Monash University

Leader: Derrick Martin

Offered

Berwick First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit is designed to complement the skills developed in FIT2015 Foundations of 3D relating to 3D design, theory and execution. Students will gain planning, texturing, rigging, lighting, animation and compositing skills in order to undertake advanced 3D animation projects. Students will also be introduced to the concept of a production pipeline and pre-visualisation techniques designed to streamline the animation process. Advanced theories and techniques of 3D animation and creating special effects using 3D software packages will be a major focus in this unit.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will have a theoretical and conceptual understanding of:

1. organic character animation techniques;
2. the techniques applied to facial animation;
3. compositing 3D special effects for video, television and film;
4. 3D surfaces, mapping, texturing and lighting theory suitable for 3D characters and scenes;
5. an extended understanding of the 3D spatial environment and the taxonomy of 3D.

At the completion of this unit students will have developed attitudes that enable them to:

6. appreciate the physiology in the use of organic animation systems;
7. appreciate the different animation systems for the creation of organic motion;
8. appreciate the theories and practices adopted for complex 3D modelling and animation techniques including production pipelines and identify characteristics of the native scripting language which supports animation techniques in the 3D environment.

At the completion of this unit students will have the skills to:

9. replicate the movement of organic structures in electronic 3D form;
10. reproduce physical materials for photo realistic modelling and imitate real world animation in the virtual 3D world.

At the completion of this unit students will have further developed the teamwork skills needed to:

11. understand the importance of communication skills for the presentation of ideas and methods to peers;
12. appreciate criticism and feedback from a network of peers and contribute ideas and methodologies to a network of peers.

Assessment

Practical Assignments: 100%

Contact hours

4 contact hrs/week (comprising 1 hr lecture, 3 hrs tutorial) plus 8 hrs/week of self-directed study, project/assignment work.

Prerequisites

FIT2015

Prohibitions

MMS3409