VIZA 613 is an introductory level course focusing on the fundamentals of 3D modeling and computer animation. It is part of the core curriculum of the M.S. Visualization Sciences program and is typically taken in the first Fall semester.

The course will cover mathematical and artistic foundations of 3D modeling and animation.

• Artistic foundations of 3D modeling and animation: Students will learn the principles of animation and develop skills for animating 3D models. The subjects will include timing, weight, squash and strech, anticipation, follow through and overlapping action, staging, arcs, secondary action, exaggeration, facial expressions, cycles, inverse and forward kinematics, character modeling.
• Mathematical foundations of 3D modeling and animation: Students will learn the mathematical concepts behind modeling and animation. The subjects include but are not limited to matrix, vector and quaternion algebra, homogeneous coordinates, perspective transformation, free-form surfaces, polygonal modeling and subdivision surfaces.

Graduate student status in Visualization or consent of the instructor.
The course is intended primarily for students in the MSVS program.

Late submissions may be penalized.

Grading scheme (tentative): Cutoffs at 90%, 80%, 70% and 60% for grades of A, B, C and D respectively. Totals below 60% will be given a grade of F.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement
The following ADA Policy Statement (part of the Policy on Individual Disabling Conditions) was submitted to the University Curriculum Committee by the Department of Student Life. The policy statement was forwarded to the Faculty Senate for information.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Cain Hall or call 845-1637.

Academic Integrity Statements

An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.

Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the TAMU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor System.

For additional information please visit: http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor/

Plagiarism
In this course, we want to encourage collaboration and the free interchange of ideas among students and in particular the discussion of homework assignments, approaches to solving them, etc. However, we do not allow plagiarism, which, as commonly defined, consists of passing off as one's own the ideas, words, writings, etc., which belong to another. In accordance with this definition, you are committing plagiarism if you copy the work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you should have the permission of that person. Plagiarism is one of the worst academic sins, for the plagiarist destroys the trust among colleagues without which research cannot be safely communicated.
If you have any questions regarding plagiarism, please consult the latest issue of the Texas A&M University Student Rules, under the section on Scholastic Dishonesty.