Sheridan Course Outlines

ANIM54110
Computer Graphics Lighting and Rendering Techniques 1

I: Administrative Information II: Course Details III: Topical Outline(s) Printable Version Public

Section I: Administrative Information

Credit Value: 3.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Fall 2008
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: ANIM53382
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Course Name (short): Comp Grap Light Render Tech
School: All Sheridan Schools
Program(s): Comp Animation-Dig Vis Eff
Program Coordinator(s): Mark Simon
Course Leader or Contact: Richard Cohen
Originator: Paulette Geffros
Designate: Paulette Geffros
Version: 2.0
Status: Approved (APPR)

Calendar Description
Students explore the art and science of light and how to convincingly represent it with computer graphics. Students learn the inherent limitations in synthetic imagery and how to overcome them. Through in class exercises, projects, guest lecturers and field trips students learn computer graphics lighting and rendering techniques.

Typical Instructional Format

Lecture	42.0
Total hours:	42.0

Courses may be offered in other formats.

Section I Notes: N/A

Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
Students explore the art and science of light and how to convincingly represent it with computer graphics. The course begins with an introduction to the physics of light, followed by an explanation of how this real-world lighting phenomena is modeled algorithmically with computer software. Students learn the boundaries inherent in synthetic imagery and how to get around them. Photographic terminology and lighting methods are covered along with a look at photographic artifacts and their impact in digital effects work. Finally, an in depth study of rendering issues are covered including advanced methods of mapping, material definitions and photo-realistic techniques. Through in class exercises, projects, guest lecturers and field trips students reinforce these concepts.

Program Context

Comp Animation-Dig Vis Eff

Program Coordinator: Mark Simon

This is a foundational course in the Computer Animation-Digital Visual Effects Program. The knowledge and skills acquired in this course allow students to effectively use lighting and rendering techniques which form the groundwork for digital visual effects. Several related disciplines and areas of specialization that are crucial to producing high quality visual effects will be drawn upon.

Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

 Critical Performance

By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the 
ability to apply lighting and rendering techniques and principles 
that are used in film and broadcast work.

Learning Outcomes

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated 
the ability to:
            
1.Identify the key visual cues from nature.
2.Utilize basic photographic terminology and lighting techniques. 
3.Simulate real-world lighting with computer generated imagery.
4.Choose the appropriate technique from a variety of rendering and
  lighting options.
5.Apply rendering techniques and methodologies.
6.Apply texturing techniques and methodologies.
7.Create photo-realistic computer generated elements.
8.Render individual elements in layers. 
9.Work independently and collaboratively to complete a series of 
  shots.
10.Complete a series of shots within a given timeframe.

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

Pseudo parallax		25%	
Camera mapping          35%	
3D tracking             40%            
Total                  100%

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities requirements:

Essential Employability Skills
Essential Employability Skills emphasized in the course:

X	Communication	X	Critical Thinking & Problem Solving		Interpersonal
	Numeracy	X	Information Management		Personal

Notes: N/A

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact: Mark Simon
Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes through previous life and work experiences. This course is eligible for challenge through the following method(s):

Challenge Exam	Portfolio	Interview	Other	Not Eligible for PLAR
	X	X

Notes: N/A

Section III: Topical Outline

Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Effective term: Fall 2008
Professor: Richard Cohen
Textbook(s):

N/A

Applicable student group(s): Students of Computer Animation - Digital Visual Effects
Course Details:

Module 1:  Introduction (Week 1 - 5)

Targeted learning outcomes: 1, 2, 9 and 10

Topics:
Overview of process
Natural phenomena
Properties of light
Aero-perspective/atmospheric phenomena 
Basic photography principles
Photographic artifacts

Assignment:  
In class exercises
Mentoring
Pseudo parallax		25% (week 5)

Module 2:  Synthetic Lighting (Week 6 -10)

Targeted learning outcomes: 1 to 10

Topics:
Lighting Algorithms in 3D software
Lighting techniques
Simulating real world lighting
Materials
Mapping
Overview of renderers
3D imagery

Assignment: 
Camera mapping           35% (week 10)
In class exercises
Mentoring

Module 3:  Integration (Week 11 -14)

Targeted learning outcomes: 1 to 10

Topics:
Integration techniques
Lighting cg elements for integration with live action
Camera matching in the 3D environment

Assignment: 
3D tracking     40% (week 14)
In class exercises
Mentoring

Academic Honesty
The principle of academic honesty requires that all work submitted for evaluation and course credit be the original, unassisted work of the student. Cheating or plagiarism including borrowing, copying, purchasing or collaborating on work, except for group projects arranged and approved by the faculty member, or otherwise submitting work that is not the student's own violates this principle and will not be tolerated. Instances of academic dishonesty, including assisting another student to cheat, will be penalized as detailed in the Student Handbook.

Students who have any questions regarding whether or not specific circumstances involve a breach of academic honesty are advised to discuss them with the faculty member prior to submitting the assignment in question.

Discrimination and Harassment
Sheridan is committed to provide a learning environment that respects the dignity, self esteem and fair treatment of every person engaged in the learning process. Behaviour which is inconsistent with this principle will not be tolerated. Details of Sheridan's policy on Harassment and Discrimination are available in the Student Handbook.

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