12/26/2024 11:55:11 PM	APTECH 53 Course Outline as of Fall 2008	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  APTECH 53	Title:  COMPUTER ANIMATION
Full Title:  Computer Modeling and Animation with 3D Studio Max
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:  39 - Total 2 Times
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:

Three-Dimensional (3D) modeling, rendering, and animation using the windows-based,

3D Studio Max Software program. The student will create professional quality 3D models, photo-realistic still images and film quality animation at the personal computer. Topics include: creating 3D objects and scenes, assigning and editing bitmap materials, creating and setting light sources and camera, casting shadows, and describing movement of: objects, camera, and lights to produce desired results within computer animations.  

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

Three-Dimensional (3D) Modeling, Rendering, and Animation using the Windows-Based 3D Studio Max Software Program. The student will create professional quality 3D models, photo-realistic still images and film quality animation at the personal computer.  

(Grade Only)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:39 - Total 2 Times

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

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

At the conclusion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Comprehend 3D Animation's role and usage in today's society

2.  Effectively interface with the 3D Studio Max software program

3.  Analyze pre-existing models and scenes

4.  Create and edit 3D models and scenes

5.  Assign bitmap materials to 3D objects

6.  Set and adjust lighting and shadows

7.  Establish and control environmental factors within 3D scenes

8.  Describe and create movement of objects, lights, and cameras

9.  Create photo-realistic renderings of 3D scenes

10. Produce broadcast quality animations

11. Repeating students will:

            a. Utilize new software releases to accomplish animation projects

            b. Interface with new options in software

           c. Utilize new tools and applications related to new software releases  

Topics and Scope

 

1.  Overview of the 3D animation industry

      A.  Gaming

      B.  Motion Pictures

      C.  Architecture/Construction/Engineering

      D.  Advertising

 

2.  The 3D Studio Max software interface

      A.  Viewport navigation

      B.  Command panels

      C.  Time controls

      D.  Menus and toolbars

3.  Analysis of pre-existing models and scenes

      A.  Component identification

      B.  Critique

      C.  Evaluation

4.  Create and edit 3D models and scenes

      A.  Polygonal modeling

      B.  Surface modeling

      C.  Model deformation

5.  Bitmap material assignment            

      A.  The material editor

      B.  Mapping coordinates and parameters

6.  Lighting and shadow creation and adjustment

      A.  Omni, spot, and direct lighting

      B.  Free and target lighting

      C.  Ray traced and shadow maps

7.  Environmental factors at 3D scenes

      A.  Environment maps

      B.  Environmental effects

      C.  Exposure control

8.  Movement of objects, lights, and cameras within animations

9.  Photo-realistic renderings of 3D scenes

      A.  Image adjustments and capture

      B.  Printing

10.  Produce broadcast quality animations

      A.  Save working and rendered animation files

      B.  Compression of animation files

      C.  Post scripting

11.  Repeating students will:

       A. Utilize new software releases to accomplish animation projects

      B. Interface with new options in software

      C. Utilize new tools and applications related to new software releases  

Assignments:

1.  Reading, approximately 20 - 30 pages per week

2.  Weekly animation  exercises in lab

3.  Homework: five (5) computer generated animations (to illustrate mastery of topics and techniques covered in class)

4. Objective and performance-based quizzes (3-4)

5. Final exam: objective and performance based

6. Repeating students will accomplish assignments utilizing new release(s) of the animation software and do projects of increasing complexity  

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 and skill demonstrations 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 10 - 20%
Animation exercises
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 50 - 60%
Performance exams, Animations
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 20 - 30%
Multiple choice, True/false, Matching items, Completion, Computer generated animations
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 0 - 0%
None

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Harnessing 3DS Max 8  

Aaron F. Ross, Michele Bousquet    

Autodesk Press 2006

 

 

Exploring 3D Modeling with 3DS Max 7

Steven Till     

Autodesk Press 2005

 

 

 

Instructor prepared materials  

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