Sheridan Course Outlines

ANIM54998
Animation Systems Studio 2

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

Section I: Administrative Information

Credit Value: 6.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Winter 2009
Prerequisites: (ANIM50025)
Corequisites: ANIM50488, ANIM56168, ANIM57001, SYST52020
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Course Name (short): Animation Systems Studio 2
School: Animation Arts and Design
Program(s): Computer Animation
Program Coordinator(s): Mark Simon
Course Leader or Contact: James Sayers
Originator: Paulette Geffros
Designate: Paulette Geffros
Version: 2.0
Status: Approved (APPR)

Calendar Description
In this, the second of two Systems courses, students investigate theoretical and practical applications to particle, dynamic simulation and cloth systems. Students also devote a portion of the term toward independent studio practice for research and production geared specifically for their Directed Project work in this semester.

Typical Instructional Format

Studio Course	84.0
Total hours:	84.0

Courses may be offered in other formats.

Section I Notes: N/A

Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
This is the second of two Systems Lab courses that presents advanced concepts and techniques for designing and producing three-dimensional computer animation. In this term students will investigate theoretical and practical applications to particle, dynamic simulation and cloth systems. Students are introduced to and create hair, fur, cloth and facial animation systems. Guided by the professor as mentor, students also devote a portion of the term toward independent studio practice for research and production geared specifically for their Directed Project work in this semester.

Program Context

Computer Animation

Program Coordinator: Mark Simon

This course is a core component of the Computer Animation program. Project work for the Animation Methodology and Directed projects classes will be done on system applications, tools and concepts taught and mentored in this class.

Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

 Critical Performance

By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the 
ability to produce all digital assets for their Directed Project that 
reflects industry practice and includes the use of procedural 
technical effects where appropriate.


Learning Outcomes

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated 
the ability to:

1. Create all sets and environments for their Directed Projects
2. Produce advanced level character rigs and facial animation control
   systems
3. Generate all texture maps and material shaders for their Directed 
   Projects
4. Demonstrate particle and dynamic system applications and where 
   appropriate incorporate the applications in their Directed Projects
5. Create hair, fur, and cloth simulations and where appropriate 
   incorporate the applications in their Directed Projects
6. Research technical tools and process methodologies appropriate for
   use in their Directed Projects
7. Design and direct the digital lighting setups for their Directed 
   Projects
8. Produce the final renders for their Directed Project animations to 
   industry standards
9. Demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviour including:
   a. Openness to peer critiques
   b. Acceptance of differing view points
   c. Willingness to work collaboratively
   d. Commitment to meeting project due dates

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

Particle System exercise	                                 5%
Dynamic System exercise                                          5%
Cloth System exercise                                            5%
Hair/Fur System exercise                                         5%
Directed Project ¿ Character and Facial Animation Setups	15%
Directed Project ¿ models, including sets and environments	20%
Directed Project ¿ textures and material shaders	        15%
Directed Project ¿ tool and process research	                10%
Directed Project ¿ final lighting and rendering	                20%
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:

	Communication		Critical Thinking & Problem Solving		Interpersonal
	Numeracy		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

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: Winter 2009
Professor: Multiple Professors
Textbook(s):

3D animation systems software documentation, tutorials, handouts and 
DVD resources

Applicable student group(s): Students of Computer Animation
Course Details:

Instructors: James Sayers/Kris Howald

Module 1: Dynamics and Simulation Systems

Targeted learning outcomes: 4, 5

Topics:	Particle Systems
	Dynamic Systems
	Cloth Systems
	Hair/Fur Systems

Assignment: Particle System exercise
	    Dynamic System exercise
	    Cloth System exercise
	    Hair/Fur System exercise

Module 2:  Advanced Character Setup

Targeted learning outcomes: 2, 5

Topics:	Advanced Character Setup for the Directed Project
	Facial Animation Systems

Assignment: Directed Project - Character and Facial Animation Setups

Module 3: Directed Project - Independent Studio

Targeted learning outcomes: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9
	
Assignment: Directed Project - models, including sets and environments
	    Directed Project - textures and material shaders
	    Directed Project - tool and process research
	    Directed Project - final lighting and rendering

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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