Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: VART6550C

Course Title: Make scale models

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: 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

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to make three-dimensional (3-D) physical scale models in response to specifications. It does not cover the use of 3-D digital software. It involves preparing to make scale models, completing construction of the models and finalising the model construction process according to scale model requirements.

The unit applies to those who work in many industries and use any 3-D form to make scale models as an essential part of the design process for a range productions or events.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAACD314 Make scale models

Element:

1. Prepare to make scale models

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Clarify scale model requirements according to documentation, verbal briefs and consultation with required personnel

1.2 Identify potential challenges and plan work to minimise risk in consultation with required personnel

1.3 Select techniques for model making according to project requirements

1.4 Confirm presentation requirements and timelines for final scale models

1.5 Confirm equipment, materials and work space requirements for model construction

1.6 Set up work space and equipment according to safety

Element:

2. Complete model construction

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Make preliminary models representing core dimensions in line with specifications

2.2 Review preliminary models against objectives and specifications in consultation with required personnel

2.3 Confirm intellectual property and other relevant legislative requirements are met

2.4 Make adjustments to models as required

2.5 Complete models according to project requirements

Element:

3. Finalise model construction process

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Present models to required personnel according to project and organisational requirements

3.2 Follow organisational storage and inventory procedures post-construction

3.3 Seek and use feedback from others to improve own skills


Learning Outcomes


Refer to Elements/Performance Criteria


Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place in a makerspace 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

Course Schedule   
Week Topic Readings and Activities Assessment

Week 1

 

  
Introduction to course
schedules

Meet the teacher and class.
Course introduction, overview and expectations.  Discuss all project work and encourage thinking on these before commencement.

Demonstration of cardboard modelling, measuring, cutting and gluing.

Demonstrate scaling and armature construction.  Use of contour gauges, vernier calipers, photocopier, CAD models.

Issue and explain Upscale Model Project 3. 

  

Set Task 1.

Set Task 2.

Set Task 3.

  

Week 2

 

  
Demo/Theory/Prac

Demonstration and discussion of foam core profile models. Encourage surface refinement, accuracy and ergonomic finesse. Advantages of foam core, how to cut, sand and shape.  Use of markers, Letraset and adhesives.

Continue with Task 2

  
 

Week 3

 

  
Demo/Theory/Prac

Demonstration of foam sculpting.  Taking a sketch to foam via the use of cardboard templates?  Cutting, shaving and sanding foam. 

Task 2 Checkpoint.

Continue with Task 2

  
Task 2 Checkpoint

Week 4

 

  
Demo/Theory/Prac

Demonstration and discussion of foam turning on a lathe or on a drill.  Safety set up, dust, direction of rotation, etc. 

Continue with Task 2

  
 

Week 5

 

  
Demo/Theory/Prac

Demonstrate Apoxie sculpt, mixing, application, smoothing, sanding.

Continue with Task 2

  
 

Week 6

 

  

Pres/Demo/Theory/Prac

  

Demonstration of cardboard modelling, measuring, cutting and gluing.

Continue with Task 3

  

Task 2 due.

Set Task 3.

  

Week 7

 

  
Demo/Theory/Prac

Resin casting.  Demonstration of mold making, casting, examples of previous work and the level of detail expected. 

Continue with Task 3.  

  

 

  

Week 8

 

  
Demo/Theory/Prac

Detail/graphics demonstration.  Printed decals, waterslide transfers, tape lines, weathering.

Continue with Task 3.  

  
 

Week 9

 

  
Demo/Theory/Prac

Painting demonstration.  Surface preparation, fillers, sanding, undercoat, colour, topcoat, polishing.

Continue with Task 3.  

  
 

Week 10

 

  
Pres/Demo/Theory/Prac

Demonstrate finishing on a lathe, sealing and sanding up to polishing.

Continue with Task 3.  

  
 

Week 11

 

  
Demo/Theory/Prac

Continue with Task 3.  

  
 

Week 12

 

  
Pres/Demo/Theory/Prac

Project 3 Checkpoint.

Continue with Task 3.  

  
 

Week 13

 

  
Demo/Theory/Prac

 

 

Continue with Task 3.   

  
 

Week 14

 

  
Demo/Theory/Prac

Continue with Task 3.  

  

 

  

Week 15

 

  
Demo/Theory/Prac Conclude Task 1.  Continue with Task 3.   Task 1 Due.

Week 16

 

  

Demo/Theory/Prac

 

  

Last available class access

Conclude Task 3.  

  
Task 3 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 Lynda.com 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: Knowledge Questions
Due Week 15*


Assessment Task 2: Preliminary Model
Due Week 6*

 

Assessment Task 3: Completed 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.

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