Imaging Systems Minor

Overview for Imaging Systems Minor

The imaging systems minor offers students an introduction to the business and technology of photographic imaging services. Courses cover digital imaging capture systems, professional practices, output technologies, color management, and imaging workflows. The minor provides the foundation students need to pursue opportunities in photo technology management, color workflows, technical support, digital imaging technology, and sales for photography and imaging manufacturers.

Notes about this minor:

  • This minor is closed to students majoring in photographic sciences.
  • Posting of the minor on the student's academic transcript requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor.

The plan code for Imaging Systems Minor is IMGTSYS-MN.

Featured Profiles

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Imaging Systems Minor

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Course
Required Courses
IMSM-301
Imaging Systems
This course will explore the technological fundamentals used in imaging systems. The course emphasizes the operation of devices/components used to optimize imaging systems. Fundamental concepts prevalent in imaging systems such as resolution, dynamic range, sensor architectures, printer and monitor technologies, color spaces, and image optimization workflows will be presented. Focus will be on the proper selection and underlying principles of these technologies and how to best apply that knowledge to solve problems in the imaging industry. Potential careers in the imaging industry will be presented throughout the course. (Prerequisite: PHPS-107 or SOFA-103 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
IMSM-302
Color Management Technology
This course, primarily designed for photographers, will provide students with hands on experience using software and hardware fundamental to contemporary practices in the imaging industry. It has been designed to expose students to a managed color workflow beginning at capture and culminating in output. The course will explore standard color instruments and give the essential knowledge and skills required to solve problems prevalent in the photographic field. Critical problem solving of accurate color reproduction across media will be investigated. (Prerequisites: IMSM-301 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).
Electives
Choose three of the following:
   PHAP-361
   Foundations of Image Retouching
This course will explore the techniques, tools, practices, and workflows used in retouching industry practices. This course will begin with basic masking, skin retouching, and compositing techniques then apply these skills to creating images. The importance of the collaborative role of the image-maker and the retouch technician will be discussed throughout the course. The primary goals of this course are to teach students how to craft a personal or signature imaging style, and understand retouching as an important skillset for image makers. (Prerequisites: PHAR-201 or PHAR-202 or PHAR-203 or PHAR-204 or equivalent course.) Lab 5 (Fall or Spring).
   PHAP-366
   Advanced Retouching and Compositing
In this course we will begin where the retouching and restoration class left off. Building on the foundation of those techniques, we will delve deeper into the software tools and more advanced workflows used in image restoration, retouching and compositing. Once the retouching and restoration techniques have been mastered, we will transition into collage and montage building. This will include working with multiple images in single or multiple frames. We will expand the discussion of the collaborative roles of the image maker and the retoucher in relation to creating composite images. (Prerequisites: PHAP-361 or equivalent course.) Lab 5 (Spring).
   PHFA-562
   The Fine Print Workflow
This course will discuss the latest advances in digital workflow, best practices and output technology. The emphasis will be on the creation of an optimal and efficient fine art print workflow with reproducible results. This will be achieved through the integration of the various software tools and technology at our disposal. Using these techniques, we will build optimized files and craft final, exhibition quality prints. The course content will cover various substrate options along with archival concerns and finishing. This course is intended to build on and update skills learned in previous photographic foundation courses. (Prerequisites: PHAR-201 or PHAR-202 or PHAR-203 or PHAR-204 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring).
   PHPS-207
   Vision, Perception and Imaging
This course will explore the anatomical structure, function, and physiology of the human eye and brain and their relationship to vision, color, visual perception and imaging systems. The biology and physiology of the eye and psychology of visual perception will be explored. The concepts of depth perception in human vision as they relate to both two-dimensional and three-dimensional contexts will be examined. Relationships of image brightness, contrast and how visual processes lead to seeing will be addressed. Lecture 3 (Spring).
   PHPS-211
   Photographic Optics
This required course will investigate advanced photographic technology, with an emphasis on the study of the components of photographic imaging systems. Geometrical optics, color management, printing technologies and video standards will also be studied. Working in a lab environment, students will evaluate how technology can be optimized and where its limitations might be found. (Prerequisites: PHPS-107 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall).
   PHPS-217
   Media Production & Technology
Media Technology explores the design, production and delivery of instructional media and marketing materials used in various industries. Students will plan and produce the content for media projects that integrate video, audio, still images, interactivity, two-dimensional animation and video. The course also explores the technology and production techniques involved in delivering digital content today. Additionally, the course will provide an introduction to basic instructional technology concepts that influence design, development and assessment decisions. The focus of classwork will be the production of media used in support of training and marketing activities commonly found in corporate, governmental, industrial, and scientific communities. (Prerequisites: FDTN-141 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).
   PHPS-332
   Digital Imaging Processing
This course covers the principles and fundamental techniques in writing digital image processing algorithms and computer programming techniques that are used in implementing said algorithms. Topics covered will include color space transformations, basic image manipulation, and spatial and frequency manipulations. (Prerequisite: PHPS-331 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring).
   PHPS-337
   Color Measurement
This is the second in a two-course required imaging core sequence, the first being Applied Color Theory. Students develop the background and skills required for successful laboratory practice in color measurement as used in scientific research. This includes data management, data analysis, and technical writing. Topics include the optical and electronic design of spectroradiometric and spectrophotometric instrumentation, the use of standard reference materials for calibration, data analysis techniques, properties of objects and radiation, evaluation of instrumentation and psychophysical experimentation. (Prerequisite: PHPS-211 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   PHPS-529
   High Speed Photography
This course will investigate the theory and applications of photographic systems designed to record events of very short duration. Images will be analyzed to gain a more complete understanding of short duration events, including deriving data. The course will include the comparisons of the characteristics of digital video cameras, sequencing and timing control devices, as well as time magnification relationships. Synchronization systems, timing controls and high-speed flash and stroboscopic systems will also be covered. Introduction to high-speed video recording, the introduction to shadowgraph and Schlieren imaging systems will be included. Students will be introduced to programmable microprocessors for control of high-speed photographic equipment, and will gain experiences in the operation of equipment as well as proper planning, setup and basic data reduction techniques. **Fee: This course has a facilities fee for Non-SPAS students** (Prerequisites: PHPS-102 or PHAR-102 or PHAR-161 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall).
   PHPS-539
   Photographic Instrumentation
The potential to create or modify photographic instrumentation for specific purposes has never been greater, due to the advancement of photographic technologies coinciding with an increased maker movement. This course will provide students with experience in designing, testing, and building devices for use in technical photographic applications. Students will gain experience extracting data from images and/or using images as a source of measurement. Projects will change each semester based on evolving technologies. Examples might include using microprocessors to control cameras, the creation of high-speed infrared triggering systems, or building of dedicated specialized LED illumination systems for use in the infrared or ultraviolet imaging. (Prerequisites: PHPS-102 or PHAR-102 or PHAR-161 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).
   SOFA-568
   Digital Color Management
This course offers a comprehensive study of the methods and techniques used to manage and interchange color in digital color-imaging systems. The principles of colorimetry and densitometry will be reviewed and applied specifically to practical color imaging applications. The fundamental colorimetric properties of color imaging media, devices and systems will be explored and compared. Digital color encoding principles will be examined, and the features and limitations of various digital color encoding methods will be described. Course topics will be discussed in terms of their application in commercial color-managed systems, such as the ICC and AMPAS ACES systems. (Prerequisite: IMGS-351 or IMSM-302 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

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