Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Code as Creative Medium
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: DES09148
Module leader: Tom Flint
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Art Design and Photography
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module is an introduction to computer programming from a creative perspective. Students will design, write, test and debug programs. They will learn the essentials of computer programming: variables, data types and data structures and programming constructs such as conditionals, loops and functions. The module will take a creative and arts focused approach to making software that encourages interaction.On completion of this module, students will be confident in approaching programming tasks in relation to design. Topics will include making web content in JavaScript, programming generative algorithms and working with video and images.The theoretical approach of this module will focus on interaction design and methods for creating attractive software programs that make people want to interact with them.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the core theories and principles concerned with interaction design.

LO2: Apply the understanding required to independently pursue and develop the skills required for the development of algorithms and software.

LO3: Demonstrate knowledge of the processes of debugging and improving computer programs.

LO4: Apply a range of the professional skills, techniques and practices required in the development of computer programs.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Tom Flint
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 A series of lectures introducing the core principles of Interaction Design and programming.
Face To Face Supervised time in studio/workshop 20 A series of workshops that introduce and apply basic computer programming techniques.
Online Guided independent study 160 A collection of reading materials and tasks to undertake in your own time. Materials and exercises will build your knowledge of the subject in a week by week basis. You will explore programming principles presented in class and undertake exercises to practice these and prototype for your assessment. Exercises and reading will also contribute to your knowledge for classes in subsequent weeks. Undertaking the reading and exercises will enhance your time in lectures and formal studio time.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 20 2~3~4 Exam Period HOURS= 1 hour This is a series of 10 tasks related to teaching material. Completing each task gains marks toward the module. Marks will be awarded weekly by either demonstrating your completion of the task in class or by email.
Oral Presentation 20 1~2 Week 7 HOURS= 5-10 minutes You will present your investigation into a topic and how it relates to interaction design. The assessment will offer an interaction paradigm or selection of interaction paradigms. You will be expected to investigate your chosen topic in detail and present your findings to the class.
Project - Practical 50 1~2~3~4 Exam Period HOURS= Various media You will develop a piece of software. You will be given a use case or selection of use cases for the software. This software will demonstrate your understanding of the principles taught in class. Your software must be verbosely commented.Your software will be accompanied by a report. You will use this report to present your final project and the work leading towards its development. It is important that you document your journey toward developing your project and demonstrating any failed or abandoned approaches. You are welcome to appropriate other people's software but it is imperative that you credit them and discuss how you adapted and altered the software to fulfil your ambitions.
Oral Presentation 10 1~2~3~4 Exam Period HOURS= 30 - 90 seconds Your video will be produced in a manner that presents your project to a lay audience and is suitable for inclusion in a portfolio.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
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