Module Title/Name: Computer Animation

Module Code: CS3CA

School: Engineering & Physical Sciences

Module Type: Standard Module

New Module? No

Module Credits: 15

Pre-requisites:

None Specified

Co-requisites:

None Specified

Prohibited Combinations:

None Specified

Module Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an in depth understanding of CA from a computer science perspective. We will be looking "under the bonnet" of modern CA software packages, attempting to make sense of the key concepts and algorithms   involved in making a piece of animation. This module does not aim to turn students into CA creative artists, although it may

motivate some to pursue further training in practical CA. Rather, our aim is to provide students with enough technical experience to be able to make informed decisions about the use of specific CA techniques, and perhaps contribute to the development of future   CA software packages.

Module Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module students will be able to:

LO1. Describe the theory and principles of computer animation

LO2. Evaluate the benefit of applying animation in different situations and select appropriate animation techniques LO3. Use the Blender 3D modelling software for creating short 3D animation features

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction to animation

Display pipeline

Keyframing Interpolation

Orientation representations

Grid deformation

Forward/Inverse kinematics

L-systems

Particle systems

Rigid body simulation

Motion Capture Technologies

International Dimensions:

N/A

Corporate Connections:

N/A

Ethical Approval:

N?A

Links to Research:

The module links to research on Augmented and Virtual Reality, specifically the building or artificially intelligent virtual humans.

Ethics, Social Responsibility and Sustainability:

N/A

Methods of Delivery & Learning Hours (by each method):

Learning & Teaching Rationale:

The module has two components:

1. Theory of 3D computer animation. This is taught during lectures and tutorials and consists of a mixture of topics surrounding the mathematics of animation, 3D transformations, interpolation and others.

2. Practice of 3D computer animation. This involves using a professional animation software package to generate simple 3D    animations. It is taught through a series of lab sessions so that students get first hand experience of how the theory they have been taught in lectures applies in practice.