289111

Introduction to 3D Modelling and Texturing

In this course students will be introduced to industry standard digital tools for the creation of 3D assets. Students will gain a creative and technical knowledge and understanding of approaches and methodologies essential for the production of 3D assets for computer animation, visual effects, games, augmented reality and emerging media.

Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

289111

Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

100-level

Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15

Subject

Creative Media Production

Course planning information

Course notes

This is the course to kick-start building your portfolio and 3D skill set.

You will learn how to use our 3D modelling software to create whatever you want in 3D space. This could be majestic scenery, ornate armour, or even cute furry creatures. The choice is yours. Once you have the ability to make these 3D assets you can put them to use in game development, films and visual effects. Perhaps you want to print the sword you designed and hold it in your hand – well you can with the power of 3D printing! But first, you need to build these things in 3D.

This course will give you the fundamental skills you will need to develop your portfolio and be a source of technical strength and know-how for any creative project.

The core 3D skills you will gain include:
- Understanding the creative process to make 3D assets
- Making 3D assets to industry standard
- UV mapping – initial process of adding texture/colour to 3D work
- Creating textures/colour
- Digital lighting
- Preparing your assets for animation

3D modelling can be used to take your creativity to the next level - especially when paired with other digital tools. For example, pairing modelling with 3D printing can be used to sculpt unique miniatures for tabletop games. It could bring a beloved party member or memorable monster to the physical gaming table. Costume makers and cosplayers alike can model bespoke props for use in film and stage. A bejewelled gold crown need not weigh down the head of your lead actor – if it’s made of biodegradable plastic. Emerging media such as augmented reality relies on 3D modelling to create a digital world around their users.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Demonstrate basic competencies in digital production tools and technologies required to create complete 3D models. (Graduate profile: Virtuosity - Mōhio D1)
  • 2 Apply techniques and processes in producing and manipulating 3D assets for multiple platforms. (Graduate profile: Virtuosity - Mōhio D1)
  • 3 Carry out basic forms of technical investigation for developing production skills. (Graduate profile: Creativity - Toi C3)
  • 4 Exercise skills in managing workloads and meeting deadlines. (Graduate profile: Autonomy - Mana E3)
  • 5 Reflect and discuss own work and work of others in workgroups, discussions, critiques and presentations. (Graduate profile: Understanding - Mātauranga C2; Connectedness - Whanaungatanga E1)

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Creative compositions 1 2 3 4 5 100%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

There are no set texts for this course.