Semester-wise syllabus for a Diploma in Animation & VFX 

Semester 1: Foundations of Animation

1. Principles of Animation

   • 12 Basic Principles (Squash & Stretch, Anticipation, Timing)

   • Traditional Hand-drawn Animation Basics

2. Digital Art & Design

   • Color Theory, Composition

   • Photoshop for Concept Art

3. 2D Animation

   • Storyboarding, Character Design

   • Software: Adobe Animate, Toon Boom

4. 3D Modeling Basics

   • Interface Navigation, Polygon Modeling

   • Software: Autodesk Maya/Blender

5. Visual Storytelling

   • Scriptwriting, Shot Composition

6. Practical Lab

   • Flipbook Animation, Basic Walk Cycles

Semester 2: Intermediate Techniques

1. 3D Animation

   • Rigging, Keyframing, Lip Sync

   • Software: Maya Character Animator

2. VFX Fundamentals

   • Green Screen Removal, Rotoscoping

   • Software: Adobe After Effects

3. Motion Graphics

   • Title Sequences, Infographics

   • Software: Cinema 4D + After Effects

4. Texturing & Lighting

   • UV Mapping, HDRI Lighting

   • Software: Substance Painter

5. Sound Design for Animation

   • Foley, Voice-over Syncing

6. Project Work

   • Short 2D/3D Animation (30-60 sec)

Semester 3 : Specialization

1. Advanced VFX

   • Particle Systems (Fire/Smoke), Dynamics

   • Software: Houdini/Nuke

2. Character Animation

   • Advanced Rigging, Facial Animation

3. Matte Painting

   • Digital Environment Creation

   • Software: Photoshop + Maya

4. CGI Integration

   • Live-Action + 3D Compositing

5. Industry Workflows

   • Pipeline in Studios (Pre-Prod to Post-Prod)

Semester 4: Professional Portfolio Development

1. Special Effects Simulation

   • Fluid, Cloth, Hair Dynamics

2. Virtual Production

   • Unreal Engine for Real-time Animation

3. Augmented Reality (AR) Basics

   • Markerless Tracking, AR Content Creation

4. Final Project

   • Showreel Development (2-3 min)

   • Collaborative Short Film Production

5. Internship

   • Studio Apprenticeship (4-8 weeks)

Key Software Taught:

• 2D Animation: Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony

• 3D Animation: Autodesk Maya, Blender

• VFX: After Effects, Nuke, Houdini

• Game Engines: Unreal Engine (for Cinematics)