Cardiff School of Technologies>Courses>Creative Coding Micro-Provision Course

Creative Coding Micro-Provision Course

In the Creative Coding micro-course, you will learn how computers and coding work. Open to everyone, the course is an avenue to combine your creativity and interests with technical skills.

In this micro-course, you’ll discover JavaScript, a programming language that lets you bring your ideas to life and create cool visuals from scratch. You don’t need any prior coding experience to join. JavaScript is a powerful tool that can be used to make web applications, control robots, and even create awesome art and much more.

By the end of the micro-course, you’ll have a solid understanding of the basics of programming. You’ll learn how to come up with your own creative projects and bring them to life using software. These skills can open doors to exciting opportunities in various fields.

Micro-courses are flexible short courses, delivered in mixed online and face-to-face formats. Currently they are being piloted across Welsh universities with no cost to the learner. You can attend a micro-course to upskill and learn something new, as a pathway to employment, or to have a taste of a specific subject. Digital technology micro-courses at Cardiff Met cover topics that are in demand by industry.

Course Content

The micro-provision course consists of ten 2-hour sessions packed with engaging learning experiences. These sessions include a mix of on-campus lectures, hands-on lab work, interactive learning activities, and collaborative small group work. Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to attend insightful lectures, apply your knowledge in practical lab exercises, participate in interactive learning activities, and collaborate with peers in small groups. This dynamic approach ensures a well-rounded learning experience that is both informative and engaging.

Topics include:

  • Introduction to creative coding and computational media, using the p5.js library to create interactive graphics and animations.
  • JavaScript Language and JS Library: Explore the JavaScript language and its associated library, gaining a solid foundation in this versatile programming language.
  • Fundamentals of Programming: Learn essential programming concepts such as setting up your environment, working with variables and functions, using arrays and loops, creating sketches, utilizing objects and classes, and implementing interactivity.
  • Introduction to 2D Drawing with Code: Discover the basics of drawing in a two-dimensional space using code, enabling you to create visually appealing graphics and shapes.
  • Drawing Shapes and Modifying Them with Code: Learn techniques for drawing various shapes and manipulating them dynamically using code.
  • Creating Simple Geometric Patterns with Code: Explore the fascinating world of geometric patterns and master the art of generating them through code.
  • Generating Random Shapes with Code: Unleash your creativity by learning how to generate a wide range of random shapes programmatically.
  • Applying Effects to Images and Media with Code: Dive into the realm of multimedia manipulation and discover how to apply captivating effects to images and other media using code.
  • Utilizing Functions and Implementing Interactions with Keyboard and Mouse: Learn how to leverage functions to streamline your coding process and create interactive experiences by incorporating keyboard and mouse interactions.
  • Creating Generative Text and Typography: Explore the world of generative text and typography, where you’ll learn how to create dynamic and visually captivating textual designs.
  • Dynamic and Interactive Visuals with Animation, Sound, and Color: Take your creations to the next level by incorporating animation, sound, and color into your visual projects, making them come alive with dynamic and interactive elements.

Coursework and Assessment

Assessments are designed to consolidate your learning. You will complete a final poster presentation, which equates to around 2,000 words.

Suggested Readings

BERGSTROM, I. and LOTTO, R.B. (2015) ‘Code Bending: A New Creative Coding Practice’, Leonardo (Oxford), 48(1), pp. 25–13. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1162/LEON_a_00934.

Mosher, M. (2016) ‘PROCESSING: A PROGRAMMING HANDBOOK FOR VISUAL DESIGNERS AND ARTISTS, SECOND EDITION’, Leonardo. The MIT Press, 1 Rogers Street, Cambridge MA 02142-1209, USA: MIT Press, pp. 476–477. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1162/LEON_r_01316.

Ruttenberg, A. and Maital, S. (2016) Cracking the creativity code : zoom in/zoom out/zoom in framework for creativity, fun, and success. New Delhi: SAGE.

Zhang, Y. and Funk, M. (2021) Coding art : the four steps to creative programming with the processing language. 1st ed. 2021. Place of publication not identified: Apress. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-6264-1.

How to Apply

You can book your place on the Creative coding micro-credential course on the Cardiff Metropolitan University Online Store. Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Contact Us

For more information about this course, please contact Dr Fiona Carroll, FCarroll@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

Key Course Information

​Place of Study:
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff School of Technologies
Western Avenue
CARDIFF
CF5 2YB

School:
Cardiff School of Technologies

Course Length:
10 weeks. Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm.

Start Date:
27th September 2023

Max Number:
20 people

Cost:
Free

Full terms and conditions in relation to accepting an offer to study at Cardiff Metropolitan University can be found by visiting www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/terms