National Certificate in Digital Media Computing (G9GK 46)
Course overview and skills development summary
Introduction
National Certificates are made up of Units. Each Unit is mapped against an agreed set of national standards to identify the appropriate level and credit value defined by the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
The SCQF level is a measure of how hard the Unit is.
The credit value is a measure of the time, on average, it should take a learner to achieve the Unit. A single-credit Unit works out at an average of 40 hours teaching time and 20 hours self-directed learning. A double credit Unit works out an average of 80 hours teaching time and 40 hours self directed learning. If you’d like more information, it is available at .
Most National Certificates have mandatory and optional Units:
Mandatory Units provide the generic knowledge, understanding and skills needed to be successful in your chosen career. Every student has to complete them.
Optional Units give you an opportunity to choose a particular area of interest that you would like to learn about.
This document provides information about the Units that make up your Course and the skills you will be developing as you work through each Unit. It explains:
the way you will use Core Skills in your chosen area of work
how the Course is structured
It also describes the purpose of each Unit in the Course, including:
the subject-specific skills you will develop in each Unit
the Core Skills you will develop naturally as you work through each Unit
any Core Skill or Core Skill component that will be recorded on your certificate
Core Skills in your chosen area of work
As a skilled first line employee working in the digital technologies area you will be using Core Skills on a day to day basis whether working on a specific task, dealing with clients, or working with other colleagues on a variety of different projects.
Communication
You will need to listen to or read and understand employer and customer requirements. These will usually be given in various written, oral or graphical formats and come from a variety of sources. You may be required to interpret complex instructions and follow to an exact standard. You would also be expected to produce documents and other pieces of work to a similar standard.
Numeracy
You will have to be able to work with and manipulate various types of numerical information confidently. You will also undertake numerical calculations and there will be occasions when you will have to read or present numerical information in many different formats for example graphical.
Information and Communication Technology
On a daily basis you will be using Information and Communication Technology. You must be able to use the main office type programs to a confident level to enable you to produce whatever format is required for output of a task. You will also be confident in file management, and basic security surrounding Information and Communication Technology.
Problem Solving
In digital technologies, the majority of projects you work on will not work first time and have problem solving required to some degree. Working on a project may need logical thinking and organisation to identify where improvements can be made to successfully achieve the outcome. These steps may need to be documented for future use.
Working with Others
Most activities within digital technologies take place within a team environment. You will need to not only take instruction from others, but also give instruction to other team members. You will need to review your contribution to the team as well as review the contribution of others. Being an active member of a team is a valued skill that many employers will look for above technical skills.
Course structure for Digital Media Computing
To achieve this National Certificate you will need to achieve:
six Unit credits from the mandatory section
six Unit credits from the optional section
Mandatory Unit (six credits):
Table 1
Unit title / Unitcode / SCQF
level / Credit
value / Date achieved
Communication / F3GB 11 / 5 / 1
Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems / F3SY 12 / 6 / 1
Computing: Digital Media Elements for Applications / F3SW 12 / 6 / 1
Computing: Office and Personal Productivity Applications / F3SX 12 / 6 / 1
Numeracy / F3GF 11 / 5 / 1
PC Passport: Working with Internet and On-line Communications / F1FF 12 / 6 / 1
Optional Unit (six credits):
The tables below show the set of optional Units from which candidates may select to make up the balance of SCQF points required for the award. A candidate may choose, as one of their options, only one Unit from Table 2 (Mathematics Units). The remainder, or all of their optional Units, will be selected from Table 3 (Other Optional Units). It is necessary for a candidate to select at least 2.5 SQA credits at level 6 in order to achieve the conditions of this award from Tables 2 and 3.
The conditions to gain the award require the candidate to have at least 6.5 SQA credits at level 6.
Table 2
Unit title / Unitcode / SCQF
level / Credit
value / Date achieved
Core Mathematics 2 / E9XD 10 / 4 / 1
Core Mathematics 3 / D11T 10 / 4 / 1
Core Mathematics 4 / D11V 11 / 5 / 1
Mathematics 1 / D321 11 / 5 / 1
Mathematics 2 / D322 11 / 5 / 1
Mathematics 3 / D323 11 / 5 / 1
Mathematics: Analysis/Algebra 1 / D11W 11 / 5 / 1
Mathematics: Analysis/Algebra 2 / ED51 12 / 6 / 1
Table 3
Unit title / Unitcode / SCQF
level / Credit
value / Date achieved
Computer Games: Digital Games Design / F1R2 11 / 5 / 1
Computing: Animation Fundamentals / F1KB 11 / 5 / 1
Computing: Authoring a Website / F3T2 12 / 6 / 1
Computing: Computer Networking Fundamentals / F1KH 11 / 5 / 1
Computing: Digital Media Elements for Applications / F1KS 11 / 5 / 1
Computing: Install and Maintain Computer Hardware / F1KF 11 / 5 / 1
Computing: Install and Maintain Computer Software / F1KP 11 / 5 / 1
Computing: Installing and Maintaining Hardware / F3T0 12 / 6 / 1
Computing: Installing and Maintaining Software / F3T1 12 / 6 / 1
Computing: Interactive Multimedia for Website Design / F180 11 / 5 / 1
Computing: Plan and Build a Computer Network / F3T3 12 / 6 / 1
Computing: Troubleshoot and Secure IT Systems / F1KD 11 / 5 / 1
Computing: Troubleshoot and Secure IT Systems / F3T4 12 / 6 / 1
Computing: Web Design Fundamentals / F181 11 / 5 / 1
Computing: Web Page Creation / F1KJ 11 / 5 / 1
Computing: Website Design and Development / F182 11 / 5 / 1
Creative Thinking and Goal Setting / DV91 11 / 5 / 1
Digital Acquisition and Editing: Audio / F3T7 12 / 6 / 1
Digital Acquisition and Editing: Video / F3T6 12 / 6 / 1
Digital Media: Audio Editing / F1KT 11 / 5 / 1
Digital Media: Still Images / F3T5 12 / 6 / 1
Digital Media: Still Images Editing / F1KW 11 / 5 / 1
Digital Media: Video Editing / F1KV 11 / 5 / 1
Enterprise Activity / D36N 11 / 5 / 1
Information Literacy Skills / F1P3 11 / 5 / 1
Introduction to Computer Animation / D6RC 11 / 5 / 1
Multimedia Computing: Introduction to Digital Photography / D0F7 11 / 5 / 1
PC Passport: IT Software — Spreadsheet and Database / F1FB 11 / 5 / 1
PC Passport: IT Software — Word Processing and Presenting Information / F1FC 11 / 5 / 1
PC Passport: IT Systems / F1FA 11 / 5 / 0.5
PC Passport: Working with Artwork and Imaging / F1FG 12 / 6 / 0.5
PC Passport: Working with IT Security for Users / F1FH 12 / 6 / 0.5
PC Passport: Working with IT Software — Spreadsheet and Database / F1FJ 12 / 6 / 1
PC Passport: Working with IT Software — Word Processing and Presenting Information / F1FE 12 / 6 / 1
Social Software / DW7J 11 / 5 / 1
Software Development / DF2Y 11 / 5 / 1
Software Development / DF2Y 12 / 6 / 1
Web Logs / DN81 11 / 5 / 1
Unit summaries
This section provides a brief description of each Unit in the Course. It explains:
the purpose of each Unit
the subject-specific skills you will learn for each Unit
which Core Skills you will be developing as you work through each Unit
which Core Skill or Core Skill components are recorded in your Core Skills profile on your certificate
The Unit summaries are in alphabetical order so you can find them
Communication (F3GB 11) 1 credit
In this Unit you will develop skills in:
reading
summarising and evaluating
writing
speaking and listening
The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers is crucial in the digital technologies industry.
This is a Core Skills Unit. When you achieve this Unit, your Core Skills profile will be updated to show you have achieved Communicationat SCQF level 5.
Computer Games: Digital Games Design (F1R2 11) 1 credit
In this Unit you will learn about underlying concepts and fundamental principals involved in digital gaming planning and design.
You will:
develop an understanding of a variety of games platforms,down to component level, including both hardware and software
learn about the basic requirements for constructing a level of a computer game of a specific genre
plan, design, and construct a level in a digital game to meeta brief — this can be done either as a desktop exercise or an actual software project depending on the brief and the software available
As you are doing this Unit you will be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Problem solving, Communication, and Information and Communication Technology.
Computing: Animation Fundamentals (F1KB 11) 1 credit
In this Unit you will learn about the techniques and concepts involved in producing two-dimensional (2D) animation using software. The Unit is practical in nature, and you will gain knowledge and understanding of the techniques and concepts used in computer animation.
You will:
plan, produce and develop a short animation project from a given brief
create some two dimensional graphics
animate the graphics in one of the animation packages available — this can be bought and/or open-source software
demonstrate that you are aware of the legal constraints concerning data protection, misuse, and copyright
present your project
As you are doing this Unit you will be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Problem Solving, Numeracy and Information and Communication Technology.
Computing: Authoring a Website (F3T2 12) 1 credit
In this Unit you will plan and develop a small website to meet a client’s requirement.
You will:
translate a set of client requirements into a design for a website
identify and select the standards for the design and presentation of information on a website, the factors that affect website performance, and the tools available for creating and publishing websites
produce a design for the layout, content and navigation of a website to meet the client’s requirement
use software tools to construct the website
upload the website to a server and test its performance
As you are doing this Unit you will be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Communication, Information and Communication Technology, and Problem Solving.
Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems (F3SY 12) 1 credit
In this Unit you will learn about the main functional elements and structure in a computer system. You will develop skills relating to installing and configuring operating systems and system software, including device drivers. You will learn about the hardware and software requirements for connecting a computer to a network, and acquire skills in installing and configuring components required by a networked computer system.
You will:
upgrade and/or install a variety of components and software to a computer to allow the computer to connect to a Local Area Network using either a wired or wireless connection
be aware of the health and safety restrictions and requirements in carrying out these tasks
fill in a logbook to demonstrate your abilities to carry out the required tasks
As you are doing this Unit you will be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Information and Communication Technology, Problem Solving, and Communication.
Computing: Computer Networking Fundamentals (F1KH 11) 1 credit
In this Unit you will learn how to set-up a small computer network.
You will:
explore basic networking equipment and plan the installation of a small network
record faults and,using logbook and screenshots, explain how these have been resolved
select and safely use the correct tools to test, troubleshoot and fix a network in response to a user’s error report
be aware of the health and safety restrictions and requirements in carrying out these tasks
As you are doing this Unit you will be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Problem Solving, Information and Communication Technology, and Communication.
Computing: Digital Media Elements for Applications (F3SW 12) 1 credit
In this Unit you will learn the skills you’ll need to acquire digital media elements of various types and use them in multimedia applications. You will develop skills in the capture, storage and modification of media elements,and you’ll learn how to legitimately source digital media elements and how to create some using software. The digital elements covered include still images, digital audio and digital video clips.The Unit covers the relevant file formats for storing each type.
You will:
identify the media requirements of a specified brief
plan a strategy for the acquisition of the digital media elements
produce a project using many of the skills and techniques you have developed, eg a short video clip that has a different audio track and some still images
As you are doing this Unit you will be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Problem Solving, Communication, and Information and Communication Technology.
Computing: Digital Media Elements for Applications (F1KS 11)1 credit
In this Unit you will develop skills in the operation of digital media applications and the various media elements used in these applications.
You will:
interpret a given brief for a multimedia application
work collaboratively with others to set up computer hardware and software to capture video, sound and images
produce a project using the skills and techniques you have developed
As you are doing this Unit you will be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Communication, Problem Solving, Working with Others, and Information and Communication Technology.
Computing: Install and Maintain Computer Hardware (F1KF 11)1 credit
In this Unit you will develop the skills needed for setting up, maintaining and upgrading computer systems.
You will:
describe the major components of a computer
plan an upgrade to a computer with several hardware components
carry out this plan and identify and resolve any faults that occur
using a hardware logbook, demonstrate that you can maintain and prevent problems with computers
demonstrate that you know about health and safety and disposal requirements
As you are doing this Unit you will be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Communication, Problem Solvingand Information and Communication Technology.
Computing: Install and Maintain Computer Software (F1KP 11)1 credit
In this Unit you will develop the skills needed to correctly install and configure system and application software on a computer system.
You will:
describe the major components of a computer
plan an upgrade to a computer with several different types of software, including operating systems
carry out this plan and identify and resolve any faults that occur
install and maintain software that maintainscomputers and prevents problems and security issues
As you are doing this Unit you will be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Communication, Problem Solving, and Information and Communication Technology.
Computing: Installing and Maintaining Hardware (F3T0 12) 1 credit
In this Unit you will develop the skills needed for maintaining and upgrading computer systems, as well as developing your knowledge of the structure of a computer system. You will also learn about safe working and handling practices and environmentally safe disposal of computer components.
You will:
describe the major components of a computer
design and plan an upgrade to a computer with several hardware components
carry out this plan and identify and resolve any faults that occur
keep a hardware logbook to demonstrate that you can maintain and prevent problems with computers
demonstrate that you know about health and safety and disposal requirements
As you are doing this Unit you will be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Communication, Problem Solving and Information and Communication Technology.
Computing: Installing and Maintaining Software (F3T1 12) 1 credit
In this Unit you will develop the skills needed to correctly install, configure and maintain system software on a computer system,following legal restraints. You will also develop the skills to select and recommend system software and application software to meet users’ requirements.
You will:
describe the major components of a computer
design and plan an upgrade to a computer with several different types of software including operating systems
carry out this plan and identify and resolve any faults that occur
install and maintain software that maintains and prevents problems and security issues with computers
As you are doing this Unit you will be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Communication, Problem Solving and Information and Communication Technology.
Computing: Interactive Multimedia for Website Development(F180 11) 1 credit
In this Unit you will learn about the design and development of animation and interactive multimedia applications, including digital narratives, for use on the World Wide Web.This Unit could be done in conjunction with some of the other web creation and design units.
You will:
plan, design and create a project for a website, to meet a brief
include both a short animation clip and digital narrative
plan and test the project throughout, evaluating and improving as you go
document your work in a log — this can be electronic,if it’s relevant to the brief
This Unit has the Core Skill of Problem Solving embedded in it, so when you achieve this Unit your Core Skills profile will be updated to show that you have achieved Problem Solving at SCQF level 4. In addition, you will also be developing aspects of the Core Skills in Communication, and Information and Communication Technology.
Computing: Office and Personal Productivity Applications (F3SX 12) 1 credit
In this Unit you will develop skills to make efficient and effective use of application packages for personal and business use.
You will:
describe how application software can be used to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in location and using information
plan the acquisition of information and the efficient and effective production of a solution to a given brief
use IT effectively and efficiently to obtain information and produce a solution to a given brief