Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After the course, the student

  • Knows the basic functions of the given softwares (PovRay, Chimera Blender).
  • Can identify creative and artistic ways of presenting science.
  • Is able to produce 3D rendered images.
  • Can produce simple animations.
  • Can start working on a visualization topic from own study / research field.

Credits: 3 - 5

Schedule: 24.04.2025 - 13.05.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Mauri Kostiainen

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course provides basic software tools for visualization, 3D modelling and rendering. The aim is to promote creativeness and artistic way of presenting science. Special focus is placed on the visualization small organic compounds, biomolecules and their animations. The course uses three free open-source softwares: UCSF Chimera (protein and volume structures), PovRay (text-based scene description) and Blender (3D modelling with GUI). Project work is focused to help the students own key points in scientific productions and presentations.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Interactive lectures and hands-on computer work

    Exercises and group project

    Closing seminar with presentations

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures 4*6 h = 24 h

    Project work + documentation 55 h

    Optional: Learning diary / Exercises 55 h to get 5 cr.

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Softwares: UCSF Chimera, Povray, Blender

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring IV - V
    2025-2026 Spring IV - V

    Registration:

    Maximum number of students to the course is determined by the capacity of the computer class.