Diploma in Jewellery Design Technology
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Semester by Semester distribution of coursework.
Semester One
DPD 111 Introduction to Industrial/Product Design (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course seeks to introduce students to the subject of Product Design, the definition of product design as well as some of the ways design interacts in the societal and business environment, where the results of this activity permeates every sphere of our lives; in the home and workplace, in schools, factories, offices and shops, in streets and transport systems.
Objective
The primary objective is to expose students to the beginnings of product design as a business activity, concept development, engineering drawings, design for prototyping, and manufacturing.
Content
The course will entail a review of the history of product design making throughout the world, up to the present with an indication of what the future possibilities might be. Such a review shall be conducted with some selections of traditional products used by culturally distinct ethnic groups and a sampling of contemporary product design.
Mode of delivery
The course will be delivered through Lectures, demonstrations and video presentations
DPD 112 Basic Workshop Practices (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course will seek to introduce students to a range of tools and equipment used in the making of products.
Objective
This course is aimed at helping the student to develop different types of skills leading to the achievement of competencies in the following areas through the knowledge of specifications and the use of tools and accessories related to the following workshop practices.
Content
- Fitting: Workshop holding tools, Marking and Measuring Tools, Cutting Finishing Tools, Miscellaneous Tools and Safety Precautions;
- Tin Smithy: Use of Wire Gauges, Types of Sheet Metal Joints and Applications. Demonstration of Tin Smithy Tools and Sheet Metal Operations such as shearing, bending, and joining;
- Carpentry: Identification and use of Carpentry Tools, Types of Wood and their Applications, Demonstration of Carpentry Operations: marking, sawing, planning, chiseling, grooving and joining etc.;
- Pipe Fitting: Types, Specifications, Materials, and Application of Pipe Fitting; Demonstration of Pipe Fitting Tools and operations.
- Metal Joining: Types of metal joints, Demonstration of Metal Joining Operations: Arc Welding, Oxy-Acetylene Welding, Soldering, Brazing and Preparation of Metal Joints and Safety Precautions.
Mode of delivery
The course will be delivered through Lectures, demonstrations and hands-on practical activities.
DPD 113 Foundations in Technical Drawing (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course seeks to explain why Technical Drawing is an effective way of communicating design concepts. It examines industry trends to show why designers, engineers and technologists today have an even greater need to master graphics communication. Students will be introduced to the significance of graphics language and associated tools for the designer and technologist.
Objective
By the end of this course, students should have a thorough understanding of the standard formats and sizes for drafting, the various manual tools used in drafting, the standard orthographic layout, Line weights and styles as well as the typical drafting palette.
Content
Course contents will include but not limited to:
- the definition of concepts and terms important to understanding technical drawing,
- an identification of the important traditional tools used to create technical drawings
- overview of the underlying principles, standards and conventions of Technical Drawings
Mode of delivery
Lessons will be delivered through Lectures, and drawing assignments.
DJD 114 Drawing (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course introduces students to the basic drawing techniques and it is designed to increase observation skills. The knowledge and understanding gained through drawing from life directly enhances our ability to draw from the imagination. Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of drawing.
Objective
At the end of this course, students should be able to use the lead and colour pencils, charcoal pencil, the technical pen and fine-tipped marker to explore fully the expressive qualities of lines.
Content
Areas to be treated include:
- Elements of drawing
- Principles of drawing
- Figure drawing
- Still Life drawing
Mode of delivery
Mode of delivery will include lectures, demonstrations, and class exercises.
ACDT 115 Introduction to African Art and Culture (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the various African cultures, their history, practices and beliefs in so far as these cosmological beliefs have the ability to influence some designs that may be developed by the product designer. The Ghanaian product designer must have a good understanding of the African Societies in order to fully appreciate the true meaning of the art developed by the various African Societies.
Objective
The course is intended to inculcate in students an understanding of the African societies and how they live their lives and how these lives have influenced the art forms we see in these African Societies.
Content
- History, practices and beliefs of African society,
- African cosmological beliefs
- Artefacts developed for various religious or ceremonial functions.
- Relevance of art to life from Prehistoric to Renaissance period
- Indigenous African Art
- African Art appreciation
The course will also provide a forum for the discussion of topical issues in Art education in Africa.
Mode of delivery
Mode of delivery will include field trips, workshops, slide and film presentations.
ACDT 116 Communication and Study Skills I (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course seeks to give students a firm foundation in the ability to use effective communication and study skills for academic work and to be able to show mastery of the spoken language as well as the skills needed in the presentation of information.
Objectives
- To equip students with the mechanical skills needed for writing academic papers
- To enhance the skills of students to communicate effectively in an academic environment
Content
Course content includes but not limited to:
- developing study skills
- developing reading skills
- recognizing the relationship between grammar and communication
- developing writing skills
- documentation and presentation of information
Mode of delivery
The course will be delivered through lecture series, interactive, individual and group assignments, group presentations, in addition to incorporating various levels of individual and group participation.
DPD 117 Information Communication Technology I (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course introduces students to the general concept of computing, the classifications, operations and functions of the computing system, while gaining a fair understanding of the use of Microsoft Office software packages.
Objective
At the end of the course, students should be able know and explain the difference between hardware and software and should have acquired the ability to access, store, transmit and manipulate information.
Content:
The topics to be covered will include the following:
- Introduction to Computers
- Computer Hardware
- Computer Software
- the Windows Operating System (O/S)
- File management
- Introduction to the Internet and web
Mode of Delivery:
This course will be implemented through lectures, discussions, and practical exercises which will be conducted in a lab setting. There will also be research topics and assignments to be delivered by students at given dates.
Semester Two
DPD 121 Idea development and the Design Process (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course will introduce students to the design process which involves organizing the creative and analytical processes used to satisfy a need or solve a problem. Students will be made aware of the fact that, sketches, drawings, computer models and presentation graphics are all linked to the design and production processes. Idea development techniques such as Synectics and other visual thinking methods developed to stimulate creativity in design will be introduced to students.
Objective
- Students will have a full understanding of the Principles of Design
- students will know how to use creativity stimulating methods like Synectics
Content
- Synectic trigger mechanisms
- Principles of Visual organization
- Space, Structure and Form
- Visual thinking
- Design Strategies
Mode of delivery
Lessons will be delivered through lectures, demonstrations and practical activities.
DJD 122 Workshop Safety Practice (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course is designed to assist students in the proper use and handling of workshop equipment, tools and related equipment or chemicals. Such tools and equipment if not used properly, could inflict damage to an unsuspecting user. It is therefore necessary to adhere to certain safety rules since these tools and equipment may need certain conditions for proper execution or use.
Objective
- The proper use of workshop equipment and tools
- A need to keep clear spaces about machine and equipment
- A good knowledge of the location of fire extinguishers, medical and First Aid lockers
- Acceptable storage regimes for gas cylinders
- Adequate protection of oneself from arc rays
- Ability to determine if an equipment connected by cord and plug is safely grounded
Content
- Examination, Installation and Use of Equipment
- Working Space about Machine and Equipment
- Grounding of Equipment connected by cord and plug
- Ergonomic programmes
- Compressed gases – handling and use
- Personal protective equipment
- Medical and First Aid
- Fire Protection
- Compressed Gas and Compressed Air Equipment
- Machinery and Machine Guarding
- Hand and Portable Powered Tools and other Hand-held Equipment
- General Welding Requirements
- Means of Egress – Exit marking and Exit route signs
Mode of delivery
Mode of delivery will be primarily through instructional demonstrations of workshop techniques, videos and training manuals.
DPD 123 Orthographic and Multiview Projections (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course seeks to introduce students to the principles of orthographic projection as a parallel projection technique in which the plane of projection is positioned between the observer and the object and is perpendicular to the parallel lines of sight. Students will be shown how the orthographic projection technique can produce either pictorial drawings that show all three dimensions of an object in one view or multiviews that show only two dimensions of an object in a single view.
Objective
That the student will be able to:
- Identify frontal, horizontal and profile planes.
- Identify the six principal views and the three space dimensions.
- Apply standard line practices to multiview drawings and sketches.
- Create multiview drawings by sketching or CAD.
Content
Course contents will include
- the creation of one, two, and three view sketches with traditional tools.
- First and Third Angle projections with the use of hidden detail.
- First and second auxiliary projection of shapes and solids.
- A description of the standard practices for representing edges, curves, holes, tangencies, fillets, and rounds.
Mode of delivery
Method of delivery will include lectures, demonstrations and “hands-on” activities.
DPD 124 Freehand Drawing Techniques (3 Credit Hours)
Description
In this course, students develop effective drawing techniques as a specialized form of visual communication. Quality and expressiveness of line are developed. Life drawing, still life drawing and sketching techniques are utilized, to assist students in creating images of their ideas about two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional forms and spaces.
Objective
- Students will gain the ability to think visually and to stimulate their imagination
- Students will acquire good freehand drawing skills
- Students will gain an ability to express and communicate their thoughts and perceptions through freehand drawing
Content
Topics to cover will include media exploration in:
- two-dimensions on an appropriate drawing surface, studies of line, tone, light and shade through geometric forms,
- exploration of texture and pattern through line work, one- and two- point freehand perspective drawing
Mode of delivery
Lessons will be delivered through lectures, demonstrations and practical drawing sessions.
DPD 125 Introduction to Computer Aided Design (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course introduces students to 3D modeling as an innovative approach to the visualization process and how Computer Aided Design (CAD) is revolutionizing industry and promoting the integration of computers into the design process.
Objective
Students will gain an insight into:
- The background history to the development of Non-uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) as well as its characteristics and functions.
- explain why 3D solid modeling is becoming the standard method for developing jewellery and product designs for many industries as well as studio artists operating very small shops
Content
Topics to be treated will include:
- an overview of Parametric Curves,
- Vector and curvature, Bezier curves, B-spline curves and their significance in the product design studio.
Mode of delivery
Lessons will be delivered through lectures, demonstrations and practical activities.
DPD 126 Communication and study Skills II (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to communicate professionally on many levels including writing; speaking; conducting meetings; giving presentations and interpersonal dialogues; and using electronic media.
Objective:
- improve students’ ability to speak and to understand spoken English through a variety of listening, pronunciation, and speaking activities
- increase their ability to communicate with intention
- develop effective listening skills and conversation skills to foster interactive dialogue
- improve their communication skills to make effective presentations, facilitate useful meetings, and write clear communications
Content
- distinguishing and practicing different intentions for communicating
- identifying optimal ways to communicate in class and workplace
- identifying genuine listening skills with curiosity
- Technical Report and Proposal writing
Mode of delivery
Lessons will be delivered, through lectures, discussions and demonstrations.
DPD 127 Information Communication Technology II (3 Credit Hours)
Description
The course is a continuation of BPD 117 and focuses on computer, mobile computing, and multimedia design production.
It further expands on the use of key applications such as spreadsheets, databases, presentation, graphics and web design software. Aside the traditional computer based technologies such as those related to standard office applications, and specialist applications such as CAD, aspects of digital communication (internal networks) would be introduced. Topics that deal with the way ICT is used and managed in an organization will be covered: such as, the meaning and value of information, how information is controlled, the limitations of ICT and legal considerations.
Objective
- students will gain an ability to use the spreadsheet
- an ability to use the Power point for presentations
- a basic understanding of web design software
- a basic understanding of setting up an internal network
Content:
- Meaning and value of information
- Controlling information
- Limitations of ICT and legal considerations
Mode of delivery:
Lessons will be delivered through lectures, discussions and demonstrations.
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Semester Three
DPD 231 Introduction to Design & Modeling (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course will introduce students to product design and modeling through the use of computer modeling, rendering and digital fabrication.
Objective
By the completion of the course,
- students will be able to build models that will lead to a full package of product explorations with computers
- express critical knowledge of the design principles
Content
Lesson content will entail an in-depth explanation and demonstration of the four different types of models used for design analysis, based on the criteria established in the ideation phase. These are:
- Image models for development and verification of a designer’s own images or ideas
- Rough mock-up models for visualizing, comparing, studying or verifying images or ideas
- Presentation models for exhibition purposes which should provide information to finalize studies, confirmation and decision making
- Prototype models – also called working models, which are made on an experimental basis, but equipped with full product functions
Mode of delivery
Lessons will be delivered through lectures, demonstrations, and practical studio assignments.
DPD 232 Product Design Methods (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the new design methods such as Open engineering and crowd-sourcing ideas and how these new methods relate to each other, to the new problems that they are intended to solve and to the traditional methods they are intended to replace.
Objective
After finishing this course, students will be able to develop products through an integration of traditional and contemporary methods, tools, and materials.
Content
Topics to be studied will cover broad discussions on traditional and contemporary design methodologies as they apply to product designs.
- Open Engineering
- “Crowd-sourcing” ideas
- Social Networking
Mode of delivery
Lessons will be delivered through lectures, discussions, and hands on practical projects.
DPD 233 Perspective Drawing (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This drawing course is designed to give, an opportunity for students to utilize all the knowledge and experience acquired in their previous art courses, in order to create a body of work that demonstrates expertise in manual drawing.
Objective
By the completion of this course, students will develop the
- ability to articulate ideas through the manual drawing process, and develop an awareness of perspectives as a drawing concept.
Content
Emphasis is placed on Perspective drawing which is a technique of reproducing a visible shape on a plane. Other methods are available in perspective drawing but in this course, students would be introduced to two examples of line drawing work based on the famous simple perspective method by Jay Doblin which seems to be the most popular method used amongst product designers.
Mode of delivery
Mode of lesson delivery will involve demonstrations and hands on drawing projects.
DPD 234 Nature of Materials and Processes (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course emphasizes the materials and processes used in manufacturing. Fundamentals include the properties, structure and nature of materials for manufactured goods, such as ferrous and nonferrous metals and alloys, plastics, wood, composites and ceramics, and the selection of materials for various functions. Such knowledge will help the designer to avoid ill-conceived pieces, devised to look good in the media but with little technical integrity.
Objective
By the completion of the course,
- students will develop a full understanding of both natural and artificial materials and their respective capacities to affect design language and also
- describe the relationships of product design, product function, materials used, and manufacturing processes used
Content
Topics to be treated will include:
- introduction to materials and processes (relationship to design, function, materials, processes, and cost, environmental concerns, energy concerns)
- Fundamentals of Materials (Physical properties, Manufacturing properties, chemical properties) etc.
Mode of delivery
Lessons will be delivered through lectures, experiments and other studio activities.
DPD 235 Research Methods (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course seeks to provide an introduction to research methods and designs relevant to product design practitioners. The course will focus on an introduction to various research designs, including experimental and non-experimental, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods. In addition, the course will focus on providing a practical understanding of several statistical tools used in Artistic research. The emphasis will be on knowing when to use the various tests, what they measure, and how to interpret results.
Objective
- Understand some basic concepts of research and its methodologies
- Identify appropriate research topics
- Select and define appropriate research problems and parameters
- Organize and conduct research (advanced project) in a more appropriate manner
- Write a research proposal and research report
Content
- Qualitative and Quantitative methods
- Performance Ethnography and Design Improvisation
- Trend Research
- Cultural Diversity
- Formal and Structural Research Practice
- Design Research process
- Case Studies
Mode of Delivery
This course will be delivered through lectures, directed readings and class assignments.
DPD 236 Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course seeks to introduce students to the concept of Entrepreneurship, which is the predominant form of business organization and is the world’s oldest profession. It further seeks to inculcate into students a zeal and how to identify, organize and start a new business in design and related areas.
Objective
Specifically, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- develop an understanding of what entrepreneurship is as well as what entrepreneurship is not
- start their own business and employ others through business plan development and proposal writing and extend their understanding of the foundation theories and principles of entrepreneurship
- understand how to identify opportunities (problems), develop creative solutions and build a viable business model around these
Content
The course will cover:
- the characteristics of and types of entrepreneurs
- portfolio/serial/corporate entrepreneurship
- identifying problems and opportunities, creative problem solving
- developing a viable business model and entrepreneurial ethics
- commercial ventures
- family business
- ethnic/indigenous entrepreneurship
- social entrepreneurship
Mode of delivery
Lessons will be delivered through lectures, directed readings and case study presentations.
Semester Four
DPD 241 Design for Use (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course seeks to explain why a designer’s chance of developing a successful product depends on a good understanding of the sensual or visual quality of a form that disarms or delights the observer. Students will be made aware of the importance of ensuring that good design is people-centered and improves lives on many levels, in order to maintain its value. Students will be provided with the needed information to appreciate the importance of how technology and design go together and the need to integrate user-centered design and the “functional, emotional, and social utilities into the creation of goods and services and strategies which consequently increases economic value”.
Objective
This course seeks to:
- Help students to know how things work
- Explore the very illusive issue of appeal
- Encourage students to be innovative
Content
Particular topics of discourse include:
- user- centered design, universal design, green design, human factors, intellectual property, and systems thinking
- introduction to basic user-centered design theory, user observation and inquiry, product semantics
- human factors, universal design, intellectual property
- patents and green design
- Additionally, students will be engaged in the process of critical thought as it relates to current and emerging everyday artifacts that surround them
Mode of delivery
This course will be composed of lectures, discussions, readings, demonstrations, quizzes, and homework assignments.
DPD 242 Visual Communications and Package Design (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course is designed to provide design related information on packaging design for the product designer. A course on visual communication and package design principles is relevant to industrial/product designers and addresses product/brand definition and corporate identity through package design.
Objective
By the completion of the course,
- students will acquire the historical, theoretical, and technical knowledge required to undertake branding and packaging projects.
- Approaching the subject matter from a design and production perspective, students will develop a strong foundation for further exploration and application to product design projects.
Content
Topics to be studied will include
- type, typography and layout, typography rule,
- understanding colour and print process,
- introduction to packaging and production,
- packaging process and methodologies and stocks, die cuts and packaging.
Mode of delivery
Mode of delivery will include lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on computer laboratory activities.
DPD 243 Ergonomics and Human Factors Application (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course seeks to introduce students to the importance and essence of Ergonomics which primarily is a way of enhancing the effectiveness of physical objects and enhancing desirable human values of safety and human comfort. The course will have an applied emphasis oriented towards using psychological theory in the “real” world of product design, and basically reducing down to designing products better. This course is therefore an attempt to introduce students to a systematic application of relevant information to the design process.
Objective
At the completion of this course,
- demonstrate understanding of the key theories in human factors
- demonstrate the ability to apply those theories to human behaviour in human-built system contexts
- demonstrate the ability to critically challenge the different human factors theories
Content
- Percentiles and Anthropometrics
- Static and Dynamic Measurements
- Link Event analysis
- Safety and Human Error
- Child Development
- Text, Graphics and Symbols
- Ingress and Egress
- Computer Workstations
- Hand Tools and Devices
Mode of delivery
Lessons will be delivered through lectures, discussions, experimentations, and practical activities.
DPD 244 Objects and Impacts (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course explores the rules of designing products so they can actually be manufactured.
Objective
The main goal of this course is that students will be able to:
- examine design and production methods for any object.
- design rules for specific manufacturing processes
- identify the types of materials and how to specify them.
Content
- production methods of various materials
- Analysis of Materials specified for applications for aesthetics, and for mechanical and thermal properties.
- Methods of accounting for manufactured parts, including weight, cost, and environmental impact-review and assessment
Mode of delivery
This class is predominantly lecture-based. The lectures will include videos and examination of products, to better understand the material. A tour of manufacturing facilities will be a part of how this course is delivered.
DPD 246 Project Work (3 Credit Hours)
Description
This course is designed to help the student put into action or practice the selected design process or methodology acquired during the two-year study.
The project work is a culmination of all that the student during the course of study, has managed to acquire in terms of knowledge and skills. The final project is to be determined in conjunction with his/her supervisor and when approved, taken through the appropriate and relevant design process to completion. The final object may be a prototype or a fully functioning object.
Objective
The primary objective is to see how well the student has applied the various design principles and the necessary design eco-system to solve the problem submitted in his/her problem/design statement.
Content
Sketching, drawing and related visualization skills, manual technical drawing and CAD work plus other presentation skills and the necessary workshop practice utilized in the course of the project work will be assessed.
Mode of delivery
Mode of delivery is student led with guidance by the supervisor.
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Our Vision
The vision of the College is to become an internationally reputable centre for Design education and research.
Connect with us
P. O. Box AN 7675,
Accra, Ghana.
AsanSka House 648/4.
Royalt Castle Road-Kokomlemle.