Module: Graphics 1 - Plane Geometry

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Graphics 1 - Plane Geometry
Module Code	EDS1008 (ITS: GP08001)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The module will address plane geometry to include basic geometric constructions, area conversion, and loci (as relevant to the Junior and Senior Cycle syllabi). The module will also utilise digital tools including vector format CAD to support knowledge acquisition and communication. Students will engage with technological contexts and problems used to develop graphical communication, mathematical literacy, efficiency and proof. This module will support the development of graphics as a technological language.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain basic concepts of cognitive and educational psychology that are empirically associated with Graphics (spatial ability, reasoning, working memory, fluid and crystallised intelligence) and describe conceptually how they are related to each other.
2. Understand the derivation and application of basic geometric constructions associated with plane geometry.
3. Generate and transform complex plane figures by means of translations, axial symmetry, central symmetry, rotations, and changes in area.
4. Appreciate the role of vector format CAD as a tool for graphical education in terms of both teaching and learning.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of basic vector format CAD commands.
6. Create graphical representations of abstract and real world objects using a variety of freehand drawing and technical sketching principles.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	24	Drawing Studio
Laboratory	24	Computer Laboratory
Independent Study	77	Independent Learning
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10011	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	30%	Examination Weight	70%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Grimes	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Portfolio of Technical Drawings	30%	n/a
Formal Examination	Plane Geometry Exam	70%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to cognition and graphics:
Spatial ability, reasoning and working memory, fluid intelligence, crystallised intelligence.

Plane geometry:
Basic geometric constructions and associated mathematical theorems, plane and diagonal scales, areas of figures – scale and mean proportional, loci – the circle, ellipse and parabola, transformation geometry – translations, axial symmetry, central symmetry, rotations.

Graphical communication:
Freehand drawing, sketching, shadow and shade, scale, proportion, golden section, root rectangles, Fibonacci sequence, interpretation and visualisation of data.

CAD:
Vector format CAD (AutoCAD and draftsight), .wmf files, basic CAD commands (line, circle, rectangle, ellipse, polygon, offset, trim, fillet, chamfer, extend, mirror, rotate, scale, hatch, divide, join, text), line types, dimensioning and area calculation, ortho, snap, zoom.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Bertoline, R., (2009).: 0, Technical Graphics Communications. McGraw-Hill. ISBN PSU:000067114191,

Articles:

Bertoline, G., Wiebe, E., Hartman, N. and Ross, W. (2008): 0, Technical Graphics Communication. London: McGraw-Hill Education., 518410
0: Visualization, inductive reasoning, and memory span as components of fluid intelligence: Implications for technology education. International Journal of Educational Research, 90(1), 64–77., 518411, 1
Theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence: A critical experiment. Journal of Educational Psychology, 54(1), 1–22.: 518412, 1, Marunic, G., & Glazar, V. (2013).
518413: 1, Mohler, J., & Miller, C. (2008)., 0, Improving spatial ability with mentored sketching. Engineering Design Graphics Journal, 72(1), 19–27.,
1: NCCA. (2018a)., 0, Junior Cycle Applied Technology. Dublin, Ireland: Department of Education and Skills.,
NCCA. (2018b).: 0, Junior Cycle Engineering. Dublin, Ireland: Department of Education and Skills., 518416
0: Junior Cycle Wood Technology. Dublin, Ireland: Department of Education and Skills., 518417, 1
Junior Cycle Graphics. Dublin, Ireland: Department of Education and Skills.: 518418, 1, Schneider, J., & McGrew, K. (2012).
518419: 1, Sorby, S. (1999)., 0, Developing 3-D spatial visualization skills. Engineering Design Graphics Journal, 63(2), 21–32.,
1: Sorby, S., Veurink, N., & Streiner, S. (2018)., 0, Does spatial skills instruction improve STEM outcomes? The answer is “yes.” Learning and Individual Differences, 67(1), 209–222.,

Other Resources

1: Journal, International Journal of Design and Technology Education,
415512: 1, Journal, Engineering Design Graphics Journal,