Character Design and Animation (11133.1)

Please note these are the 2024 details for this unit
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Character Design and Animation
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods On-Campus
 South Bank, QLD
Bruce, Canberra
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 - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
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
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology


Prerequisites

11131 Space, Time and Form OR 11684 3D Graphics OR 11838 3D Media Art Production.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Availability for enrolment in 2024 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2023 South Bank, QLD Semester 2 31 July 2023 On-Campus Mr Alex Whitlam
2023 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 31 July 2023 On-Campus Dr Joel Bennett
2024 South Bank, QLD Semester 2 29 July 2024 On-Campus Mr Alex Whitlam
2024 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 29 July 2024 On-Campus Dr Joel Bennett
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

  • Vaughan, W. (2011). Digital modeling. New Riders.
  • Legaspi, C. (2015). Anatomy for 3D Artists: The Essential Guide for CG Professionals. 3D Total Publishing.
  • Zarins, U., & Kondrats, S. (2015). Anatomy for sculptors: understanding the human figure. Anatomy Next, Incorporated.
  • Zarins, U. (2015). Anatomy for sculptors: Anatomy of Facial Expression. Anatomy Next, Incorporated.
  • Zarins, U. (2015). Anatomy for sculptors: Form of the Head and Neck. Anatomy Next, Incorporated.
  • Williams, R. (2012). The Animator's Survival Kit: A Manual of Methods, Principles And Formulas For Classical, Computer, Games, Stop Motion And Internet Animators. Macmillan.
  • Thomas, F., Johnston, O., & Thomas, F. (1995). The illusion of life: Disney animation (p. 28). New York: Hyperion.
  • Hooks, E. (2017). Acting for animators. Taylor & Francis.
  • Whitaker, H., & Halas, J. (2021). Timing for animation. CRC Press.

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:

  • Practice 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 hands immediately
  • Practice effective physical distancing where required.
  • Follow all directions of teaching and other UC staff regarding safety measures.
  • Stay off campus if you are unwell and get tested according to ACT Government Guidelines,
  • Follow University communications about campus arrangements https://www.canberra.edu.au/coronavirus-advice

Required IT skills

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

Students also require fundamental skills in any full suite 3D Digital Content Creation Tool.

In-unit costs

Not Applicable

Work placement, internships or practicums

Not Applicable

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