Year 1 - Level C
Animation Principles 1: Practice & Theory
This unit will introduce the history and evolution of computer generated and controlled content in the 20th and 21st centuries. It also presents the intellectual, analytical skills, and observational skills working from the human form, an overview of computer animation development methodologies, principles and practises.
Computer Animation Preproduction
You will learn the principles and techniques of storytelling through scriptwriting and storyboarding, as well as the basic concepts of animation 3d software and the grammar and practice of scripting.
Computer Animation Production 1
This unit provides you with the fundamental building blocks that enable you to conceive, present and generate imaginative animated Computer Generated Imaging (CGI) projects. It will expose you to the principles and techniques of storytelling through scriptwriting and storyboarding.
Computing for Graphics
This unit is an introduction to computing and programming concepts that are commonly used in computer games, graphics and animation. The various techniques and concepts will be introduced in a way that demonstrates their relevance and application to computer graphics, animation, and games production.
Design for Animation 1: Practice & Theory
You will be introduced to the history and evolution of computer generated and controlled content in the 20th and 21st centuries, the cinematographic elements associated and the skills and practices applicable to and appropriate for CG content including film and games.
Mathematics for Computer Graphics 1
You will learn some of the fundamental mathematical ideas that are used in computer animation and computer games. This unit will provide you with the ability to select appropriate tools and techniques in the construction of geometric models and the realisation of computer graphics productions and to construct algorithms utilising the appropriate computer graphics techniques.
Year 2 - Level I
Computer Animation Production 2
This unit will introduce you to the principles and practices of team work and develop your creative skills through the production of a short visual sequence.
Computer Animation Specialist Production
You will be able to specialise by selecting to undertake a focused project in computer graphics. The project is student-centred allowing you to develop a more personal style and focus on your chosen area of specialisation in the field of computer graphics.
Critical and Contextual Studies
This unit will build upon and develop the fundamental theoretical knowledge and understanding of computer animation art and design practices, which were introduced in year one. Having completed this unit the student is expected to: a) demonstrate an advanced ability to analyse, critique, contextualise, and communicate concepts and ideas about the visual form b) demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of visual aesthetics and vocabulary c) demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the language of cinematography.
Design for Animation 2
The aim of this unit is to build on and develop the fundamental theoretical and applied knowledge and understanding of computer animation art and design practices introduced and developed to a basic level of competency at Level C (year 1). Having completed this unit the student is expected to: a) demonstrate advanced skills in the use of traditional media and deploy key animation techniques effectively b) demonstrate ability to apply underlying concepts and principles in order to observe and analyse motion c) demonstrate an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of animation principles and practises.
Computing for Animation 1
You will be introduced to Object Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts that are commonly used in computer graphics and animation. You will be exposed to various strategies for designing, implementing, testing and documenting programs.
Mathematics for Computer Graphics 2
Here you will be introduced to the fundamental mathematics and algorithms for 2D and 3D computer graphics by giving you an understanding of the principals of mathematical algorithms and techniques employed in the construction of computer graphics systems.
Year 3 - The Placement Year
Optional 40 week placement
Year 3 or 4 (depending on placement) - Level H
Innovations
This unit will encourage you to actively engage in exploring the potential of the computer in the evolution and development of new modes of creative expression. You will be introduced to some established and current approaches to experimentation in the use of computer technology in animation, effects, games and related areas and to methods that can sometimes lead to the generation of innovative ideas and products.
Computing for Animation 2
You will acquire key knowledge, and extensive practice of design and implementation of computer programs for animation systems. In order to achieve this you will be expected to use algorithm design, good software development principles, procedural, and OOP techniques that you have been taught in the previous two years under the umbrella of a collaborative software project.
Animation Systems Techniques
This unit integrates the knowledge and techniques acquired over the first two years of the course by examining how computer animation systems are designed and implemented. It will expose you to some of the more advanced mathematical and programming techniques involved in the development of modern computer animation systems and gives you the ability to understand and apply the mathematical and algorithmic techniques employed in the construction of 2D and 3D computer animation systems.
Masterclass in Computer Graphics Techniques
You will be introduced to the professional world of a digital media production house. This is done by exposing you to advanced production issues of professional practice and aims to provide you with the theoretical and practical knowledge of specialist computer graphics techniques.