FIT1033 Foundations of 3D is a core unit within the redesigned Multimedia Development and Games Development Majors beginning in 2016. It is an introductory, no-prerequisite unit open to students from across the faculty and the university.

Theoretical aspects of the 3D medium are covered in lectures and tutorials. Assessment of these theoretical aspects of the discipline are addressed in part via the student documentation submitted for each assignment. The bulk of student work is necessarily weighted towards the creation of 3D models and direct (i.e. computer based) experimentation in the 3D medium. The theoretical aspects of this unit translate poorly into a paper-based examination, and a single lab based examination for the entire unit would entail considerable logistical complications.

The proposed assignment structure is:

Assignment 1 = 20%, plus a 10% in class test related to Assignment 1 Assignment 2 = 20%, plus a 10% in class test related to Assignment 2 Assignment 3 = 30%, plus a 10% in class test related to Assignment 3

Each in class test will be administered in the tutorial following the submission of each assignment. These tests would assess students on the fundamentals of the assignment they had recently completed.

September 23/2013

There are several reasons for changing the lecture time allocation from 2 hours to 1 hour and the tutorial/lab allocation from 2 hours to three hours.

Implementation: 2014

11/10/13 - approvals reversed at the request of Chair of UGPC for further discussion due to resourcing issues with changing lecture/tutorial hours.

11/12/13 - Lecture and studio duration to change to 1 hour lecture / 3 hour studios (previously 2 hour lecture / 2 hour studio) Contact hours remain 4 hours per week.

1/9/2015 - Updated for course architecture programs. Effective semester 1/2016

03/02/20: Admin - updating the on-campus workload activity types to meet University requirements. Also minor amendment to wording of workload - removing mention of tutes and pracs, as they are not run in this unit.

16/09/2020: Admin: Update to include new assessment and teaching approach fields as per Handbook requirements.

This unit is an introduction to the techniques, frameworks and processes comprising 3D modelling and imaging. Foundations of 3D aims to give students an understanding of 3D modelling by developing skills in 3D model creation for a variety of contexts such as 3D prototyping, 3D visualisation and 3D environments for games and animation. Students will apply their knowledge of 3D theory through the production of 3D model designs that demonstrate geometrical modelling, texture mapping, virtual lighting, camera positioning and rendering procedures. This unit is a prerequisite for Advanced 3D (FIT2087) and provides students with the introductory competence in 3D modelling and imaging for inclusion in third year studio projects (FIT3039/3040).

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

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This unit is an introduction to the techniques, frameworks and processes comprising 3D modelling and 3D imaging. Foundations of 3D aims to give students an understanding of 3D modelling by developing skills in 3D model creation for a variety of contexts, including 3D prototyping, 3D visualisation and 3D modelling for games and animation. Students will communicate their knowledge of 3D theory through the production of designs that demonstrate geometrical modelling, texture mapping, virtual lighting techniques, camera positioning, and rendering procedures.

Autodesk Maya 2020 software will be provided on campus lab computers, and students are encouraged to register with the Autodesk Education Community for their own educational trial version of Autodesk Maya 2018 and related Autodesk software under the company's terms and conditions. Please visit: http://www.autodesk.com/education/home&#8203

Adobe Photoshop will be used in the labs for digital image and texture editing.

We will also be using Unity https://unity3d.com/get-unity/download/archive for all Major Assignments. A download link will be provided for Unity software later in the semester.

Recommended resources:

The following titles are available on reserve or through a short term loan through the Monash library. Please note that though these mainly general references. There is also a considerable collection of books for specific 3D studies (3D characters, architecture, lighting and texturing) available at the Monash Caulfield library.

See also: The Art of 3-D : Computer Animation and Imaging / Isaac Victor Kerlow (various editions) The Art of 3-D : Computer Animation and Effects / Isaac Victor Kerlow (various editions)

Technological requirements

Students may bring their own laptops to class, however they will need a copy of Autodesk Maya 2020 installed.

Students will be importing their Maya scene to Unity (using a supplied file) and exporting a build from Unity https://unity3d.com/get-unity/download/archive for their submission. Unity software is available in the labs and is also free to download as a student version.

Regularly check Moodle for announcements.

On-campus

Lecture and studios or problem classes. This teaching and learning approach provides facilitated learning, practical exploration and peer learning.

In-semester assessment: 100% This unit is heavily based on advanced 3D software and a paper based exam would be impracticable

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

(b.) Additional requirements (all students):

Tutorials require a lab with computers running a 3D application ? namely AutoDesk Maya - and Adobe Photoshop.

Tutorials require a lab with computers running a 3D application ? namely AutoDesk Maya - and Adobe Photoshop.

N/A

Nil