Fall 2025 - CMPT 419 D100
Special Topics in Artificial Intelligence (3)
Class Number: 5522
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 15, 2025
Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Wuyang Chen
wuyang@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Current topics in artificial intelligence depending on faculty and student interest.
COURSE DETAILS:
Prerequisites note:
There are no formal prerequisites for this class. However, you should have solid knowledge and skills in calculus and linear algebra.
Physically-based animation of solids and fluids plays a central role in computer graphics and simulation. This course will explore both the foundational principles and practical methods used to simulate physical phenomena such as rigid bodies, deformable materials, and fluids. The first part will introduce key techniques for discretizing partial differential equations (PDEs) and implementing efficient numerical solvers. The second part will examine simulation models for a range of physical systems, including solids, shells, rods, liquids, and smoke. The final part will cover basic rendering techniques for visualizing different materials and discuss current research directions and challenges in the field.
The course will be seminar-based and include both lectures and student presentations. It will be at an advanced undergraduate/beginner graduate level, and will assume familiarity with calculus, linear algebra, and basic numerical methods. Quizzes and projects will involve both theoretical and programming components.
Topics
- Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
- PDE Basics, Methods, Analysis
- Advection, Laplace, Poisson, Heat, Navier-Stokes
- Water Surface, Non-linear Hyperbolic
- Simulation of Fluid and Solids
- Geometry, Integration, Boundary Condition
- Fluid Fundamentals
- Mass-Spring Systems, Continuum Mechanics, FEM Pipeline
- Energy-based Solids, Contact, Friction
- Hybrid Methods
- Graphics and Rendering Methods
- Basics, Surfaces, Curves
- Game Engine
Grading
NOTES:
Grading
- Class Participation and Discussion
- Project
- Final Paper Presentation (in class)
- Quizzes
Materials
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
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Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
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All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.