KNB115 Crafting Motion in 3D
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: | KNB115 |
|---|---|
| Assumed Knowledge: | A familiarity with the core concepts and principles of 2D animation, such as provided in KNB105. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $996 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $4,668 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KNB115 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | KNB105 |
| Coordinator: | Michael Linhart | michael.linhart@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Enhancing your core animation skill set, you will focus on expressing qualities of character within animated outcomes. With reference to historical and contemporary precedents, you will gain a thorough grounding that will foster the knowledge required to advance in digital character animation. Incorporating a critique and analysis of body mechanics, expression and body language, students will explore and experiment with the nuances of real-world physics within a character animation context. This unit provides students with a comprehensive understanding of 3D animation, while reflecting upon present day technological methods involving aspects such as machine learning, performance capture and optimization with algorithms and the impact on animating characters. A final animated outcome will challenge you through a practice-led investigation of body mechanics and the subtle relationship with character behaviour, applying complex locomotion to an original bipedal character.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Through theory and practical analysis, understand real-life forces and body mechanics to create believable motion.
- Identify and apply conceptual, creative and technical skills to animated objects and characters.
- Develop initiative, ethical judgement and problem solving skills through the iterative development of animated objects.
- Demonstrate an ability to animate the personality of a character through motion gesture and expression using 3D software.
Content
In this unit, you will build upon knowledge and principles of animation applied to 3D contexts. This includes critique and analysis of body mechanics, movement forces and character action or performance through motion studies of real life. You will synthesise real-life motion into animated forms to further develop animation concepts and principles. The animation workflow and methodology will focus on action analysis, reference gathering, construction of key poses, inbetweening / splining and animation polish. You will be encouraged to critically reflect on the iterative development as you deploy 3D animation techniques and methodologies, informed by current animation industry methods.
Learning Approaches
This unit incorporates theory and practice through lectures and applied tutorials with activities designed to incrementally build your ability and understanding of the art and craft of animation in the 3D CG medium.
The readings, video content and lectures introduce methods, concepts and theories whereas the applied tutorials include discussions, applications and demonstrations of animation practices, technical workflows to creating appealing movement and convincing actions in animation.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- comments on summative assessment work
- comments during in-class discussion
- criteria sheet grading.
Students will also be encouraged to develop collaborative peer feedback approaches.
Assessment
Overview
This unit will pedagogically foster a clear connection between theory and practice, and learning will culminate in a significant research-based practical outcome. Summative assessments form the core of the three assignments, consisting of individual projects reflecting student's developing knowledge in both theory and practice. The summative assessments for this unit includes the iterative development of animated sequences through the synthesis of real-life motion and the investigation of forces and body mechanics undertaken through motion studies. Formative assessment involves regular feedback on approaches and outcomes during the development of each assessment. Formative feedback at each milestone will be given individually and as a group in tutorials, and to the cohort during lectures.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Basic body mechanics
Animated sequences and motion studies that display an understanding of forces and body mechanics within the context of animated forms. You are expected to apply creative problem solving to the iterative development of the creative work documented in a process journal (digital blog). For this first assessment you are required to present a minimum of two works in progress.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Movement and basic body mechanics
Animated sequences and motion studies that display an understanding of forces and body mechanics within the context of animated forms. You are expected to apply creative problem solving to the iterative development of the creative work documented in a process journal (digital blog).
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Character action sequence
Collaborate with others to create an animated character action sequence and communicate your approach to the practice. You are expected to apply creative problem solving to the iterative development of the creative work documented in a process journal (digital blog).
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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).
You will be advised if you are required to complete a Tier 2 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is provided by the technician on site in the theatre, workshop or studio, or a Tier 3 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is a hands on induction on specific machinery.
This unit involves substantial computer-based work. You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Costs
In this unit you may be required to use a WACOM CINTIQ tablet pen (approx. $170). (Staff will advise on suitable version/model in Week 1.) There are a limited number of pens supplied but students are advised to purchase their own.
Resources
Refer to the unit's Canvas Learning Resources for links to additional learning materials.
24-hour labs are accessible - on campus – during term time.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Thomas, F., & Johnston, O. (1981). Disney animation: The illusion of life. Los Angeles, CA: Disney Editions.
Williams, R. (2012). The animator's survival kit: a manual of methods, principles and formulas for classical, computer, games, stop motion and internet animators. Macmillan.
Software
Autodesk Maya
Other
Access to LinkedIn Learning (available through QUT Library)
LinkedIn Learning - Student - QUT Portal
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.CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Basic body mechanics, Movement and basic body mechanics, Character action sequence - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO3, Basic body mechanics, Movement and basic body mechanics, Character action sequence - 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: ULO1, ULO2, Basic body mechanics, Movement and basic body mechanics, Character action sequence - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Basic body mechanics, Movement and basic body mechanics, Character action sequence - Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Basic body mechanics, Movement and basic body mechanics, Character action sequence - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Basic body mechanics, Movement and basic body mechanics, Character action sequence - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Basic body mechanics, Movement and basic body mechanics, Character action sequence - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO3, Basic body mechanics, Movement and basic body mechanics, Character action sequence - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO3, Basic body mechanics, Movement and basic body mechanics, Character action sequence
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: ULO1, Movement and basic body mechanics - Apply creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to generate solutions to design challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Basic body mechanics - Collaborate effectively in transdisciplinary teams to achieve shared goals and to manage projects in professional contexts.
Relates to: Character action sequence - 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 - Evidence the development of your learning, professional capabilities and skills through creating a curated portfolio of work.
Relates to: Basic body mechanics, Movement and basic body mechanics, Character action sequence