Department: Vocational School

This major offers a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of computer-aided design and animation, focusing on creating and manipulating digital models and animations. Students will explore key topics such as 3D modeling, rendering, animation techniques, and visual effects. The major emphasizes integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare students for careers in animation, game design, film production, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basic principles of computer-aided design and animation and their role in digital media production.
• Develop skills in creating and manipulating 3D models and animations.
• Learn rendering techniques and visual effects.
• Explore animation principles and storytelling.
• Understand the impact of technological advances on computer-aided design and animation.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in computer-aided design and animation.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to tackle challenges in digital design and animation.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Animation
   • An overview of CAD and animation, their history, and significance in digital media production.
2. 3D Modeling and Design
   • Fundamentals of 3D modeling, including geometry, texture, and lighting.
   • Techniques for creating and manipulating 3D models.
3. Rendering and Visual Effects
   • Principles of rendering, including shading, lighting, and composition.
   • Techniques for creating visual effects and enhancing digital models.
4. Animation Techniques
   • An overview of animation techniques, including keyframing, rigging, and motion capture.
   • Techniques for creating realistic and expressive animations.
5. Storytelling and Narrative Design
   • Basics of storytelling, including character development and plot structure.
   • Techniques for integrating narrative design into animations.
6. Ethics and Professional Practices in Computer-Aided Design and Animation
   • An overview of ethical and professional considerations in computer-aided design and animation.
   • Techniques for ensuring ethical and professional conduct in digital media production.
7. Specialized Topics in Computer-Aided Design and Animation
   • Principles of specialized topics, including game design, virtual reality, and architectural visualization.
   • Techniques for conducting in-depth research on specialized topics.
8. Emerging Trends in Computer-Aided Design and Animation
   • The impact of emerging trends such as real-time rendering and AI-driven animation on computer-aided design and animation.
   • Techniques for integrating new trends into digital design and animation practices.

Assessment Methods:

• 3D modeling and animation projects to assess practical skills.
• Written assignments and research papers to evaluate knowledge in drawing and visual effects.
• Presentations and reports on animation techniques and storytelling.
• Participation in group projects and animation simulations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "The Art of 3D Animation and Computer Effects" by Isaac V. Kerlow.
• "Digital Modeling" by William Vaughan.
• "The Animator's Survival Kit" by Richard Williams.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of design and computer graphics is recommended. This major is suitable for students in animation, game design, and related fields.

Duration of the Major:

This major typically lasts four academic years, with a mix of lectures, lab sessions, and practical exercises.

Certification:

Upon successful program completion, students may earn a degree in computer-aided design and animation, depending on the program and institution.

Target Audience:

This major is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in animation, game design, and related fields, as well as professionals looking to enhance their skills in computer-aided design and animation. This major prepares students and professionals to excel in the field of computer-aided design and animation, leveraging theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of emerging trends to create compelling and innovative digital models and animations.