Syllabus

Course Description:This course covers basic concepts of the math for 3D modeling, and introduction to the concepts and techniques of modeling, texture, rendering and animation. In addition to regular assignments using 3ds max or Maya, each student will need to do a final project to create a short 3D animation clip on DVD, and present the animation in class at the end of the course. This course is not about learning "how to" use these specific programs, but learning the basic 3D modeling and animation concepts, techniques and vocabularies which are not program specific, and to apply what you learn in a creative way.
For-grade only.

Supplies:

• DVD-R disc: at least one because you need to put the animation on it. Note: It's DVD-R, not the DVD+R.
• CD-R or CD-RW disc: at least one because you need to put the completed assignments on it and turn in the CD.
• Some backup or secondary storage: for examples, several of CD-R, CD-RW, or DVD-RW, so you can back up your files and keep a copy of your files after this course is over. (All the student files will be removed after this course is over.)
• A 3-button mouse (optional but highly recommended) for Maya students running Maya on their Thinkpads.

Software:
It is your choice to use Maya or 3ds max. The availability and access of these two software will be discussed in the first class.

Resources and Textbooks:

• Textbook: The Art of 3-D : Computer Animation and Imaging, 3rd Edition, by Isaac Victor Kerlow; John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 0471430366; 3rd edition (July, 2003)
  **Required**
• Learning Maya 5: Foundation, by Sybex, Alias|Wavefront; Alias|Wavefront; ISBN: 1894893344; (June 2, 2003)
  Or, (for 4.5), Learning Maya | Foundation; ISBN: 1-894893-17-4
  **Required text for assignments for Maya students only**
• Discreet 3ds max 5 Courseware Fundamentals
  **Required text for assignments for 3ds max students only**
• Maya Techniques DVDs: check with Dr. Wong
• Computer Animation: Algorithms and Techniques, by Rick Parent, Richard Parent; Morgan Kaufmann Publishers; ISBN: 1558605797; 1st edition (September 4, 2001)
  On Reserve at ZSR Library
  Supplemental readings on 3D math: Chapter 1-2, and parts of other chapters.
• http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/2151/math3d.html
  Supplemental readings on 3D math
• Mathematics for 3D Game Programming & Computer Graphics, by Eric Lengyel; Charles River Media, Inc.; ISBN: 1-58450-037-9; 2002.
  Background readings for vectors and matices: Chapter 1-3.
• The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation, by Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston (Contributor), Cllie Johnston; Hyperion; ISBN: 0786860707; Revised edition (October 1995)
  An excellent book on animation

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Evaluation:
Due to the tight schedule of this course, it is very important to turn in your assignments and final project promptly. There will not be any extension for the project and assignment due dates. However, if you have problems meeting the assignment and project due dates, please do not hesitate to talk with me.

1. Attendance & Class Participation (10%)
2. Assignments (30%)
• Assignment 1: programming assignment to mathematically draw a stick figure and rotate it
• Assignment 2 (Part I & II): bouncing ball animation using 3ds max or Maya; and Modeling a Chess Set for 3ds max
• Assignment 3 (Part I & II): Jack-in-the-Box modeling & animation using 3ds max or Maya
• Assignment 4: Final project proposal
• Assignment 5: Network rendering (if time allows)
• Several short practice exercises on modeling, animation, texture, camera and light
3. Quizzes (30%)
4. Final Project (30%)
   Description: A short 3D animation, at least about 3 seconds, created in Maya 4.0 or above, or 3ds max 4.x or above. You will need to render the animation in NTSC DV format, in either wide-screen or standard format, and put it on an DVD.
   (See Final Project Description for more details about the final project.)

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