The Fab Academy Certificate topics that comprise the Diploma curriculum are:
* 1. digital fabrication principles and practices
o digital vs analog
+ threshold theorems
+ universality
+ communications
+ computation
+ fabrication
o survey
+ tools
+ processes
+ research
o network
+ Fab Foundation, Fund, Academy
+ Fab Charter
o safety
+ mechanical
+ optical
+ electrical
+ chemical
* 2. computer-aided design, manufacturing, and modeling
o hierarchical, parametric, procedural, algorithmic design
o boundary, function representations
o rendering and animation
o toolpath generation
o file formats
o physical modeling
* 3. computer-controlled cutting
o types
+ waterjet, EDM, …
o knife
+ tools
+ materials
+ speed, force
o laser
+ types
+ materials
+ speed, power, rate
+ maintenance
+ safety
* 4. electronics design and production
o electricity and electronics
o component types and selection
o schematic design
o PCB design
o PCB fabrication
o PCB assembly
o test equipment
* 5. computer-controlled machining
o types
o tooling
o materials
o speeds, feeds
o fixturing
* 6. embedded programming
o processor types
o microcontroller architecture
o in-circuit programming
o embedded programming languages
o development tools and environments
o debugging
* 7. 3D molding and casting
o types
o soft tooling
o mold design and manufacture
o casting materials
o composites
* 8. collaborative technical development and project management
o version control
o synchronization
o merging
o remote desktops
o videoconferencing
o scheduling
* 9. 3D scanning and printing
o types
o formats
o scanning
o printing
o materials
* 10. sensors, actuators, and displays
o sensors
o actuators
o displays
* 11. interface and application programming
o interface protocols
o application languages
o graphics
o user interfaces
* 12. embedded networking and communications
o networking fundamentals
o network protocols
o physical layers
* 13. machine design
o motors and actuators
o motion control
o machine control
o rapid-prototyping of rapid-prototyping machines
* 14. digital fabrication applications and implications
o furniture
o housing
o transporation
o healthcare
o environment
o energy
o play
o art
o development
* 15. invention, intellectual property, and business models
o copyright
o patents
o free and open-source models
o revenue models
o case histories
* 16. digital fabrication project development
o conception
o proposal
o review
o prototyping
o debugging, development
o presentation
o documentation