LC DCG study plan

Set up a drawing kit (A3 drawing board or equivalent, T-square or parallel rule, set squares 30-60 and 45, compass, dividers, scale rule, 0.5 mm and 0.3 mm pencils, eraser shield) and calibrate line weights on a test sheet.

Construct a title block and border to a stated sheet layout, then letter a title block in block capitals to legible height conventions.

Produce a freehand and instrument sketch of a simple orthographic three-view layout (plan, elevation, end view) of a stepped block, applying first-angle or third-angle convention consistently.

Explain in writing the difference between first-angle and third-angle projection and identify which symbol belongs to each.

Time yourself drawing 10 straight parallel lines at 0.7 mm, 0.35 mm and 0.25 mm weights and record which weights you can hold consistently.

Construct true lengths and inclinations of oblique lines using the auxiliary-view method, working three separate problems without reference notes.

Derive the true shape of an inclined plane (lamina) by auxiliary projection, then re-project it back to plan and elevation.

Solve at least four intersection problems: line piercing a plane, plane meeting a plane, and the line of intersection of two non-parallel planes.

Draw the traces of a plane from three given points and state its inclination to both reference planes.

Annotate every construction line (projectors, fold lines, auxiliary ground lines) so a marker could follow your reasoning.

Construct the interpenetration curve of two solids (for example a cylinder meeting a cylinder or a cone meeting a prism) using auxiliary cutting planes, showing at least eight points on the curve.

Develop the surface of a truncated prism or cylinder into a flat pattern and state the true lengths used.

Construct the intersection of a sphere or cone with a plane and identify the resulting section shape.

Rotate a solid about an axis and project the rotated position in plan and elevation.

Complete one full interpenetration problem under a 45-minute time limit to simulate exam pacing.

Produce a dimensioned working drawing of a small bracket or plate, applying dimensioning conventions: no duplicated dimensions, dimensions outside the outline where possible, radius and diameter prefixes, and a consistent arrow style.

Apply section conventions: hatching at 45 degrees, cutting-plane line with arrows and letters, and correct treatment of ribs and webs.

Write a design brief for a simple everyday product (for example a desk lamp base or a phone stand) that states the user, the constraints and three measurable criteria.

Generate and sketch three distinct concept solutions to that brief, then score them against the criteria in a simple decision matrix.

Produce a dimensioned orthographic drawing of the chosen concept.

Build a 3D model of your week-4 chosen concept in CAD, using sketch constraints (coincident, tangent, equal, symmetric) rather than free-hand geometry.

Produce a drawing sheet from the model with at least three views, a section view and an isometric view, all correctly scaled.

Demonstrate parametric editing: change two key dimensions and confirm the model and drawing update correctly.

Export the model to a neutral format (STL or STEP) and open it to verify geometry integrity.

Compare your CAD output with your hand drawing and list every discrepancy you find.

Model a second part that requires a swept or lofted feature, then apply fillets and chamfers at realistic sizes.

Create an assembly of two or more components with mating constraints and produce an exploded view.

Apply a material and a rendered view, then export a presentation image suitable for a design portfolio.

Write a 150-200 word evaluation of the final design against the week-4 brief criteria, citing specific evidence from the model.

Produce one applied-graphics artefact (for example a perspective sketch or a presentation layout) supporting the same design.

Solve trigonometric problems involving right and oblique triangles applied to real geometry: finding an unknown side or angle in a roof pitch, a ramp, or a tapered component.

Apply the sine rule and cosine rule to at least three non-right-triangle problems and check each answer by scale drawing.

Construct a parabola, ellipse and hyperbola by their standard locus constructions, and state one engineering use of each.

Calculate the true length and inclination of an oblique line both by trigonometry and by auxiliary projection, and confirm the two answers agree.

Solve a combined problem where a trig calculation is needed to complete a descriptive-geometry construction.

Sit two full timed mock papers under exam conditions, using only permitted instruments, and mark them against a marking scheme you write yourself.

List every error from the mocks, classify each as conceptual, procedural or time-related, and re-solve the top five.

Redraw your two weakest constructions from memory without notes to confirm retention.

Compile a one-page instrument and formula sheet covering projection symbols, dimensioning rules, section conventions and the trig identities you actually used.

Set a final revision schedule for the days before the exam, allocating time in proportion to your mock error counts.