Unit 1
The course begins with a review of elementary geometry including points, coordinates, sizes and distances of objects, and vectors. After that students learn how to create planar (2D) shapes, how to extrude planar shapes to 3D by making prisms, and how to manipulate planar and 3D shapes using techniques of Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG). They learn how to translate (move) shapes in the XY plane and 3D space, split shapes, use symmetry (mirror shapes), erase parts of shapes, scale (stretch and shrink) shapes, and combine shapes using unions and intersections, and by subtracting them. At the end of this Unit students are able to create advanced 3D models based on prisms, including hollow 3D objects.
Unit 2
This Unit is dedicated to planar and spatial rotations. Students learn how to rotate 2D objects about given points in the XY plane, and practice their skills by building advanced 3D models based on prisms. Then they learn how to rotate 3D objects about the X, Y and Z axes and lines parallel to these axes. Finally, they learn how to create additional 3D shapes which are not prisms such as spheres, cones and toruses (tori). They practice their skills by building advanced 3D models which require full 3D rotations and translations, scaling, Boolean operations, and other advanced CSG techniques.
Unit 3 (Optional)
This Unit is optional. It covers selected advanced topics including special shapes, spirals, Bezier curves, rotational solids, shells and surfaces, and design automation through Python scripting.
Unit 4 (Capstone Project)
Students complete individual Capstone Models under the supervision of a CAD expert.