Core units:
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Simulation and Rendering: This unit includes simulation elements such as fluid, smoke and FEA. The rendering section includes writing shaders using renderman as well as an in depth look at how different rendering engines work.
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Animation Software Engineering: This unit will build on your existing programming knowledge and teach C++ and Software engineering principles for computer graphics. We use Modern C++ and OpenGL for realtime graphics as well as the NCCA Graphics Library ngl.
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CGI Tools: You will be introduced to the main software tools used on the course these are Maya and Houdini, lectures will also introduce the main artistic concepts such as composition and cinematography.
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CGI Techniques: This unit provides a more in-depth look at the algorithms and techniques behind computer animation, you will be introduced to the main mathematical and algorithmic concepts behind computer graphics and animation.
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Pipeline and Technical Direction: This unit enables you to define the technological strategy required for an animation project or pipeline by defining and developing the tools and key development procedures required to see a project to completion.
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Group Project: Working with students from all three postgraduate courses (MA3D, MA Digital Effects) you'll present a concept for a short animated piece.
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Master’s Project: The focus of the fourth term is on completing the Master’s component of your education. This can be a standalone project or the continuation and conclusion of another project. This project also includes a written thesis of approximately 5000 words and the year ends with a computer animation show, which gives you the opportunity to showcase your work to industry professionals and potential employers.
Suggested reading
What follows is a small list of books we recommend (all should be in the library so there is no need to purchase them).
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Computer Animation Algorithms and Techniques, Rick Parent (2002), Morgan Kaufmann
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OpenGL Programming Guide, Mason Woo et al (2001), Addison Wesley
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Computer Graphics using OpenGL, F.S. Hill Jr. (3rd Edition), Prentice Hall
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Essential Renderman Fast, Ian Stephenson (2nd Edition), Springer
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Advanced Renderman, Apodaca & Gritz, Morgan Kaufmann
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Texturing and Modelling a Procedural approach, (3rd Edition) Ebert et al, AP Professional.
Resources, equipment and technology:
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MSc Computer Animation and Visual Effects Studio
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Programme-specific Software: Centos Linux, Maya, Houdini and Renderman
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Departmental Software: C++, OpenGL, Qt, Maya, Houdini, Renderman plus many more
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Acquisition: Full Green Screen TV and MOCAP Studio, Portable Green and Blue Screens, Track & Jib, Location Survey Kits, 3D Scanner and Motion Capture Suite
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Acquistion Cameras: Panasonic 101s and Canon 5Ds
Bournemouth University is one of a small number of institutions from around the world who have been granted Houdini Certified School status by Side Effects Software.
Programme specification
Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry. If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready.
