design projects which may be generated by learners, industry, or faculty. The project involves researching and generating design solutions, creating detail and assembly drawings, and preparing and presenting a report which documents the project work. Professional skills such as communications, teamwork, project management, ethics, engineering economics, and safety will be integral to the project.
DRAM 3501 - Applied Project II
This is a continuation of the applied project started in DRAM 3500 Applied Project I. Applying skills and knowledge learned in earlier courses, the objective of this course is to further develop the learner’s drafting and design as well as professional skills. Working in teams, the learners will engage in design projects which may be generated by learners, industry, or faculty. The project involves researching and generating design solutions, creating detail and assembly drawings, and preparing and presenting a report which documents the project work. Professional skills such as communications, teamwork, project management, ethics, engineering economics, and safety will be integral to the project.
QMGT 2100 - Management, Business Principles, and Process Improvement
This course gives learners an overview of fundamental business and management principles as they pertain to the field of engineering. A variety of process improvement methods are linked to improvement of design and/or manufacturing of parts, as well as reduction of waste within the offices environment. Particular emphasis is placed on how CAD Technicians fit into the workplace.
SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.
SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.
SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
