Elective Course
Credits: 3-0-3 (3 semester hours)
Type of Course: Lecture
Instructors: Anatoliusz "Tolek" Lesniewski
Prerequisites: None
Course Overview:The intention of this course is to introduce students to the principles of 3D computer visualization and animation. Students learn the basic concepts of 3D computer visualization and animation using Autodesk VIZ2006 software from Autodesk. Lighting, materials, texture mapping, and virtual cameras are introduced gradually as students work on class exercises. Procedural materials, rendering, editing functions and display functions are introduced through the process of modeling architectural interiors and exteriors. Additionally, students are exposed to complex materials, animation techniques and basic scene composition.
The course is conducted in the computer lab environment. It meets for an hour and half, twice a week. During each session half the time is spent on introduction of a new material, while the remaining time is spent on exercises. Students use a PC-type graphic workstation that runs Windows XP and Autodesk VIZ2006 software from Autodesk. There is one student per station.
Learning Objectives:
- To introduce students to the basic concept and structure of the computer visualization software
- To learn basic skills in operating visualization and animation software (Autodesk VIZ2006)
- To learn basic skills in architectural animation
- To understand advantages and limitations of modeling/rendering software
Course Requirements:
Course Evaluation: Performance is evaluated on basis of 10 homework assignments (70% of the grade) and a final project (30% of the grade).
Literature:
- Autodesk VIZ 2006 Fundamentals by Stephen J. Ethier and Christine A. Ethier, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006
- Mastering Autodesk VIZ 2005 by George Omura, Scott Onstott
- Autodesk VIZ 4 Training CD by Nancy Fulton, OpenCAD International Inc., March 2002