Sep 03, 2025  
Course/Program Inventory 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Catalog Home
  All Courses
  Community College Course Inventory
  Community College Common Course Libraries
  TCAT Course Inventory
  TCAT Program Inventory
  Articulation Agreements
  Tennessee Transfer Pathways
  TCAT to CC Articulation Brochure
HELP
Course/Program Inventory

EST 3020 - Welding Fundamentals


Clock Hours: 30

Delivery Mode
on-ground

Course Description:
Welding Fundamentals is an introductory course designed to prepare multi-craft engineering systems technicians with a strong foundation in welding theory, safety, and practical welding techniques.  The course covers essential cutting and welding processes, including OXY-Fuel cutting, handheld Plasma-Arc cutting, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).  Students will gain practical experience through a combination of textbook learning, instructor-led demonstrations, and skill-based exercises.  The cutting section of the course introduces students to the theory and application of Oxy-Fuel and Plasma-Arc cutting processes, with a focus on safe operational setup and technique.  In the SMAW and GMAW segments, students will learn to perform fillet and groove welds on carbon steel plates in flat and horizontal positions.  Welds are evaluated using American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 visual inspection standards. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify and apply appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) for welding and cutting operations. 

  1. Explain the principles and components of Oxy-Fuel and handheld Plasma-Arc cutting systems, including setup, operation, and shutdown procedures. 

  1. Execute straight, bevel, and shape cuts on carbon steel using Oxy-Fuel cutting equipment according to industry standards. 

  1. Accurately cut carbon steel using handheld Plasma-Arc equipment, demonstrating proper technique and safety awareness. 

  1. Describe the principles of Shielded Metal Arc Welding, including current types, polarity, and electrode selection for various welding tasks. 

  1. Produce quality fillet welds on carbon steel plate in flat and horizontal positions using appropriate SMAW electrodes. 

  1. Create groove welds and perform padding applications on carbon steel plates, demonstrating control and consistency in technique. 

  1. Evaluate SMAW welds using visual inspection criteria in accordance with AWS D1.1 structural welding standards. 

  1. Describe the fundamentals of Gas Metal Arc Welding, including wire feed systems, shielding gases, and machine setup. 

  1. Produce flat and horizontal fillet and groove welds on carbon steel using GMAW equipment and various wire types. 

  1. Inspect GMAW welds for quality and conformance to AWS D1.1 visual standards. 

  1. Apply learned cutting and welding techniques in simulated or real-world work-based tasks, demonstrating professionalism, accuracy, and adherence to industry expectations.