-SQA-SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY. Hanover House 24 Douglas Street GLASGOW G2 7NQ NATIONAL CERTIFICATE MODULE DESCRIPTOR

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1 -SQA-SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY Hanover House 24 Douglas Street GLASGOW G2 7NQ NATIONAL CERTIFICATE MODULE DESCRIPTOR -Module Number Session Superclass- CD -Title- COMPUTER GRAPHICS TECHNIQUES -DESCRIPTION- Purpose This module is designed to introduce a candidate to the hardware, software and techniques associated with computer graphics. The aim of this module is to develop the candidate's: (a) (b) (c) knowledge of hardware and software features of computer graphics; programming expertise in this area; experience in the use of computer graphics packages. Preferred Entry Level Introduction to Computer Programming in an appropriate Language OR SCE 'O' Grade Computing (band C) OR Standard Grade 3 Computing Studies. Outcomes The candidate should: 1. identify the hardware and software factors which influence the quality of computer graphics; 2. use an applications package which includes or incorporates a WIMP environment; 3. use an applications package to produce low resolution graphics; 4. generate simple computer graphics by writing a program in a high level language; 5. use software techniques to generate animated graphics.

2 Assessment Procedures Acceptable performance in the module will be satisfactory achievement of all the Performance Criteria specified for each Outcome. The following abbreviations are used below: PC Performance Criteria Instrument of Assessment Note: The Outcomes and PCs are mandatory and cannot be altered. The may be altered by arrangement with SQA. (Where a range of performance is indicated, this should be regarded as an extension of the PCs and is therefore mandatory.) OUTCOME 1 IDENTIFY THE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE QUALITY OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS PCs (a) The identification of those hardware and software features of computer systems which affect computer graphics is correct in terms of: 1. types of processor; 2. features relating to systems: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) text; resolution; colours; memory. 3. monitor types suitable to systems; 4. reason for the difference in speed of operation in producing computer graphics when using high or low level programming languages; 5. differences between object orientated and bit-mapped graphics. Restricted Response Questions The candidate will be presented with an exercise consisting of five restricted response questions to test his/her understanding of knowledge relating to the hardware and software factors which influence computer graphics. The candidate will be required to provide the information contained in Performance Criterion (a)

3 on all Performance Criteria being met. This will be demonstrated by the candidate answering all five questions correctly. OUTCOME 2 USE AN APPLICATIONS PACKAGE WHICH INCLUDES OR INCORPORATES A WIMP ENVIRONMENT PCs (a) The operation of the following procedures using a WIMP environment produces hard copy output to a pre-determined specification: 1. loading the package; 2. producing a document; 3. saving the document; 4. outputting the document to the printer; 5. quitting the package. The candidate will be presented with a to produce a one-page document to a specification determined by the tutor/trainer. on the Performance Criterion being met. This will be demonstrated by the candidate correctly using a WIMP environment. OUTCOME 3 USE AN APPLICATIONS PACKAGE TO PRODUCE LOW RESOLUTION GRAPHICS PCs (a) The operation of the following procedures without using a WIMP environment produces hard copy output to a pre-determined specification: 1. loading the package; 2. producing a document; 3. saving the document; 4. outputting the document to the printer; 5. quitting the package. The candidate will be presented with a practical exercise to produce a one-page document to a specification determined by the tutor/trainer. on the Performance Criterion being met. This will be demonstrated by the candidate correctly producing the specified output. 3

4 OUTCOME 4 GENERATE SIMPLE COMPUTER GRAPHICS BY WRITING A PROGRAM IN A HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGE PCs (a) Programs are written to generate the following simple geometric shapes without the use of manufacturers' predefined routines: 1. rectangle; 2. triangle; 3. circle; 4. polygon. (b) Programs are written to generate a picture which incorporates: 1. rectangle; 2. triangle; 3. circle; 4. polygon. The candidate will be presented with a practical exercise to test his/her ability to create program code which produces (1) simple geometric shapes; (2) a picture which incorporates the geometric shapes created. It is recommended that the exercise is assessed by tutor/trainer observation using a checklist based on the Performance Criteria. on both Performance Criteria being met. OUTCOME 5 USE SOFTWARE TECHNIQUES TO GENERATE ANIMATED GRAPHICS PCs (a) Program code is written, appropriate to the system used, to generate: 1. a user defined character/sprite; 2. a simple animation sequence. The candidate will be presented with a practical exercise to test his/her ability to create program code which produces simple animated output. It is recommended that the exercise is assessed by tutor/trainer observation using a checklist based on the Performance Criterion. on the Performance Criterion being met. 4

5 The following sections of the descriptor are offered as guidance. They are not mandatory. CONTENT/CONTEXT Corresponding to Outcomes 1-4: 1. The following features of computer graphics: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) text and graphic modes high low resolution graphics pixels and object orientated graphics teletext graphics colour speed in relation to: (a) hardware factors: available memory, screen resolution, processor/co-processor; (b) software factors: high level language, machine code. 2. Use of a graphics package (eg. CAD, ARTWORK, DTP etc) which necessitates the use of a WIMP( Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer environment. 3. Use of a graphics package which does not necessitate the use of a WIMP environment. 4. Generation of simple point and line drawings, shape generation of polygon, rectangle, triangle, circle. Selection of background and foreground colours. 5. Plot/unplot, user-defined characters, logical colour switching, 'sprite' (or equivalent) techniques via commercially available packages. SUGGESTED LEARNING AND TEACHING APPROACHES The uses of computer graphics techniques and their effects within business and industrial environments should be investigated. Suggested areas of study are graphic design, publishing and engineering. The candidate should have access to a computer capable of generating high resolution graphics. The choice of programming language should be appropriate to the candidate's prior experience and the requirement to generate computer graphics. 5

6 Although some formal exposition and demonstration by the tutor/trainer will be required, the emphasis should be on acquiring knowledge and understanding of computer graphics through the use of various software packages. Discussion of features should take place as they arise naturally within the module. The study of applications packages should take place in a resource-based environment. Thus the candidate should carry out a series of predetermined tasks appropriate to the software and input/output devices. Similarly, the programming elements of the module should be covered by a series of short programming exercises to be solved by the candidate. Commercially available 'sprite' editor packages can be used by the candidate to create complex shapes. The accompanying plotting routines can be used as subroutines in programs constructed by the candidate to generate animated output. A folio of program listings should be kept by the candidate. As a further exercise the candidate should make comparisons between high level language and true machine code programs. Care should be taken to maintain a balance between the practical, theoretical and background aspects of the module. Copyright SQA