Cambridge University adds SolidWorks to its curriculum

It will immediately install 150 in its manufacturing engineering, earth sciences and physics departments. It will eventually offer SolidWorks in its chemical engineering and surgery departments and extend licenses to the rest of the university’s 31 colleges. "Computer-aided design doesn’t come naturally to students, and 3D solid modelling is even harder," said Thomas Bligh, professor of mechanical engineering at the university. "Getting students interested in engineering design is not easy if they have trouble with the technology. SolidWorks makes 3D CAD accessible, so they can plunge into solid modelling and develop the skills they’ll need in their professional careers. Its ease of use makes it fun to teach and fun to learn." The university had been teaching a very complex 3D CAD software that its undergraduate students spent several weeks learning before they could complete 3D solid models. SolidWorks will allow them to begin creating solid models in a matter of days. "The city of Cambridge is a proving ground for academic and corporate leadership, and the demand for skilled design engineers continues to increase," said Rosanne Kramer, director of world-wide education markets for SolidWorks. "Cambridge is one of the world’s most elite learning institutions. That they’ve decided on such a broad implementation is a testament to SolidWorks’ short learning curve and its ability to let students spend more time honing the skills they’ll need later in life than on learning complex CAD software. SolidWorks has set a standard for 3D CAD software that prepares students for the rewarding engineering and design jobs they deserve after they graduate." The university works with SolidWorks reseller, NT CADCAM for ongoing software implementation, training, and support.