SRJC Course Outlines

11/23/2024 7:10:44 PMAPTE 43 Course Outline as of Summer 2025

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  APTE 43Title:  COMPUTER ANIMATION  
Full Title:  Computer Modeling and Animation with 3ds Max
Last Reviewed:8/26/2024

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum3.00Lecture Scheduled2.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled35.00
Minimum3.00Lab Scheduled3.008 min.Lab Scheduled52.50
 Contact DHR0 Contact DHR0
 Contact Total5.00 Contact Total87.50
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  70.00Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  APTECH 43

Catalog Description:
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This course covers the fundamentals of three-dimensional (3D) modeling and animation using Windows-based Autodesk 3ds Max software. Topics include: polygon and spline modeling, materials and texturing, keyframe and constraint-based animating, lighting, and rendering. Basic introductions to dynamic simulations, particle systems, character rigging and character animation are also included.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:


Recommended Preparation:

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
This course covers the fundamentals of three-dimensional (3D) modeling and animation using Windows-based Autodesk 3ds Max software. Topics include: polygon and spline modeling, materials and texturing, keyframe and constraint-based animating, lighting, and rendering. Basic introductions to dynamic simulations, particle systems, character rigging and character animation are also included.
(Grade Only)

Prerequisites:
Recommended:
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:Effective:Inactive:
 Area:
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 1998Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 2013Inactive:
 
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable



COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1. Use 3ds Max software to produce three-dimensional (3D) models, scenes, and animations.
2. Create still-image and video renderings of 3D scenes within 3ds Max.
 

Objectives: Untitled document
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1.   Comprehend 3D modeling and animation's role and usage in today's society
2.   Effectively interface with the 3ds Max software program
3.   Analyze models and scenes
4.   Create and edit 3D models and scenes
5.   Assign bitmap and procedural materials to 3D objects
6.   Set and adjust lighting and shadows
7.   Establish and control environmental factors within 3D scenes
8.   Animate movement and characteristics of objects, lights, and cameras
9.   Create basic dynamic simulations, particle systems, and effects
10. Apply 3D rendering principles and procedures

Topics and Scope
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I. Overview of the 3D Modeling and Animation Industry
   A. Gaming
   B. Motion pictures
   C. Architecture/construction/engineering
   D. Advertising
   E. Virtual Reality
II.  The 3ds Max Software Interface
   A. Viewport navigation
   B. Command panels
   C. Time controls
   D. Menus and toolbars
III. Analysis of 3D Models and Scenes
   A. Component identification
   B. Analysis of procedures
   C. Evaluation of effectiveness
IV. Create and Edit 3D Models and Scenes
   A. Polygonal modeling
   B. Spline modeling
   C. Model deformation
V. Material Creation and Assignment            
    A. The material editors: Compact and Slate
   B. Mapping coordinates and parameters
   C. Material and map types
   D. Substance plug-ins
VI. Lighting and Shadow Creation and Adjustment
   A. Omni, spot, and direct lighting
   B. Free and target lighting
   C. Ray-traced and shadow maps
   D. Photometric lighting
VII. Environmental Factors within 3D Scenes
   A. Environment maps
   B. Environmental effects
   C. Exposure control
VIII. Animating Objects, Lights, Cameras, and Controls
   A. Keyframe animation
   B. Constraint-based animation
   C. Character animation basics
IX. Dynamic Simulations and Effects
   A. MassFX fundamentals
   B. Basic particle systems
X. Rendering of 3D Objects and Animations
   A. Scanline renderer
   B. ART renderer
   C. Still image and video settings
 
The above Topics and Scope apply to both lecture and lab course components in an integrated format.

Assignments:
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1. Project guide readings (20 - 26)
2. 3D modeling and animation projects (20 - 26)
3. Quizzes (2 - 4)
4. Final exam

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.Writing
0 - 0%
None
This is a degree applicable course but assessment tools based on writing are not included because problem solving assessments are more appropriate for this course.
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
65 - 80%
3D modeling and animation projects
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0%
None
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
20 - 30%
Quizzes and final exam
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
0 - 5%
Participation


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Autodesk 3ds Max 2021: A Comprehensive Guide. 21st ed. Tickoo, Sham. CADCIM Technologies. 2020
Instructor-prepared materials

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