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Course

Fusion 360 for Mechanical Design

MAE-40045

Master Cloud-Based CAD Design & Prepare for Your Autodesk Certified Associate Exam

What Is Fusion 360 & Why Does It Matter?

In today's modern machine shop floor, having proficiency in cloud-based 3D design software, specifically Fusion 360, has become a crucial and necessary skill for 3D mechanical design. As a result, being proficient in Fusion 360 is now a required skill set for individuals working in this industry.

This course offers a comprehensive learning experience that covers the basics of 3D modeling with Fusion 360, as well as advanced techniques for more experienced users. It focuses on practical knowledge, instructions, and applying Autodesk Fusion 360 to the digital manufacturing process. In addition, through a series of assignments and assessments, it prepares students for the Autodesk Certified Associate for CAD in Mechanical Design certification exam.

This course is designed to be accessible to beginners, as it does not require any previous 3D CAD experience. However, the course also offers challenges and opportunities for advanced 3D CAD professionals to enhance their skills. Therefore, the course caters to both beginners and experienced professionals, providing a jumpstart for those new to 3D CAD and a challenge for those seeking to expand their knowledge.

Course Highlights

  • Introduction to Fusion 360
  • 3D component modeling
  • 3D assembly modeling and management
  • Think in 3D - motion
  • Shop Floor project
  • Fusion Additive – introduction to 3D printing
  • Self-Paced tutorials preparation for certification exam

Course Benefits

  • Create 3D Design components and implement the parametric 3D CAD workflow
  • Implement 2D and 3D sketch tools for the creation of Solids, Surfaces and Assemblies
  • Bring assemblies to life with mechanical motion
  • Create and modify basic form bodies
  • Collaborate in the cloud and use direct modeling tools
  • Create a detailed drawing
  • Prepare for the Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical Design certification exam

What is included in your Enrollment?

  • 🎓 Autodesk Pre-Certification Exam
  • ✅ Fusion 360 software student version and ReverseEngineering for Fusion add-in keys ($100 value)
  • ⚠️ Software license fees are non-refundable
*After the drop deadline, students will receive a student version of Fusion 360 software and ReverseEngineering for Fusion add-in keys. The licenses fees are non-refundable.
 

Course Format and Schedule

  • Format: Online
    • Delivered asynchronously with access to course materials anytime during the published course dates
    • Flexibility within structured timelines
    • Interactive learning environments using Canvas LMS
    • Instructor support and feedback
    • Access to all course materials online
  • Typically Offered: Winter and Summer quarters

Prerequisites

Windows 11 knowledge, basic Microsoft Word and Power Point, Adobe PDF, basic Algebra. Self-motivated.

Tools and Technology

Next steps

Upon completion of this class, consider enrolling in other courses in the Mechanical Analysis and Design Certificate.

Questions?

Contact unexengr@ucsd.edu to learn more about Mechanical Analysis and Design course offerings.

 

Course Information

Online
3.00 units
$825.00

Get more information

Academic Calendar

This course applies to these programs

Mechanical Analysis and Design

Course sessions

Closed

Section ID:

198961

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.

Textbooks:

All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 6/29/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Closed

Instructor: Braxton Carter

Braxton Carter

Carter Braxton brings more than 25 years of experience in the reverse engineering and CAD industry to teaching and skills transfer for reverse engineering methods. Carter is a product engineering executive with broad experience in military, medical device, automotive, sports and aerospace product development. Trained with years of practice, he believes in “taking the Ph.D. out of 3D."

Carter started his career working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the US Olympic sports science committee developing reverse engineering methods applied to rapid prototyping between 1992 – 1998, in which he designed Olympic equipment for winning gold medals. He co-founded HighRES, Inc in 1995 and served as its chief executive officer, chief technology officer and president. His goal at HighRES, Inc was to commercialize the proven reverse engineering software for Solidworks, Inventor, SolidEDGE, MasterCAM, Autocad, Rhino, Pro Engineer, KEYCreator, ANSYS spaceclaim, and Siemens NX. He also worked as the chief technical officer at ReverseEngineering.com, where after 19 years, their software products continue to develop new methods that simplify the 3D Scan-to-CAD experience.

Carter majored in math computer science at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and studied computer programming at the Control Data Institute.

Full Bio