31241 Interactive 3D Animation
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 31264 Introduction to Computer Graphics OR 31140 Introduction to Computer Graphics
Anti-requisite(s): 31603 3D Computer Animation AND 32543 Advanced 3D Computer Animation
Recommended studies:
basic knowledge of drawing and 2D digital image processing (basic Photoshop) is useful
Description
This subject explores storytelling using 3D computer animation. It covers the complete animation production pipeline which includes ideation, storyboarding, 3D animation, lighting, rendering, and VFX. Students also have the opportunity to practice the pre-production planning, production management and post-production of an animation project. The subject is project-based and students learn by doing.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Demonstrate an understanding of the theory of the design and production of 3D digital animation. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Develop animation skills and the ability to look at motion analytically. (D.1) |
| 3. | Design and rig a basic character for 3D animation using appropriate processes and workflows. (C.1) |
| 4. | Create a character-based 3D Animation from planning stage (storyboard) to final 3D rendered short. (C.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject includes a weekly 1-hour face-to-face class, a weekly 2-hour workshop, a weekly 45-minute video lecture as well as e-tivities. You will gain most from the class if you prepare in advance and participate in the online discussion.
Students are expected to watch the 45-minute video lecture on Canvas before the class starts and participate in the discussion during the face-to-face class.
During the 2-hour workshop, students plan and implement their 3D animation project. Individual supervision and feedbacks to the animation project will be given during the weekly 2-hour workshop.
Canvas will be used in the subject for e-tivities, including online discussion, peer-critics, assessment progression and submission.
The timeline of the assessments follows the agile development process with four sprint cycles. Students will have written feedbacks on their project progress on Week 3, Week 6, Week 8, and Week 11.
Content (topics)
Animation principles, hierarchy and skeleton, character animation (walk cycles, interaction with objects), kinematics, modeling for animation, lighting and rendering, dynamics.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Exercises
| Intent: | To become familiar with the lecture contents |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 2: Storyboarding
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 3: Final Presentation with 3D characters Animation, Lighting and Written Report Objectives
| Intent: | To present the final animation and get feedback from an expert panel. To create a complete document for the final animation. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 50% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Recommended texts
- Unity Animation Essentials, Alan Thorn. ISBN 9781782174813
- Unity 5. x Animation Cookbook, Maciej Szczesnik, ISBN 9781785883910
- The Animator’s Survival Kit, Richard Williams, Faber and Faber New York 2001 ISBN 9780571202287