Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

MSP 45 - 3-D Computer Modeling and Animation

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
CSU/UC
Unit(s)
3.00
  • Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
  • Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
  • Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course introduces students to the use of software techniques to create and animate three-dimensional environments and objects. Students will learn to create photo-realistic models and scenes enhanced by lighting, shadows, reflection, and textures, and will learn to produce camera fly-throughs and basic character animation sequences.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate skills in 3D model construction, texture and color, environmental construction, lighting point of view (camera placement), and movement sequencing.
  2. Create a portfolio of 3D models and animations suitable for potential employers.
  3. Identify employment opportunities in the 3D design industry.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lecture topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec Hrs
Orientation and fundamentals4.00
Basic modeling, object construction8.00
Creation of environment4.00
Textures and color4.00
Lighting and reflection2.00
Point of view: camera placement, angles2.00
Animations: camera movement, character movement4.00
Portfolio development6.00
Total Hours:34.00

Lab

Lab topics and suggested hours
TopicsLab Hrs
Orientation and fundamentals6.00
Basic modeling, object construction12.00
Creation of environment6.00
Textures and color6.00
Lighting and reflection3.00
Point of view: camera placement, angles3.00
Animations: camera movement, character movement6.00
Portfolio development9.00
Total Hours:51.00

Methods of Instruction

  1. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
  2. Lecture/Lab demonstration
    Presentations of 3-D examples
    Group and individual critiques

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Quizzes
  2. Portfolios
  3. Projects
  4. Class Discussion
  5. Critique

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Research a 3D industry professional or design studio that focuses on 3D, and read a profile or interview about the individual or company. Be prepared to share the information with the class through an oral report.
  2. Read an article related to the 3D modeling and animation industry and share with the class.

Writing Assignments

  1. Develop an interactive story board and write a script that relates to the 3D design process.
  2. Write a one-page description of the process used to create an interactive project.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Research new technologies and software for the 3D modeling and animation industry. Share with the class.
  2. Use a camera to capture still images for background textures and implement the texture into a 3D project. Print out hardcopy of project for review.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

Other Learning Materials

Tutorials

Examples

Internet sites

Minimum Qualifications

Art (Masters Required)

Computer Science (Masters Required)

Graphic Arts

Office Technologies