Character Design and Animation (11133.2)
Please note these are the 2025 details for this unit
| 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 Design And The Built Environment | 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.
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.
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 - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
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 - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
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
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
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
11684 3D Graphics OR
11131 Space, Time and Form
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 - communicate effectively1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
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 - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
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
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
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
11838 3D Media Art Production OR11684 3D Graphics OR
11131 Space, Time and Form
Corequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
None.Assumed knowledge
None.
Availability for enrolment in 2025 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | South Bank, QLD | Semester 2 | 29 July 2024 | On-Campus | Mrs Ola Pak |
| 2024 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 29 July 2024 | On-Campus | Dr Joel Bennett |
| 2025 | South Bank, QLD | Semester 2 | 28 July 2025 | On-Campus | Mr Alex Whitlam |
| 2025 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 28 July 2025 | 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
There is a strong correlation between participation and success in higher education. Your participation in the unit learning activities and your engagement with associated online activities will enhance your understanding of this unit's content and therefore the quality of your assessment responses. Lack of participation may result in your inability to satisfactorily pass assessment items.
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.
Work placement, internships or practicums
Not Applicable
