FIT3187 3D character animation
Faculty of Information Technology
FIT3187 3D character animation is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It needs FIT2096, FIT2098 or DGN2531.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 6 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before FIT3187
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After FIT3187
No unit lists FIT3187 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Overview
Bring 3D characters to life through advanced design and animation techniques. This unit introduces you to advanced character detailing and animation techniques for interactive 3D environments. Building upon the theoretical and technical skills from the prerequisite unit FIT1033 - Foundations of 3D, you will explore the principles of character design and motion, with an emphasis on expression, timing, and balance. Through the creation and refinement of animation loops, you will practise the layering of animation in a dynamic game environment. The conceptualisation and preparation of 3D characters for animation sequences will constitute a key focus of this unit, with assessments that focus on hands-on creation of portfolio pieces.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Assignment 1 - Animation CyclesArtefact20%
- Assignment 2 - Character CreationArtefact20%
- Assignment 3 - Character Animation SequencesArtefact30%
- Test 1 - Walk CycleQuiz / Test10%
- Test 2 - RetopologyQuiz / Test10%
- Test 3 - RiggingQuiz / Test10%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Demonstrate animation fundamentals through the creation of animation cycles and sequences;
- 2
Research, design and evaluate complex 3D geometry for animation and motion capture;
- 3
Assemble effective character rigs for animation and motion capture;
- 4
Implement complex pipelines to integrate character animations into game engines and diverse media.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions36 hours
- Workshops12 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled activities. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning and online engagement.
Learning resources
Required resources
Please see Moodle in week 0 for the required software.
Where it fits
FIT3187 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Thomas Chandler
Common questions
When is FIT3187 offered?
In 2026, FIT3187 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is FIT3187?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does FIT3187 have an exam?
No. FIT3187 has 6 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include FIT3187?
FIT3187 is part of 3D modelling and animation; and Games and immersive media.