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Introduction to Media Technologies - TFT00020C

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Alessandro Altavilla
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module will provide you with a fundamental understanding of the media assets that comprise interactive media experiences and how they are made.
In lectures you will learn how digital images, videos, sounds and 3D models work from a scientific and technical perspective. You will also learn professional techniques and workflows for creating your own media assets. In practicals you will put this knowledge into practice, while creating your first media assets using industry standard software.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims:

  • To provide a basic scientific foundation to facilitate understanding of concepts related to digital media systems.
  • To provide the theoretical and practical definition needed to understand the representation and processing of digital media.
  • To provide an introduction into the practical application of digital media in the context of interactive media.
  • To provide an introduction to human perception of different digital media types

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the development of media technologies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of different digital media types are perceived by humans, how they are produced, represented digitally and reproduced.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of aesthetic and practical application of digital media production systems in the context of interactive media.
  • Demonstrate an ability to analyse and calculate specific technical requirements of digital media systems (such as sampling rates, storage requirements, etc.)
  • Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the technical and aesthetic quality of digital media content.
  • Demonstrate an ability to practically apply knowledge and understanding of digital media technologies in the context of interactive media using industry standard tools.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Introduction to Media Technologies exam		 3 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

There will be four formative exercises, related to each digital media type presented in the module and creative portfolio development.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Introduction to Media Technologies exam		 3 hours 100

Module feedback

You will receive individual oral feedback for the weekly practical lab sessions, during the lab sessions.

You will receive written feedback on coursework assignments using a proforma identifying key requirements and marks awarded for each section of the assignment.

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

High quality online material is available to support learning of module content:

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/learn/tutorials.html
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/learn

Indicative textbooks:

Chavez, C. (2021). Adobe Photoshop. AdobePress

Collins, K. (2020). Studying sound : a theory and practice of sound design. The MIT Press.

Maxim, J. Adobe (2021). Premiere Pro Classroom in a Book. Adobe Press

Maxim, J. Adobe (2018). Audition CC Classroom in a Book. Adobe Press

Murdock, K.L. (2022). Autodesk Maya 2022 Basics Guide.

Taylor and Francis. Rumsey, F. (2014). Sound and recording : applications and theory. Focal Press

Weise, M and Weynand, D (2012). How Video Works.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.