Building Information and 3D Modeling Certificate of Achievement

Program Description

This certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the fields of architecture; civil, structural, mechanical, electrical engineering, urban planning, interior design, landscape design, manufacturing, construction and related fields. Computer Aided Drafting, CAD, Rhino, Grasshopper, and REVIT are the primary tools used to produce and present documents in these fields. Students completing this certificate will most likely find employment with a licensed architect, registered structural engineer, mechanical engineer or for local, state or federal governmental agency or urban planning or municipal utility or home improvement and remodeling specialty business, construction management firm or field office.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Science

Department

Architecture & Environmental Design

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Arts, Communication, Design

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Read and interpret blueprints, design documents, and project specifications to gain meaningful information

  2. Compare and contrast the conventional drawing types and views and explain the advantages of each

  3. Demonstrate the ability to mechanically construct a variety of basic drawings utilizing industry conventions of scale, scale, line, symbols, lettering and dimensioning techniques

  4. Demonstrate the ability to mechanically construct a variety of drawings utilizing Building Information Management and modeling techniques

  5. Demonstrate the ability to mechanically construct a variety of drawings utilizing three dimensional modeling and design techniques

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

1st Semester

13 units
ARCH 111 - Sketching and Design Visualization
This introductory course in architectural visualization and drawing techniques will focus on how to communicate three-dimensional designs in a two-dimensional medium. Subjects and techniques include, orthographic projection, isometrics, basic one and two point perspectives, pralines, plan views, elevations, and line types. Emphasis on sketching and hand drafting and sketch-up media will be introduced in developing graphic skills.

Course Details:

ARCH 133 - Introduction to 3D Modeling and Design
This course introduces 3-D Modeling for design visualization using Rhino software. Hands-on instruction will focus on digitally modeling designs with rectilinear and non-rectilinear geometry, including preparing files for fabrication and presentation. Students should have basic knowledge of computers and file management. 

Course Details:

ARCH 131 - Introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM)
This course introduces Building Information Modeling (BIM) as used to produce a three-dimensional architectural model with detailed construction information. PCs with Autodesk Revit will be used and instruction will focus on computer modeling a simple project and extracting construction documentation. Students should have basic knowledge of computer operation and file management.

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Recommendation: ARCH 130
ARCH 146 or ARCH 146H
This is a survey course that covers the indigenous architecture in the Pre-Columbian Americas and the Western architectural history Renaissance period to modern times.  This course includes a comparative study of architecture and architects with an emphasis on people, locations, structures, materials, and methods of construction.

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL 101
    2. or
  2. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL 101H
  • Transfers to UC
    • OR

    This is a survey course that covers the indigenous architecture in the Pre-Columbian Americas and the Western architectural history Renaissance period to modern times.  This course includes a comparative study of architecture and architects with an emphasis on people, locations, structures, materials, and methods of construction. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program, but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
      2. or
    2. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
  • Transfers to UC
    • ARCH 112 - Environmental Design
    This beginning architectural design course includes the perceptual and physical study of two and three-dimensional design theories, principles and compositional techniques used in the creation and manipulation of architectural form, space and light. Focus will be on the fundamental design skills and will progress to a three dimensional architectural design project including consideration of approach, transition and destination. Models, drawings and graphics will be utilized to study and communicate the design. (Formerly ARCH 100)

    Course Details:

    2nd Semester

    4 units
    ARCH 233 - Advanced 3D Modeling and Design
    This course introduces fundamental skills of coding and 3-D computational design using Rhino software with additional plug-ins. Hands-on instruction will focus on parametrically modeling and testing design variations with rectilinear and non-rectilinear geometry, including preparing files for fabrication and presentation. Students should have basic knowledge of 3-D modeling.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: ARCH 133
    ARCH 231 - Advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM)
    This course introduces Building Information Modeling (BIM) as used to produce a 3-dimensional architectural model with detailed construction information. PCs with Autodesk Revit will be used and instruction will focus on computer modeling a simple project and extracting construction documentation. Students should have basic knowledge of computer operation and file management as well as construction.

    Course Details: