School of Media & Design

Our Program

This two-year Ontario College Diploma program is designed to prepare students for careers as interactive multimedia developers in web and CD-ROM/DVD-ROM development. Today, many businesses and organizations want to communicate information through the Internet, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM, kiosks, computer displays, digital signage and other digital equipment.

Strong emphasis is placed on developing the hands-on component which is offered through courses in web development, digital imaging, authoring, animation, photography and video. The program covers the primary elements of multimedia planning and development and equal importance is given to the creative and the technical aspects. Students also complete individual and team-based multimedia projects.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are highly adaptable to today's technology.
• Are imaginative and enjoy solving problems.
• Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the multimedia industry.
• Enjoy working on projects in a team-based environment.

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Your Career

Interactive multimedia developers may be employed in a wide variety of positions which include animator, art director, audio and/or video technician, e-commerce developer, executive producer, graphic designer or artist,
interactive designer, interface designer, Internet coder or programmer, Internet designer or developer, lingo or director programmer, multimedia designer or developer, multimedia manager, multimedia author or editor or writer, multimedia systems analyst, new media designer or developer or author or programmer, project manager, production assistant, production coordinator, production director, programmer, technical project lead, video or web
producer, web designer or developer.

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Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Level: 01		Hours
ENL1813M	Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.	45.0
MTM4003	Design and Authoring I Students are introduced to dynamic authoring tools through hands-on lab instruction, interaction with the software interface, importing video and audio clips, resource management and animation. Students in this course study the major authoring environments, like Adobe Director or Flash, which are used in creating multimedia presentations. This course includes an introduction to creating, interactivity using a scripting language to create visual effects.	60.0
MTM4005	Audio and VIdeo This course trains students to use production tools to create the audio and video components of multimedia projects. Students learn about the required hardware and software for creating and editing digital audio and video and to synchronize them with each other and the rest of the production.	45.0
MTM4006	Web Authoring and Design Students learn the components of effective web design and authoring in this course. The course teaches writing and design principles for the web, which are applied with industry standard web editing software. Students learn what makes a web page/site effective and how the web differs from other media. Students learn to recognize and correct common design mistakes and how to organize material for the web while adhering to W3C standards. In addition to the use of visual editors, HTML/XHTML and the basics of CSS are covered.	45.0
MTM4014	Soundscapes for Multimedia This course teaches the student to work with and create sound for interactive multimedia presentations. The importance of using quality digital audio in multimedia productions is taught. Starting with the capture of audio, students work with a variety of software packages to edit and mix sound tracks. The specific needs of presentation and video soundtracks are covered. This course covers such topics as microphone techniques, recording and production, dubbing, narration, noise reduction, compression, audio enhancement, encoding audio for the Web, sound F/X and the creation of music loops.	45.0
MTM4034	Multimedia and Design This course develops an understanding of basic design principles and visualization techniques and explores the multitude of terminology, technology, hardware, software, and theories and design concepts relevant to interactive multimedia. An overview of multimedia concepts and design is taught. Students learn about the technologies used to create and display multimedia productions. Students learn type, layout, colour theory, photography and printing with program equipment. Students also learn to combine creativity with technical knowledge to create functional designs.	45.0
MTM4041	Dslr Photography I Students learn the history, art and science of photography. The course teaches from a photojournalism point-of-view. The historical context of photography is integral to students' gaining an understanding of photography in the world of multimedia. Students complete assignments and projects that use the history of the medium, apply ethical standards to photographs and use current Canadian laws applicable to photography. Ultimately, students understand the role of modern photographers and photography in electronic communication.	45.0
MTM4043	Information Design This course introduces practical methods to create, organize and display information effectively to target audiences. Students analyze current, and past practices to understand that the meaning of information is dependent on audience, technology, culture and time. Using this knowledge, students create static, animated, and interactive user-centered designs using both text and info-graphics. A wide variety of information forms are covered including outlines, charts, graphs, maps, diagrams, instructions and signs. Presentations prepared using a variety of digital tools are an integral part of the learning process.	45.0

Level: 02		Hours
MTM4010	Design and Authoring II Students learn authoring techniques and tools through hands-on lab instruction, interaction with the software interface, importing video and audio clips, resource management and animation. Students in this course study the major authoring environments Adobe Director or Flash, which is used in creating multimedia presentations. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4034 and MTM4043	45.0
MTM4011	Rich Media Applications This course covers the use of an authoring tool, such as Adobe Flash to combine animation with interactivity to create a variety of useful rich media experiences. Techniques, such as interactive video, external media loading and dynamic asset creation are used to build components, such as ad banners, photo galleries, video players, audio controls and RSS readers. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4034 and MTM4043	45.0
MTM4012	Web Publishing This course expands on skills learned in web authoring to give students more advanced experience creating, structuring and organizing web-based information. This course combines rapid prototyping using visual editors with CSS to create websites on a deadline. An awareness of the need to display content in a clear and effective manner forms the foundation for the design and production process at all stages. Students create websites with an eye toward usability and aesthetic principles. Students create web pages and sites for personal use, entertainment, education and business. Emphasis is on interactive, dynamic web pages. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4034 and MTM4043	45.0
MTM4013	Motion Graphics Enabling students to use professional video editing tools and applications capable of capturing and outputting video and audio in a variety of formats is the goal of this course. Emphasis is on special effects. Working in teams, and as individuals, with instructors, students plan, write and produce a major interactive multimedia product. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4034 and MTM4043	45.0
MTM4015	Dynamic Scripting for the Browser This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the W3C's Document Object Model (DOM) for the browser. Students learn DOM scripting using HTML, XHTML, XML, CSS and JavaScript to create industry standard browser-independent web documents. Students are prepared by this course to adapt successfully to a future of changing web standards. It also serves as a strong foundation for later web scripting courses. Learning is reinforced by practical assignments which present real-world problems. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4034 and MTM4043	60.0
MTM4016	Dslr Photography II Students evolve their photography skills through labs, lectures, workshops and hands-on practice. Students learn QTVR (Quick Time Virtual Reality), or similar software, to gain hands-on skills in creating hotspots on panoramas and objects, industry-standard multimedia authoring environments. Prerequisites: MTM4041	45.0
MTM4035	Multimedia and Design II Students evolve their graphic designs in this course to include bitmap and vector graphics programs and interface design to create advanced level graphics and visuals. Colour and graphics theory, construction, content development and interactivity are core components to the course. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4034 and MTM4043	45.0

Choose one from equivalencies:		Hours
GED6149	General Education Elective For this course, you will have the opportunity to choose one from a group of general education electives. Your options will include courses which cover the following broad topic areas: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ENL7643 or ENV0002 or FIN2300 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5008 or GED5009 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS2000 or LIB1982 or PSI1702 or SOC2003	45.0

Level: 03		Hours
MTM4019	Dynamic Scripting for the Server Students build on their knowledge of client-side technologies, such as XHTML, CSS and JavaScript in an exploration of server-side technologies to create more advanced browser functionality. A server-side scripting language and a database are used for implementation. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035	60.0
MTM4024	Compositing and Motion Graphics Compositing and advanced special effects are used to enhance digital video. This post-production course uses compositing, 3D elements, motion graphics and a variety of special effects to create high-impact, attention grabbing sequences for multimedia productions. This is a project driven class: working individually or in groups, students create complex projects to meet challenging deadlines. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035	45.0
MTM4038	Clients, Contracts and Projects This course covers the design process for multimedia products, including the development life cycle and interface design issues. Students design a significant multimedia product using typical authoring tools in a team-based environment. Activities include incorporating sound, video, graphics and animation in the development of client-focused multimedia presentations. Portfolio development is a large part of this course. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035	90.0
MTM4040	Social and Personal Issues of Technology Computing technology is now embedded in all aspects of life from education to warfare. The constant evolution of this technology presents major challenges to society and impacts upon individuals both personally and professionally. Using case studies and discussion topics drawn from life examples, students examine the social, legal, and ethical challenges they face both as citizens and as professionals. A wide range of issues, such as media convergence, digital entertainment, privacy and censorship, cyberspace relationships, online crime and social media are examined.	45.0
MTM4048	Content Management Content Management Systems (CMS) are commonly used to build and maintain larger websites. Students learn to use the web-based interfaces of industry standard open source CMS's to create, organize and maintain websites. This course prepares graduates to be able to fit immediately into the workflow of organizations that use CMS's as a standard. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035	45.0

Elective: choose 2		Hours
MTM4021	3D This course provides a survey of modelling, rendering and animation techniques. Concepts covered include photorealistic image synthesis, and modeling of natural objects and phenomena. Issues of detail and scale are also covered through examples. Industry-standard software, such as Maya or 3D Studio Max, are taught in this course. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035	45.0
MTM4022	Web Services Web 2.0 websites provide users with responsive dynamic interfaces that mimic more traditional desktop applications. In this course, students use open source web application frameworks to develop these dynamic websites. This includes techniques, such as Ajax and the use of a variety of open source scripting libraries to rapidly construct interactive web applications. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035	45.0
MTM4044	Rich Internet Applications Students create web applications using Rich Internet Application (RIA) framework, such as Flash. Students learn to deliver a rich user experience with greater interactivity and performance than traditional web pages. Best practices are followed to solve common usability issues and to create superior user experiences. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035	45.0
MTM4045	Video Production Students learn the entire video production workflow with a special focus on the pre-production and production phases. This includes storyboarding, scripting, preparing the location, getting the shot, capturing clean audio and using lighting to enhance the scene. Single camera and multi-camera setups are used. Use of industry-standard equipment, such as reflectors, stabilizers, dollys and cranes are taught. While this course utilizes already aquired post-production skills this is not primarily a software-oriented course. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035	45.0

Level: 04		Hours
ENL2024	Professional Communication for Interactive Multimedia Developer This practical course provides students with the communication skills needed to succeed in the multimedia industry. A combination of verbal and written communication exercises develop relevant skills, which include writing and replying to inquiries and requests, preparing letters and reports, and researching and presenting proposals. An emphasis is placed on preparing materials suitable for electronic transmission. This course, in conjunction with a portfolio, gives students opportunities to present themselves in a professional manner. Prerequisites: ENL1813M	27.0
MTM4042	Field Work Students participate in an internship or project, in a professional setting. This offers students real-world experience with companies producing or specializing in multimedia-related materials. All students are eligible for a multimedia project. Students with a B+ average are guaranteed a field work position. Students must have successfully completed all prerequisite courses prior to receiving a field work position or project. Prerequisites: MTM4019 and MTM4024 and MTM4038 and MTM4040 and MTM4048 Co-requisites: MTM4082 and MTM4085	150.0
MTM4047	Electronic Publishing Design and production for print form the basis of this course. The importance of the supporting role that printed material gives to multimedia production is emphasized. The differences between designing for digital display and for printed matter are contrasted. Practical experience in industry-standard software for print publishing is acquired. Students use skills in type, colour, design, and layout to produce meaningful and complementary pieces of work to other projects or as stand-alone pieces. Industry-standard software, such as QuarkXPress, Adobe InDesign and Illustrator are taught in this course. Prerequisites: MTM4019 and MTM4024 and MTM4038 and MTM4046	27.0
MTM4080	Portfolio Development Everything in this course is geared toward getting the student employed. Students refine their portfolio of work so that it is an effective display of their abilities. The development of a personal portfolio is to give students confidence in presenting their work to a variety of potential clients and employers. This course provides the one-on-one and class support to help polish and produce the portfolio, which showcases how the student handles a variety of media and a variety of clients. Students develop a strong support structure designed to ensure transition from student to working professional. Submission of a non-returnable portfolio is required for this course. Prerequisites: MTM4019 and MTM4024 and MTM4038 and MTM4040 and MTM4048 Co-requisites: MTM4042 and MTM4082 and MTM4085	27.0
MTM4083	Project Development Lab Students produce at least one culminating project demonstrating the ability to synthesize acquired theory and software skills. Students work as individuals or in teams to plan and execute a major client project. Students combine their creative, technical and soft skills by working with clients to create functional designs that meet the needs of those clients. A presentation of the final work is a requirement to complete this course. A variety of planning documents are produced to support the project lifecycle. Prerequisites: MTM4019 and MTM4024 and MTM4038 and MTM4040 and MTM4048 Co-requisites: MTM4042 and MTM4082 and MTM4085	45.0
MTM4085	Web Media The creation, development, and presentation of content on the web using a variety of media channels, such as blogs, podcasts, RSS feeds, Wiki's, social media and online worlds are examined. This course focuses on content from conception to delivery. Students develop an appreciation for the primacy of content in the process. Prerequisites: MTM4019 and MTM4024 and MTM4038	27.0

Elective: choose 2		Hours
MTM4023	Game Development Students learn about the creation and use of interactive games for marketing, education and entertainment. This course begins with a short history of games with a focus on the classic arcade-style format. This historical knowledge provides the student with a background to design and develop their own retro-style variants. Prerequisites: MTM4019 and MTM4022	36.0
MTM4029	3D Animation Students increase their knowledge of modelling, animation, lighting and special effects. Students create and apply textures to 3D objects to create digitally realistic objects and scenes. Animation techniques are further refined to allow a greater range of expression. Short animated clips are created for incorporation into a variety of multimedia environments. Prerequisites: MTM4021	36.0
MTM4081	Design and Authoring III This course demonstrates the features and capabilities of alternate technologies. The intent of the course is to broaden the students' knowledge of development paradigms, which allows them to choose the most appropriate tool for a given project. Topics vary but can include computer-based training, online web publishing and content management systems, audio tools, video sprite authoring and DVD authoring. Prerequisites: MTM4019 and MTM4024	36.0
MTM4086	Rich Internet Services Students build upon their knowledge of server and browser-based scripting to rapidly create database-driven web applications. This process is aided by the use of web application frameworks. A web application is created as the final project. Prerequisites: MTM4019 and MTM4022	36.0

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Fees & Expenses

Approximate 1st Year Costs

Tuition Fees: $ 3,494
Books/Supplies: $ 2,600
Incidental Fees: $ 375
Total: $ 6,469



Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $1,397.25 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $1,390.56 per term in Levels 03 and 04.

Incidental Fees: $275 in Level 01 and $100 in Levels 02 and 03 and $75 in Level 04.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Service Fee: $10 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. **

A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm

** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.

Books and supplies cost approximately $1,100 in the first year and $1,400 in the second year, and can be purchased in the campus bookstore. A suitably equipped PC at home would be an asset, as would Internet access. In the first year, students are required to purchase a dSLR camera and a storage device at an approximate cost of $1,500. In the second term, students are required to purchase a Flash.

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Admission Requirements  2012/20132011/2012

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Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.

Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: askalgonquin@algonquincollege.com

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Additional Information

For more information, please contact John Kozodoj, Program Coordinator, at 613-727-4723 ext. 5801 or kozodoj@algonquincollege.com.

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