SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
Department: Industrial & Engineering Technology
Title of Course: Computer Special Effects
Course No.: GM585
Revision: New
I. Catalog Description and Credit Hours of Course: Examine the techniques involved in
developing computer generated special effects based on simulating physical concepts. (3
credit hours: 2 hours lecture and 2 hours lab)
II. Prerequisite(s): GM525
III. Purposes or Objective of the Course:
1. Create computer generated dynamics and particle effects in real-time simulations.
2. Simulate gravity, particle effects, turbulence, advanced dynamic motion, collision,
motion of particles, objects, fluidics, and their interactions.
3. Simulate rigid body dynamics, constraints and optimizing.
4. Special effects process pipelines and optimization.
5. Implement 2D and 3D asset imaging.
IV. Expectations of Students:
1. Complete all assignments on time. Late work will not be accepted under any
circumstances unless excused by university policies. Arrangements should be made
to turn work in early.
2. Use professionalism when dealing with faculty, staff and students.
3. Students are expected to conduct necessary research to fulfill classroom assignments.
4. Class attendance and participation are strongly encouraged.
5. Take notes from textbook, and lecture discussions.
6. Pass tests, conduct research, read assigned materials for discussion and application.
V. Course Content
Topics
Introduction to Special Effects and their Applications
Special Effects Development and Testing
Generating Emitter Dynamics
Creating Object Collisions in Visualizations
Dynamic Motion Simulation and Interactions
2D and 3D Asset Imaging
Weeks
1
5
2
2
2
3
VI. Textbook(s) and/or Other Required Materials or Equipment:
1. Maya Studio Projects: Dynamics; ISBN-13: 978-0470487761
2. 4 GB or above thumb drive (external HD preferred >500GB)
VII. Basis for Student Evaluation
Undergraduate Students
Assignment Description
Percentage of Grade
Particle Effects Development & Testing
20%
Particle/Object Collision Development & Testing
20%
Dynamic Flow Development & Testing
Final Project
Lab Participation
30%
10%
10%
Graduate Students
Assignment Description
Percentage of Grade
Particle Effects Development & Testing
20%
Particle/Object Collision Development & Testing
20%
Dynamic Flow Development & Testing
20%
Final Project
10%
Lab Participation
10%
Graduate Research Paper
10%
The weight of the evaluation criteria may vary according to each instructor and will be
communicated at the beginning of the course.
VIII. Grading Scale:
Graduate:
A = 100 – 90%
B = 89 – 80%
C = 79 – 70%
F = Below 70%
IX.
Academic Policy Statement:
Students will be expected to abide by the University Policy for Academic Honesty
regarding plagiarism and academic honesty. Refer to
:http://www6.semo.edu/judaffairs/code.html
X.
Student with Disabilities Statement:
If a student has a special need addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
and requires materials in an alternative format, please notify the instructor at the
beginning of the course. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate special needs.
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