• Advanced Courses in Life Sciences

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Live Online Course – 4th Edition

Introduction to 3D Modelling for Life and Earth Sciences

October 10th – November 28th, 2023 (live sessions on Tuesdays)

Live sessions will be recorded

Course Overview & Programme

This course is designed as an introduction to organic 3D modelling with the software ZBrush (Pixologic) and is addressed at science researchers, communicators and professionals who want to learn to virtually sculpt 3D models of organic structures and who aim at incorporating computer-generated 3D graphics to their skills and workflow.

The course will be focused on the basics of 3D graphics management, the main interface and functionalities of ZBrush and the basic workflow of organic 3D modelling, in the context of model creation and management for Life & Earth Sciences.

The major contents of this program will be covered on a practical basis throughout the course, by means of the development of a complete 3D modelling project.

  1. FIRST STEPS IN A 3D MODELLING ENVIRONMENT
    • 3D modelling fundamentals.
    • Basic software interface.
    • Navigating the 3D space.
    • Managing your files & models properly.
  2. BASIC 3D MODELLING TOOLS
    • Moving your models in the 3D space: transpositions & the gizmo tool.
    • The Brush: main brush gallery, how to configure & customize your brushes.
    • Masking, selections & polygroups.
  3. 3D MODELLING WORKFLOW
    • Where to start sculpting? 3D Primitives & base meshes.
    • Main sculpting workflow: from primary volumes to high frequency details.
    • Sculpting with reference.
    • Managing resolution & topology throughout the sculpting process.
  4. ADVANCED 3D MODELLING TOOLS
    • Creating complex primary volumes: ZModeler, Live Boolean, ZSpheres.
    • Creating fur & other complex, repeat structures: Insertmesh, Nanomesh, Fibermesh.
    • Sculpting with Physics: Dynamics.
  5. FINISHING TOUCHES – BRINGING YOUR 3D MODEL TO LIFE
    • Posing your model.
    • Adding some colour to your model: texturizing with Polypaint and materials.
    • Taking the perfect shot of your model: lighting, camera & rendering.
  6. 3D MODELLING APPLIED TO LIFE & EARTH SCIENCES: WORKING WITH MULTIPLE SOFTWARES
    • Prepping & exporting your finished model to other softwares (texturizing, render engines, animation, 3D printing, etc).
    • Importing & managing 3D assets from life & earth sciences (fossil scans, molecule models, geological & topographical data, etc).

The major contents of this program will be covered on a practical basis throughout the course, by means of the development of a complete 3D modelling project.

This course is of intermediate level, elemental knowledge in some form of graphic art (illustration, design, sculpture, computer graphics, etc) is recommended.

All participants must have a pen tablet and a computer with Pixologic ZBrush installed. Trial license for this software can be found here. The free version of ZBrush does not contain all the applications that will be used during the course, therefore if you have a free version you will need the trial anyway.

Use of webcam, a good internet connection, as well as basic experience with personal computers are strongly recommended.

Instructor

Hugo Salais instructor for Transmitting Science

Dr. Hugo Salais
Metazoa Studio
Valencia, Spain

Testimonials for this course

Introduction to Organic 3D Modelling (online) – 1st edition.

“Thanks to all the staff and above all to Hugo that teaches with professionality, passion and dedication! Many thanks for your advice and patience!”

Dates & Schedule

October 10th – November 28th, 2023

14:30-19:00 (Madrid time zone)

Online live sessions on Tuesdays: 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st of October and 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th of November – 14:30 to 16:30 and 17:00 to 19:00 (Madrid time zone).

Total course hours: 50

28 hours of online live lessons, and 22 hours of participants working on their own with tutored exercises and watching recorded lessons.

This course is equivalent to 2 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) at the Life Science Zurich Graduate School.

The recognition of ECTS by other institutions depends on each university or school.

Language

English

This course will be delivered live online

This course will be taught using a combination of live (synchronous) sessions on Zoom, some additional pre-recorded lectures, and tasks to be completed in between live sessions on the Slack platform.

Live sessions will be recorded. Recordings will be made available to participants for a limited period of time. However, attendance to the live sessions is required.

Places

Places are limited to 16 participants and will be occupied by strict registration order.

Participants who have completed the course will receive a certificate at the end.

Haris Saslis coordinator for Transmitting Science

Dr. Haris Saslis
Transmitting Science
Greece

Fees & Discounts

  • Course Fee
  • Early bird (until August 31st, 2023):
  • 536 €
    (428.80 € for Ambassador Institutions)
  • Regular (after August 31st, 2023):
  • 640 €
    (512 € for Ambassador Institutions)
  • Prices include VAT.
    After registration you will receive confirmation of your acceptance on the course.
    Payment is not required during registration.

We offer discounts on the Course Fee.

Discounts are not cumulative. Participants receive the highest appropriate discount.

We also offer the possibility of paying in two instalments. Please contact us to request this.

Former participants of Transmitting Science courses receive a 5% discount on the Course Fee.

20% discount on the Course Fee is offered to members of certain organisations (Ambassador Institutions). If you wish to apply for this discount, please indicate it in the Registration form (proof will be asked later). If you would like your institution to become a Transmitting Science Ambassador Institution, please contact us at communication@transmittingscience.com

Unemployed scientists, as well as PhD students without any grant or scholarship to develop their PhD, can benefit from a 40% discount on the Course Fee. This applies only to participants based in Spain. If you wish to ask for this discount, please contact us. The discount may apply for a maximum of 2 places, which will be covered by strict registration order.

Registration

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