COMP 590-052, 3D Computer Animation, Spring 2010

This course presents an introduction to 3D computer modeling and animation.  The focus is on the technical aspects, not on the artistic ones.  You’ll learn to work with an animation program, such as Blender or Maya.  By the end of the semester you’ll be able to create an animated short video.

Topics include

  • Mesh (polygonal) modeling
  • Modeling with curves, surfaces, and blobbies
  • Materials, shading, and texturing
  • Lighting
  • Animation
  • Character and rigging
  • Compositing
  • Particle systems (optional) for effects such as smoke

We’ll also cover basic sound and video editing to the level necessary for you to make short videos.

The course will be project oriented, with assignments due every week or two, and a final course project.

Requirements

No computer programming required.  It will be a lot easier if you are comfortable using a PC, though.

You will need a PC or Mac laptop on which to install and run the software, and a three-button mouse (preferably with a scroll wheel).  Note that software for this course will require good 3D graphics performance, so you may encounter problems on low-end computers.

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