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departments & programs academic departments mathematics, science & technology education graphic communications education major in graphic communications
departments & programs academic departments mathematics, science & technology education graphic communications education major in graphic communications Major in Graphic Communications
A Bachelor of Science is now available to individuals wishing a major in the field. This major is a Concentration in Graphic Communications under Technology Education. Individuals in this major take courses in Graphic Communications (GC),Technology Education (TED), and Management. Courses available in Graphic Communications include a number of introductory Engineering Graphics, courses in CAD, Descriptive Geometry, Solid and Parametric Modeling. Other courses offered through Graphic Communictions are Desktiop Publishing, Scientfific Visualization, Visual Thinking, and Introduction to Technical Illustration and Animation. In Technology Education, courses available include Materials Processing, Imaging, Manufacturng, Computer Applications in Industry, Construction, Transportation, and Communications. For a description of the Technology Education Courses, see the Technology Major webpage.
For more information on the Graphic Communications Major, contact:
Alice Y. Scales, Ph.D.
510-N Poe Hall
Box 7801
Raleigh, NC 27695-7801
919.515.1754
alice_scales@ncsu.edu
Graphic Communications Major Course Listings
Introductory Courses (Credit can only be given for one of the following)
- GC 120 - Foundations of Graphics.
Provides an introduction to technical graphics using sketching, drawing and CADD for non-engineering and engineering students. Major emphasis is on describing shape and size of spatial problems by traditional and computer methods as well as application of graphical approaches to problem-solving. Project work is oriented towards the use of CADD in typical engineering applications. Includes an introduction to basic CADD methods. 3 credit hours
- GC/IE 210 - Introductory Engineering Graphics for Industrial Engineers.
A specialized course that introduces engineering graphics to industrial engineering students. One major emphasis is on computer-aided drafting and design (CADD). The course focuses on visualization of elements and construction techniques utilizing a CADD two-dimensional graphic data base. It also stresses the growing importance of CADD in the field of engineering. Project work is oriented towards the use of CADD in typical industrial engineering applications. For industrial engineering majors only. 3 credit hours - Prereq. E115.
- GC 211 - Introductory Engineering Graphics for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers.
A specialized course that introduces engineering graphics to mechanical and aerospace engineering students. One major emphasis is on computer-aided drafting and design (CADD). The course focuses on visualization of elements and construction techniques utilizing a CADD two-dimensional graphic data base. It also stresses the growing importance of CADD in the field of engineering. Project work is oriented towards the use of CADD in typical MAE applications. For mechanical and aerospace engineering majors only. 3 credit hours - Prereq. E115.
- GC 250 – Architectural Graphic Communications
Architectural Graphic Communications is an advanced graphics course
designed to expand on the concepts covered in the introductory courses
(GC 120). The emphasis is on strengthening architectural sketching
skills and CAD drawing skills and showing how specific construction
processes and materials selected for an architectural design affect
commercial & residential production architectural drawings. Topics
include perspective drawing, shadow projection, texturization, rendered
plans, elevations and other related topics.3 credit hours - Prereq. GC 101, GC 120, GC 210 or GC 211.
- GC 320 - 3-D Spatial Relations
A course especially planned to encourage students to develop a graphical mind. Importance is place upon the idea that everything seen must be visualized in three-dimensional space using the science of descriptive geometry which concentrates on the analysis and solutions of 3-D spatial problems involving points, lines, planes, and solids. 3 credit hours - Prereq. GC 101, GC 120, GC 210 or GC 211.
- GC330 – Basic Technical Animation
Students will create technical animations to communicate scientific and
technical information to a variety of audiences and environments.
Activities will include performing basic skills in image processing such
as cropping, transformations, color manipulation and color enhancement.
Students will apply the basic concepts of constructing 3-D objects,
spaces, and environments to their animations. They will also create
technical animations which apply environmental attributes including
surface study, texture, color, lighting models, photo-realism, and
raytracing.
- GC340 – Concepts of Website Development
This course is an introduction to the essential elements of web site
development for students in Technology Education and Graphic
Communications. The content focuses on planning and executing web sites
for educational effectiveness, user interfaces, site testing, and
maintenance. The course provides instruction in software appropriate for
creating a website.
- GC 350 - Applied CAD/D and Geometry Controls
Course includes instruction in the techniques for producing mid-level computer models of individual parts and assemblies of parts. Application of conventional tolerancing and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. Investigation of design for manufacturing and CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) processes. Conventions and standards for technical drawing documentation. 3 credit hours - Prereq. GC 101, GC 120, GC 210 or GC 211. Restrictive to sophmores and juniors
- GC 410 - Concepts of Desktop Publishing
For teachers and lay-people, deals with the concepts of creating documents on the computer that are readable and functional for the purpose for which they are designed. The course covers a variety of software programs appropriate for document production. 3 hours credit - Prereq. Some previous computer experience.
- GC 420 - Visual thinking
This course develops visual thinking skills through a series of exercises using visual media. It intergrates and stresses drawing and construction activities essential to visual thinking. Emphasis is on direct observation, mental imagery and sketching based on three-dimensional space. The course develops students' visual and drawing skills, and provides activities that allow them to apply these skills towards solving open-ended spatial problems. 3 hours credit - Prereq. none
- GC 450 - Advanced CAD/D
This course focuses on parametic-based solids modeling. In addition to exposure to advanced three-dimensional modeling techniques, the theory and principles of CADD and the role modeling plays in the overall engineering design process is discussed. 3 credit hours - Prereq. GC 101, GC 120, GC 210 or GC 211 and GC 200 or GC 350
- GC 496 is an experimental course number used by the GC program to provide short term courses or courses under development in ares currently needed or of interest to students.
- GC 496B - Scientific Visualization
This course looks at computer graphics as a problem-solving tool in the areas of science and technology. A wide range of software packages are utilized to show how graphics can be used to assist in the solution of conceptual and theoretical problems often found in scientific and technological disciplines. 3 hours credit - Prereq. Some previous computer experience.
- GC 496C - Introduction toTechnical Illustration
This course introduces techniques used to produce pictorial drawings for textbooks, parts manuals, direction brochures, and the like. Some areas to be studied include methods for producing pictoial representations of structures; various methods of shadings, shadowing and some color rendering; desktop publishing; familiarization with the various methods of reproduction of illustrations; and the principles of layout. 3 credit hours - Prereq. GC 101, GC 120.
- GC 498 - Independent Study in Graphic Communications
This is an independent study course that carries variable credit from 1-4 hours. The student decides what he/she would like to learn and contracts with an instuctor who oversees the work. This course can be used toward the Graphic Communications Minor. Enrollment in the course requires departmental approval and a teacher sponsor.
