Students

MECO319 – Modelling and Animation

2019 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Sarah Keith
Rowan Tulloch
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp at 100 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit teaches students how to conceptually design and develop characters, props and scenes for the creation of three dimensional (3D) worlds. Through the creative application of theoretical and practical knowledge students gain the necessary skills to demonstrate a working understanding of modelling, texturing, rigging and animation for video game construction and or moving image formats.

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:

  • Conceptually design and develop characters, props and scenes for the creation of three dimensional (3D) worlds.
  • Develop the capability to create and edit polygonal models utilising 3D modeling tools.
  • Apply creative techniques to the application of texturing.
  • Understand and apply rigging to assets for animation.
  • Plan, create and present original components of a 3D world for a major project.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

General Assessment Information

Assessment Preparation: Over the course of this unit, you are going to explore a series of topics, ideas and activities that will not only encourage you to engage with new ways of thinking and new knowledge; they will also prepare you to complete the assessments and meet the learning outcomes of the unit. We will prepare for you to complete each assessment via the (a) weekly activities (see guide in ilearn) that engage with the unit content and (2) by sharing assessment clips, questions and guidance in assessment forums.

Feedback: For each assessment, you will receive individual feedback via grade book. You may also receive group feedback via the announcements and assessment clips.

Special Consideration: If you have experienced an unavoidable and serious disruption and are unable to complete this task by the due date, please email your unit convenor and request Special Consideration via ask.mq.edu.au.

Late Submission: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

 

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

 

Student Enquiry Service

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

 

Equity Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

 

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.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Modeling and Texturing 50% No 5pm Friday (Week 7)
Major Project 50% No 5pm Friday (week 13)

Modeling and Texturing

Due: 5pm Friday (Week 7)
Weighting: 50%

Due: 5pm Friday (Week 7) Weighting: 50%

Task: Design and create polygon model of a humanoid (2 legged) character using not more than 5000 polygons. Follow design images you have chosen and make judicious use of proper polygonal topology. Unwrap the polygon model to a 2048x2048 pixel map, then paint the texture map to suit the character design. Select and use design images for reference and follow correct UV mapping techniques for proper UV layout.

Deliverable: A single blend file containing the unwrapped 3d model, packed reference images and the packed 2048px texture map, saved to your Sites folder.

 

Assessment criteria:

  • Design aesthetic and coherency
  • Polygonal efficiency
  • Demonstration of correct use of topology.
  • Polygons that are UV-mapped evenly, squared and laid out optimally for the texture space.
  • Texturing that follows the chosen designs
  • Design aesthetic

Late submission

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved:

1. a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and

2. no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests, online participation.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Conceptually design and develop characters, props and scenes for the creation of three dimensional (3D) worlds.
  • Develop the capability to create and edit polygonal models utilising 3D modeling tools.
  • Apply creative techniques to the application of texturing.
  • Understand and apply rigging to assets for animation.
  • Plan, create and present original components of a 3D world for a major project.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

Major Project

Due: 5pm Friday (week 13)
Weighting: 50%

Major project, Animation and Scene.

Due: 5pm Friday (week 13) Weighting: 50%

 

Task: Rig and animate the model from Assignment 1 in a looping animation, making sure the rig fits the model correctly and the mesh is deforming properly.

A complete and finished animation, featuring at least 1x original 3d character performing within fully textured and lit 3d environment. Animation is to be a minimum of 15 seconds length and including audio to suit.

Deliverable: 2 files = 1 x movie file (mp4 or avi) and 1 x zip file containing all project blend files packed with all textures and design reference images, saved to your Sites folder.

Assessment Criteria:

* The rig fits to the 3d model's pivot points

* The model deformation at each joint during the motion

* The looping of the animation

* The quality and integrity of the animation

* The motion in relation to the chosen design aesthetic

* Purposeful design aesthetic

* Integrity and believability of the motion

* The rendering and shading quality and consistency with the chosen design

* Editing and audio in keeping with the design aesthetic

* Entertainment and engagement

* Demonstration of a holistic understanding of 3d modeling, texturing, rendering and animation

 

Late submission

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved:

 

1. a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and

2. no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests, online participation.

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Conceptually design and develop characters, props and scenes for the creation of three dimensional (3D) worlds.
  • Develop the capability to create and edit polygonal models utilising 3D modeling tools.
  • Apply creative techniques to the application of texturing.
  • Understand and apply rigging to assets for animation.
  • Plan, create and present original components of a 3D world for a major project.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

Delivery and Resources

Delivery and Resources

This unit uses the Blender 3D creation suite: https://www.blender.org/

Lectures begin in Week 1

Workshops begin in Week 2

 

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/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 ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/ download/?id=167914

Student Support

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

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

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.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop the capability to create and edit polygonal models utilising 3D modeling tools.
  • Apply creative techniques to the application of texturing.
  • Understand and apply rigging to assets for animation.
  • Plan, create and present original components of a 3D world for a major project.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

Assessment tasks

  • Modeling and Texturing
  • Major Project

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand and apply rigging to assets for animation.
  • Plan, create and present original components of a 3D world for a major project.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

Assessment tasks

  • Modeling and Texturing
  • Major Project

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply creative techniques to the application of texturing.
  • Understand and apply rigging to assets for animation.
  • Plan, create and present original components of a 3D world for a major project.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

Assessment tasks

  • Modeling and Texturing
  • Major Project

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Conceptually design and develop characters, props and scenes for the creation of three dimensional (3D) worlds.
  • Develop the capability to create and edit polygonal models utilising 3D modeling tools.
  • Apply creative techniques to the application of texturing.
  • Understand and apply rigging to assets for animation.
  • Plan, create and present original components of a 3D world for a major project.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

Assessment tasks

  • Modeling and Texturing
  • Major Project

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Conceptually design and develop characters, props and scenes for the creation of three dimensional (3D) worlds.
  • Develop the capability to create and edit polygonal models utilising 3D modeling tools.
  • Apply creative techniques to the application of texturing.
  • Understand and apply rigging to assets for animation.
  • Plan, create and present original components of a 3D world for a major project.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

Assessment tasks

  • Modeling and Texturing
  • Major Project

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Conceptually design and develop characters, props and scenes for the creation of three dimensional (3D) worlds.
  • Develop the capability to create and edit polygonal models utilising 3D modeling tools.
  • Apply creative techniques to the application of texturing.
  • Understand and apply rigging to assets for animation.
  • Plan, create and present original components of a 3D world for a major project.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

Assessment tasks

  • Modeling and Texturing
  • Major Project

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop the capability to create and edit polygonal models utilising 3D modeling tools.
  • Apply creative techniques to the application of texturing.
  • Understand and apply rigging to assets for animation.
  • Plan, create and present original components of a 3D world for a major project.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

Assessment tasks

  • Modeling and Texturing
  • Major Project

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Plan, create and present original components of a 3D world for a major project.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

Assessment tasks

  • Modeling and Texturing
  • Major Project

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand and apply rigging to assets for animation.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation capabilities for game construction and or video/moving image formats.

Assessment tasks

  • Modeling and Texturing
  • Major Project