2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Online
This unit will be offered subject to minimum enrolment numbers. A decision to continue or cancel the offering will be made no less than one week before classes are due to start.
If you have enrolled and your enrolment will change as a result of this decision you will be contacted via your UTAS email and supported to find an alternate unit to complete your enrolment.
Introduction
In this unit, you will be introduced to basic features of the design toolsets used in digital fabrication. Weekly online content will assist you in
developing the underpinning technical skills required to become proficient in 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) modelling.
These skills include:
- File management
- 2D sketching
- 3D modelling
- Sheet metal part construction
- Using assemblies, constraints and joints
- Developing drawings and presentations.
For your assessment tasks, you will use these skills to solve a user specific design problem.
To achieve this, you will follow the design thinking process to design a product that effectively meets the end users’ specific requirements, reflecting on how your solution meets their objectives. You will also explain the societal and environmental impact of your design and how your improvement meets the objectives of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
You will then use the presentation facilities within the CAD software program to share your solution. This unit also introduces learning through practice by exposing you to authentic learning experiences. These experiences are placed at the centre of learning and assessment, so you have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to respond to industry, community and/or global needs.
You will be introduced to a range of methods, tools, techniques and approaches to practice. This will enable you to understand the root cause of design problems and develop solutions through active inquiry. You will also consider a range of principles and perspectives in your design work such as values, ethics, empathy and leadership while operating in real world scenarios. Upon completion of your projects, you will use reflection and deliberative thinking as a means of developing knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations.
Summary
| Unit name | Computer Aided Design (CAD) |
| Unit code | ZAT122 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | University College |
| Discipline | Pathways |
| Coordinator | Mr Mark Shelton |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 |
|
|
|
|
- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 22/2/2026 | 16/3/2026 | 19/4/2026 | 13/6/2026 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Apply design thinking methods and practices to progress a design idea in response to problems and requirements
- Conduct and design engineering drawings using basic features of digital toolsets
- Develop presentations using digital toolsets and digital literacies
- Reflect on effectiveness of the CAD design process to generate a plan for self-development
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 030100 | $1,192.00 | $1,192.00 | not applicable | $3,401.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | This unit is taught in blended mode with weekly recorded content and fortnightly, live online tutorials. There are no face-to-face requirements for this unit. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | AT1: Weekly design tasks (30%)|AT3: CAD Presentation (30%)|AT2: CAD Model (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
N/A |
|---|---|
| Recommended | N/A |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.