32543 3D Animation
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 31241 3D Computer Animation AND 31603 3D Computer Animation
Recommended studies: some basic computer graphics knowledge is useful; drawing; 2D digital image processing such as basic Photoshop
Description
This subject covers the major areas of 3D computer animation. It provides students with the opportunity to learn a major commercial 3D modelling, animation and rendering package. It also covers the principles and practice of pre-production planning, production management, and post-production of an animation project. The subject is project-based, and each student develops an animation of their choice.
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. (C.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Develop animation skills and the ability to look at motion analytically. Students should be able to break down movement into key positions and qualitatively understand the physics associated with this movement. (D.1) |
| 3. | Gain a working knowledge of the processes and workflows associated with designing and rigging a basic character for 3D Animation. (D.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 thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)
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: | For students 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 and D.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 and D.1 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 3: Final Presentation with 3Dcharacters 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