Below is the syllabus for the Multimedia Technology and Applications course required to complete the IMPACT: Advancing Women in Engineering program.

Pre-requisite Modules: ‘PC Applications’ or equivalent
Co-requisite Modules: None
NQAI Level: 6 
ECTS Credits: 5  

Indicative Time Allowance (in hours): 

• Lecture: 13
• Tutorial: 0
• Laboratory: 39
• Seminar: 0 
• Other: 73

Total engagement: 125

Module Aim

The aim of this module is to provide the learner with an introduction to multimedia technology and applications.

Module Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students should:

• Have a broad knowledge and understanding of multimedia technologies and applications.
• Have a knowledge and understanding of multimedia theory, practice and issues.
• Have a knowledge and understanding of the evolution and context of multimedia in the working environment and explain the basic concepts regarding multimedia design.
• Have an ability to apply their knowledge of multimedia concepts to their working environment by the implementation a basic multimedia solution. using best practice with regard to multimedia development.
• Have basic skills in the areas of multimedia analysis, design and delivery, be able to use diagnostic techniques and solutions.
• Be able to demonstrate an awareness of legal and ethical principles regarding multimedia.
• Be able to apply knowledge as an individual and under supervision with regard to multimedia technology and applications.
• Have acquired confidence in their own ability to expand their knowledge of multimedia in order to aid professional development.
• Have begun a process of reflective practice with regard to multimedia development and accept constructive criticism.

Content

Multimedia Introduction
Multimedia hardware issues; analogue and digital A/V; audio, video, animation, text compression techniques; multimedia authoring packages; copyright and legal issues; accessibility; process of multimedia production.

Multimedia and the Internet
Repositioning content; plug ins; streaming audio and video.

Digital Imaging
Resolution, graphic file formats; basic graphic editing techniques: selection, cut, copy, paste, layers effects; repositioning for the Web

Audio & Video
File formats and compression. Basic introduction to A/V editing.

Multimedia Authoring
Media integration and animation using a time based authoring package; creating movies and animation; basic A/V integration techniques; animation effects; repositioning for the Web

Indicative Content Weighting

• Multimedia Introduction (30%)
• Multimedia and the Internet (15%)
• Digital Imaging (20%)
• Audio & Video (15%)
• Multimedia Authoring (20%)

The weighting is intended as an indicative guide to the relative importance of each syllabus topic. However, the topics are inter-related and may be delivered and assessed in an integrated fashion. The weightings do not necessarily specify the marks which will be allocated to individual topics in the assessment process.

Assessment Methodology

Continuous Assessment: 100%

The continuous assessment will account for 100% of the marks awarded. The continuous assessment will consist of a:

• multimedia project (40%)
• class presentation on this project (10%) 
• practical test (20%)
• theory test (30%)

Teaching and Learning Methods

A combination of lectures, readings, class discussion, case studies and hands-on experience will be used in the computer laboratory. Student self-learning will be encouraged and facilitated. Total class contact time will be 4 hours per week per student. This will include 1 lecture hour and 3 hour laboratory. Each laboratory  group will have no more than 24 students in order to facilitate small group teaching.

Recommended Reading

Main Text:

McGloughlin, S (2001): Multimedia Concepts and Practice

Chun,Garaffo (2003): Macromedia Flash MX 2004 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide

Supplementary Reading:

White Downs (2005): How Digital Cameras Work

Niderest, J (2001): Web Design in a Nutshell

Lynch & Horton (2002): Yale Style Guide

Roselli, Gibbons (2002):  Web Graphics for Non-Designers

Note: Latest edition of Text to be used in each case.

Readings assigned from relevant journals newspapers and Web sites

Web Resources

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/analog-digital.htm
http://www.flashkit.com/
http://www.macromedia.com/
http://www.adobe.com/