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Design & Engineering Technology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Design Technology

This degree emphasizes the knowledge and skills required for entry level success in the architectural, civil, and mechanical engineering professions. These include graphic standards and practices, technical analysis and communication, material sciences, and the design and critique processes. In addition, projects include environmental (sustainable) design, product economics, and legal considerations. Current computer technologies and various design software for three dimensional modeling and two dimensional drafting are used throughout the program. Graphic documentation and a portfolio of work are created for each course.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
DESGN 300 Introduction to Design Resources 3
DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) 3
DESGN 302 Technical Documentation with CADD 3
DESGN 310 Graphic Analysis and Documentation 3
DESGN 320 Three Dimensional Graphics and Design 3
DESGN 325 Architectural Modeling and Design 3
DESGN 328 Engineering Modeling and Design 3
DESGN 331 Machine Design 2
DESGN 340 Architecture and Construction 4
DESGN 351 Surveying For Architectural Design 2
DESGN 352 Land Planning For Architectural Design 2
DESGN 360 Commercial Engineering Design and Drafting 4
DESGN 361 Commercial MEP Design 2
Total Units: 37

The Design Technology Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • solve architectural and engineering technical problems by applying design and engineering process methodologies.
  • apply the appropriate use of representational media, including study and presentation models (electronic and physical), freehand and conceptual drawing, technical documentation, and diagramming, to convey envisioned ideas at each stage of the design process.
  • organize a set of documents for land planning and site development, commercial and residential buildings, and product assemblies that include material selections, cross-referencing, code review, checklists, and coordination.
  • create design solutions that demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical, cultural, human, aesthetic, environmental (sustainable) and social issues.
  • communicate architectural and engineering design solutions effectively through individual and cooperative group efforts including speaking, writing, presentation, and the use of various design graphics and technical software.
  • critique and analyze the success or failure of architectural and engineering design solutions developed through a formal design process.

Career Information

A student who has earned a degree in design technology is well prepared to enter the architecture or engineering field as a design technician. Design technicians are involved in all phases of the design process and duties may include the preparation of technical and presentation drawings, specifications, reports and cost estimates. Design technicians primarily work with architects, mechanical engineers, structural engineers and civil engineers.


A.S. in Engineering Technology

This degree emphasizes the knowledge and skills required for entry level success in the engineering professions. These include a basic preparation within the scientific fields including physics, mathematics, chemistry, and material sciences. These sciences are applied to technical analysis and graphic communication standards and practices. In addition, projects include environmental and sustainable design issues, product economics, and legal considerations. Current computer technologies and various analytical design and documentation software are emphasized throughout the program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5) 4 - 5
   or CHEM 310 Chemical Calculations (4)
DESGN 300 Introduction to Design Resources 3
DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) 3
DESGN 302 Technical Documentation with CADD 3
DESGN 310 Graphic Analysis and Documentation (3) 3
DESGN 328 Engineering Modeling and Design 3
DESGN 331 Machine Design 2
DESGN 340 Architecture and Construction (4) 4
   or DESGN 360 Commercial Engineering Design and Drafting (4)
DESGN 351 Surveying For Architectural Design (2) 2
DESGN 361 Commercial MEP Design 2
PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics (3) 3 - 4
   or PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
Total Units: 32 - 34

The Engineering Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • solve architectural and engineering technical problems by applying design and engineering process methodologies.
  • apply the appropriate use of representational media, including study and presentation models (electronic and physical), freehand and conceptual drawing, technical documentation, and diagramming.
  • organize a set of engineering product development documents and technical reports per industry standards.
  • research and design for engineering products that demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical, cultural, human, aesthetic, environmental (sustainable) and social issues.
  • communicate engineering design solutions effectively through individual and cooperative group efforts including speaking, writing, presentation, and the use of various design graphics and technical software.
  • critique and analyze the success or failure of architectural and engineering design solutions developed through a formal design process

Career Information

Upon completion of this degree program the engineering technician will be prepared to go directly into the employment market as a technical assistant to engineers, or other technical employment. For every engineer, several support technicians are required. Engineering technicians are needed in the fields of manufacturing, architecture, construction, materials testing, public utilities, and many other fields.


A.S. in Mechatronics

This degree provides training in a multi-disciplinary field focusing on industrial automation. Topics include electricity, electronics, industrial motor controls, programmable logic controllers, robotics, AC/DC drives, mechanical design, and manufacturing technologies.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
First Semester:
DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) 3
ET 302 Principles of Electricity and Electronics 4
WELD 300 Introduction to Welding 3
Other Semesters:
DESGN 302 Technical Documentation with CADD (3) 3
   or ENGR 312 Engineering Graphics (3)
ET 193 Introduction to Robotics and Sensors 4
ET 197 Introduction to Mechatronics 4
ET 253 Industrial Communication Systems Support 4
Total Units: 25

The Mechatronics Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • integrate the principles of mechanical, electronic, and electrical technologies into the design of mechatronic systems.
  • evaluate mechanical and electrical solutions to technological problems.
  • apply industry-appropriate design techniques to develop technical design documents from a conceptual design.
  • design robotic and machine automation systems using mechatronic principles.
  • evaluate welding projects in accordance with welding procedures and specifications.
  • contrast DC, AC, brushless, servo, and stepper motor operation.
  • create technical documentation/presentations of models from the mechanical engineering discipline in both technically correct and visually pleasing solid, orthographic, and section view formats.
  • design programmable logic controller (PLC) programs demonstrating input/output capabilities.
  • design programs for an operator interface terminal (OIT) demonstrating input/output capabilities.

Career Information

This degree prepares students for the following technical and supervisory career opportunities: industrial mechanical/electrical systems technician, food processing machine service technician, facilities systems technician, waste water systems technician, manufacturing coordinator, field service technician, and mechanical electrical machine systems installer.

Certificates of Achievement

Design Technology Certificate

This certificate emphasizes the knowledge and skills required for entry level success in the architectural, civil, and mechanical engineering professions. These include graphic standards and practices, technical analysis and communication, material sciences, and the design and critique processes. In addition, projects include environmental (sustainable) design, product economics, and legal considerations. Current computer technologies and various design software for three dimensional modeling and two dimensional drafting are used throughout the program. Graphic documentation and a portfolio of work are created for each course.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
DESGN 300 Introduction to Design Resources 3
DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) 3
DESGN 302 Technical Documentation with CADD 3
DESGN 310 Graphic Analysis and Documentation 3
DESGN 320 Three Dimensional Graphics and Design 3
DESGN 325 Architectural Modeling and Design 3
DESGN 328 Engineering Modeling and Design 3
DESGN 331 Machine Design 2
DESGN 340 Architecture and Construction 4
DESGN 351 Surveying For Architectural Design 2
DESGN 352 Land Planning For Architectural Design 2
DESGN 360 Commercial Engineering Design and Drafting 4
DESGN 361 Commercial MEP Design 2
Total Units: 37

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • solve architectural and engineering technical problems by applying design and engineering process methodologies.
  • apply the appropriate use of representational media, including study and presentation models (electronic and physical), freehand and conceptual drawing, technical documentation, and diagramming, to convey envisioned ideas at each stage of the design process.
  • organize a set of documents for land planning and site development, commercial and residential buildings, and product assemblies that include material selections, cross-referencing, code review, checklists, and coordination.
  • create design solutions that demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical, cultural, human, aesthetic, environmental (sustainable) and social issues.
  • communicate architectural and engineering design solutions effectively through individual and cooperative group efforts including speaking, writing, presentation, and the use of various design graphics and technical software.
  • critique and analyze the success or failure of architectural and engineering design solutions developed through a formal design process.

Career Information

A student who has earned a certificate in design technology is well prepared to enter the architecture or engineering field as a design technician. Design technicians are involved in all phases of the design process and duties may include the preparation of technical and presentation drawings, specifications, reports and cost estimates. Design technicians primarily work with architects, mechanical engineers, structural engineers and civil engineers.


Engineering Technology Certificate

This certificate emphasizes the knowledge and skills required for entry level success in the engineering professions. These include a basic preparation within the scientific fields including physics, mathematics, chemistry, and material sciences. These sciences are applied to technical analysis and graphic communication standards and practices. In addition, projects include environmental and sustainable design issues, product economics, and legal considerations. Current computer technologies and various analytical design and documentation software are emphasized throughout the program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5) 4 - 5
   or CHEM 310 Chemical Calculations (4)
DESGN 300 Introduction to Design Resources 3
DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) 3
DESGN 302 Technical Documentation with CADD 3
DESGN 310 Graphic Analysis and Documentation (3) 3
DESGN 328 Engineering Modeling and Design 3
DESGN 331 Machine Design 2
DESGN 340 Architecture and Construction (4) 4
   or DESGN 360 Commercial Engineering Design and Drafting (4)
DESGN 351 Surveying For Architectural Design (2) 2
DESGN 361 Commercial MEP Design 2
PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics (3) 3 - 4
   or PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
Total Units: 32 - 34

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • solve architectural and engineering technical problems by applying design and engineering process methodologies.
  • apply the appropriate use of representational media, including study and presentation models (electronic and physical), freehand and conceptual drawing, technical documentation, and diagramming.
  • organize a set of engineering product development documents and technical reports per industry standards.
  • research and design for engineering products that demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical, cultural, human, aesthetic, environmental (sustainable) and social issues.
  • communicate engineering design solutions effectively through individual and cooperative group efforts including speaking, writing, presentation, and the use of various design graphics and technical software.
  • critique and analyze the success or failure of architectural and engineering design solutions developed through a formal design process

Career Information

Upon completion of this certificate program the engineering technician will be prepared to go directly into the employment market as a technical assistant to engineers, or other technical employment. For every engineer, several support technicians are required. Engineering technicians are needed in the fields of manufacturing, architecture, construction, materials testing, public utilities, and many other fields.


Mechatronics Certificate

This certificate provides training in a multi-disciplinary field focusing on industrial automation. Topics include electricity, electronics, industrial motor controls, programmable logic controllers, robotics, AC/DC drives, mechanical design, and manufacturing technologies.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) 3
ET 302 Principles of Electricity and Electronics 4
WELD 300 Introduction to Welding 3
ET 197 Introduction to Mechatronics 4
DESGN 302 Technical Documentation with CADD (3) 3
   or ENGR 312 Engineering Graphics (3)
ET 193 Introduction to Robotics and Sensors 4
ET 253 Industrial Communication Systems Support 4
Total Units: 25

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • integrate the principles of mechanical, electronic, and electrical technologies into the design of mechatronic systems.
  • evaluate mechanical and electrical solutions to technological problems.
  • apply industry-appropriate design techniques to develop technical design documents from a conceptual design.
  • design robotic and machine automation systems using mechatronic principles.
  • evaluate welding projects in accordance with welding procedures and specifications.
  • contrast DC, AC, brushless, servo, and stepper motor operation.
  • create technical documentation/presentations of models from the mechanical engineering discipline in both technically correct and visually pleasing solid, orthographic, and section view formats.
  • design programmable logic controller (PLC) programs demonstrating input/output capabilities.
  • design programs for an operator interface terminal (OIT) demonstrating input/output capabilities.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for the following career opportunities: industrial mechanical/electrical systems technician, food processing machine service technician, facilities systems technician, waste water systems technician, manufacturing coordinator, field service technician, and mechanical electrical machine systems installer.

Certificates

Basic Mechatronics Certificate

This certificate provides introductory training in the multidisciplinary field of mechatronics, which combines mechanical and electronic technologies. Topics include introductory courses in electronics, programmable logic controllers, basic CAD design, and welding.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) 3
ET 197 Introduction to Mechatronics 4
ET 302 Principles of Electricity and Electronics 4
WELD 300 Introduction to Welding 3
Total Units: 14

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • integrate the basic principles of mechanical, electronic, and electrical technologies into the design of mechatronic systems.
  • evaluate mechanical and electrical solutions to technological problems.
  • apply basic design techniques to develop technical design documents.
  • design basic robotic and machine automation systems using mechatronic principles.
  • create and evaluate welding projects in accordance with welding procedures and specifications.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for internships and entry-level employment with local industries using mechatronic and design principles.


CADD Operator - Entry Level Certificate

This certificate emphasizes the software knowledge and technical skills required for entry level success in the architectural, civil, and mechanical engineering professions as a Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) drafter.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
DESGN 300 Introduction to Design Resources 3
DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) 3
DESGN 302 Technical Documentation with CADD 3
DESGN 320 Three Dimensional Graphics and Design 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • modify and revise redlined drawings in support of a senior drafter or an engineer.
  • perform common file management and document preparation activities in support of timely project submittals.
  • create drawings for new projects based on representative samples or templates.
  • assist in the preparation of specifications, cost estimates, and sheet sets.

Career Information

A student who has earned a CADD Operator - Entry Level certificate is well prepared to enter the architecture or engineering field as a CADD Drafter. CADD Drafters are involved in all phases of the design process and duties may include the preparation of technical and visualization drawings, specifications, reports and cost estimates. CADD Drafters generally work in support of Senior Drafters, Designers, Architects, and Engineers.