Semester 1: Foundations of 3D Animation

1. Introduction to 3D Animation

   • Overview of 3D animation industry and applications
   • History and evolution of 3D animation

2. 3D Modeling Basics

   • Introduction to 3D modeling software (Blender/Maya)
   • Basic modeling techniques (polygons, NURBS, splines)
   • Creating simple objects and environments

3. Texturing and Shading

   • Understanding UV mapping
   • Applying textures and materials
   • Introduction to shading networks

4. Introduction to Rigging

   • Basics of character rigging
   • Creating simple skeletons and controls
   • Skinning techniques

5. Animation Principles

   • Fundamental principles of animation (timing, squash and stretch, etc.)
   • Keyframing and tweening
   • Basic walk cycles and simple animations

6. Introduction to Lighting

   • Basics of lighting in 3D
   • Types of lights and their uses
   • Lighting techniques for different scenarios

7. Rendering Basics

   • Introduction to rendering engines (Arnold, V-Ray)
   • Setting up basic render scenes
   • Understanding render settings and output

Semester 2: Intermediate 3D Animation

1. Advanced Modeling Techniques

   • Detailed modeling of characters and complex objects
   • High-poly vs low-poly modeling
   • Retopology techniques

2. Advanced Texturing and Shading

   • Creating advanced textures and materials
   • Procedural texturing
   • Shader development and customization

3. Intermediate Rigging

   • Advanced rigging techniques
   • Facial rigging
   • Creating dynamic and flexible rigs

4. Character Animation

   • Advanced character animation techniques
   • Creating realistic walk, run, and jump cycles
   • Lip-sync and facial expressions

5. Lighting and Rendering

   • Advanced lighting techniques
   • HDRI lighting and global illumination
   • Render passes and compositing

6. Dynamics and Simulations

   • Introduction to dynamics and particle systems
   • Simulating natural phenomena (smoke, fire, water)
   • Cloth and hair simulations

7. Project Planning and Management

   • Planning and organizing animation projects
   • Storyboarding and animatics
   • Time management and workflow optimization

Semester 3: Advanced Techniques and Specialization

1. Advanced Animation Techniques

   • Physics-based animation
   • Motion capture and retargeting
   • Animating for different styles (realistic, cartoon, etc.)

2. Visual Effects (VFX) Integration

   • Combining animation with visual effects
   • Compositing techniques
   • Creating complex VFX shots

3. Advanced Rigging and Automation

   • Scripting and automation in rigging
   • Creating custom rigging tools
   • Advanced deformation techniques

4. Lighting and Rendering for Production

   • Photorealistic rendering techniques
   • Optimizing scenes for render efficiency
   • Post-processing and color grading

5. Specialization Module (Choose One)

   • Character Animation Specialization
     • In-depth character animation techniques
     • Creating believable and expressive characters
   • Environment and Props Modeling
     • Advanced techniques for creating detailed environments and props
     • Integrating models into complex scenes
   • VFX and Dynamics Specialization
     • Advanced VFX techniques and simulations
     • Creating realistic effects and integrating them into animation

6. Industry Project

   • Collaborate on a real-world project
   • Apply advanced skills in a professional context
   • Receive feedback from industry experts

Semester 4: Portfolio and Professional Development

1. Portfolio Development

   • Assembling a professional portfolio
   • Showcasing best work and skills
   • Preparing demo reels and online portfolios

2. Industry Internship

   • Gaining hands-on experience through internships
   • Working on live projects with industry professionals
   • Building professional networks

3. Professional Practices

   • Understanding industry standards and workflows
   • Preparing for job interviews and negotiations
   • Career development and continuous learning

4. Capstone Project

   • Undertake a comprehensive capstone project
   • Demonstrate mastery of 3D animation skills
   • Present project to faculty and industry professionals