IE · Subject guide
Design and Communication Graphics
Leaving Certificate Design and Communication Graphics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
01 · Overview
Design and Communication Graphics
Leaving Certificate Design and Communication Graphics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
- Subject guide
- Leaving Certificate
- Topics mapped
- 15
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Projection Systems
Orthographic projection (first and third angle), auxiliary views, sectioning, and pictorial projection through isometric, axonometric and perspective drawing to represent three-dimensional objects in two dimensions.
- 02
Plane Geometry
Construction of plane figures, loci, and circles in contact with points, lines and curves, supported by the underlying theorems and axioms.
- 03
Conic Sections
The ellipse, parabola and hyperbola defined both as plane loci and as true sections of a cone, including tangents, focal points, directrix, eccentricity and the focal-sphere method.
- 04
Descriptive Geometry of Lines and Planes
Spatial relationships, projections and true shapes of inclined and oblique planes, skew lines, dihedral angles and the sectioning of solids by oblique planes.
- 05
Intersection and Development of Surfaces
Finding the intersections of prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones and spheres and developing or enveloping the surfaces of right and oblique solids and their composites.
- 06
Graphics in Design and Communication
The graphics code in historical context, design strategies, generating and interpreting design briefs, ideas sketching, design problem solving, appraisal and the rudiments of good design.
- 07
Communication of Design
Producing working and assembly drawings to international conventions using symbols, dimensioning, layout, balloon referencing, exploded views and schematic diagrams.
- 08
Freehand Drawing
Using observation and sketching to represent shape, form, texture, colour, light and shade as an immediate tool for explaining ideas and rendering design solutions.
- 09
Information and Communication Technologies (CAD and ICT)
CAD modelling, editing and parametric modelling to generate presentation, working and exploded drawings, plus file management, image processing and ICT-based presentation of design solutions.
- 10
Student Assignment
A practical, theme-based design investigation with concept design or modification in which students observe, model and communicate real artefacts using sketching, rendering and compulsory CAD modelling.
- 11
Applied Graphics: Dynamic Mechanisms
Special curves and loci such as involutes, cycloids, spirals and helices together with cam profiles, displacement diagrams, gear profiles and linkage mechanisms (optional, choose two of five).
- 12
Applied Graphics: Structural Forms
Natural and manufactured structures including arches, domes, vaults, ruled surfaces, the hyperbolic paraboloid, hyperboloid of revolution and geodesic domes (optional, choose two of five).
- 13
Applied Graphics: Geologic Geometry
Graphic analysis of geological features through contours, profiles, gradients, dip, strike and thickness of strata, outcrops, boreholes and cutting and embankment sections (optional, choose two of five).
- 14
Applied Graphics: Surface Geometry
Projection and development of intersecting prismatic, cylindrical and conical ducting and of transition pieces connecting circular and rectilinear cross-sections, plus dihedral angles between surfaces (optional, choose two of five).
- 15
Applied Graphics: Assemblies
Interpreting and producing exploded and assembled multipart drawings using sectioning, hatching, dimensioning, joining methods, surface symbols and 3D CAD assembly modelling (optional, choose two of five).
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Levels and pathways
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
2
Public references
IE · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.