Students

COMP1170 – 3D Modelling and Animation

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Cameron Edmond
cameron.edmond@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
4RPD Level 3
By appointment
Lecturer
Angelina Bayer
angelina.bayer@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of creating and implementing 3D art for video game production. This unit emphasizes an understanding of the building blocks of modelling and animating three-dimensional objects and techniques used to shade these objects to produce video game scenes. Students will be introduced to the technical specifications and challenges facing technical artists working in the video game industry via the use of relevant software and processes.

This unit employs a milestone-based, project approach to teaching, where students will iterate on a project over the course of semester from initial sketches and model creation, through to animation and finally application in a game engine. Practical tasks along the way will help inform their creation and give additional opportunities for experimentation and portfolio-building.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Design, construct and animate 3D models with appropriate topology and rigging using a 3D modelling tool.
  • ULO2: Apply technical and artistic theory to implementing camera and lighting in the creation of simple scenes to achieve visual effects.
  • ULO3: Create simple materials and shaders that demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental building blocks of computer graphics, including textures, UVs and normals.
  • ULO4: Import and transform 3D models and animations from a modelling tool into a 3D game engine.
  • ULO5: Identify and explain the use of technical art techniques implemented in a 3D scene.

General Assessment Information

Assessment Latest Release Dates

  • 3D Development Task 1: To be released no later than 15th August.
  • Technique Analysis: To be released no later than 12th September.
  • 3D Development Task 2: To be released no later than 10th October.

Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit you must achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50%.

Late Assessment Submission and Penalties

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark of the task) will be applied for each day a written report or presentation assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. The submission time for all uploaded assessments is 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period will be provided to students who experience a technical concern. For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, please apply for Special Consideration. For example, if the assignment is worth 25 marks (of the entire unit) and your submission is late by 19 hours (or up to 23 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds), 1.25 marks (5% of 25 marks) will be deducted. If your submission is late by 24 hours (or up to 47 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds), 2.5 marks (10% of 25 marks) will be deducted, and so on.

Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted 

In this unit, late submissions will be accepted as follows:

  • 3D Development Task 1 – YES, Standard Late Penalty applies
  • Technique Analysis – YES, Standard Late Penalty applies
  • 3D Development Task 2 – YES, Standard Late Penalty applies

Completing Assignments

Work on assignments is expected to take place outside of class time, and through the use of standardised software used in this unit, including Blender and Unreal Engine (check iLearn for versions). Students struggling to access this software on their home devices can apply for special swipe access to the Games Teaching Lab, to be provided at staff's discretion and subject to a code of conduct.

Submission Methods

Assignment submissions that do not follow the relevant submission method protocol will not be marked. Please check iLearn and unit materials for relevant instructions, and reach out to unit staff well in advance of the due date to resolve any technical issues.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
3D Development Task 1 25% No 31/08/2025
Technique Analysis 30% No 12/10/2025
3D Development Task 2 45% No 09/11/2025

3D Development Task 1

Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 31/08/2025
Weighting: 25%

 

Students will create a small 3D scene using 3D computer graphics and game development tools, based on a provided specification. At the same time as submitting the scene, students will also submit a video evidencing and discussing their process.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Design, construct and animate 3D models with appropriate topology and rigging using a 3D modelling tool.
  • Create simple materials and shaders that demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental building blocks of computer graphics, including textures, UVs and normals.
  • Import and transform 3D models and animations from a modelling tool into a 3D game engine.

Technique Analysis

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 12/10/2025
Weighting: 30%

 

Students will analyse a scene, level, or other small section of a video game. Students must identify, analyse and contextualise technical art techniques and methods used in the creation of the scene in a written report.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and explain the use of technical art techniques implemented in a 3D scene.

3D Development Task 2

Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 38 hours
Due: 09/11/2025
Weighting: 45%

 

Students will work in groups to create and implement a scene using 3D computer graphics and game development tools, based on a provided specification unique to their team. At the same time as submitting their scene, students will also submit a multimodal report evidencing and discussing the implemented graphical techniques, the approach to achieving them, and the individual contributions of students.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Design, construct and animate 3D models with appropriate topology and rigging using a 3D modelling tool.
  • Apply technical and artistic theory to implementing camera and lighting in the creation of simple scenes to achieve visual effects.
  • Create simple materials and shaders that demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental building blocks of computer graphics, including textures, UVs and normals.
  • Import and transform 3D models and animations from a modelling tool into a 3D game engine.
  • Identify and explain the use of technical art techniques implemented in a 3D scene.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Week 1 Classes

Lectures will begin in Week 1. SGTAs will begin in Week 2.

Weekly Content

This unit includes the following forms of delivery:

  • Weekly pre-readings. These pre-readings are written summaries of relevant weekly content created and curated by unit staff, that may at times include links to additional videos, readings and apps. Students are expected to complete these readings before attending lectures and SGTAs.
  • Weekly two-hour active-learning lectures. These lectures are run in-person, and also streamed via Echo360, where they will be avaliable later for revision. These lectures embrace an active-learning pedagogy, and so students will benefit greatly from attending and contributing.
  • Weekly SGTAs. These classes are run-in person, and students will be completing tasks involving the discussion of modelling and animation techniques, as well as using relevant tools to practice modelling and animation techniques. These SGTAs embrace an active-learning pedagogy, and so students will benefit greatly from attending and contributing.
  • Three major assessments. These assessments will be completed by students in their own time and require the operationalisation of concepts taught across pre-readings, lectures and SGTAs.

Readings

The official textbooks for this unit is:

The book is avaliable from the library in digital format.

Software

The unit will be taught using (but not limited to) the following software:

Refer to iLearn for current versions used in the unit.

Methods of Communication

We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to the unit convenor via the contact email on iLearn. Queries from non-official University channels will not be replied to.

Unit Schedule

Week Topic
Week 1 Meshes and models
Week 2 Complex meshes
Week 3 Materials and textures
Week 4 Topology & UV-wrapping
Week 5 Lighting and texture mapping
Week 6 Tech art pipeline
Week 7 Cameras and render modes
Week 8 The Story So Far
Teaching Break Student-led revision and assignment work
Week 9 Intro to animation
Week 10 Rigging and weight painting
Week 11 Animating with rigs
Week 12 Advanced Topics
Week 13 Revision and wrap-up

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Use of Generative AI

The use of Generative AI including LLMs and image generators is permitted in this unit where this use does not undermine the Learning Outcomes of the unit and specific assessment tasks. All use of Generative AI must be appropriately acknowledged, evidenced and referenced. Use of Generative AI that does not adhere to assessment-specific details may result in a breach of Academic Integrity.

For more information on the use of Generative AI in your studies, please see the FSE Gen AI module:

https://ishare.mq.edu.au/prod/file/c6b0caa4-23dd-4372-b07d-5a03379fc3e8/1/FSE_GenAI-module.zip/content/index.html#/

Changes since First Published

Date Description
25/07/2025 -Removal of lecturer no longer on the unit. -Update of schedule to reflect personnel changes.

Unit information based on version 2025.02 of the Handbook