Specialized Graphisms

Code:

GE301

Acronym:

GE

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Communication Design

Instance: 2015/2016 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Design
Course/CS Responsible:	Communication Design

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
DC	59	Licenciatura em Design de Comunicação	3	-	6	60	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

* To provide students an introduction to the field of 3D graphics, discretely analysing this medium’s specific technologies and grammar;
* To develop basic skills for production and editing of 3D image synthesis;
* To integrate the tools for 3D graphics into Communication Design practices, whether for rapid prototyping or for complex simulations, for print or for animated media.

Learning outcomes and competences

By the end of the semester, students will have accomplished a formal and introductory contact with the production of 3D graphics, being able to progress autonomously in this area. At the end of the semester it is intended that students possess:
* Understanding of the fundamental principles regarding 3D imaging synthesis, having the ability to integrate them into the individual practice of Communication Design;
* Fundamental understanding of the basic techniques for computer assisted 3D modelling, texturing, illumination, and animation;
* Fundamental understanding of the basic principles and procedures for rendering for screen and for print.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1.1) Introduction
* Context;
* The Interface;
* Software Configuration.
1.2) Creating content
* Basic Modelling and Modifiers;
* Basic Illumination;
* Materials and Textures.
1.3) Rendering
* Non-realistic Rendering (Blender Render, Freestyle);
* Physics-based Rendering (Cycles);
* Introduction to Compositing.
2) Adding Motion
* Keyframe-based Animation;
* Dynamic Animation;
* Real-time Animation: Introduction to the Blender Game Engine.

Mandatory literature

—; Blender 2.6 User Manual (At http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Doc:2.6/Manual.)
Bastos, Pedro; Produção 3D com Blender - para arquitectura e personagens, FCA, 2010. ISBN: 978-972-722-652-8
Flavell, Lance; Beginning Blender: Open Source 3D Modeling, Animations, and Game Design, APress, 2010. ISBN: 978-1-4302-3126-4
Williams, Richard; The Animator's Survival Kit: A Working Manual of Methods, Principles and Formulas for Computer, Stop-motion, Games and Classical Animators, Faber and Faber, 2013 (eBook ed./iOS app. Original edition, 2001.)
Krasner, Jon; Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics, Focal Press, 2013 (3rd edition.)

Complementary Bibliography

—; Blender, Floss Manuals (At https://www.flossmanuals.net/blender/.)
—; Blender 3D: Noob to Pro, Wikibook (At http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Blender_3D:_Noob_to_Pro.)
Bacone, Victor Kuller; Blender Game Engine Beginner’s Guide, Packt Publishing Ltd., 2012. ISBN: 978-1-84951-702-7
Bastos, Pedro; Produção 3D com Blender de personagens bípedes, FCA, 2011. ISBN: 978-972-722-693-1
Belgrave, Tito. A; Applying the 12 Principles to 3D Animation, 2003 (At http://www.cgsociety.org/index.php/CGSFeatures/CGSFeatureSpecial/applying_the_12_principles_to_3d_computer_animation_by_disneys_isaac_kerlow)
Chronister, James; Blender Basics: Classroom Tutorial Book., 2011
Simonds, Ben; Blender Master Class: A Hands-on Guide to Modeling, Sculpting, Materials, and Rendering, No Starch Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-59327-477-1

Teaching methods and learning activities

Presentation, analysis and discussion of relevant materials in order to establish a permanent discussion forum within the workgroup.

The classroom will be organized according to a laboratorial structure for the development of design projects. Thereby, will be set in place the idea of the creative lab as a space of experimentation and exploration, where students, individually and collectively, will develop class projects in order to implement scientific contents and consolidate technical skills.

Software

Blender (www.blender.org).

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	10,00
Trabalho laboratorial	90,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de projeto	42,00
Estudo autónomo	30,00
Frequência das aulas	60,00
Trabalho laboratorial	30,00
Total:	162,00

Calculation formula of final grade

* The final grades will be calculated from the mean average of every project evaluation, and its articulation with a qualitative evaluation of the students' attendance and contributions in class and in all the remaining curricular activities;
* Non delivered projects will be scored with a 0 (zero);
* Projects that are not duly monitored won't be evaluated;
* Projects delivered beyond the established deadlines will be penalized in its score by 25%.

Classification improvement

Only by frequenting classes in the following year.