15 Points This paper enables students to perform basic computing operations and to operate software
packages for the manipulation of visual images and text for use in print and screen-based applications.
Students will be introduced to basic computing concepts and provided with software
tutorials and related exercises.
By the end of this course students should be able to demonstrate competence in using a vector based drawing package, a raster based drawing package and a desk top publishing package. Students should be able to design and layout a well structured document incorporating text, and vector and raster based images created during the course.
A Semester
Official Timetable Information
Labs: Currently scheduled lab streams are Tuesday/Thursday 2pm - 4pm and Tuesday/Thursday 4pm - 6pm in R.G.10 & R.G.11 (Labs 3 & 4). Students will be streamed based on their programme. Students are expected to attend both lab sessions. Open lab times are as posted outside the labs.
There is one lecture and two two-hour practical sessions each week. Although there is a lecture stream, the practical sessions may include presentations and tutorial type discussions where the material suits.
Students will work through self-paced laboratory exercises, with assistance available from laboratory assistants. A tutor will supervise the laboratory activities giving personal attention as required.
COMP125 is a semester course. Students should expect to spend a minimum of 11-12 hours per week working on this course. Typically this will consist of:
| Lecture |
1 hr |
| Supervised Labwork |
4 hrs |
| Unsupervised Labwork |
3-4 hrs |
Preparation / Review |
Remainder |
The laboratories for this course are R.G.10 and RG.11 (Labs 3 & 4). These labs are equipped with 84 PC computers, running Win7 with Adobe CS6 software. Doing the practicals will give you the 'hands-on' experience which is central to the course. You are expected to attend your lab sessions. Each session covers a particular set of skills dealing with various aspects of the course. Time allocated for the practicals is limited, so it is important that you prepare for each lab session if you are to gain the maximum benefit.
| Written Test |
10% |
Practical Test 1 |
15% |
| Practical Test 2 |
15% |
| Mid Semester Project |
20% |
| Final Project |
20% |
| Practical Exercises |
20% |
Internal assessment/final examination ratio 1:0
The two tests are 'compulsory assessment items' of the course and attendance is compulsory.
Both projects and the assignment are also 'compulsory assessment items' and must be submitted.
Failure to attend the tests or submit both projects without proper documentation will result in you failing the course. To receive a passing grade you must complete a minimum of 80% of the practicals.
Tests:
There are three tests in this course.
Written Test is on 3rd April during the lecture time.
Practical Test 1 is on 11th April during the Thursday lab session.
Practical Test 2 is on 30th May during the Thursday lab session.
Projects:
There are two projects in this course.
Project 1 is due Friday 3rd May by 4pm following presentations in the Tuesday lab session.
Project 2 is due Friday 7th June by 4pm following presentations during study week.
Class attendance is expected. The course notes provided are not comprehensive, additional material will be covered in class. You are responsible for all material covered in class.
Here is a draft schedule of the topics to be covered each week:
| Week | Lecture | Lab 1 (Tuesday) | Lab 2 (Thursday) |
| 1 | Introduction | | Lab introduction |
| 2 | Vector Illustration | 1 Indesign – introduction | 1 Illustrator – introduction |
| 3 | Page Layout | 2 Indesign – typography | 2 Illustrator – paths & shapes |
| 4 | Colour & Print | 3 Indesign – objects | 3 Illustrator – Emma I |
| 5 | Colour Theory | 4 Indesign – layout | 4 Illustrator – Emma II |
| 6 | Written Test | Easter Break | 5 Illustrator – apples |
| 7 | Comp. Fundamentals | 5 Indesign – print prepress | Practical Test 1 |
| | Teaching Recess | |
| 8 | Image Representation | Project 1 – presentations | Image Representation |
| 9 | Raster Graphics | 1 Photoshop – introduction | 2 Photoshop – layers, masks, blends |
| 10 | Photo Adjustment | 3 Photoshop – styles, brushes, actions | 4 Photoshop – image adjustment |
| 11 | Photo Composition | 5 Photoshop – channels, paths & type | 6 Photoshop – online resources |
| 12 | Advanced Techniques | Project 2 – in class session | Practical Test 2 |
| 13 | No Lecture | Project 2 – presentations | |
Academic Integrity
Follow this link for Academic Integrity information. Performance Impairment
Follow this link for information on Performance Impairment. Student Concerns and Complaints
Follow this link for Student Concerns and Complaints information. Application for Extension
Follow this link for information on applying for an Extension.
Review of Grade
Follow this link for information on applying for a Review of Grade.
University Regulations
Your attention is drawn to the following regulations and policies, which are published in the University Calendar:
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