DES10650 - Computer Aided Design and Graphics (2015)

Focuses on the use of computer technology in industry. A particular focus is on students developing more advanced knowledge of, and skills and techniques for, computer aided design using both CAD and other graphics applications. Students will apply design principles and processes to meet a design brief.

Module 1 - Computer Aided Design and Graphics in society and industry

• Overview of CAD in a range of industries
• Graphic and CAD hardware and software, including new and emerging technologies such as CAM
• The role of CAD and other graphics applications in supporting industries
• Focus study of CAD use in selected industry/ies such as:
  • Cabinet and furniture drawing (*)
  • Landscape design
  • Interior design
  • Pattern design (*)
  • Product and technical illustration
  • Architecture
  • Engineering (*) 
  • Computer aided manufacture

* = core for Industrial Technology students

Module 2 - CAD techniques, principles and processes

• CAD methods, modes, tools, and techniques for 2D and 3D graphic work and manufacturing, such as:
  • A broad range of input and output hardware
  • Orthogonal and pictorial drawing techniques
  • Application of concepts such as applied geometry, scale and measurement, layers
  • Wire frame modelling, surface modelling, solid modelling
  • Solid and Boolean modelling, polygons, bezier and spline curves
• CAD object and symbol libraries
• Rendering techniques
• The applications of surface textures to rendered 3D models to create photo-realistic images
• CAD animation
• Design principles and processes in the implementation of CAD to meet a design brief
• CAD file formats for computer aided manufacturing (CAM)

Module 3 - Graphics applications: Advanced techniques, principles and processes such as:

• Advanced computer graphics skills in Photoshop or equivalent (e.g. open sources: GIMP, Ifranview)
• Design skills, principles and processes in the implementation of graphics applications to meet a design brief
• CAD to CAM, new technological methods of manufacturing

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

Prescribed texts