Students will learn the underlying principles of digital imaging in both its static and moving forms. The theory will be supported by workshops using professional imaging, and video editing software, as well as software tools for manipulating audio.
The CGI Foundation part introduces students to the use of a professional 3D computer graphics and animation application. Students will learn how to build 3D models, shade them using assorted textures, illuminate them and render them out as images. They will learn how to make an efficient use of data, and appreciate the underlying topology of the geometry that makes up that model. Assessment will mostly be by the creation of 3D computer generated assets and presenting these as rendered images.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Part One: Introductory Digital Graphics and Imagery
Part Two: CGI
The module uses a mix of interactive lectures, workshops, studio based production projects, practical classes, and media lab support to simulate a creative industry environment and develop the students' personal portfolio. Students will work both individually and in small teams as is common practice in industry. Attendance at these sessions is mandatory to simulate a creative studio environment.
Lectures, including interactive and flipped lectures, will be used to provide group exploration fundamental concepts underpinning Digital Media in its many forms to develop deeper understanding of the subject.
Workshop sessions will provide hands-on experience in creating the Digital Media products. Demonstrations, guides and exercises will be used to develop skills and proficiency in applying the theory to practice in creating sophisticated products found in today's professional environment.
Tutorials and seminars will support the concepts explored in other areas relating to industrial practice, legislation and social and economic issues. The personal and group tutorials will support the students' study skills and development towards their chosen field of media.
Studio based practice will provide hands on experience of using professional level software/hardware to develop perceptual and practical skills for the production of students portfolio.
Case studies and exemplars will be used to explore and support different perspectives to reflect diverse use of digital media in different contexts.
Virtual Learning Environment (Canvas) where appropriate will be used to facilitate peer based activities such as peer discussion and peer assessment among other innovative opportunities to learn collaboratively.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures, workshops, tutorials, seminars and discussion groups. | 100 |
| Guided independent study | Independent and directed study, including online learning materials. | 200 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Overall the assessment is designed to offer a broad range of introductory media asset creation and manipulation skills. This is typical of industry based media practice where such fundamental skills form the basis of a wide variety of job functions. The creative artefacts generated from the coursework will contribute to students PDP (Personal Development Portfolio).
Coursework 1: consists of two parts: one for still image eg Adobe Photoshop manipulation and the other a video image manipulation eg Adobe Premier. The assessment also includes a critical review of the product and process undertaken. Students will be set digital media assignments to demonstrate their ability to create and manipulate digital assets in both its static and moving forms along with audio.
Coursework 2: consists of two parts: one the introduction of sophisticated 3D software package such as Maya to help understand the basic building blocks of modelling, texturing and animation. Part two develops on the fundaments through formative feedback to refine concepts and skills in the production of 3D assets for evaluation.
Portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes: consists of a portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes to facilitate formative and summative assessment. These quizzes/class tests will assess the students understanding of the digital media concepts, production skills, and basic numeric competence in relation to digital media.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate an awareness of current professional image manipulation and video editing software such as Adobe: Photoshop and Premiere. Also be able to distinguish between vector and raster graphics systems and their applications. | Coursework 1 Portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes |
| Be aware of a variety of file formats, such as MPEG, JPEG, MOV…etc and to appreciate their technical suitability for specific digital content. | Coursework 1 Portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes |
| Have awareness and be able to manipulate between 2D and 3D digital space and the ability to synthesise multi- layered still and moving images with digital audio into a digital product for assessment. | Coursework 1 and 2 |
| Use a professional 3D Computer Graphics application to build 3D models to a high standard. | Coursework 2 |
| Create textures of an appropriate detail and scale for the project and apply these to a variety of material attributes. | Coursework 2 |
| Create models with an appreciation of the importance of the topology of a model and how it will effect rendering, deformation and animation of that model, and initiate a portfolio of 3D CG work | Coursework 2 Portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework 1 | Coursework | 40% |
| Coursework 2 | Coursework | 40% |
| Portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes | Written exam | 20% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Adobe Photoshop CSX (2015) Classroom in a Book (Classroom in a Book), Adobe Creative Team
Adobe Premiere CSX (2015) Classroom in a Book (Classroom in a Book), Adobe Creative Team
Isacc Victor Kerlow (2009) The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects fourth edition, John Wiley & Sons Inc