This unit aims to enable learners to understand different types of digital graphics images and file formats and to be able to create, edit, modify and manipulate digital images of various types and complexity. Many documents incorporate an element of graphics or graphic design. From the layout of the text, to the image used to promote a product, it is expected that there will be some form of graphic representation.
In this unit, learners will be expected to identify the technical requirements for the creation, storage and manipulation of complex artwork. They will be required to produce original images using drawing packages and also to create and edit electronically captured images. Learners will identify suitable images to enhance documents and use available tools and techniques to ensure that the finished document meets the user need.
| Course Code: | NE41 | Fee €350 |
Exam fee:€35 |
| Duration: | Six classes |
Awarding Body |  |
| Start Dates: 2 intakes/yr | January/February | Next Starts Date: 11 th of October |
Time: 6.00pm-9.00pm |
| Entry Requirement: | Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old |
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| University Progression Route |
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| Award |
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Learning outcomes:
On completion of this unit a learner should:
Unit Content
Know the hardware and software required to work with graphic images
Hardware: graphics card features; internal memory eg cache, RAM; processors; other hardware eg digital
camera drivers and card; file storage eg CD ROM, hard drive, flash cards, USB storage devices; input
devices eg graphics tablet, mouse, digital camera, scanner
Output medium: printer; computer monitor; other eg mobile phone, PDA, plotter
Software: vector based eg CorelDRAW; bitmap eg Paintshop Pro, Paint; photo manipulation eg
Photoshop; others eg image viewers, photo galleries, file conversion
Understand types of graphic images and graphical file formats
File handling: converting files; file sizes; file formats eg jpg, bmp; file management eg naming files, folder
structures, moving files, deleting files; compression techniques
Graphic images: vector graphics; bitmaps; comparison eg file size, scaling; file format features, typical uses
Be able to use editing tools to edit and manipulate images
Graphic creation: image eg scanning, importing, digital camera; image creation eg free hand draw,
assemble shapes, pre-existing material
Tools and techniques: standard software tools eg free hand draw, rotate, flip, crop, group/ungroup, resize;
special effects eg soften, sharpen, watermark, invert; colour eg colour balance, colour depth eg 8-bit
(256 colours), 16-bit (64,000 colours); layering; advanced techniques eg 3D images, masking
Editing graphics: change an existing image
Be able to create and modify graphic images to meet user requirements
User need: client needs; target audience; user requirements; constraints eg house style, image size,
intended use, file size, production costs, timescale; output media; user feedback
Reviewing: checking eg against client need, against user need; proofing; image resolution; file formats;
other eg speed of loading
Legislation and guidelines: as appropriate eg identifying ownership, copyright, copyright free, gaining
permissions
The table below shows the number of points scored per credit at the unit level and grade
| Level | Points per credit | ||
| Pass | Merit | Distinction | |
| 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
Learners who achieve the correct number of points within the ranges shown in the 'qualification grade' tables below will achieve the qualification Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* grades (or combinations of these grades appropriate to the qualification).
