Project Lead the Way

Pathway to Engineering

The Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Pathway to Engineering Technology program is a sequence of courses which follows a proven hands-on, real-world problem-solving approach to learning. Students will learn and apply the design process, acquire strong teamwork and communication proficiency, and develop organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills. They discover the answers to questions like how are things made and what processes go into creating products. Students use the same industry-leading 3D design software used by companies like Intel and Lockheed Martin.

1) FOUNDATION COURSES

PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) 
Cerritos College ENGT 103 - Introduction to Engineering Design Using Inventor
3 UNITS
This course introduces the student to the design process in engineering technology by the use of activities-based learning, project-based learning, and problem-based learning. The student will learn about the design process, geometric relationships, visualization, technical sketching, modeling, model documentation, and assemblies. Transfer Credit: CSU

PLTW Principles of Engineering (POE) 
Cerritos College ET 101 - Principles of Engineering Technology
3 UNITS 
This course introduces the student to principles of engineering technology by the use of activity-based learning, project-based learning, and problem-based learning. The student will learn about the design process, communication and documentation, engineering systems, statics and strength of materials, properties of materials and materials testing, reliability, and kinematics. 
Transfer Credit: CSU

2) SPECIALIZATION COURSES

PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) 
Cerritos College MTT 180 - Robotics for Computer Numerically Controlled Machines 
3 UNITS
This course introduces the student to the applications of robotics for computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines by the use of activities-based learning, project-based learning, and problem-based learning. The student will learn how to create a part using software and apply computer-generated tool paths. The student will also learn about setup, operation, and programming of CNC machines. Techniques of integration between several CNC machines in a work cell environment will be emphasized using simulation and robotic applications.
Transfer Credit: CSU

PLTW Digital Electronics (DE) 
Cerritos College ET 102 - Electronics for Engineering Technologists 
3 UNITS
This course introduces the student to the applications of electronics in engineering technology by the use of activities-based learning, project-based learning, and problem-based learning. The student will learn about safety, Ohm's law, direct current circuits, capacitance, inductance, reactance, impedance, analog and digital waveforms, basic motors, logic gates, flip-flops, shift registers, and micro-controllers. Techniques of troubleshooting will be emphasized using simulation and electrical measurements. 
Transfer Credit: CSU

PLTW Aerospace Engineering
Cerritos College ENGT 104 - Principles of Aerospace Design Technology
4 UNITS
In this class, students will explore the world of aeronautics, astronautics, flight and aerospace engineering design technology. The class explores the evolution of flight, flight fundamentals, navigation, control, aerospace materials, propulsion, space travel, orbital mechanics, ergonomics, remotely operated systems, and related subjects. Students will use 3D design software to help design related solutions of typical aerospace technology problems. 
Transfer Credit: CSU

PLTW Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)
Cerritos College ARCH 101 - Principles of Civil Engineering and Architecture
4 UNITS
This course introduces the student to the design and construction practices of residential and commercial building projects, design teams and teamwork, communication methods, building codes and ordinances, engineering design calculations, and technical documentation. Students will use industry standard 3D architectural modeling software to facilitate site and building design and technical documentation. Students will use the activity-project-problem-based learning approach to develop their interpersonal skills and creative abilities while applying math, science, and technology knowledge to solve design problems and communicate their solutions. 
Transfer Credit: CSU

3) CAPSTONE COURSE

PLTW Engineering Design and Development (EDD)
Cerritos College ENGT 105 - Product, design, development, and prototype fabrication 
2 UNITS
This is a capstone course in the Engineering Design Technology program. In this course, students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based teaching and learning pedagogy, students will perform research to choose, validate, and justify a technical problem. After carefully defining the problem, students will design, build, and test their solution. Transfer Credit: CSU