The Mechanical Design Tools - Solid Works program develops specialized skills and knowledge for product designers and engineers. Windows-based SolidWorks CAD (Computer Aided Design) software provides a time-saving way to design, develop and verify engineered products and assemblies from initial concept to final design for production. Engineering drawings with multiple views are generated and any updates automatically change 3D models. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, projects and assignments, students will learn how to create, control and change designs, solid models and drafting techniques using SolidWorks Interface. Practical examples are used to teach the basics of engineering design for different types of parts, materials and manufacturing processes.
Drafting Technologists and Mechanical Designers, create designs for machines, products and new technologies by preparing engineering designs, drawings and related technical information. They work in multidisciplinary teams to support engineers or architects in design and prototype testing, and with quality assurance technicians to adjust designs in order to maximize accuracy and minimize defects in the final product.
Because they are involved in the process from start to finish, an aptitude for drawing and knowledge of drafting practices and standards, and tolerancing techniques is useful in this career.
Mechanical Designers are employed in a wide variety of industries, such as:
These employees help to produce multiple manufactured products, including:
Some common job titles in the field include:
Students should have a minimum Ontario Secondary School Diploma with strong Mathematical (Trigonometry and Geometry) and English skills. An understanding of engineering drawing and experience with the Windows Operating System is required.
ABP094 - Elementary Print Reading for Machinists is recommended for those without previous background in blueprint drawing.
In addition, students should be aware of any specific course pre-requisites.
It is your responsibility to ensure that program requirements and course prerequisites as outlined are met. Prerequisites are included for your academic protection. Knowledge of the prerequisite material is assumed by your instructor and instruction will proceed accordingly. Students lacking prerequisites not only jeopardize their own ability to succeed but present unnecessary interruption. If you lack appropriate prerequisites (or Transfer Credit for the prerequisite course) you may be asked to withdraw or transfer to a more appropriate course with the risk of academic/financial penalty.
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
Students should have a minimum of Ontario Secondary School Diploma with strong Mathematical (Trigonometry and Geometry) and English skills. An understanding of engineering drawing and experience with the Windows Operating System (WinXP or Win Vista) is required.
This course provides students with an introduction to the solid modelling mechanical design automation software. Students learn to build parametric models of parts and assemblies and make drawings of those parts. Time is spent on 2D drafting and detailing applications as well as 3D design. Basic software menu options and modelling techniques are learned through short lectures and practical exercises.
Seneca Polytechnic provides student copies of Solidworks software for use during the course.
This course provides students with a more in-depth experience with the solid modelling mechanical design automation software. Advanced modelling techniques are learned through short lectures and practical exercises. Students will be introduced to Sheet Metal Parts, Mechanical Assemblies, Design Changes and Configurations, Design Analysis and Verification.
Seneca Polytechnic provide student copies of Solidworks software for use during the course.
This course provides students with a more in-depth experience with modeling of complex parts using Surface Modeling, 3D Sketches and Curves, Multi-Body Modelling techniques, Context Design (Top Down Design) and Functional Modelling. Animations of moving parts are also introduced.
Seneca Polytechnic provides student copies of Solidworks software for use during the course.
Upon successful completion of the courses in this program, students will be able to:
Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to
college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work
experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained
meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.
How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning
through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews,
demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a
Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program
Coordinator.
The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.
Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.
Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in postsecondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca Polytechnic program.
Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.
Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.
Please visit the Office of the Registrar.
Upon successful completion of the program requirements, please submit a Request for Certificate of Completion Form to the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training. There is no cost for this and your Certificate of Completion will be sent to you electronically.
Ramya Kottapalli
Program Assistant
Ramya.Kottapalli@senecapolytechnic.ca
416.764.0975
Jacqueline Gage
Manager, Academic Programs
jacqueline.gage@senecapolytechnic.ca
416.764.0984
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.