Course Title: Design and create models for a 3-D and digital effects environment

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2019

Course Code: COSC7387C

Course Title: Design and create models for a 3-D and digital effects environment

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5384 - Diploma of Digital Media Technologies

Course Contact: Arthur Michalopoulos

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: arthur.michalopoulos@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Arthur Michalopoulos
arthur.michalopoulos@rmit.edu.au
+61 3 9925 4815

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Nil

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to design and create models for a 3-D and digital effects environment using complex topology, specified geometry surfaces, and advanced model builds.

You will be able to:

  • research and build a portfolio of reference material
  • prepare a topology plan for a 3-D model design using:
  • appropriate industry terminology
  • appropriate geometry surfaces
  • concept development software
  • feedback from others to refine the plan
  • use software to construct an advanced 3-D model according to plan, and use feedback from others to refine the model.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICTGAM514 Design and create models for a 3-D and digital effects environment

Element:

1. Design and plan a 3-D model

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Research and collect a portfolio of reference material

1.2 Present the portfolio of collected reference material

1.3 Use reference material to develop and design a modelling plan

Element:

2. Use suitable geometry surface for models

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Research the different types of geometry to select the most suitable for a 3-D model

2.2 Clearly document the selected geometry choice

2.3 Explain, justify and demonstrate the reasons for the selected geometry choice

2.4 Apply the selected geometry choice to 3-D model

2.5 Make changes to the geometry selection where necessary

Element:

3. Analyse the resource material to construct and apply a suitable topology

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Construct and test a topology plan using chosen concept development software

3.2 Explain or demonstrate the reason for choosing a particular modelling method

3.3 Assess and refine the topology plan with the client and relevant personnel

Element:

4. Construct a 3-D model

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Use a modelling plan to construct the model, in the chosen 3-D modelling and animation software

4.2 Build the model, according to specifications

4.3 Present the near-finished product to the relevant personnel

4.4 Accept feedback to incorporate into the final design

4.5 Assess and refine the model with clients and the relevant personnel

4.6 Compose a report on the experience of working on a 3-D model

Learning Outcomes


On completion of this course you will able to effectively:

  • outline methods of sourcing reference material

summarise the key aspects of a modelling plan

  • discuss geometry surfaces, including:
  • NURBS
  • Sub-D
  • Polygon
  • T-splines
  • explain the digital model development process
  • explain the technology requirements and human resources required to create 3-D models, and their respective skills
  • explain box, edge-loop and patch modelling
  • summarise the capabilities and constraints of 3-D modelling packages
  • outline why it is important to schedule each production component
  • explain features of topology plans
  • discuss the uses of storyboards and scripts.


Details of Learning Activities

This course consists of two Units of Competency that are clustered together for delivery and assessment. The other unit of competency in this clustered course is: GEDU6115c Originate and develop concepts

In class learning activities may include, but are not limited to:

• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection

Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:

• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT


Teaching Schedule

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Week

Topic & Activities

Assessment

Week 1

Introduction to Animation 1

  • Getting to know each other
  • Animation 1, Canvas & Assessments, Teaching Schedule
  • Animation 1 Project, looking at examples

Exploring animation

  • A brief history of animation
  • Intro to Principles of Animation
  • Intro to 3D - what is 3D?
  • 3D is a process - general overview from concept to render

Introducing AT1 Foundation Skills for Animation 1 project

  • Introduction to the Maya  3D software
  • Introduction to Post - it note animation

 

Week 2

3D Tools & processes:

  • The 3D Universe & Cartesian grid
  • Working with files and Maya Projects
  • Creating simple objects using tools such as; Primitives, Transform tools, Channel Box, add divisions, extrude, edge loop
  • Polygons & selection modes

2D Post-it note Project:

  • Students will continue to draw their Post - it note animation
  • The Scanning of the drawings, resizing of the drawings  will be discussed and you will be introduced to software needed for that process.

 

Week 3

3D Tools & processes:

  • Introduction to materials
  • Introduction to 3 point Lighting 
  • Using Lights tools in Maya to create mood & atmosphere
  • Creating shadows

2D Post-it note Project: (putting it into ‘Animate’)

  • Students will continue to work on their Post -it note animation
  • The compositing of the drawings into the computer software will be discussed.

 

Week 4

3D Tools & processes:

  • Cameras, composition & framing
  • Render settings and output
  • Attention to detail with 3D 
  • Completing  AT1 3D requirements

2D Post-it note Project: (putting it into ‘Animate’)

  • Students will continue to work on their Post -it note animation
  • The compositing of the drawings into the computer software will be discussed.

Finalise AT1 Foundation Skills for Animation 1 project including completing the AT1 Report.

AT1 Foundation Skills for Animation 1 Due end of week 4

 AT1 Foundation Skills for Animation 1

Week 5

Introducing Animation 1 Project.

  • AT2 Pre-production for Animation 1 Project
  • AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project

The pre-production process

  • Why is it important?
  • A look at industry examples

Developing concepts for Animation 1 Project

  • Bringing  locations and characters together
  • Writing pre-production documents (synopsis and Project treatment)
  

Week 6

Review of AT2 Pre-production for Animation 1 Project

Continue Developing concepts for Animation 1 Project

  • Bringing  locations and characters together
  • Visualisation (sketches, drawings, storyboards, mood-boards, characters)

3D Tools & processes to assist production:

  • Grouping, combing and the Hyper-graph
  • Materials, textures & hyper-shade
  • Using Photoshop to create textures
  • UV Mapping
  • Additional modelling tools & processes

 

  

Week 7

3D Tools & processes to assist production:

  • General Review of 3D techniques so far
  • Introduction to animating in 3D
  • Time slider & Setting key-frames
  • Using the Graph editor to tweak key-frames

2D Tools & Frame by Frame Animation

  • The basics, character design, blink and wave.
 AT2 Pre-production for Animation 1 Project

Week 8

Introduction  to AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project

AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project Production tutorials:

  • 3D Tools & Techniques 

2D Tools & Frame by Frame Animation

  • jump (squash and stretch)
  • Secondary movement

Work on Animation 1 Project

 

Week 9

Review of AT2 Pre-production for Animation 1 Project

  • Overview of issues arising from the assessment submission

AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project Production tutorials;

  • 3D Tools & Techniques such as Render settings Panel

2D Tools & Frame by Frame Animation

  • walk cycles 

Work on Animation 1 Project

 

 

Week 10

AT3 Project Review meeting - Knowledge assessment

  • Undertaken in class (must attend)
  • Each student will briefly meet and answer questions about the AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project

Those who have completed their Project review will continue to work on Animation 1 Project

AT3 Progress Review meeting for Animation 1 Project

Week 11

Additional 3D & 2D techniques, processes & associated tutorials for AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project, 

  • Bringing 3D & 2D elements together
  • 3D Tools & Techniques such as Render settings Panel, creating an image sequence
  • 2D Tools & Techniques

Work on Animation 1 Project

 

Week 12

Additional 3D & 2D techniques, processes & associated tutorials for AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project, 

  • Introduction to Adobe After effects
  • Bringing 3D & 2D elements together
  • Adding Audio and other 'post-production'

Work on Animation 1 Project

  

Week 13

Additional 3D & 2D techniques, processes & associated tutorials for AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project, 

  • Introduction to Adobe After effects
  • Bringing 3D & 2D elements together
  • Adding Audio and other 'post-production'
  • Exporting from After Effects

Work on Animation 1 Project

  

Week 14 

AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project

Work & finalise Animation 1 Project

 AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project

Week 15

 Reviewing AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project; what worked, what didn't, lessons to be learnt (week 1)  

Week 16

Reviewing AT4 Build and Review Animation 1 Project; what worked, what didn't, lessons to be learnt (week 2)

  

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

N/A


References

The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.


Other Resources

Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.

Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB 3.0 flash drive, with at least 128Gb capacity.

You are strongly advised to maintain a daily backup schedule of all assessment and project data to your RMIT account.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, practical project work and through the application of learned skills.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment for this course is competency based. To show competency, you must complete all assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

Late assessment submissions, or submissions that do not reach the required standard may be assessed as Not Satisfactory (NS). You will receive feedback on your assessment through Canvas and resubmission instructions via email. You must resubmit within two weeks of this notification. You may re-submit an assessment task only once. Please refer to the assessment brief or rubric for full assessment criteria. All assessment documents are available on the course Canvas page through MyRMIT.
 

AT1 - Foundation skills for Animation 1 Project

In this assessment task you will design and build a 3D environment and animate a 2D element for the environment.

Due week 4

AT2 - Pre - production for Animation 1 Project

For this task students will need to complete pre-production documents using templates provided by your assessor.  These documents will inform the final animation project you will complete for Assessment Task 4 of the Animation 1 course.  

The duration of the final animation sequence will be 5 – 15 seconds including audio, titles and credits. 

Due week 7

AT3 - Progress Review meeting for Animation 1 Project

For this assessment students will meet with at least one key stakeholder (your assessor) to discuss your animation project.  In industry, this is often called a Work in Progress (WIP) meeting. Your assessor will ask you questions relating to your project.  

Due week 10

AT4 - Build and review Animation 1 Project

For this assessment task you will build a 3D environment and a 2D element for the environment to complete a finished animation sequence, known as ‘Animation Project 1’.  The animation sequence be in response to the theme and pre-production design plan you developed in Assessment Task 2

Due week 14

Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:

CA - Competency Achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did Not Submit


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix for this course demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the unit of competency. It can be found on the Canvas course page through myRmit, or from your teacher.

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters.

Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. You are strongly advised to attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Assessment Feedback:
You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

Academic Progress:Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.

Adjustments to Assessment
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview