Design and Communication Graphics provides students with the opportunity for visualizing and comprehending information presented verbally or graphically. Problem solving and creative thinking skills are developed through the analysis and solution of both 2- and 3-dimensional graphics. Graphics and design are communicated using freehand sketching skills, traditional draughting equipment and CAD.

If you are interested in taking this subject to Leaving Certificate level you will have taken Tech Graphics to Junior Certificate level. There is a great emphasis in the Leaving Certificate course on comprehension, analysis and problem solving. In simple terms you must be able to understand what has to be done, analyse how you are going to approach it and then proceed to solve the problem. Although it is not an essential subject for either architecture or engineering it is regarded as a useful asset if you are thinking of a technical course. This course now has a project aspect.

Third Level Entry Requirements
This subject is not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system.

Subject Content

Consists of a core section comprised of (a) plane and solid geometry and (b) communication computer graphics. There is also an options section of applied graphics, two options are to be taken.

Exam Structure

One Terminal Exam Paper  60%
Student Assignment  40%
          
Terminal Exam: 3 hours duration.

1: 
5 parts from various areas of the core - Student must attempt 4 parts - Compulsory - Marks 60
2 - 5:
This section of the paper will contain four questions which will be based on material from the following syllabus areas:

    * Projection Systems
    * Conic Sections
    * Intersection and Development of Surfaces
    * Descriptive Geometry of Lines and Planes

Each question will be a multi-part question - Student must attempt 2 questions - Marks 90(2x45)
6:
This question will be based on Dynamic Mechanisms - This will be a multi-part question - Student must attempt 2 questions - Marks 90(2x45)
7:   
This question will be based on Structural Forms
8:    
This question will be based on Surface Geometry
9:    
This question will be based on Geologic Geometry
10:   
This question will be based on Assemblies
           
Total:     240

Student Assignment

Emphasis on: 

1.  Elements of design
2.   Communication graphics
3.   Use of ICT’S in design

Different theme for higher and ordinary level
May take the form of: 

A design investigation and modification
A concept design
(160 marks)

Comment

    * It is an advantage to have studied Technical Graphics at Junior Cert. level.
    * Free-hand sketching is a main component of the core therefore Junior Cert art, materials technology wood and/or technology would serve as an advantage in this area.
    * A basic knowledge of ICT skills is also beneficial.
    * Students must also appreciate that work completed must conform to a high standard of neatness and draftsman-ship.