Here, the student will be introduced to the basic elements of digital production. The building blocks of all future digital and electronic practices are laid here with the introduction of concepts such as File management and organisation. Resolution, layering, colour spaces, effects, vector drawing and graphic layouts. Students learning is supported through applying these lessons into cohesive design briefs appropriate to their respective design pathways and outputs. This is a fast-moving technical module, delivered as a lab-based practical workshop and lectures aiming to excite the student about the media's possibilities.

1. Demonstrate the ability to develop, transform, and critically evaluate an original idea, across a range of digital processes.
2. Display clear evidence of the ability to balance imagination and technology in the development of innovative and sustainable design orientatedoutcomes.

3. Exhibit an ability to communicate technical & critical issues clearly with staff, so as to facilitate the completion of the project.
4. Exhibit an awareness of the wide range range of media processes that constitute digital design practises.

5. Demonstrate an awareness of the potential of digital mediawithin contemporary practices of sustainable design

In this module, learners will be introduced to various design pathways in order to develop an understanding of discipline-specific practices. Learners will be introduced to basic materials and processes unique to each pathway, and will undertake visual, historical, contextual and technical research into the area of practice. Learners will complete one studio project for each pathway, allowing them the opportunity to engage with various creative practices in order to make an informed decision regarding their area of specialisation. Learners will engage in a series of lab-based workshops, lectures, and in-class exercises.

1. Demonstrate a basic engagement with the design pathway through following a structured design process, and document this is a process journal.

2. Consider the potential of the specific design pathway in relation to their individual further learning

3. Solve basic design problems through structured problem solving approaches

4. Interpret a design brief through research, concept generation and implementation of design techniques and processes

In this module the learner is introduced to the Design environment through engagement with the formal visual Elements and Principles of Art and Design by exploring drawing, colour and 3D activities in the Studio. Media and processes are explored through a variety of appropriate studio exercises and practices.

Drawing- Observational, representational, technical and experimental drawing exercises enable the learner to acquire relevant practical skills and appreciate Drawing as a vehicle for visual recording and enquiry.

Colour- Introduction to the nature of colour through observation, analysis and application. Through a series of exercises, the learner will explore and engage with the principles of colour relativity in practical applications that are relevant for artists and designers.

3D- Introduces learners to the basic aspects of spatial dynamics, elements of 3D construction and the principles of design necessary for the creative production.

Learners will engage with abstract thinking, research, problem-solving, design logic and reflection.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the formal Elements and Principles of Art and Design through the documentation of appropriate exercises.

2. Integrate critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, with an emphasis on research enquiry in the course of exploration and experimentation.

3. Present assignment outcomeswhich communicates the relevant concepts effectively and reflects skills, know-how and autonomy in Design practices.

4. Develop and demonstrate a basic understanding and awareness of the work of historical and contemporary designers.

5. Demonstrate the development of skills, acquired through engagement with Studio and self-directed activities.

6. Show evidence, in the form of 2D and 3D outcomes, of the exploration ofa variety of materials, techniques and processes.

The aim of this module is to develop academic and professional development skills for student success in higher education and beyond. This module combines online learning activities and small group workshops to focus on areas such as academic writing and integrity, creative thinking, problem-solving, time management, communications, group work, technology, innovation and presentation skills.

1. Apply appropriate tools and principles to optimise the learning experience.

2. Develop self-reflection practices for individual and group-work activities.

3. Recognise different information sources and apply the principles of academic integrity.

4. Assess a variety of professional communication practices and digital tools and apply to problem-solving.

5. Consider how the chosen discipline has a responsibility to wider society.

An introduction to photography.

This module will provide the technical skills necessary for designers to utilise the medium of photography. Through the completion of a digital portfolio and a printed project the learner will be introduced to the basic skills required to work competently with this medium.

1. Understand the basic technical aspects of still photography.
2. Demonstrate the workings of a DSLR and recognise its advantages over more basic ‘point and shoot’ cameras.
3. Understand how to save photographic images in anappropriate digital format for different purposes.

4. Understand how to prepare digital images for print media.

5. Demonstrate an awareness of the potential of photographic workwithin design practice.

Core Studio is a foundation module in design process, principles, and materials relevant to the students chosen discipline (Interior Design/Graphic Design and Illustration/Product Design/Textiles for Fashion). Learners are introduced to the background, context, and applications of their discipline. Through theory and practice, learners become familiar with methods, tools, materials, techniques, and processes associated with their discipline. Learners follow a structured design process and are encouraged to problem solve by generating design possibilities which are tested through practice. Course content will be delivered though a series of lectures, lab-based workshops, and group critiques.

1. Followastructureddesign development process, for example,Design Thinking.

2. Researchandgather visual information; evaluate and problem solve to create design output.

3. Document the development ofwork processes through the keeping of visual workbooks.

4. Communicate design conceptsand apply a basicdesignvocabularyofthe formalelementsandprinciplesoftheir discipline.

5. Experiment with, discussand evaluate the use ofmaterials and processes.

6. Createvisuals, material samplesand prototypes of concepts and designs.

This module aims to deepen the learners understanding the importance of design history and theory. It will provide a foundation for learners to independently and critically investigate, analyse, evaluate, discuss and write about works of design. Learners will acquire skills to further their study in the discipline and ultimately to augment their own development as designers. The module is designed to introduce the learner to a methodological toolkit to analyse diverse examples of design. In the first semester there will be a global perspective on design and material culture from an eclectic range of significant case studies from pre-history, to classical European antiquity up to the Industrial Revolution incorporating diverse examples from natural found objects to working with materials including ceramics, textiles, woodwork, glass, metalwork, and architecture.

The second semester will focus on theories and artefacts of Modern design from the Industrial revolution to the late twentieth century. The objects and theories of Modernism will be explored in their social, economic, cultural and historic contexts. The module will explore the history of leading design movements and profile the work of designers and theoreticians linked to these movements. Developments in new materials, technologies and techniques and their impact on design will be integral to the lecture series. The processes of innovation and entrepreneurship in key designers' contributions to design history will also be considered, as will the legacy and impact of their work on contemporary design.

The importance and vitality of experiential learning by viewing actual artefacts of design and material culture will be encouraged with guided field trips to a local venue, the Galway City Museum and one of the National Museums of Ireland.

A range of links to ATU library resources, audio-visual materials, activities and discussion forums will be available to module participants on the ATU virtual learning environment, Moodle.

1. Write and present clearly articulated, factually supported critical reflections on a topic from the lecture series employing academic methods of research and citation.

2. Acquire and usea specialistvocabulary to articulate verbal and written analysis of works of design.

3. Demonstrate their ability toconsiderthe relationship between aesthetic forms and utilitarian functions in the analysis and of design.

4. Distinguish between historic movements and styles and identify their key characteristics and consider the ideological contexts of these periods.

5. Develop core skills in critical analysis through a range of research methods and reflective writing.

6. Construct a record of engagement with lecture topics in the form of an illustratedrecord of independent research accompanied by reflective writing supported by references to sources.