Course learning outcomes

Collectively, course-learning outcomes contribute to the development of the undergraduate graduate attributes of:

A1 Self awareness: to have the attribute of knowing oneself and be able to understand and clarify personal strengths and weaknesses through personal development planning; to be able to develop career management tools and represent one’s own abilities with confidence and self esteem

A2 Performance in a variety of idioms and contexts: to have the attribute of understanding the limits and applicability of the subject discipline and to be able to perform as a graduate in a variety of idioms and contexts by incorporating into personal, subject and professional practice, a fluent awareness of the subject and the wider picture, and to be able to communicate this effectively

A3 Creative and ethical: to have the attribute of working through problems and making creative and purposeful change and adaptation with an awareness of ethical and moral codes and demonstrating integrity of conduct, including an awareness of, and respect for, cultural diversity.

Links with graduate attributes are referenced in the learning outcomes contained in each of the three subsections.

7.25.1 Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, the student is expected to:

1. understand the principles of animation [A2];

2. Know, understand and be able to use the key terms that computer animators use to communicate with and learn from each other [A1, A2]

3. Know and understand the creative process [A1, A2, A3];

4. Understand the processes of producing animation [A1, A2, A3];

5. Know about the key styles in animation [A2, A3];

6. Be aware of the cultural, technological and ethical context within which computer animation grows [A2, A3];

32 7. Be aware of recent developments in computer animation [A2].

Teaching/learning strategies and methods

Knowledge and understanding of computer animation is developed through screenings, lectures, seminars and workshops. This learning is supported by guided reading of textbooks, journals, web sites, by studio and exhibition visits and by assignment and project work.

Assessment

Assessment of knowledge and understanding is through demonstration in practical assignments and through written documents that accompany assignments.

7.25.2 Cognitive Skills

By the end of the course the student is expected to develop higher order skills that are reflected in the student's ability to:

1. Carry out independent and scholarly research and investigation. In particular, the objective is to develop in the student an ability to use knowledge to provide analysis and evaluation of specific communication problems related to the use of computer animation in different contexts [A1, A2, A3];

2. Develop and apply intellectual skills and critical faculties with particular emphasis on the development of the higher order skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation of concepts and theories common to the design and development of computer animation projects [A1, A2];

3. Develop and apply intellectual skills and critical faculties with emphasis on formulating useful views on the history and the future of computer animation [A1, A2];

4. Develop self-awareness and general study skills, problem solving, working with others, communication, self-management, self-presentation and decision-making (A1, A2).

Teaching/learning strategies and methods

Cognitive skills are developed in seminars and in participatory lectures. This learning is supported by guided reading and made significant in integrative projects.

Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills is through extended presentations and supporting documentation that are intended to provide a window on the students thinking about a particular problem. Throughout the course, and in an increasingly complex way, assessment teaching and assessment is designed to allow students to demonstrate their cognitive skills using words and images.

7.25.3 Transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

1. Use oral, verbal and visual communication to communicate to an intended audience A2];

2. Work effectively both in a team and independently to achieve given aims [A1, A2];

33 3. Apply IT to obtain, handle and present information; [A1, A2];

4. Match their skills and motivation against the needs and benefits of potential careers and, importantly, to develop their ability to successfully present their skills and knowledge to potential employers [A1, A2];

5. Think critically, with awareness of ethical, legal and moral codes, by questioning given information and considering implications for a range of stakeholders [A3].

Teaching/learning strategies and methods

Transferable skills of team working are taught through collaborative learning. Other transferable skills are developed through experiential and deep learning in project work. Learning is supported by lectures and by guided reading. Employability is also supported by the professional learning plan and by specialist careers advisors. Professional practice is supported a progressively developing set of modules that take the student from an introduction to 2D and 3D computer animation, through the professional, creative and technical aspects of the subject of computer animation and an exhibition to market and promote themselves (culminating in the Computer Animation Degree Summer Show).

Information Technology (IT) and indeed Information and Communications Technology (ICT) are an integral part of BSc Computer Animation at an advanced level. Some elements of IT are covered by entire core modules and other elements are diffused throughout core modules that are part of both the single honours and the joint course. The matrix below shows those elements and modules that apply:

Assessment

Assessment of transferable skills is most often through self-reflective documents. These documents become increasingly demanding and complex throughout the course. At Certificate level, many modules assess transferable skills through a scrapbook. At Intermediate level, transferable skills are often assessed through a journal, and the Honours level contains a number of opportunities for substantial documentation of transferable skills through individual and team animation project work or through work placement.

7.25.4 Subject-specific practical Skills

By the end of the course, students will have the ability to:

1. Use computers to make a range of animation styles [A2];

2. Use a range of visual languages to plan and story board animations; [A2];

3. Record and generate text, sounds and images using computers, cameras and other appropriate tools [A2];

4. Use computer software to aggregate and present images and sounds in animation sequences [A2];

5. Design, plan, organise and deliver an individual research project [A1, A2].

Teaching/learning strategies and methods

Practical skills are developed through guided workshops in computer labs. This learning is supported by lectures, demonstrations, handbooks and online manuals. It is recognised that students learn practical skills at different paces and in different ways and so independent learning is also encouraged and supported by the university’s virtual learning environment (WebLearn), handbooks and online manuals.

34 Assessment

Assessment of practical skills is by practical demonstration of competence. This is usually through assignments that integrate the practical skills into a wider context. The assessment criteria for these assignments test both independent skills in computer animation and the ability to synthesise a number of related skills in a project.