4B010E - Principles of Motion 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 4B010E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Principles of Motion | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Business and Creative Industries | ||
| Faculty Group: | Games and Design | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Design | ||
| Module Leader: | Matthew Gravelle-Eagles | ||
| Module Team: | Thomas Walters, Gustavo Arteaga | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | |||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100057 - animation | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
To introduce the fundamental principles of motion and timing that underpin animation practice across animation techniques.
To develop students’ ability to observe, experiment and translate real-world movement into animated sequences through iterative studio-based practice.
To encourage collaborative working and creative problem-solving through the creation of animated sequences that explore rhythm, timing and visual storytelling.
Content Summary
This module introduces the fundamental principles that underpin animation practice. Through a series of studio-based exercises, you will explore how movement, timing, weight and rhythm are created through animation techniques. Working initially with simplified forms and shapes, you will develop an understanding of how motion is constructed frame-by-frame and how changes in timing and spacing influence the perception of movement.
The module emphasises experimentation, observation and iterative development, encouraging you to analyse real-world motion and translate it into convincing animated sequences. In the later stages of the module, you will work collaboratively to create animated responses to sound and rhythm, developing teamwork, communication and creative problem-solving skills alongside your animation practice.
As a Level 4 module, Principles of Motion establishes the essential technical, creative and conceptual foundations that underpin later animation production modules. The knowledge and skills developed here will support your progression into character animation, storytelling, performance and professional animation production throughout the course.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 9 |
| Seminar | 3 |
| Tutorial | 8 |
| Project Supervision and Mentoring | 8 |
| Formative Assessment - Scheduled | 8 |
| Practical Classes and Workshops | 10 |
| Demonstration | 10 |
| Guided Learning | 10.5 |
| Summative Assessment and Preparation | 60 |
| Independent Learning (Including self-directed study and support) | 173.5 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Apply and demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of motion, timing and spacing in animation by producing short animated sequences. |
| LO2 | Apply observation, experimentation and collaborative working methods to develop and evaluate animated movement and timing within a structured creative project. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Creative Portfolio | Animation exercises portfolio demonstrating foundational principles of motion and iterative animation development processes. Submission to include integrated reflective commentary evidencing experimentation, technical development and application of animation principles. ONLINE. INDIVIDUAL. | 0 | 750 | 60 | No | 40 |
| Synchronous Online Oral Assessment | Group Presentation (Synchronous Online) | Collaboratively produced short animation project demonstrating creative problem-solving, production workflows and animation development processes. Accompanied by a group production presentation evidencing collaborative decision-making and final production outcomes (approximately 5–7 minutes per student). Submission to include individual reflective commentary evaluating contribution, process and production outcomes | 5 | 500 | 40 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Creative Portfolio | ✔ | ✘ | |
| Group Presentation (Synchronous Online) | ✘ | ✔ | |