FIRST YEAR

During the first year of the Multimedia Design course, students are given a strong foundation in the principles of design. The emphasis is on paper-based design training and as well as design in a digital domain. Subjects throughout the year are:

• Creative Design
• Graphic Design
• Media Studies
• Computers and Digital Design

Each simester focuses on a specific area including:

Digital Print Design and Production (Modules 1 & 2)
These modules focus strongly on basic design concepts and computer skills.

Subjects include:

• Design layout: the integration of text and images
• Print media communication
• Photography and image manipulation for print
• Graphic design
• Desktop publishing (DTP)
• Illustration

The Internet and Basic Web Page Design (Module 3)

• Marketing on the Internet
• Graphic design and imagery for the Web
• Scripting for the Web (introduction to HTML)
• Web page production

Interactive Presentations (Module 4)

This module covers audiovisual presentation in a corporate environment. Students produce an interactive presentation using their skills in interface design, graphics, and sound. Subjects include:

• Interface design
• Digital sound for multimedia
• Packaging design
• Product marketing and presentation
• Multimedia production and presentation

SOFTWARE
All software used is industry standard and includes Adobe Photoshop CS2/CS3; 3D Studio Max; Studio MX (Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks); InDesign; Freehand; Quark 7; Illustrator; Sound Forge.

SECOND YEAR

During the second year the emphasis shifts to computer design. The syllabus covers Graphic Design (including Design Principles and Design History), Programming (including HTML and JavaScript), and Interactive Digital Design. Two options are offered for second year Computer Design:

OPTION A: Advanced DTP and Web Design

Advanced Layout and DTP (Module 1)

Advanced DTP and web design focuses on techniques and software for those who want to specialize in print design and layout. Subjects include:

• Design for Print
• Advanced Reproduction Techniques Layout
• Digital Illustration.

Designing Advanced Web Sites (Module 2)

In this module students design and produce interactive corporate web sites and create a personal on-line portfolio for themselves. Subjects include:

• Performance Considerations
• Advanced Programming Languages
• Audio for the Web
• Graphic Design for the Web.

Designing Animated Web Sites (Module 3)

In this module students design and produce interactive animated web sites and also create short vector animation sequences. Subjects include:

• Vector Animation
• Interactivity
• Integrating Flash in HTML.

Digital Portfolio Production (Module 4)

Students produce an interactive CD-ROM that illustrates the skills gained and projects created throughout the course. This is a digital curriculum vitae that will assist graduates in finding employment.

OPTION B: Comprehensive Multimedia

Advanced Website Design (Module 1)

In this module students design and produce interactive corporate web sites and create a personal on-line portfolio for themselves. Subjects include:

• Performance Considerations
• Advanced Programming Languages
• Graphic Design for Web
• Vector Animation
• Interactivity
• Integrating Flash in HTML

Introduction to 3D Modelling and Animation (Module 2)

This module familiarizes students with the 3D environment. Students are taught the principles of modeling and animation and create a short narrative 3D animated sequence. This module covers:

• Creating Objects from Splines
• Basic Modeling in 3D
• Lighting 3D Scenes
• Camera Use in 3D
• Texture-Mapping Objects,
• Creating 3D Environments
• Animating 3D Scenes
• Animating the Camera in 3D Scenes

CD-ROM Production (Module 3)

This module covers the production of a prototype information CD for a corporate or retail presentation. Subjects include:

• Storyboards and Program Flow Charts
• Writing and Presenting Proposals
• Production Management
• 2D and 3D Animation and Design
• Digital Photography and Video
• Digital Audio
• Programming for Games
• Constructing Prototypes and Testing

Digital Portfolio Production (Module 4)

Students produce an interactive CD-ROM that illustrates the skills gained and projects created throughout the course. This is a digital curriculum vitae that will assist graduates in finding employment.

SOFTWARE

All software used is industry standard and includes Adobe Photoshop CS2/CS3; 3D Studio Max; Studio MX (Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks); InDesign; Freehand; Quark 7; Illustrator; Sound Forge.