3D Computer Animation

Notice:

Students in this program are required to bring mobile devices that meet minimum specified requirements.

About the Program

Computer animation has evolved to become a major component in the field of animation production and contributes towards shaping content for film, television, games and online applications. As such, students must be actively engaged in all aspects of the production process and understand the requirements associated with the production pipeline. Traditional design, drawing and storytelling skills are enhanced via the latest computer (software/hardware), combined with 3D animation skills and the creation of characters and customized environments contribute towards the creation of unique content that graduates will utilize in their e-portfolio of project work.

Program Information

Length: One-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program
Delivery Sequence: Doon (Kitchener) - September/2020 - Fall | Winter
Location: Doon (Kitchener)
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 20

Admission Requirements

Note re: Admission Requirements

Admission Procedures

Tuition & Fees

Domestic fees are currently unavailable; please check back at a later time.

Financial Assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.

For more information, please visit Financial Services/Awards.

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates may find employment in a variety of animation-related industries ranging from designers or animators, to project managers for studios or production companies, regionally, nationally or internationally.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Pathways & Credit Transfer

Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions.

Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.

Learn more about PLAR.

Program Courses

Course Details (1391)
Course Code Course Title and Description
Level 1
ARTS8010 Anatomy and Life Drawing

Description: This course will enhance the student's awareness of the relationships between human and character development, with specific focus on refinement of life-drawing skills. Emphasis on structural drawing techniques and sequential figure drawing will contribute towards an understanding of human/skeletal anatomy and how movement and animation of characters evolve. Students will design and create a unique character that will be utilized in concurrent and future animation projects.
Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

ARTS8020 Story Development I

Description: Students will research, create and develop stories that will form the basis of their personal e-portfolio production toolkit. These stories will be integrated in concurrent and future courses and become the scripting component of storyboarding for shot selection and composition.
Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

ARTS8030 Sound Design and Engineering

Description: This course will provide the students with the opportunity to create or acquire audio elements. Studio and location sound capture will be processed and engineered for voice or special effect/s sound tracks that contribute towards creating believable animation sequences.
Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

DSGN8030 Animation Methodologies I

Description: The technical skills that are traditionally associated with cinematography will migrate to the virtual, computer world of 3D animation. Students will use a variety of 3D animation production software to generate animation sequences that highlight characters and environments. Working from storyboards, students will previsualize shot angles, position cameras with movement and angles, and use lighting, color and shadow to achieve a prescribed result. Students will also perfect body mechanics, performance, facial animation and full body (biped) characters.
Hours: 84
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

DSGN8040 Environmental Constructs

Description: Creating compelling environments is a critical component that contributes to the overall visual effect and storytelling process. Students will research, design and create environments that align to the characters and actions associated with the animation sequences. This course builds off skills and knowledge of concurrent courses and will form the foundation for future animation sequence development.
Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

OHS1320 Safety in the Workplace

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
Hours: 14
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Level 2
ARTS8040 Story Development II

Description: This course is the foundation for the final portfolio element. Students will research, create and develop a story and storyboard for a comprehensive animation sequence that will be generated via the Directed Project – Lab course. Students will incorporate their knowledge of different genres, story mechanics, story structure and story arcs in the development of coherent story structures.
Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

ARTS8050 Directed Project - Lab

Description: Students will use their design, illustration and animation skills to create unique characters that contribute towards creating believable animation sequences. Utilizing animation software and related technologies, they will create imagery that mirrors live-action elements and migrate their unique characters from the 1D and 2D illustrative stages to the 3D dimensions of an animated storyline.
Hours: 84
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

DSGN8050 Character Design

Description: Students will use their design, illustration and animation skills to create unique characters that contribute towards creating believable animation sequences. Utilizing animation software and related technologies, they will create imagery that mirrors live-action elements and migrate their unique characters from the 1D and 2D illustrative stages to the 3D dimensions of an animated storyline.
Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

DSGN8060 Animation Methodologies II

Description: Students will increase their personal toolkits of animation skills and knowledge and expand their technical abilities, by utilizing a variety of animation software, technologies and related applications. 3D computer generated imagery will be integrated into live action elements as well as full 3D and virtual reality environments which provide visual effects that capture the viewer's attention and contribute to the storyline.
Hours: 84
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

ETR8100 Portfolio Development and Presentation

Description: This course focuses on the preparation of a professional portfolio that demonstrates the skills and capabilities of the student. Students will identify and select examples of their work that emphasizes their strengths, and customize a portfolio to fit the specific job requirements of their target market. Students will present and speak to scope of work, with focus on the production pipeline and identify the specific personal work accomplished as well as the skills and knowledge required in production.
Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

FPLT8000 Field Placement (3D Computer Animation)

Description: Students will gain valuable work experience while observing day to day operations in a real-world production environment. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 80 hours work experience to be eligible for graduation.
Hours: 80
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Program Outcomes

Program Advisory Committees

The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.

For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.

Apply Now

Domestic students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228. OntarioColleges.ca 60 Corporate Court Guelph, Ontario Canada N1G 5J3. Detailed steps on the application process may help you to apply.

International students should apply online using the Ontario Colleges.ca International applicant portal. Please note that not all programs are open to international students; check the list of open programs on our International Student Programs web page before applying.
For additional program information, call the Information Centre at 519-748-5220 ext 3656.

Disclaimer

The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.