11/21/2024 12:43:35 AM	APTE 43 Course Outline as of Fall 2025	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  APTE 43	Title:  COMPUTER ANIMATION
Full Title:  Computer Modeling and Animation
Last Reviewed:8/26/2024

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	3.00	Lecture Scheduled	2.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	35.00
Minimum	3.00	Lab Scheduled	3.00		8 min.	Lab Scheduled	52.50
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	5.00			Contact Total	87.50
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  70.00

Total 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:

In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of three-dimensional (3D) modeling and animation using software such as Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya, or Blender. 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:

In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of three-dimensional (3D) modeling and animation using software such as Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya, or Blender. 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:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 1998	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2013	Inactive:
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:

1. Use animation and modeling software to produce three-dimensional (3D) models, scenes, and animations.

2. Create still-image and video renderings of 3D scenes.

 

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Discuss 3D modeling and animation's role and usage

2. Effectively use 3D animation and modeling software applications

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

I. Overview of the 3D Modeling and Animation Industry

    A. Gaming

    B. Film and television

    C. Architecture, engineering, and construction

    D. Advertising

    E. Virtual Reality

    F. Forensics

II. The 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. Material editing interfaces

    B. Mapping coordinates and parameters

    C. Material and map types

    D. Substance plug-ins

VI. Lighting and Shadow Creation and Adjustment

    A. Light types

    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. Dynamics fundamentals

    B. Basic particle systems

X. Rendering of 3D Objects and Animations

    A. Render engines

    B. Still image and video settings

 

The above Topics and Scope apply to both lecture and lab course components in an integrated format.

Assignments:

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:

Autodesk Maya 2024 Basics Guide, Murdock, Kelly. SDC Publications. 2023.

The Complete Guide to Blender Graphics: Computer Modeling & Animation. 7th ed. Blain, John. A K Peters/CRC Press. 2022.

 

Instructor-prepared materials

Print PDF