Class Information
FALL 2017 - CRN: 20409
Instructor: Juan Carlos Toth
Email: jtoth@sdccd.edu
Office Hours: Tue K105 12-1PM, 4-5PM * Thu K105 12-1PM
Dates: August 21 - December 15, 2017
Course Description
This course provides a hands-on approach to realistic 3D Scene Development, Particle Systems, and Production. Students will learn fundamental realism and lighting techniques as well as develop a greater understanding of the technical aspects of CG modeling and production.
Projects will be assigned on a regular basis with readings and tutorials assigned from the required textbooks. Project descriptions will be delivered either in class or via Blackboard and given a due date for completion.
Finished projects will be delivered in class to the instructor for assessment and grading.
Click on the Autodesk links or images below to register and download your free software
(You must be able to run Windows on your Mac to use 3ds Max)
Attendance
**** Please be aware that, while you will always receive FULL CREDIT for any "late" assignments, an ongoing pattern of inactivity (more than 3 weeks with no projects or work turned in at all) will be assessed and reviewed as a potential case of NON-ATTENDANCE and may result in your being dropped from the class for non-participation.
On a more relaxed note, the deadlines and due dates in this class are "suggested", that is, you can turn in work after the add/drop period any time before the end of the semester without any penalty.
REMEMBER! The due dates are there to help keep you from falling behind, so do your best to get things in on time if you can!
You are required to put in 48 hours of "in class" time as well as "homework" (reading assignments, projects, textbook tutorials and research) for this class. If you complete all of the required work, it is assumed that you have also met the minimum number of hours for the class. You are expected to complete all the work in the time period it is assigned.
Student Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Create and render photorealistic environments and effects for use in 3D digital projects.
2. Apply real world physics effects in 3D animation and video game environments.
3. Visualize, sketch, construct, and sculpt a 3D model using polygonal mesh, curvedsurface, and NURB surface techniques.
4. Create and utilize advanced animation textures and materials.
5. Visualize, plan, and execute the application of a 2D texture map to the material properties of a 3D model.
6. Develop custom particle effects for use in animation and video game production.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. design an original 3D environment utilizing advanced particle systems and lighting effects.
2. model 3D photographic effects based on the replication of natural phenomena.
3. create design documents outlining the content and form of original 3D environments and scenes.
The last day to turn in any course work is December 15, 2017
You must complete all of your work by the end of this day. A grade will be assigned at the end of the session.
If for any reason you feel that you will not be able to complete the course, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw from the course by calling Classtalk by or before the last drop date.
Enrollment in college assumes maturity, seriousness of purpose and self-discipline. Every student is expected to fulfill the requirements of all classes for which they are registered. (See College Policy 3110).
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Computer and Software System Requirements
Intel Pentium 4 processor
Microsoft Windows XP or higher. 1GB RAM or greater - Color monitor with
256-color (8-bit) or greater video card - Monitor resolution of 800x600 or
greater - DVD-ROM drive.
Intel-based Apple Macintosh w/ Windows Partition,
Mac OSX, 1GB RAM or greater, Color
monitor with 256-color (8-bit) or greater video card - Monitor resolution of
800x600 or greater - DVD-ROM drive.
Students who do not have access to the equipment, software, and services necessary to take this course may use the resources at Mesa College. Computers are available for use in the LRC.
DSPS
Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss options with their professors immediately. The Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) are located in the H-200 Building on the San Diego Mesa College campus.
Student Code of Conduct
Students are expected to respect and obey standards of student conduct while in class and on the campus. The student Code of Conduct, disciplinary procedure, and student due process (Policy 3100, 3100.1 and 3100.2) can be found in the college catalog, and at the office of the Dean and Student Affairs (Rm. H-500). Charges of misconduct and disciplinary sanctions may be imposed upon students who violate these standards of conduct or provisions of college regulations. As your instructor, I have the following expectations of your behavior in this class: 1. Promote a courteous learning atmosphere by exhibiting mutual respect and consideration of the feelings, ideas, and contributions of others. 2. Demonstrate respect for your work, as well as the work of others, by recognizing and acknowledging strengths and improvements. 3. Demonstrate respect for tools, equipment and supplies. 4. Recognize everyone's opportunity to contribute information in a relevant and meaningful manner by not monopolizing discussion, interrupting, interjecting, irrelevant, illogical or inappropriate questions or comments.
Academic Integrity
This class will be conducted in accordance with the college student code of conduct and basic standards of academic honesty. Cheating, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Violations of standards of academic honesty will be reported to the school dean for appropriate action.
Grading
Our class will be graded on a simple point based system where points are awarded for completion of assignments and readings.
Remember that it is only you who benefits from the knowledge and skills you can obtain in this class and that I will always assume that you will act with your own best interests at heart. Accordingly, don't feel compelled to act or create something in a manner that you feel disingenuous about just because you feel it might please the instructor. Always act in a manner that best suits your own interests and goals.
Remember also that there is no faking it in this field. When someone hires you to design a digital work, they are not interested in the grade you received in some class at whatever college, they are interested in what you can DO. So take the time to think about what you really want to get from the class and act accordingly.
Students that complete all the assignments successfully should receive enough points for a grade of "A" for the course. Performing poorly in the scheduled projects could result in a lowered final grade.
A point system will be used to calculate a final grade and will follow a basic system of 93-100 = A, 85-92+ = B, 75-84+ = C, 65-74+ = D, 0-64+ = F. All points will be added and divided by assignment accordingly to establish the average score. Assignments will count towards 100% of the total.
Example: A total score of 680 on 8 assignments would result in a score of 85, resulting in a grade of B.