Monash University Handbook 2014 Postgraduate - Units

Upon successful completion of this unit students will have gain the ability to:

1. operate constructively and collaboratively as part of a team
2. develop observation, research, communication and information gathering skills
3. contribute as a discipline-specific practitioner within an interdisciplinary context
4. conduct critical enquiry and provide summative reviews of peers across disciplines
5. conceptualise, design and create a response to a given interdisciplinary problem
6. understand and apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the interdisciplinary practice, in order to collaborate safely with peers

Upon successful completion of this unit students will have gain the ability to:

1. operate constructively and collaboratively as part of a team
2. develop observation, research, communication and information gathering skills
3. contribute as a discipline-specific practitioner within an interdisciplinary context
4. conduct critical enquiry and provide summative reviews of peers across disciplines
5. conceptualise, design and create a response to a given interdisciplinary problem
6. understand and apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the interdisciplinary practice, in order to collaborate safely with peers

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. have developed a discursive approach to their discipline
2. have developed a critical understanding of methodologies in contemporary research
3. have developed a critical understanding of the theoretical languages of their discipline
4. have developed a critical approach to the analysis of bibliographic sources
5. have developed an understanding of research ethics and research integrity
6. appreciate the difference between professional practice in their discipline and research in their discipline.

On successful completion of this unit, candidates will:

1. have identified a conceptual framework for the research
2. be able to argue the logic of their research process
3. be able to situate the relevance of their research within a contemporary context
4. have further developed the theoretical languages of the research
5. be equipped to sustain an exegetical elaboration of their research
6. have prepared for PhD confirmation.

On successful completion of this unit, candidates will:

1. have competence in documenting the studio research with critical reflections on its concepts, processes and outcomes
2. be able to sustain against critical scrutiny the relationship between the stated intentions of their proposal and the results of the studio work
3. have evaluated the significance of the research through the framework of the exegesis
4. have formulated draft conclusions of the research
5. have completed the pre-submission seminar presentation.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. have developed a critical awareness to research in their discipline
2. have developed an understanding of methodologies in contemporary art research
3. have developed a critical approach to the analysis of bibliographic sources
4. have developed an understanding of research ethics and research integrity
5. appreciate the difference between professional practice in their discipline and research in their discipline
6. have prepared for MFA confirmation.

On successful completion of this unit, candidates will:

1. have identified a conceptual framework for the research
2. be able to argue the logic of their research process
3. be able to situate the relevance of their research within a contemporary context
4. be equipped to sustain an exegetical elaboration of their research.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Demonstrate an advanced level of competence in architectural design.
2. Have the ability to critically analyse and successfully respond to the complex range of issues inherent in an architectural design project.
3. Have developed an understanding of how observation, analysis, experiment and critique apply to the advanced architectural design processes and to design-based research.
4. Have acquired a high level of competence and consolidation of all presentation skills: verbal, graphic and 3-dimensional.
5. Understand and be able to apply the rules of the occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency in architectural design.
2. Have the ability to critically analyse and successfully respond to the complex range of issues inherent in an architectural design project.
3. Have achieved an increased understanding of how observation, analysis, experiment and critique apply to the advanced architectural design processes and to design-based research.
4. Have acquired a high level of competence and consolidation of all presentation skills: verbal, graphic and 3-dimensional.
5. Understand and be able to apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of integrative design principles as they apply to architectural design, collaboration and construction,
2. Understand issues of integration in relation to design project collaboration, building systems and construction processes,
3. Have developed a competent understanding of issues of building integration in relation to architectural design for environmental sustainability,
4. Gain familiarity and proficiency with advanced methods of collaboration and visualization for designing integrated buildings,
5. Understand and be able to apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Understand the professional project cycle and the roles and responsibilities of the architect and participants in shaping the built environment.
2. Gain familiarity with the legal responsibilities of the architect in relation to contracts, codes and regulations.
3. Have developed awareness of the collaborative processes and engagements inherent in architectural production.
4. Have an understanding of professional ethics in relation to complex project cycles.
5. Understand and be able to apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Have gained a broader exposure and deeper engagement with architectural production
2. Develop a capacity to undertake research in architectural production
3. Demonstrate the ability to critically assess aspects of architectural production
4. Have gained familiarity with principles and strategies influencing the development of architecture
5. Understand and be able to apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Have a broader understanding of architecture culture
2. Gain skills for evaluating dimensions of architecture culture
3. Be exposed to methods and tactics involved in architecture culture
4. Have developed skills for producing and communicating critical investigations of architecture culture
5. Understand and be able to apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Demonstrate the first stages of mastery in architectural design necessary for the completion of the Architecture Design Research Project.
2. Have acquired proficiency in design research.
3. Have the ability to critically analyse and successfully respond to the complex range of issues inherent in an architectural design project.
4. Have achieved proficiency in observation, analysis, experiment and critique as they apply to the advanced architectural design processes.
5. Have acquired a high level of competence in all presentation skills: verbal, graphic and 3-dimensional.
6. Understand and be able to apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Demonstrate mastery in architectural design.
2. Have acquired mastery of architectural design research.
3. Have the ability to critically analyse and successfully respond to the complex range of issues inherent in an architectural design project.
4. Have developed and demonstrate command of how analysis, experiment and critique apply to the architectural design process.
5. Have acquired mastery of all presentation skills: verbal, graphic and 3-dimensional.
6. Understand and be able to apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Gain an understanding of the financial, business and ethical contexts shaping local and global architectural practice.
2. Gain familiarity with management practices and their application to the development of the built environment.
3. Have developed awareness of the building industry and alternative methods for procurement.
4. Have an understanding of professional ethics in relation to architectural practice.
5. Understand and be able to apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Develop the foundation for the subsequent execution of the Architecture Design Research Project.
2. Have acquired proficiency in architectural design research methods.
3. Have the ability to critically analyse and successfully respond to issues inherent in formulating architecture research.
4. Have developed and demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of how observation, analysis, experiment and critique apply to the development of architecture design research.
5. Understand and be able to apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Become acquainted with theories and practices shaping architecture
2. Have a wider comprehension of architectural media

3 .Gain enhanced skills in articulating architectural ideas

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. be able to use 3D imaging software to create environments and objects
2. have an understanding of the principles of designing objects and spaces in three dimensions
3. be able to apply surface qualities, lighting, textures, and imported graphic files to elements in a three dimensional composition
4. be capable of exploring the range of options and controls available through 3D imaging and modelling software applications
5. understand and manipulate camera properties and viewer perspectives
6. be able to prepare animation sequences for inclusion in multimedia presentations
7. understand the various applications of 3D animation and virtual space in multimedia
8. have knowledge of the various tools and techniques used for realtime 3D computer graphic applications.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. understand digital video and audio concepts
2. be able to plan, acquire and digitise a video source
3. be able to trim and edit a video source
4. be able to plan and manage an audio recording session
5. acquire and incorporate audio and music tracks within a video source
6. assemble and output a complete digital audio/video production
7. understand the various applications of digital audio/video in multimedia
8. have knowledge of the various tools and techniques used for digital video effects and sound composition.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. be able to use 3D imaging software to create environments and objects
2. have an understanding of the principles of designing objects and spaces in three dimensions
3. be able to apply surface qualities, lighting, textures, and imported graphic files to elements in a three dimensional composition
4. be capable of exploring the range of options and controls available through 3D imaging and modelling software applications
5. understand and manipulate camera properties and viewer perspectives
6. be able to prepare animation sequences for inclusion in multimedia presentations
7. understand the various applications of 3D animation and virtual space in multimedia
8. have knowledge of the various tools and techniques used for realtime 3D computer graphic applications
9. be able to analyse the effective use of 3D animation in multimedia
10. have developed an individual understanding of an aspect of a specific application of 3D animation and virtual space in multimedia.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. understand digital video and audio concepts
2. be able to plan, acquire and digitise a video source
3. be able to trim and edit a video source
4. be able to plan and manage an audio recording session
5. acquire and incorporate audio and music tracks within a video source
6. assemble and output a complete digital audio/video production
7. understand the various applications of digital audio/video in multimedia
8. have knowledge of the various tools and techniques used for digital video effects and sound composition
9. be able to analyse the effective use of digital video/audio in multimedia
10. have developed an individual understanding of an aspect of a specific application of digital audio and/or video in multimedia.

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. practice design to a standard of professional competency; engaging collaboratively and independently in the resolution and communication of design concepts;
2. relate and critically analyse their design work against contemporary discourse and seek to extend its boundaries;
3. defend their chosen direction in the project against informed criticism, through the synthesis of complex theories, concepts, and design strategies;
4. apply advanced cognitive abilities, technical skills, and the practice of cultural inquiry to undertake their project;
5. organise, develop and plan methodologies, for a project to successfully determine a viable outcome;
6. Understand and apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the discipline practice.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. demonstrate a capability to research and explore the full range of issues to be considered in a design project
2. be able to practice design to a high standard of professional competency
3. be able to relate their work to contemporary discourse and seek to extend its boundaries through their design work
4. be able to defend their chosen direction in the project against informed criticism
5. have a base of knowledge, understanding and capability necessary to undertake their project
6. be capable of organising, developing and planning methodologies associated with the project which will help to successfully determine a viable outcome.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. be able to develop and refine their design project
2. be able to debate and/or defend their practice in an informed critical appraisal
3. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their design discipline and its professional practices, with particular reference to the social, cultural and aesthetic aspects of their investigation
4. have a high level of knowledge of the contemporary discourse a selected field of design and to be able to position their work relative to it
5. cultivate high ambitions to perfect their practice of industrial design

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in the use of drawing as a means of communication to show salient features of an intended design;
2. Have an advanced practical and critical understanding of drawing as a method of externalising thoughts and developing ideas;
3. Communicate their ideas through concept presentation sketches and renderings;
4. Use drawing for persuasion and communication in a design context;
5. Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of techniques: traditional, electronic and experimental;
6. Select appropriate techniques to suit the nature of the design or the communicative purpose.

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. practice design to a standard of professional competency; engaging collaboratively and independently in the resolution and communication of design concepts;
2. relate and critically analyse their design work against contemporary discourse and seek to extend its boundaries;
3. defend their chosen direction in the project against informed criticism, through the synthesis of complex theories, concepts, and design strategies;
4. apply advanced cognitive abilities, technical skills, and the practice of cultural inquiry to undertake their project;
5. organise, develop and plan methodologies, for a project to successfully determine a viable outcome;
6. Understand and apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the discipline practice.

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Independently select and apply relevant design methodology/process to resolve and detail their design project
2. Debate and/or defend their outcomes in an informed critical appraisal; demonstrating a high level understanding and analysis of complex theories, concepts, and design strategies;
3. Demonstrate an extensive understanding of their design discipline and its professional practices, including business strategies and ethical standards, within the scope of their investigation;
4. Lead, manage, plan and implement complex design projects within their selected field;
5. Understand and apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the discipline practice.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. be able to demonstrate a capability to independently select and apply relevant design methodology to resolve and detail their design project
2. be able to debate and/or defend their outcomes in an informed critical appraisal
3. demonstrate an extensive understanding of their design discipline and its professional practices, within the scope of their investigation
4. demonstrate a capability to lead, manage and plan complex design projects within their selected field
5. understand and be able to apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Independently select and apply relevant design methodology/process to resolve and detail their design project
2. Debate and/or defend their outcomes in an informed critical appraisal; demonstrating a high level understanding and analysis of complex theories, concepts, and design strategies;
3. Demonstrate an extensive understanding of their design discipline and its professional practices, including business strategies and ethical standards, within the scope of their investigation;
4. Lead, manage, plan and implement complex design projects within their selected field;
5. Understand and apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the discipline practice.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. have identified a conceptual framework for the research
2. be able to argue the logic of their research process
3. be able to situate the relevance of their research within a contemporary context
4. have translated an aspect of their enquiry into a relevant form of scholarship to the field of research (i.e. academic poster, abstract, conference paper, journal article, research report)
5. be equipped to sustain an exegetical elaboration of their research.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. have developed a critical awareness to research in their discipline
2. have developed an understanding of methodologies in contemporary design research
3. have developed a critical approach to the identification and analysis of bibliographic sources
4. have developed an understanding of research ethics and research integrity
5. appreciate the difference between professional practice in their discipline and research in their discipline;
6. have prepared for MDes(Res) confirmation.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. understand the audio-visual language of multimedia and the application of multimedia design principles
2. understand the role of the multimedia designer in electronic communication
3. approach the problem-solving of two-dimensional multimedia screen design with an inquiring, adventurous and open attitude
4. be able to identify the different delivery platforms for multimedia design, including digital video, the internet, cd-rom, dvd-rom, site-specific installation, and other technologies
5. be able to use text, images, animation, sound and digital video as multimedia elements in electronic documents
6. be familiar with colour mode and resolution requirements for a range of electronic media
7. be aware of a variety of file formats, their use and benefits and compression options
8. be able to optimise a media file for a particular application; 9.develop a self-directed approach to the development of multimedia design works, utilising independent research and evaluation methods.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. understand the language of interactive media and the application of multimedia design principles
2. understand the purpose of interface design in electronic communication
3. have an understanding of the nature of interactive media elements, including interactivity, virtual space, and multimedia authoring
4. be able to analyse interactive media, and identify the various multimedia elements and authoring techniques used
5. be able to identify multimedia design problems and determine the appropriate multimedia elements in response to the design problem
6. understand and have the ability to analyse the benefits and constraints of different delivery platforms for multimedia design, including digital video, the internet, cd-rom, dvd-rom, site-specific installation, and other technologies
7. be able to use interactivity, virtual space, and multimedia authoring as multimedia elements in electronic documents
8. be familiar with the process of publishing an electronic media document
9. be able to critically approach problem-solving, embracing current technological and philosophical developments in multimedia design
10. be able to optimise a media file for a streaming from a specific delivery platform
11. develop a self directed approach to the development of interactive media works, utilising independent research and evaluation methods
12. be aware of the specialised roles identified in the multimedia industry, and to identify which role best matches their set of skills.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

1. Be able to demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency in the creation, design and production of a multimedia product.
2. Be able to critically evaluate, debate and/or defend their multimedia design project outcomes;
3. Be able to document a multimedia design project in a cohesive proficient manner, demonstrating planning, leadership and management strategies;
4. Be able to proficiently present multimedia design concepts in a logical and informed manner that has relevancy to their target audience;
5. Be able to undertake effective research for developing a multimedia design strategy.
6. Understand and be able to apply the rules of occupational health and safety appropriate to the unit of study

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. develop their technique and appreciate the impact that this development has upon their expression
2. appreciate the relationship between content and technical methods, with special reference to their own visual production
3. identify and resolve conceptual problems of intention and content in their own work
4. handle critical views about their work and respond either with suitable changes in practice or counter-arguments which deflect the criticisms.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. develop technical methods and appreciate the poetic impact that this development has upon their subject matter
2. realize a poetic dynamic relating content and technical methods
3. identify and resolve complex conceptual problems of intention and content in their own work
4. handle critical views about their work and respond either with suitable changes in practice or counter-arguments which deflect the criticisms.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. be able to develop their initial proposal for studio practice with a critical awareness of artistic positionality as well as the potential for challenge, debate and expansion
2. appreciate that methodology is a critique of method as well as a useful investigative tool
3. have a knowledge of the language of theory in order to express the cultural values of their work, not just their practical dimensions.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. be able to interrogate the intention within their work, submitting it to critical scrutiny and either defending it or modifying it against such scrutiny
2. be able to argue in favour of their chosen working method
3. be able to argue the contemporary relevance of their work
4. have a self-critical understanding of their practice, especially with respect to ideological issues like gender, class and ethnicity.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. be able to develop a critical awareness of their levels of skill and conceptual originality
2. achieve independence in the gestation and execution of their work
3. be able to realize a visual project with a high level of integrity and internal coherence, resulting in a body of work of technical and aesthetic refinement.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. be able to identify key issues which influence the outcome of design projects
2. be capable of planning design research
3. be able to effectively communicate design research criteria which meets management objectives
4. be aware of planning and scheduling methods for the implementation of design projects
5. understand the role and consequences of design contracts
6. be aware of human resource issues on budget planning

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. have a secure grasp of certain key concepts in contemporary theory which have particular bearing on their field of design
2. be keen to relate the terms of their practice to broader discourses
3. be able candidly to identify the values in their projects, especially related to gender, class and ethnicity and consider the possible case against the assumptions of their practice
4. be keen to practice criticism in small forums, considering and conjecturing how aesthetic standards (such as style and taste) are the expression of non-absolute cultural values, and identifying critical questions of other people's practice
5. be equipped to sustain an exegetical defence of their work and its placement in current visual production
6. be equipped to outline the investigative and creative steps taken in the design process and have a critical understanding of how the chosen method fits alongside other paradigms of art, design and social inquiry.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. understand the range of benefits and problems of multimedia
2. apply a high level of professional and ethical practice in their employment
3. understand intellectual property issues as they relate to developers and employers
4. determine whether cultural and social issues will impact on particular multimedia developments
5. demonstrate an understanding of issues of access, equity, censorship, and computer addiction
6. critically appraise Government and commissioned position papers, and be able to contribute to the discourse on multimedia development

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. have some understanding of the history of multimedia development
2. apprehend the potential of multimedia for applications in business, commerce, education, training, entertainment, information referencing, and other areas
3. have an understanding of the wider social implications of using multimedia
4. be capable of identifying potential problems and perceiving benefits in planned uses of multimedia
5. understand how virtual models of reality may provide limited insights into social organisations and their behaviour
6. be able to demonstrate the need for developing ethical and aesthetic standards in multimedia products which will maximise benefits for users
7. be able to provide a critical analysis of the impact of a multimedia development in respect of social and cultural issues, and advise the developers accordingly.

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Investigate a range of current design research methods for design practice;
2. Evaluate and apply design research methods to a design project, demonstrating a synthesis of complex theories, concepts and propositions.
3. Communicate specific design strategies and methodologies, reflecting on the outcomes of design research in design practice.

At the completion of this unit students will have a theoretical and conceptual understanding of:

1. a range of systems analysis and design methodologies and their associated tools that can be used in the development of multimedia systems
2. the main participants in the development of multimedia systems and the roles which they perform
3. the key tasks in the multimedia systems development process
4. quality assurance techniques for the analysis, design, implementation and maintenance of a quality multimedia system

At the completion of this unit students will have developed attitudes that provide them with:

5. an appreciation of the importance of a thorough understanding of the principles of systems analysis and design so as to support successful development of multimedia systems
6. broadminded awareness of the the advantages and disadvantages of alternative approaches in systems analysis and design

At the completion of this unit students will have developed skills to enable them to:

7. undertake a requirements analysis for a business application
8. convert requirement analysis models to design models that represent a workable solution system
9. prepare analysis and design documentation for a multimedia system
10. encode data in XML format
11. apply sound programming principles to the use of a multimedia scripting language such as ActionScript

At the completion of this unit students will have developed the teamwork skills needed to:

12. develop skills to work as part of a project team

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. understand the process of converting visual material into a digital format using scanning and image capturing technology
2. understand the types of digital imaging including still graphics, animation and video, 2D and 3D
3. understand the composition of the digital image including resolution and compression formats
4. have the skills to manipulate digital images using digital editing software
5. have the skills to create a digital image using digital editing software
6. be aware of the different digital image formats applicable to different multimedia authoring environments
7. understand the process of inclusion of digital images into multimedia authoring environments.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Recognise, analyse and use the elements of design;

2. Understand the role of visual communication and fundamental design principles as applied to Multimedia/New Media;

3. Recognise some of the theoretical and psychological issues of selected colour theories;

4. Understand and apply selected colour theories to digital media

5. Recognise, analyse and use typography;

6. Express ideas and concepts for multimedia using visual communication forms, drawing, digital imaging, graphic design and typography; and

7. Observe and employ occupational health and safety appropriate to studio practice

On successful completion of this unit, students should:

1. Understand the fundamentals of the visual language of Multimedia/New Media design;

2. Understand the design process and the role of visual design within Multimedia/New Media product development;

3. Understand the application of design elements and principles within Multimedia/New Media design;

4. Work with type and image, creating a hierarchy;

5. Create design structures, grids, layout and composition;

6. Understand and apply fundamental concepts of time and motion within Multimedia/New Media design;

7. Effectively communicate design critique and evaluation of Multimedia/New Media products; and

8. Observe and employ occupational health and safety appropriate to studio practice

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Apply international standards and protocals related to multimedia development;
2. Undertake a critical analysis of multimedia communication tools with a view to maximising the effectiveness of multimedia design;
3. Display an increased technical proficiency across the development, creation and production of digital media, using industry standard software applications in relation to multimedia design concepts and standards;
4. Develop solutions that effectively explore software and hardware in terms of information architecture, interaction design, usability, usability testing, quality assurance and maintenance in the application of multimedia;
5. Explore a range of approaches to multimedia design with an increased understanding of processes, practices, methods and techniques for the production of interactive multimedia systems; and
6. Observe and employ occupational health and safety appropriate to studio practice.

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of multimedia for communication;
2. Have a sound knowledge of the characteristics and technical specifications for different multimedia types;
3. Be able to evaluate the effectiveness of business systems, processes and procedures and revise and amend the processes as a result of evaluation;
4. Be able to work in a multi-disciplinary and/or group environment;
5. Have an awareness of the nature of the development environment for multimedia systems and the role which they will play in it;
6. Be able to participate in the design and creation of multimedia products and critically evaluate them;
7. Have an understanding of the implementation and distribution proccess of multimedia products after production is complete;
8. Understand the stages required for business growth of a multimedia studio;
9. Observe and employ occupational health and safety appropriate to studio practice.

1. confidently illustrate with technical and aesthetic expertise
2. challenge traditional uses of illustration media and push the boundaries of image making
3. apply illustration to the greater practice of graphic design
4. solve illustration problems eloquently, efficiently and skillfully
5. practice illustration with an awareness of current and historical illustration methods
6. pursue an identifying style suited to his or her strengths and talents.