Courses may include
These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.
Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.
MDAD 1000 - 2D CAD Fundamentals
This course introduces students to foundational 2D CAD tools and workflows for creating and editing mechanical drawings. Students learn to apply ASME Y14 standards for drawing setup, revision control, and file management while working with raster and vector data. The course covers techniques for tracing scans, creating reusable blocks and templates, and organizing CAD projects to improve efficiency and consistency.
MDAD 1002 - 3D Mechanical CAD
This course develops core skills in 3D CAD modeling, technical drawing, and design documentation for mechanical components and assemblies. Students will apply industry standards to produce accurate, production-ready drawings and manage engineering data. They will apply parametric 3D modeling principles to create accurate mechanical components and assemblies and produce technical drawings and documentation to ASME Y14 standards.
MDAD 1004 - Mechanical Drafting Fundamentals
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of technical drawing and design principles essential in engineering and manufacturing. Students explore how to create and interpret different types of technical drawings, apply industry standards, and understand key concepts related to materials, processes, and mechanical components. They develop skills in freehand sketching and producing accurate assembly and manufacturing drawings that communicate design intent and production requirements. All work aligns with ASME Y14 standards and reflects current industry best practices.
MDAD 1006 - Introduction to Dimensioning and Tolerancing
This course introduces students to the principles of dimensioning and tolerancing for technical drawings. Students learn to apply standards, symbols, and best practices to ensure accurate communication of size, fit, and manufacturing requirements. They develop skills to interpret and create drawings using ASME Y14 standards, integrating knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes to make informed decisions. The course emphasizes evaluating and improving technical drawings to meet industry standards and ensure precision in production.
MDAD 1008 - Machine Shop I
This course introduces students to essential measurement, inspection, and prototyping practices used in modern machine shop environments. Students gain hands-on experience with precision instruments such as calipers, micrometers, Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), and 3D scanning and printing technologies while emphasizing safety and accuracy. The course covers fundamental metrology techniques for validating dimensional data, evaluating material properties, and performing basic quality control processes. All activities align with industry standards to ensure students can assess part conformance and support design validation in manufacturing contexts.
MDAD 1010 - Applied Math for Mechanical Drafting
This course equips students with the mathematical skills needed for precision in drafting and design. Students learn to perform arithmetic, fractional, and decimal calculations to interpret dimensions and scale technical drawings and CAD models accurately. The course covers the application of linear measurement tools, tolerances, and geometric and trigonometric principles for calculating angles, distances, and features in design layouts. Students also compute areas, volumes, and use applied formulas to verify mechanical part designs and estimate material requirements.
MDAD 1012 - Industry Relations I
This course prepares students to communicate effectively in technical and professional environments. Students develop clear and concise technical writing skills and practice interpersonal communication strategies commonly used in workplace settings. The course emphasizes delivering organized oral presentations for technical audiences and building career readiness through portfolio development and career-planning activities.
MDAD 2000 - Advanced 3D CAD
This course builds advanced skills in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for students preparing for modern manufacturing and engineering environments. Students learn to create 3D models, develop assemblies, and produce technical documentation while exploring processes such as power transmission, additive manufacturing, and CNC workflows. The course also introduces design automation, optimization techniques, and compliant mechanism concepts. Content aligns with current industry practices and professional standards in mechanical design and manufacturing.
MDAD 2002 - Advanced Mechanical Drafting
This course provides students with a solid understanding of mechanical components and related manufacturing practices used in modern industry, with a strong emphasis on engineering drafting and design. Students learn the purpose, function, and representation of components such as gears, bearings, and springs. Emphasis is placed on interpreting and creating drawings that reflect real manufacturing constraints, fabrication methods, and tooling design. The course also covers strategies for improving drafting, design, manufacturing, and inspection processes and aligns with current industry standards in mechanical and production engineering.
MDAD 2004 - Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
This course introduces students to the principles of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) used to define and control part geometry in manufacturing and design. Students learn to interpret and apply GD&T symbols, datums, and tolerance controls for form, orientation, location, profile, and runout. The course aligns with recognized industry standards for precision measurement and quality assurance.
MDAD 2006 - Machine Shop II
This advanced lab course builds on core shop skills and prepares students for modern manufacturing environments. Students develop expertise in precision measurement and introductory experience in fabrication techniques, including welding, sheet metal work, and CNC machining. The course emphasizes safe work practices and quality control and aligns with current industry standards for machining and fabrication.
MDAD 2008 - Specialty Drafting
This course introduces students to the creation and interpretation of technical drawings used in a variety of disciplines. Students learn to read and produce drawings for process piping, fluid power systems, electrical and electronic schematics, HVAC layouts, and civil designs. The course aligns with current industry standards for technical documentation and drafting practices.
MDAD 2010 - Structural Detailing
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of structural steel detailing used in construction and fabrication. Students learn to create 3D models, produce fabrication drawings, apply welding symbols, design connections, and prepare material take-offs. The course aligns with industry standards for structural detailing and drafting practices.
MDAD 2012 - Industry Relations II
This course develops students’ technical communication and teamwork skills for professional environments. Students learn to produce clear written documents, deliver organized oral presentations, and apply correct technical vocabulary and formatting standards. The course emphasizes collaboration through team-based projects, where students practice group dynamics, active participation, and shared responsibility from planning to evaluation. Students also apply project management principles, including task planning, scheduling, and progress tracking, to complete technical projects successfully. Additionally, the course strengthens professional readiness by guiding students in research, portfolio development, and job-seeking strategies aligned with industry expectations.
MDAD 3015 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides students with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry level positions in Mechanical Drafting and Design. The Mechanical Drafting and Design program includes an experiential learning component which consists of an appropriate balance of learning outcomes between specific occupational knowledge and skills and employability skills.
Successful completion of work experience is required in order to meet the requirements for the Mechanical Drafting and Design program and to be eligible to graduate.
SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.
SAFE 1019 - Safety and Sustainability Basics
This course provides an overview of your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as those in the workplace under the NS Occupational Health and Safety Act. Topics such as duties and precautions, accident reporting, as well as personal and campus safety and sustainability initiatives will be explored.
SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
