Character Design and Animation (11133.1)

Please note these are the 2022 details for this unit
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Character Design and Animation
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods On-Campus
 UC - Canberra, Bruce
UC - TAFE Queensland, South Bank
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Arts And Design
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
School Of Arts And Communications Level 2 - Undergraduate Intermediate Unit Band 2 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan Social Work_Exclude 0905)
In this unit we look at the tools and techniques that are used to create animated three-dimensional characters. Starting with ideation, we move from character concept through modelling and rigging and on to animation, exploring techniques including inverse kinematics and motion capture. This technical process will be used as the basis for a structured exploration of the ways that character animation has evolved and the knowledge that animators use to bring their characters to life.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Research, conceptualise and visualise an original character design for use in real-time or pre-rendered media;

2. Apply complex polygonal modelling and texturing techniques to realise the character in 3D;
3. Apply rigging and motion capture to animate the character; and
4. Critique professional character animation techniques and principles through analysis of games and/or animated media.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development


Prerequisites

11130 Media Worlds.

Corequisites

11131 Space, Time and Form.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2022 UC - Canberra, Bruce Semester 2 01 August 2022 On-Campus Dr Sam Hinton
2022 UC - TAFE Queensland, South Bank Semester 2 01 August 2022 On-Campus Mr Henry Sun
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

The Animator's Survival Kit - Richard Williams

Anatomy for 3D Artists: The Essential Guide for CG Professionals

Animal Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form by Eliot Goldfinger

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Students are encouraged to consider their upcoming workload proactively seek extensions in order to manage their time effectively.  Extensions can easily be arrange for applications made at least one week in advance.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Participation requirements

Students should endeavour to maintain at least 80% attendance for all lectures and tutorials, whether they are virtual or face-to-face. Attendance below 80% may adversely affect your ability to complete the unit at a satisfactory level. 

Students who attend campus for class or other purposes must play their part in keeping our campus and community safe by following these basic guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

  • Practise good hand hygiene, washing hands regularly;
  • If you do happen to cough or sneeze, please do so into the crook of your elbow, dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands immediately
  • Practise effective physical distancing;
  • Follow all directions of teaching and other UC staff regarding safety measures;
  • Stay off campus if you are unwell and get tested according to QLD Government guidelines, and 
  • Follow University communications about campus arrangements https://www.canberra.edu.au/coronavirus-advice 

Required IT skills

This is a technical unit that assumes students are familiar with basic 3D modelling using a software tool like 3DS Max or Maya.  You may still attempt this unit if you do not, but you should be aware that you will need to put in additional hours at the beginning of the unit to develop the necessary skills. Online learning tools to assist in this study will be provided on the unit Canvas site.

Students require general computing skills in applications such as Word, PowerPoint, and basic internet search capability.

In-unit costs

None.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None.

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