Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 466 D100

Animation (3)

Class Number: 5482

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 361 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Topics and techniques in animation, including: The history of animation, computers in animation, traditional animation approaches, and computer animation techniques such as geometric modelling, interpolation, camera controls, kinematics, dynamics, constraint-based animation, realistic motion, temporal aliasing, digital effects and post production.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics and techniques in computer animation, including: The history of animation, traditional animation, 3D model representation, mesh processing, kinematic animation, motion capture, particle systems, mass-spring systems, physics-based animation, position-based dynamics, character animation, soft objects and deformation, learning-based animation methods.


Topics

  • history of animation
  • traditional animation
  • 3D model representation
  • mesh processing
  • kinematic animation
  • motion capture
  • particle systems
  • mass-spring systems
  • physics-based animation
  • position-based dynamics
  • character animation
  • soft objects and deformation
  • neural network-based animation methods
  • diffusion models

Grading

NOTES:

To be discussed the first week of classes

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Computer Animation: Algorithms and Techniques, 3rd Edition, Rick Parent, Elsevier Science
ISBN: 9780124158429

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:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • 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: 


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.