AD3D Edge Plus Course: Syllabus, Duration, and Software Covered

The AD3D EDGE PLUS is MAAC's flagship 602 Hours career program in 3D Animation. Spanning 4 intensive terms plus specialized electives, this course takes students from the fundamentals of design and visual storytelling to advanced real-time rendering pipelines.

Understanding the AD3D EDGE PLUS Course Structure

In modern animation studios, pipelines are highly collaborative and specialized. The AD3D EDGE PLUS curriculum is designed to replicate these exact studio setups. Across the 602 hours of training, students master every stage of the 3D pipeline—pre-production, character modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, and real-time visualization.

Term-by-Term Syllabus Breakdown

Term I: Pre-Production & Visual Storytelling

Term I builds the conceptual foundation. Students learn the essentials of digital art, sketching, storyboard writing, and layout design before moving to computer applications.

• Core Concepts: Basics of Art, Anatomy Study, Storyboarding, Script Writing, Character Design, Color Theory.
• Software covered: Photoshop, Storyboarder, Canva, Express, Generative AI for concept artwork.

Term II: 3D Asset Creation (Modeling & Texturing)

Term II transitions students into the 3D space using industry-standard modeling tools to construct props, interior designs, and architectural assets.

• Core Concepts: Low-poly modeling, high-poly modeling, UV layouts, digital sculpting, and PBR texturing.
• Software covered: 3ds Max, Mudbox, Substance 3D Painter.

Term III: Advanced 3D Character Pipeline

Term III introduces character setup, rigging, and complex animation dynamics using Autodesk Maya.

• Core Concepts: Character rigging, skinning joints, keyframe animation, body mechanics, facial expressions, and CG lighting.
• Software covered: Autodesk Maya, Arnold Renderer.

Term IV: Real-Time 3D & Unreal Engine 5

Term IV focuses on game engines and real-time rendering pipelines, preparing students for modern studio roles in virtual production.

• Core Concepts: Unreal Engine setup, material imports, real-time lighting, and portfolio showreel layout.
• Software covered: Unreal Engine 5.

Software Tools Covered in the Toolkit