Semester-wise Syllabus for MSc in Animation

Semester 1: Foundations of Animation

1. Principles of Animation

   • 12 basic animation principles (squash & stretch, timing, anticipation, etc.).

   • Traditional vs. digital animation techniques.

2. Digital Art & Design

   • Fundamentals of drawing, composition, color theory, and digital painting.

   • Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator.

3. 2D Animation Techniques

   • Frame-by-frame animation, rigging, and motion graphics.

   • Tools: Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony.

4. 3D Modeling Basics

   • Introduction to polygonal modeling, texturing, and lighting.

   • Tools: Autodesk Maya, Blender.

5. Storyboarding & Pre-visualization

   • Script breakdown, shot composition, and animatics.

6. Practical Lab Work

   • Hands-on exercises in 2D/3D animation and design.

Semester 2: Advanced Animation & VFX

1. 3D Animation & Rigging

   • Character rigging, weight painting, and keyframe animation.

   • Tools: Maya, Cinema 4D.

2. Visual Effects (VFX) Fundamentals

   • Particle systems, dynamics (fire, smoke, fluids), and compositing.

   • Tools: Adobe After Effects, Nuke.

3. Motion Graphics & Typography

   • Kinetic typography, infographics, and broadcast design.

   • Tools: After Effects, Cinema 4D.

4. Game Asset Creation

   • Low-poly modeling, UV mapping, and game-ready assets.

   • Tools: Blender, Unity/Unreal Engine.

5. Sound Design for Animation

   • Foley, voice sync (lip-sync), and audio editing.

6. Practical Lab Work

   • Short animation projects integrating VFX and motion graphics.

Semester 3: Specialization & Electives

Students choose a specialization track (e.g., 3D Animation, VFX, Game Design, or Interactive Media).

Common Specializations & Subjects:

1. 3D Character Animation

   • Advanced rigging, facial animation, and body mechanics.

2. Visual Effects (VFX) & Compositing

   • Green screen keying, CGI integration, and matte painting.

3. Game Design & Interactive Media

   • Level design, real-time rendering, and VR/AR animation.

4. Stop Motion & Experimental Animation

   • Claymation, puppet animation, and mixed-media techniques.

5. Digital Sculpting & High-Detail Modeling

   • ZBrush for character/environment sculpting.

6. Research Methodology in Animation

   • Thesis preparation, case studies, and industry trends.

Semester 4: Thesis Project & Industry Internship

1. Capstone Animation Project

   • Develop a short film, game prototype, or VFX demo reel.

2. Industry Internship (Optional)

   • Work with animation studios, gaming companies, or VFX firms.

3. Portfolio Development

   • Showcase work for job placements (Demo Reel, ArtStation, Behance).

4. Seminar & Viva Voce

   • Present and defend the thesis project.