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View our Virtual tourCourses - September 2025
Level 1
Course details
Figure Drawing 1
ARTS1850
This course introduces students to the foundational principles of life drawing, focusing on accurately depicting the human form and its movement. Through a combination of classical measurement techniques and expressive drawing methods, students will learn to describe the human form in detail, identify elements of anatomy that can be stylized for animation, and define character movement based on anatomical structures. Emphasis is placed on creating drawings that convey structure, weight, and balance while expressing ideas and emotions convincingly.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Storyboarding 1
ARTS1860
A strong story enriches the narrative in any experience, keeps the audience engaged, emotionally invested in the characters, and provides a foundation for the project. The methods used to visualize the story are unique to the medium and require a special approach. Students will draw on the visual language of film as well as developing characters and their environments. Capturing the essence of a character's movement and emotion within quick sketches is essential to the exploration and evolution of story ideas.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Conestoga 101
CON0101
- Hours: 1
- Credits: 0
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Digital Tools
DMED1600
This course introduces students to essential digital tools used in professional 2D animation production. Focusing on compositing, motion graphics, and sound design, students will develop technical proficiency in enhancing their animations with dynamic visuals and audio.
Through hands-on projects, students will learn to integrate digital compositing techniques into their animation workflow, applying keyframe animation, effects, and camera movements to bring their work to life. Additionally, they will explore sound editing and design, mastering techniques such as audio cleanup, layering, and synchronization to create compelling soundscapes that complement their animations.
By the end of this course, students will be equipped with strong foundational digital skills that will enhance the visual and auditory storytelling of their 2D animation projects
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Principles of Layout
DSGN1120
This course explores the fundamental principles of layout design for 2D animation, emphasizing composition, perspective, staging, and environment creation. Students will develop the skills necessary to design visually engaging backgrounds that support storytelling and character action.
Through hands-on exercises, students will learn how to construct scenes using proper perspective techniques, establish depth, and arrange elements for clear staging. Basic cinematography concepts, including camera angles, framing, and movement, will also be introduced to enhance visual storytelling. Additionally, students will use digital tools to refine and polish their layouts, ensuring professional-quality results.
By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in layout design, enabling them to create compelling animated scenes with depth, clarity, and dynamic composition
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
2D Digital Character Animation 1
DSGN1140
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Level 2
Course details
Figure Drawing 2
ARTS1980
Building on acquired Figure Drawing 1 skills, this course provides an in depth analysis of movement and form in the human body. An emphasis is placed on understanding the basics of body mechanics and how it applies to the figure. With in-depth attention to form, volume, design and anatomy, students are able to develop believable animation.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Storyboarding 2
ARTS1990
Through hands-on projects, students will learn how to break down scripts, plan shots, and structure sequences for clarity and impact. Emphasis will be placed on camera movements, scene transitions, and pacing to enhance storytelling. Additionally, students will explore the role of animatics in animation production, integrating sound and refining timing to bring their boards to life.
By the end of this course, students will have the technical and creative skills needed to produce polished storyboards and animatics that align with industry standards.- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Digital Painting
DMED1650
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Character Design
DSGN1371
Building off previously acquired skills and knowledge, students will enhance their illustrative elements to create sophisticated characters that contribute towards telling a believable story. Students will apply principles of anatomy and physiology to create characters positioned into animation sequences.
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites: ARTS1840 OR ARTS1850
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
2D Digital Character Animation 2
DSGN1411
This hands-on course integrates knowledge across classes past and present, recreating real-world production. Students will work on projects with industry guidance to learn time management, problem-solving, and software interface. This course will continue to develop and improve students' animation and software skills by applying the core principles they have learned.
- Hours: 84
- Credits: 6
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options
Level 3
Course details
Figure Drawing 3
ARTS2280
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
2D Digital Character Animation 3
DSGN2500
- Hours: 84
- Credits: 6
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
2D Character Rigging
DSGN2510
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Capstone Pre-Production
DSGN2520
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Portfolio Development and Presentation
ETR2240
This course focuses on the curation and development of a professional portfolio that will meet and/or exceed industry expectations. After an objective review of individual career goals, students will demonstrate the skills and capabilities needed to identify and refine examples of their work that emphasize their personal strengths and ambitions. Students will customize a portfolio to meet specific job requirements and take advantage of holistic visual branding continuity to enhance presentation. Students will also participate in individual presentations and interview critiques to meet/exceed the industry standard level of verbal/non-verbal skills and expected professionalism.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320
- Hours: 14
- Credits: 1
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options
Level 4
Course details
Figure Drawing 4
ARTS2290
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Portfolio Strategies
CDEV2400
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Capstone Project
DSGN2331
This course is the culminating experience of the program. Students will work independently and/or in teams to create one capstone project, with faculty providing mentoring and support. This course also relies on the practical application of the essential employability skills of time and project management, self-awareness and interpersonal (skills) with additional focus on problem solving and design thinking. This final capstone project demonstrates the application and integration of the skills and knowledge obtained through their academic deliveries, as well as from their field placement experiences.
- Hours: 84
- Credits: 6
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
3D Foundations
DSGN2550
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options
View Program Option Electives
Workplace Simulation
CDEV2450
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated resource cost: No resources required
Industry Integration
FPLT2650
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated resource cost: No resources required
Please note:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.
Program outcomes
- Design, create and animate characters and objects using fundamental principles of animation.
- Produce hand-drawn and/or computer-generated drawings using fundamental principles of art, design and composition.
- Use a variety of tools and technologies to create, capture and animate elements.
- Participate in the planning and implementation of animation projects.
- Develop and execute believable animation sequences.
- Create animation sequences that employ basic cinematography principles.
- Use storytelling skills to create, develop and execute animation sequences.
- Apply performance theory to the creation of animation.
- Produce layouts and backgrounds with attention to composition, perspective and colour.
- Present a visual concept to a target audience.
- Use computer skills and appropriate digital asset management techniques to function effectively within a production pipeline.
- Develop, assemble and present a demo reel or portfolio in a manner that meets current industry expectations, and highlights one’s creativity, skills and proficiency with relevant animation software and related technologies.