Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: VART6486C

Course Title: Refine model making skills

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C5435 - Diploma of Product Design

Course Contact: Robin Blood

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4683

Course Contact Email: robin.blood@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Kevin Lewis

kevin.lewis@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 65

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

This unit describes the, skills and knowledge required to refine techniques for the development of three-dimensional (3-D) physical models.

 

It applies to individuals working across a range of media and industry contexts who use well developed technical and creative skills to build 3-D models independently or as part of a team. The model could be used as a way of testing or presenting ideas. In some cases the model may be a finished work or artistic piece.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAACD508 Refine model making skills

Element:

1. Maintain professional practice

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Comply with workplace expectations, and ethical and legal obligations in professional activities

1.2 Update information about creative approaches, techniques, materials and equipment relevant to model making

1.3 Identify techniques from other industries that could be applied to the development of scale models and make connections in own work

1.4 Source new ideas and trends through regular review of the work of others

1.5 Use feedback from others to improve own skills in design

1.6 Seek opportunities to develop technical and conceptual skills

Element:

2. Refine and consolidate own technique

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Experiment with new techniques, materials and equipment when developing model making ideas

2.2 Identify strengths and weaknesses of various approaches through practice and play

2.3 Identify and select approaches best suited to own practice

2.4 Develop and document a design process that reflects own style and approach

Element:

3. Make models to professional standard

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Interpret ideas, problem-solving tasks or briefs with creativity, accuracy and efficiency

3.2 Develop a clear plan and schedule for model making work

3.3 Select and assemble appropriate model making materials, tools, techniques and equipment consistent with specifications

3.4 Develop precise and accurate scale models as required

3.5 Identify opportunities for refinement and re-thinking and make adjustments as required

3.6 Communicate the design process and the final solution using detailed work documentation

3.7 Present maquettes and models that meet project requirements to key people


Learning Outcomes


Refer to Elements/Performance Criteria


Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place in a maker space and workshop environment using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study. In-class activities will include:

  • class exercises
  • tutorials
  • practical demonstrations
  • workshops
  • group discussion
  • review and revision
  • peer learning
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • workshop for all student projects including peer/lecturer feedback

 

Out of class activities may include:

  • independent research
  • independent project based work
  • studio practice
  • online tutorials and activities
  • review and revision


Teaching Schedule

 

Week Topic Assessment due

Week 1

Introduce course content and explain the purpose of the project work.

Introduce Task 1: egg-cup.  Students to commence design work and CAD files.  Demonstrate previous examples.

Task 2. Detailed model introduced.  Expectations of scale, detail and finish set.  Idea generation commences.

 

Week 2

Continue Projects 1 and 2.

Progress check on task 2.

Techniques and Materials for making models at home.

 

Week 3

Continue project 1.

CAD file creation, tool path preparation, mill setup and machining.

Individual consultancy to discuss their design selection.

Check Task 2 progress

 

Week 4

Continue Projects 1 and 2.

Progress check on task 2.

Creating and forming plastic parts

 

Week 5

Continue Projects 1 and 2

Paint finishing

 

Week 6

Continue Projects 1 and 2.

Task 2 concepts finalised, detailed planning starting.

Detailed model design.

 

Week 7

Continue Projects 1 and 2

Quick foam mock-ups refresher.

 

Week 8

Continue Projects 1 and 2

3D printed part design

Assessment Task 1 due

Week 9

Continue Project 2

Creating fine detail

 

Week 10

Continue Project 2

Progress check on project work

 

Week 11

Continue Project 2  

Week 12

Continue Project 2  

Week 13

Continue Project 2  

Week 14

Continue Project 2  

Week 15

Continue Project 2

Progress check on project and presentation

 

Week 16

Complete Project 2

Presentation

Assessment Task 2 due

While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change depending on the availability of specialist facilities and equipment. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Students will need to refer to CANVAS as teaching resources may vary according to teaching schedule and task requirements.

 

Prescribed Texts: There are no compulsory prescribed texts in this course.

You are advised to look at the Learning Hub at myRMIT site for ongoing updated information.
A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year.
You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software.

 

Study Support

Study support - RMIT University


RMIT Library.
You will also have access to the library resources.
Among the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access LinkedIn learning for online tutorials and lessons. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning. The University Library has extensive resources for Design students.


RMIT Library has produced the following:
subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies.

Library - RMIT University


Overview of Assessment

Assessments will be held throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess your performance and the application of your knowledge and skills and may include practical tasks, project,direct observation including exploration of and experimentation with techniques,written and/or oral questioning and discussions to assess your knowledge and understanding of this unit. 


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher for each assessment task.

 

Assessment Task 1: 3D model, Egg cups

Due: Week 8

Assessment Task 2: Detailed Model

Due: Week 16

 

Due dates for assessment tasks dependent on access to specialist facilities and equipment may change. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher.

You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback with verbal and/or written evaluation of your progress within class time. 
The submitted projects will be assessed with written feedback as well as a checklist that relates to separate components of the project and the overall outcome.

This course is assessed for competency.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved

NYC: Not Yet Competent

DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment

  


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration and CANVAS for each assessment task.

Other Information

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises It is strongly advised that you 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.

 

Feedback - You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Assessment - RMIT University

Student Progress 
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Academic progress - RMIT University

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (e.g. applying for an extension of time):

Assessments and results - RMIT University

 

On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submission 
On time submission is an important factor in your assessment. Employability skills are embedded in all courses and these include Planning & Organising and Self-management. For this reason, late work impacts on your competency assessment. 
Submissions that are assessed as Not Satisfactory can be re-submitted once and this is only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.

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.

Academic integrity - RMIT University

 

Submissions
When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every summative assessment task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. For non-­digital submission use the printed form provided. For digital online submission please use e­ Submission process.

Information about your studies:

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

Current students - RMIT University

 

 

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.

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

Credit for prior study or experience - RMIT University

Course Overview: Access Course Overview