INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This is a (Synchronous Virtual Class Meetings Required) course. 

Students will receive an overview of the course and online expectations from the instructor on the mandatory first day class orientation.

The link to attend the live online classes will be available in the students' ACC Blackboard account (for this class) prior to the start of the first class. Students can log into ACC Blackboard here >> https://www.austincc.edu/students

Students will receive a detailed confirmation via ACC email from the professor prior to the first day mandatory orientation.

Contact the Professor Abeer Al Jubbury via email, abeer.aljubbury@austincc.edu with course questions.

Online learning, is different from traditional face-to-face learning. In particular, time management and study skills are required to be a successful online student.  Students should review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/   

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

IMPORTANT COURSE DATES

• First Day – Mandatory Online Orientation: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 08:15am – 10:55am.
• Weekly class days and times: Meeting will be held online synchronous every Tuesday & Thursday from 8:15am-9:35am of live lecture, then we will have a lab from 9:35am-10:55am 
• Students will navigate the curriculum within Blackboard to successfully complete the course, with guidance from the instructor.

A link to video chat with the professor will be provided in Blackboard.

PREREQUISITES: DFTG 1405 Technical Drafting (passed with a C grade or better)

COURSE RATIONALE:

Introduce students to accepted principles, methods and best practices in drafting with AEC software for civil infrastructure design.  Prepare students for advanced level Civil CAD courses.  Provide students with necessary skill sets suitable for entry level employment as a Civil CAD technician.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: (4 credit hours) Expected work load is approximately 8 hours per week

An in-depth study of drafting methods and principles used in civil engineering.

Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.

For online classes, if a student does not have access to the required technology for this course, students must use our CAD computers in our open CAD lab in our Architectural and Engineering CAD Department in building 2000 of the Highland Campus to complete assignments.  Students that are unable to meet the course technology requirements may have to drop or withdraw from the course.

TEXTBOOK: Instructor will provide the course curriculum at no cost to student in Blackboard.

TECHNOLOGY: For online classes, students can provide their own technology to successfully participate in the course. Our open CAD lab is equipped with everything needed for student success, including software, hardware and technical support.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: A FREE student version of CIVIL 3D can be downloaded by joining the Autodesk Student Community here >> https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/. Click here for more information about educational downloads. 

When downloading CIVIL 3D, select the "CIVIL 3D" option, DO NOT select the "Civil 3D Project Explorer" option. Also, DO NOT select "Grading Optimization" option.

INTERNET ACCESS: Students must have access to a high speed internet connection (at least 20 Mbps download speed). Click here to test your internet speed.

COMPUTER HARDWARE: Students must have a computer with a Windows 10 operating system that can run the desktop student version of CIVIL 3D. Autodesk’s system requirements for CIVIL 3D can be found here. Online meetings require a computer to have a speaker (or telephone) for audio. Please note: CIVIL 3D runs only on the Windows operating system.  It will not run on a Chromebook. Mac users will need either Apple Boot Camp or Parallels installed to run CIVIL 3D.

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES: A dual monitor display setup is strongly recommended. A computer with a webcam and a microphone is recommended.

If you don’t have access to the technology required for this course, please use our CAD Lab (on campus) in our Architectural & Engineering CAD Department in Building 2000 of Highland Campus. Students that are unable to meet course requirements may have to drop or withdraw from the course.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS: 12” Engineers Scale, Drafting Triangle (with 90◦), Pencil and eraser, Highlighter, paper

for note-taking, access to paper printer 11”x17” (on campus) or 8.5”x11” (at home)

ACC Email

All communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account.  Students should expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account unless other arrangements have been made.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.

Blackboard (Bb)

The entire curriculum for this course will be accessed through Blackboard.

• Distribution of handouts and readings
• Instructional materials including videos
• Submissions of assignments and activities
• Grading

As instructed by your professor, students will be required to access instructional materials via Blackboard.

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

The daily schedule and changes are announced in class and posted in Blackboard

INTRODUCTION

Required online orientation, course syllabus

Unit 01 Intro to Civil Drafting 

Unit 02 Intro to CAD Standards

Unit 03 Intro to Civil 3D Interface

Unit 04 Using an Engineer’s Scale & Sketch to CAD

Unit 05 Model Space, Paper Space, Layouts & Viewports 

Unit 06 Intro to XREFs

SITE PLAN DESIGN (some unit numbers have been omitted)

Unit 08.1 Video: Basic Surveying 

Unit 08.2 Create the Existing Base 

Unit 09 Intro to Surfaces 

Unit 10 Surface Analysis-ELEVATION BANDING 

Unit 11 Surface Analysis-SLOPES

Unit 12 Surface Analysis-DRAINAGE

Unit 13 Erosion/Sedimentation Control & Tree Protection 

Unit 15 Site Area Calculations 

Unit 16 Proposed Dimension Plan

Unit 17 Proposed Grading Plan

Unit 18 Proposed Utility Plan

Unit 19.1-19.4 Final Project - Student Design

The daily schedule and changes are announced in class and posted in Blackboard

INTRODUCTION

Required online orientation, course syllabus

Unit 01 Intro to Civil Drafting 

Unit 02 Intro to CAD Standards

Unit 03 Intro to Civil 3D Interface

Unit 04 Using an Engineer’s Scale & Sketch to CAD

Unit 05 Model Space, Paper Space, Layouts & Viewports 

Unit 06 Intro to XREFs

SITE PLAN DESIGN (some unit numbers have been omitted)

Unit 08.1 Video: Basic Surveying 

Unit 08.2 Create the Existing Base 

Unit 09 Intro to Surfaces 

Unit 10 Surface Analysis-ELEVATION BANDING 

Unit 11 Surface Analysis-SLOPES

Unit 12 Surface Analysis-DRAINAGE

Unit 13 Erosion/Sedimentation Control & Tree Protection 

Unit 15 Site Area Calculations 

Unit 16 Proposed Dimension Plan

Unit 17 Proposed Grading Plan

Unit 18 Proposed Utility Plan

Unit 19.1-19.4 Final Project - Student Design

The daily schedule and changes are announced in class and posted in Blackboard

INTRODUCTION

Required online orientation, course syllabus

Unit 01 Intro to Civil Drafting 

Unit 02 Intro to CAD Standards

Unit 03 Intro to Civil 3D Interface

Unit 04 Using an Engineer’s Scale & Sketch to CAD

Unit 05 Model Space, Paper Space, Layouts & Viewports 

Unit 06 Intro to XREFs

SITE PLAN DESIGN (some unit numbers have been omitted)

Unit 08.1 Video: Basic Surveying 

Unit 08.2 Create the Existing Base 

Unit 09 Intro to Surfaces 

Unit 10 Surface Analysis-ELEVATION BANDING 

Unit 11 Surface Analysis-SLOPES

Unit 12 Surface Analysis-DRAINAGE

Unit 13 Erosion/Sedimentation Control & Tree Protection 

Unit 15 Site Area Calculations 

Unit 16 Proposed Dimension Plan

Unit 17 Proposed Grading Plan

Unit 18 Proposed Utility Plan

Unit 19.1-19.4 Final Project - Student Design

Course-Level Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Interpret field notes; develop documents for a civil project; analyze and layout drainage and utilities infrastructure; and perform related calculations.

(source WECM manual end-of-course outcome).

• Define terminology and criteria related to land development codes.
• Utilize AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) Software in the organization & creation of land development drawings.
• Utilize drawing templates & plot styles
• Manipulate Civil 3D Object Styles, Label Styles, drawings and data
• Set up, create, import and manage survey point data
• Create, edit, annotate and analyze TIN Surfaces
• Produce drawings for Site Plan land development design project
• Utilize and manage reference drawings & data.
• Utilize Page Setups, Layouts and Viewports for plan production

PROGRAM-LEVEL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

C1. Utilize CAD drafting & design software to plan and prepare construction documents, technical graphics and visualizations appropriate to the civil infrastructure industry.

C2. Demonstrate knowledge of civil drafting and design procedures; familiarity with design criteria, and their appropriate uses in civil infrastructure projects.

C3. Perform analyses and calculations suitable for civil infrastructure drafting & design processes.

I1.  Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare documents and technical graphics appropriate to a range of design,

        manufacturing, and construction industries.

COURSE EVALUATION/GRADING SCHEME

Drawing assignments will be graded based on:

• Completeness & Accuracy
• Density & Complexity (some errors can receive more or less point deductions depending on the drawing type)
• Appropriate use of tools and techniques
• CAD standards & aesthetics
• Meets or exceeds design criteria (if applicable)
• Submitted on time (date set by instructor)

Grades will be determined as follows:

COMMERCIAL SITE PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

• 10% Two Quizzes (Averaged)

• 30% (Averaged)
  • XREF Existing Base
  • Elevation Banding Map
  • Slope Map
  • E/S Control & Tree Protection Plan

• 40% (Averaged)

• Dimension Plan
• Grading Plan
• Utility Plan

• 20% Final Project – Student Design

• 100%             Total                                                  

The grade range for completed assignments is as listed:

• 90 to 100 = A
• 80 to 89 = B
• 70 to 79 = C
• 60 to 69 = D
• Below 60 = F
• A final grade of D or lower requires that the student retake the entire course.

Policy on Late Missing Work

• Instructors may impose a late penalty on work that is submitted after the assigned due date.
• Late assignments submitted after the due date will accrue -5 points off for the first day, then -2 points for every day thereafter, until the drawing is submitted.
• Drawings will be graded and feedback will be provided by the instructor of what corrections to make for the students’ portfolio.
• Graded drawing assignments are not to be re-submitted for a new grade.
• Grades will be posted in Blackboard

Incompletes

See ACC policy on Incompletes in the Withdrawals and Incompletes section below.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Representing the work of another person as your own work is considered scholastic dishonesty by the A&E CAD department.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their own thought, research or self-expression.  Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course, the assignment being replaced with a different project with a reduced maximum grade, and/or expulsion from the college.

Reproduction or transmission of A&E CAD Departmental Check Prints in any manner (including photography and scanning) is a violation of the A&E CAD department’s Scholastic Dishonesty policy.

Sharing a drawing file of a class project with another student, or representing another’s file as your own work, is a violation of the department’s Scholastic Dishonesty policy.

In consultation with the department chair, the instructor may resolve the matter in one or more of the following ways:

• Dismissing the allegation;
• Issuing a written warning that further violations may result in additional penalties;
• Requiring the student to revise or replace the work in which the violation occurred – including a reduced maximum grade;
• A reduction in the grade on the work in question;
• A failing grade on the work in question;
• A failing grade or other denial of credit in the course;
• Recommending disciplinary sanctions to the Dean of Student Services.

Within 5 (five) business days of the meeting with the student, the instructor shall provide written notification of the resolution to the student, the department chair, the instructional dean, for informational purposes, and to the Dean of Student Services, for possible disciplinary action.

ATTENDANCE/CLASS PARTICIPATION:

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. It is the student's responsibility to inform instructor when circumstances prevent him/her from completing projects or keeping up with the pace of the class.   An instructor may lower a student’s final grade on a project for late submittal.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

ACC Withdrawal Policy

Click here to view, https://www.austincc.edu/students/registration/withdrawals

ACC Incomplete Policy

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.      Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.     The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.      The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.      Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.”

TUTORING

Hours for the online open lab will coincide with the tutoring schedule which will be posted during the first week or two of the semester. You may not be able to complete all the assignments in class, so the online open lab is one of your best opportunities to get help in finishing the lab exercises.

You can access the online tutored lab from the link in Blackboard.

Attendance/Class Participation

In-person format: regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. Students accruing more than two (2) UNEXCUSED absences may be withdrawn from the course at the instructor's discretion.  Students may make-up absences by attending other classes.  It is the student's responsibility to inform instructor when circumstances prevent him/her from attending class.   An instructor may lower a student’s final grade for a course due to excessive absences.

Online distance learning format: Students are expected to access curriculum materials in Blackboard, follow the pace of the daily schedule, ask the instructor for assistance to continue moving forward, complete and submit assignments on time, meet with CAD tutors for help when necessary

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions or assignments being missed.

Policy on Late Missing Work

• Instructors may impose a late penalty on work that is submitted after the assigned due date.
• Late assignments submitted after the due date will accrue -5 points off for the first day, then -2 points for every day thereafter, until the drawing is submitted.
• Drawings will be graded and feedback will be provided by the instructor of what corrections to make for the students’ portfolio.
• Graded drawing assignments are not to be re-submitted for a new grade.
• Quizzes are hosted in Blackboard and must be completed by the due date. For missed quizzes, azero grade will be assigned after the due date has passed, no exceptions.

Ownership of Student Work

The Architectural & Engineering Computer Aided Design (A&E CAD) Department reserves the right to retain any and all student work (including but not limited to: original work, scans, photographs, and copies of student work) completed as A&E CAD course work for the purposes of documentation, accreditation, evidence of student performance, university transfer, marketing or any other purpose supporting the mission of the Department and Austin Community College.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

To avoid disturbing or distracting others during face-2-face classes or open on-campus lab times, students are requested to conduct personal communications of any sort outside of the classrooms. For this reason, the use of cell phones and other PDA’s by students is prohibited inside A&E CAD classrooms (this includes placing or receiving phone calls, text messages and emails). When conducting personal communication in the hallways, please control the volume of your voice so as not to disturb students in nearby classrooms. Unauthorized recording of online classes is prohibited.

Click here to view, https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies