Monash University: University Handbooks: Undergraduate Handbook 2001: Subjects indexed by faculty
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Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design)


General information

Course code: 2805 * Course abbreviation: BDes(MMDes) * Caulfield campus * Internal mode * Full-time: three years * Course coordinator: Troy Innocent
The Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design) is a three-year, full-time degree program of education in multimedia design. This degree consists of core subjects and a range of electives compatible with the course and its objectives. Subjects in drawing, design studio and art and design theory give students a solid grounding in visual communication, while a sequence of specialised digital imaging subjects cover aspects of time-based media and interactivity. These skills are applied to set projects in the multimedia design studio, which progresses through applications of multimedia design such as web design, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, virtual space, computer animation and other digital media. The course is also supported by subjects such as professional practice and project research.
Elective subjects allow students to specialise in specific areas of multimedia design. They may pursue subjects relevant to interior architecture, art and design theory, photomedia and animation. Electives from other faculties at Monash University are also available in areas such as communication studies, computer programming and media studies.

Structure of the course

The pass degree

This three-year degree contains mandatory subjects together with a broad range of electives. The degree structure is formed out of a sequence of subjects which are closely linked - the core program of multimedia design studio is supported by studio specialisations and theory subjects as well as ancillary subjects directed towards contemporary professional methods and skills. The course is structured to give students the following areas of study.

Multimedia design studios (51 credit points)

This is the major study of the course and there are studios at each level. Subjects commence at a basic level of understanding and progress to a high level of competency in multimedia design. The knowledge gained in other parts of the course is progressively incorporated into the studio practice; developing problem-solving skills relevant to time-based media. Assigned projects are approached within the context of the unique properties and opportunities of multimedia design.
The multimedia design studio subject will combine lectures and participation in a group studio environment involving design activities on both paper and the computer. Practical examples of multimedia design will be used to demonstrate the area being explored in set project work.
The studio will involve:

Theory of art and design (21 credit points)

All students take five subjects on the theory, contextual and cultural aspects of art and design throughout the course. Two subjects specifically address the changing nature of society and communication occurring in the digital age.

Professional practice (9 credit points)

All students take three professional practice subjects throughout the course, including a specialised subject.

Visual communication studies (6 credit points)

Students take two visual communication subjects in the first year of the course, which cover areas of basic graphic design skills and provide for a fundamental understanding of typography.

Drawing and visual structures (6 credit points)

Students take one compulsory drawing subject in their first year of study. This subject is concerned with visual interpretation and perception of the known world. It deals with 2D and 3D concepts and structures in a sequential manner. Drawing may also be taken as a further elective study.

Digital imaging (27 credit points)

A number of core subjects in digital imaging and multimedia are included in all three levels of the course. These cover specific elements of multimedia design such as digital imaging, 3D computer animation, multimedia authoring, digital video and audio. These subjects will provide the fundamental skills for project work developed in the multimedia design studio.
All of the specialised subjects will be taught in a computer laboratory, combining the following methods:

Electives (24 credit points)

Students are encouraged to take electives in other disciplines of design, or areas such as information technology, communication and media studies. A range of electives from across the disciplines is available to suit individual study programs. Twenty-four credit points are available for elective studies, which are selected in consultation with the course coordinator. Subjects will generally be taken from those available within the Faculty of Art and Design, but subjects offered elsewhere in the university are also available. As well as the drawing and digital imaging electives, it is likely that many students may also wish to take photomedia and/or other studio studies. A typical elective program might include:

The honours degree*

An honours year will soon be introduced, allowing students the opportunity to specialise in an area of multimedia design. Students taking an honours year will be encouraged to contribute to the development of multimedia design through research into the evolving nature of the discipline.

Length of course/workload required

Pass

Three years of full-time study. The expected number of hours per week for a full-time student is 48 (contact and non-contact). An 80 per cent attendance record for studios, lectures, seminars etc is required before a student may present for assessment in any subject. Exceptions will be subject to the approval of the course coordinator.

Honours*

One additional year of full-time study.

Admission requirements

Pass

Entries by portfolio, interview and ENTER. This course is offered through the VTAC system.

Honours*

Completion of the Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design) pass degree at an average level of credit or higher. Depending upon the number of places available, students may also be required to submit a portfolio of studio work for selection into the honours program.

Credit provision

Pass

Credit will be granted for equivalent studies completed elsewhere at approved institutions. Advanced standing in the course for students who have completed part of similar courses at Australian or international universities will be considered up to a maximum of two years and in accordance with other regulations of Monash University. Each application for credit or advanced standing will be considered on its own merits.

Honours*

No credit or advanced standing will be provided in this course.
* SUBJECT TO UNIVERSITY APPROVAL.

Fee structure

For students with Australian residency, this course falls within the lowest band of HECS liability. The fee for international students will be set by the vice-chancellor from time to time (currently $14,000 per annum).

Subject


Year 1
This year introduces students to the basic skills and intellectual processes required to successfully pursue their chosen area of study.


Year 2 Students progressively improve their practical and intellectual skills, as they continue their educational development through core and elective subjects.


Year 3 Integration of previous years study, with a major focus in their chosen area.


Total years 1-3



Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 1

Semester 2


Drawing and visual structures

C
o
r
e

DWG1401 Drawing 1D (visual comm.)
6 cps






6 cps

Theory of art and design

C o r e

TAD1101 History of pre-industrial art and design 6 cps

TAD1102 Visual culture and media of the industrial age 6 cps

TAD2791 Understanding multimedia 3 cps

TAD2792 Language of interactivity 3 cps

TAD3217 Popular culture and contemporary communication. 3 cps


21 cps

Theory of art and design

C o r e

TAD1101 History of pre-industrial art and design 6 cps

TAD1102 Visual culture and media of the industrial age 6 cps

TAD2791 Understanding multimedia 3 cps

TAD2792 Language of interactivity 3 cps

TAD3217 Popular culture and contemporary communication. 3 cps


21 cps

Professional practice

C o r e


PPR1103 Effective communication 3 cps



PPR2110 Professional practice D 3 cps

PPR3702 Project planning and development for multimedia 3 cps

9 cps

Digital imaging

C o r e

DIS1101 Digital imaging1 3 cps DIS1301 Animation 1 3 cps

DIS1102 Digital imaging2 3 cps DIS29023D Design and visualisation 3 cps

DIS2103 Digital imaging3 3 cps DIS29053D Design and scripting for multimedia 3 cps DIS29013D Design and animation 3 cps

DIS2104 Digital imaging4 3 cps DIS3602 Digital audio/video 1 3 cps



27 cps

Design studio

C o r e

MMD1101 Multimedia design studio 1 3 cps

MMD1102 Multimedia design studio 2 6 cps

MMD2703 Multimedia design studio 3 6 cps

MMD2704 Multimedia design studio 4 6 cps MMD2711 Multimedia authoring 1 3 cps

MMD3705 Multimedia design studio 5 12 cps

MMD3706 Multimedia design studio 6 12 cps MMD3712 Multimedia authoring 2 3 cps

51 cps

Studio specialisation

C o r e

VCO1403 Design studio1 3 cps

VCO1301 Typographic studies1 3 cps





6 cps

Electives




6 cps

6 cps

6 cps

6 cps

24 cps

Total


24 cps

24 cps

24 cps

24 cps

24 cps

24 cps

144 cps


Note that all courses and subjects are subject to ongoing review and minor amendments to improve them.
cps: credit points - the total student workload per week including in and out-of-class work is normally obtained by doubling the credit points.

Course program

Subjects

Credit points

Average taught
hours per week

Average out of class
hours per week

Total hours

Year 1






Semester 1

DIS1101 Digital imaging 1

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


DIS1301 Animation 1

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


TAD1101 History of pre-industrial art and design

6 cps

3 hours

9 hours

12 hours


MMD1101 Multimedia design studio 1

3 cps

4 hours

2 hours

6 hours


DWG1401 Drawing 1D (visual communication)

6 cps

4 hours

8 hours

12 hours


VCO1403 Design studio 1

3 cps

2 hours

3 hours

5 hours



24 cps

17 hours

30 hours

47 hours

Semester 2

DIS1102 Digital imaging 2

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


PPR1103 Effective communication

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


TAD1102 Visual culture and media of the industrial age

6 cps

3 hours

9 hours

12 hours


MMD1102 Multimedia design studio 2

6 cps

6 hours

6 hours

12 hours


VCO1301 Typographic studies 1

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


DIS2902 3D Design and visualisation

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours



24 cps

17 hours

31 hours

48 hours

Year 2






Semester 1

DIS2103 Digital imaging 3

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


DIS2905 Design and scripting for multimedia

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


MMD2703 Multimedia design studio 3

6 cps

6 hours

6 hours

12 hours


DIS2901 3D Design and animation

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


TAD2791 Understanding multimedia

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


Elective studies

6 cps

4 hours

8 hours

12 hours



24 cps

18 hours

30 hours

48 hours

Semester 2

DIS2104 Digital imaging 4

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


MMD2711 Multimedia authoring 1

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


MMD2704 Multimedia design studio 4

6 cps

6 hours

6 hours

12 hours


DIS3602 Digital audio/video 1

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


TAD2792 Language of interactivity

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


Elective studies

6 cps

4 hours

8 hours

12 hours



24 cps

18 hours

30 hours

48 hours

Year 3






Semester 1

TAD3217 Popular culture and contemporary comm.

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


PPR2110 Professional practice D

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


MMD3705 Multimedia design studio 5

12 cps

8 hours

16 hours

24 hours


Elective studies

6 cps

4 hours

8 hours

12 hours



24 cps

16 hours

32 hours

48 hours

Semester 2

MMD3712 Multimedia authoring 2

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


PPR3702 Project planning and development for multimedia

3 cps

2 hours

4 hours

6 hours


MMD3706 Multimedia design studio 6

12 cps

8 hours

16 hours

24 hours


Elective studies

6 cps

4 hours

8 hours

12 hours



24 cps

16 hours

32 hours

48 hours

Total (over three years)


144 cps

(18 hours average per week)

(30 hours average per week)



Note that all courses and subjects are subject to ongoing review and minor amendments to improve them.
Teaching hours quoted are based on student groups of 20. Where group size is less than 20, some consolidation of teaching will occur.
cps: credit points - the total student workload per week including in and out-of-class work is normally obtained by doubling the credit points.

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