KNB100 CGI Foundations
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | KNB100 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | KNB125 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KNB100 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | KNB125 |
| Coordinator: | Rewa Wright | rewa.wright@qut.edu.au |
Overview
In this unit, you will explore the theoretical foundations of 3D computer graphics alongside the development of practical computer-generated image production skills. You will examine the historical development of CGI, from traditional approaches to contemporary 3D practices, and investigate how digital images are constructed.
The unit focuses on the core components of 3D asset creation, including polygonal meshes, materials and textures, and how these elements shape visual outcomes. You will develop an understanding of how digital structures influence shading, surface detail and rendered imagery within CGI workflows.
Through guided exercises, you will apply modelling, texturing and rendering processes to create simple 3D assets. By the end of the unit, you will understand how computer-generated images are constructed and produced within contemporary CGI pipelines.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain how historical, technological and cultural developments have shaped contemporary computer-generated imagery practices.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of CGI techniques and concepts, including digital geometry, polygonal modelling, materials, texturing and rendering.
- Apply foundational CGI workflows to create simple digital assets, demonstrating how technical decisions influence visual form and rendered outcomes.
- Analyse and evaluate computer-generated imagery processes and outcomes, including how digital structure, materials and rendering contribute to aesthetic and narrative meaning.
- Demonstrate awareness of cultural, social and ethical considerations in the creation and interpretation of computer-generated imagery within animation and digital media contexts.
Content
You will engage with key concepts in digital geometry, 3D space and rendering, examining how images are constructed from polygonal meshes, materials, UV maps and textures. The unit also explores the historical development of CGI, including the transition from 2D animation and image-making to 3D production within animation and visual effects.
You will develop an understanding of how digital structure influences visual outcomes, including how topology, shading and material properties affect the final rendered image. Practical activities introduce fundamental 3D asset production workflows, including modelling, texturing and rendering, with a focus on creating assets suitable for Animation and digital media contexts.
The unit supports the development of critical and creative thinking in CGI production, including problem-solving within digital workflows, interpreting visual references in 3D, and understanding how technical decisions shape aesthetic and narrative outcomes.
The ethical and practical applications of Gen-AI are openly discussed with you as part of content delivery. In this unit, you will explore the methods and considerations involved in using Gen-AI as part of an evolving academic writing toolset, as well as in the creation of pre-production materials and emerging approaches to developing components of 3D assets. Gen-AI tools are positioned as supplementary to, not replacements for, core 3D production methods, and should only be engaged with after a firm understanding of key principles and techniques has been established.
Learning Approaches
Learning is facilitated through lectures and workshops that focus on the theoretical foundations of CGI. Lectures introduce key concepts such as digital geometry, translation of 2d concepts into 3d forms, rendering and the historical development of CGI, while workshops support discussion and analysis of how these ideas inform contemporary animation practice. The unit emphasises conceptual understanding of how digital images are constructed within animated contexts, with practical exercises in modelling, texturing and rendering used to reinforce and apply theoretical concepts.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials;
- summative feedback emanating from assessed work;
- discussions and commentary throughout the semester in addition to criteria sheets for grading.
Assessment
Overview
In this unit, you will develop a strong connection between theory and practice in computer-generated imagery. The three assessments are designed to support your progressive development of conceptual understanding and practical skills in 3D computer graphics and digital image construction, with a clear emphasis on how theory informs production.
In the first assessment, you will analyse a key historical development in CGI production, examining how technological and conceptual shifts have shaped animation and visual effects practices. This assessment focuses on your understanding of the theoretical and historical foundations of CGI.
In the second assessment, you will participate in weekly class activities that explore core 3D production techniques, including modelling, texturing and rendering. Your mark is based on evidence of experimentation and your active engagement in tutorial discussions, where you will connect technical processes to key theoretical concepts and historical developments in CGI.
In the final assessment, you will apply theoretical concepts through the creation of a CGI asset, demonstrating how digital geometry, materials and rendering processes influence visual outcomes, and how visual form, production technique and narrative context are interconnected.
Throughout the semester, you will receive formative feedback during tutorials to support the development of your conceptual understanding and your ability to apply theory through practice.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: CGI Production Analysis
In this assessment, you will analyse a key development in the history of computer-generated imagery. Through research and critical analysis, you will examine how technological and conceptual changes in computer graphics have influenced animation production. As part of this task, you will be provided with a curated example or segment for analysis. You will apply your understanding of the selected development to examine how key concepts introduced in the unit are evident in the work. Your analysis should demonstrate how theoretical concepts and historical developments inform the construction of computer-generated imagery and shape contemporary animation production practices.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Discussion and Practice
In this assessment, you will engage in weekly class activities that explore core 3D production techniques, including modelling, texturing and rendering. Your mark is based on evidence of experimentation with these techniques and active engagement in tutorial discussions that connect technical practice with the history and theory of CGI. At various points during the semester, you will be asked to discuss your work in tutorials. You are expected to come prepared for tutorials, contribute to peer discussion and demonstrate an understanding of how technical processes influence visual outcomes in computer-generated imagery.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project
In this assessment, you will apply key concepts from 3D computer graphics theory through the creation of CGI assets. Using CGI production techniques introduced in the unit, you will design and produce digital assets suitable for use in animation and games production. The project explores how digital geometry, materials and rendering influence visual outcomes and the relationship between visual form, production technique and narrative context.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement).
Costs
It is highly recommended that students undertaking animation units acquire a high-speed, portable solid-state drive with USB-C connectivity and at least 500 GB. Cost can range from $150 to $500 you should discuss with the teaching staff before purchasing.
Resources
Refer to the unit's Canvas Learning Resources for links to additional learning materials.
24-hour labs are accessible on campus
Texts include, but are not limited to:
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Sito, T. (2014). Moving innovation : a history of computer animation. The MIT Press. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/j.ctt5vjqq9
Recommended text(s)
Branigan, E. (2017). Tracking Color in Cinema and Art: Philosophy and Aesthetics (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315317502.
Cavalier, S. (2011). The World History of Animation. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
Chandramouli, Magesh. 2022. 3D Modeling & Animation : a Primer. First edition. Boca Raton, Florida ;: CRC Press.
Thesen, Thomas Paul. 2022. Composition for the 21st 1/2 Century. Volume 1 : Image-Making for Animation. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Every effort is made by QUT staff to ensure that you work in a safe environment. Conversely, you are expected to follow all safety rules, procedures and directions, and to ensure that you do not put at risk the safety of others, or yourself, or of the highest artistic fulfilment of the project in any way.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BA01 Bachelor of Arts
- Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply knowledge about society, culture and technology, for a range of contexts, audiences and purposes.
Relates to: ULO1, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Recognise, develop and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge through critical and creative processes.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Independently formulate questions, and apply foundational research methods and analysis to investigate relationships between society, culture and technology.
Relates to: ULO2, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Develop knowledge about Indigenous and diverse intercultural contexts to reflect on individual positionality, ethical practice, integrity, and adaptability.
Relates to: ULO3, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Work productively as a reflective learner, team member and collaborator to achieve goals and to build personal and professional networks and develop entrepreneurial thinking in community and workplace contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project
CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO5, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO3 - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO5, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO5, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project
IN05 Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments
- Demonstrate broad knowledge of games and interactive environments principles and theory, with an in-depth knowledge of one games-related discipline.
Relates to: ULO2 - Apply creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to generate solutions to design challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, Applied 3D Computer Graphics Project - Critically reflect on social, ethical, cultural, legal and accessibility issues in the context of games and interactive environments, including as they relate to First Nations Australians.
Relates to: ULO3, CGI Production Analysis, Discussion and Practice