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AEC Non-Credit Classes at HCC
Mr. Jennings, an AEC professor describes the difference between the AEC non-credit classes and the AEC credit classes:
"I am an instructor of Autodesk CAD software for both non-credit (PCATT) and credit classes (AEC). First, I'd like to point out that our non-credit offerings are primarily targeted to professionals already in the architectural and engineering fields and are not intended to substitute for training in the field of computer drafting. Think of it as similar to the training you receive to use a new tool. We only instruct on the use of the tools and not the context of the work it is used for, so most individuals with specific construction-related backgrounds, but no design or drafting experience will have difficulty with the material. In our non-credit coursework, we don't cover any of the peripheral material necessary to understand the processes of design and the preparation of construction documentation (drawings). This peripheral, but important information includes: drafting standards, visualization skills, use of symbols, preparation of different drawing views, building codes and land use ordinances, materials and methods of construction, design methods, mechanical systems, estimating and bidding, preliminary structural design, etc."