Module Details

Module Code: MMED6001
Title: Animation Principles
Long Title: Animation Principles
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2130 - Multimedia
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module acknowledges the importance of temporal and spatial pixel-manipulation within digital
media. It develops the student’s technical and conceptual skills in animation and enables them to
master virtual image processing using relevant industrial standard tools and techniques. The students
acquire a fundamental understanding of the vocabulary of movement. They know about the basic
techniques of working on a frame by frame basis in digital media. Based on the knowledge of animation
history as well as the principles of animation they recognize animation as a form of audiovisual
expression suitable for all media formats. They are capable of developing platform-independent
production concepts for time-based graphic design products, animated linear and non-linear stories,
digital simulations and virtual worlds.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the principles of animation;
LO2 Recognise and describe different methodologies, genres, platforms, and design issues in the field of animation;
LO3 Analyse and identify good practice in existing animation works especially in terms of narrative structure, characters, environments and visual language;
LO4 Describe the creative and technical processes involved in the development of an animation product from concept to completion;
LO5 Apply appropriate principles and practice in the creation of a short animation sequence;
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Lecture
The lecture covers the traditional principles of animation in order to convey an understanding of the role of animation in the whole area of digital and virtual media. Students learn about the characteristics of animation and the related specific approaches in concept-making, visual languages and production techniques which qualifies them to take part in any type of production within digital media. Fundamental explanation will be given on issues like: storyboarding, developing a character, achieving personality by movement, creating visual effects, compositing different type of media.
Practical
In short exercises the students will deepen their knowledge of the history of animation, genres, styles and artists, principles of animation, the relationship of animation and sound. They will do experimental work with classic animation techniques and will use 2D- and 3D- computer animation techniques. Practical exercises will be done in developing motion graphics, planning and developing concepts for computer generated animations, designing virtual environments and exploring the interactive potential of animation.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Examination of practical work and associated documentation.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Overview and evaluation of an animation piece.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Short exercises the students will deepen their knowledge of the history of animation, genres, styles and artists, principles of animation, the relationship of animation and sound. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Practice and exploration by student outside of class contact. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Laybourne, Kit. (1998), The Animation Book: A Complete Guide to Animated Film Making., Crowne Publications.
  • Raymond Williams. (2001), The Animators Survival Kit: A manual of Methods Principles and Formulas., Faber & Faber.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • John Lasseter. (2002), Timing for Animation, Focal Press.
  • Tony White. (1988), The Animators Workbook, Watson-Guptil Publications, [ISBN: 0-8230-0229-2].
  • Phil Gross and Jason Roberts. The Elements of Animation, Director Dymystified, Macromedia Press.
  • Mark Elsom-Cook. (2001), Moving Images, Principles of Interactive Multimedia, McGraw-Hill, [ISBN: 007-709610-X].
  • Nigel Chapman, Jenny Chapman. (2004), Animation, Digital Multimedia, John Wiley and Sons Ltd, [ISBN: 0470858907].
  • Alex Michael. (2003), Animating with Flash, Professional Creative Animation Techniques, Focal Press.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HMMED_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Digital Media 2 Group Elective 1
CR_HPHNM_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Photography with New Media 2 Elective