MI4014 - Introduction to 3D Animation

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will be introduced to how 3D computer animation can be used to create original and creatively diverse animation through learning the fundamental aspects of 3D using Autodesk Maya.

You will be taught the core historical background to 3D animation, which will provide a contextual basis upon which you can build knowledge and understanding of contemporary animation practices. The emphasis will be on learning the production methods and technical skills that have supported the evolution of animation from pure photographic form to 3D computer generated animation.

An introduction into visual and cultural research methods will also provide you with skills to develop your own research into culturally significant areas such as fine art, literature, poetry, architecture and design and aspects of this research will form the basis of your exploration into 3D software and then how the 3D space can be utilised as a creative workshop in which you can craft your ideas. This research underpins your own generation of original and diverse animated work in response to the brief.

How will I learn on this module?

You will be set a creative brief for which you will need to design an animated film and this will be achieved through the following: weekly demonstrations of salient aspects of 3D computer software to develop your formal and tacit skills, contextual studies and research into culture to develop your sense of creativity, originality and criticality. In addition to this, you will build on your experience from semester one by using hand-drawn traditional animation techniques as an iterative design method to develop more sophisticated ideas that can be built into a 3D animated film.

To complement the weekly planned sessions, there will be a san opportunity to work collaboratively in small groups to develop your technical and interpersonal skills. This ‘flipped teaching’ approach allows the weekly contact time with academic staff to be dedicated to creative idea generation, animation development, problem solving and realisation supported by tutors, so that the you can learn at your own speed and receive constant feedback to aid development, module understanding and quality of film work.

Interim formative presentations during the semester provide the opportunity for you to receive individual feedback in a peer and group setting and present work-in-progress. Summative feedback will be given in the final critique on your 3D animation. This will support your confidence in presenting your work, allow you to receive constructive advice from academic tutors and to develop and realise your 3D animation into a polished final film.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be taught by academic staff with experience in 3D animation. Workshop sessions and discussions will develop your understanding of 3D animation. You will have access to industry standard software and training resources to support your learning and the Animation Technician will be available to provide software demonstrations and technical support.

You will have bespoke formative tutorials aligned to your strengths and weaknesses and this will provide the opportunity to develop your understanding of 3D animation practice, historical and contemporary animation and give support through formative feedback to aid you in refining your summative work. Group crits. will enable you to see the work of other animators and to debate the strengths and weaknesses of research, technical approaches and iterative 3D animation practice.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Demonstrate an awareness of key historical critical and contemporary issues within the 3D animation industry.

2. Acquire a knowledge of 3D animation production processes that underpin 3D animation practice.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. Effectively develop digital animation skills.

4. Effectively conduct research

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Engage with the studio community in a professional manner.

How will I be assessed?

You will have formative discussions on your work in progress, through group crits. and tutorials throughout the module. You will receive verbal feedback and you will have an opportunity to reflect on and respond to the feedback before submitting the final project assignment. This addresses MLO 5.

You will present your initial, individual research work to the group, early in the semester and receive formative feedback addressing MLO 4.

During a mid-point presentation, which will focus on the conceptual and practical design strengths as well as areas for improvement, you will receive more formative feedback from staff and peers by addressing MLOs 1 & 2.

Following the final project submission, you will receive written summative feedback on your achievement against all of the MLOs, using the Faculty Feedback sheet and a final grade will be given. Feedback will be provided within 20 working days of submission.

Your work should be submitted via the eLearning Portal on the module page in the eLearning Portal, there is a folder called ‘Assignment Submission’ you will find all the necessary links in this folder.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years and 4 months

School Design Arts and Creative Industries

Location Sri Lanka

City Sri Lanka

Start January

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

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If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

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The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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