Basics of Digital Image Editing (5 cr)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:
- understand the basic theories of digital photoediting
- use digital image editing software in an advanced level for both online and print publishing

Location and time

Course meetings are held via Zoom. You can find the schedule for optional online sessions on the Canvas page.

Materials

All required learning materials are available in Canvas. Links to relevant books, documentation and videos can also be found there.

Teaching methods

This is a self-paced online course with optional weekly support sessions. You will study the material in an online learning environment, which includes study materials and assignments.

Each task has a recommended initial deadline. Late submissions are allowed, but a small deduction of 0.3% per day applies to encourage steady progress. The entire course must be completed independently within the final deadline.

Exam schedules

The course workspace will remain open until the end of the course deadline (see Timing), and all assignments must be completed before the workspace closes.

Completion alternatives

According to the degree regulations (2024), Students are entitled to apply for recognition of prior learning regardless of where, when and how the competence has been acquired. ... At Laurea, there are two different procedures for the recognition and accreditation of prior learning: a) accreditation of prior learning (competence acquired in higher education studies at another institution) and b) demonstration of competence (competence acquired in other ways). The recognition and accreditation of prior learning is initiated by the student themselves. The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence. The student is entitled to guidance for the recognition and accreditation of their competence. Further information in the student intranet.

You may also assess work-based learning as a way to acquire the competence needed. Read more in the student intranet.

Student workload

Workload of the study is measured in a way that to acquire the goal competence of the study, one credit corresponds to an average of 26.7 hours of work done by the student. The actual time needed varies e.g. according to prior competence.

Content scheduling

Basics of digital image theory
Practical exercises for image editing (Optional image editing softwares: Photoshop or Gimp)
Theory of visual design
Applied Part: Final project and Peer Review

Evaluation scale

H-5

Further information

The use of visual communication continues to grow. There are a number of reasons why the use of visual aids continues to increase. This is happening everywhere –newspapers, websites, social media, instruction manuals, and emails.
In this course you don’t only learn technical skills how to create and edit images, but you also learn some theory behind visual communication. You will learn about the meaning of colours in different cultures and the importance of typography and composition.
Main content:
Learn about the features of the Adobe Photoshop or GIMP image editing (program at the student's choice).
- Adjusting tones and colors and adjusting color
- Extracting an image
- Effective use of layers
- Use of masks
- Creating image montages
- Drawing vector shapes
- Use of alpha channels and boundary paths
- Image preparation for both print media and for screen
Graphic design theory
- colour theory
- typography
- composition and layout