FX2S06 - FX Dynamics 01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FX2S06
Module Title: FX Dynamics
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Games and Design
Faculty Sub Group: Games
Module Leader: Geraint Thomas
Module Team: Emma Davies, Christopher Thomas, Emma Marshman
First Intended Intake: SEP 2020 Final Year of Intake: 2025
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100632 - visual communication
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

To provide students with an understanding of various computer generated FX and Dynamic simulations in the form of particles, rigid body destruction, weather and cloth simulations.

Simulation is not necessarily about exotic fire effects and monster goo; it is often about mimicking the mundane to complement a story or embellish or enrich the ordinary. Underwater bubbles, kettle steam, a whirlwind of litter on a housing estate or dust falling from rafters.

Content Summary

This module focuses on the art of physically accurate computer simulations, their place within the VFX pipeline along with key optimisations.

Make the student aware of the appropriate use of
simulations and effects, taking into account complexity, rendering, time, memory and resource overheads.

There will be an emphasis on creative problem solving and observational skills to replicate effects found in the real world.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 6
Project supervision 12
Practical classes and workshops 12
Supervised time in studio/workshop 18
Independent Study 80
Directed Study 72
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Illustrate a working knowledge of software appropriate to delivering more advanced concepts in Motion design based media.
LO2 Demonstrate expanded visual and verbal vocabularies as related to motion graphic design.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Production (Onsite) 1 Particles & Simulations – An open project that must include a simulation 0 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Production (Onsite) 1

Reading List

Okun, J.A., Zwerman, S. and Visual Effects Society (2010). The VES handbook of visual effects?: industry standard VFX practices and procedures. Burlington, Mass.: Focal Press/Elsevier.
Schiller, C. (2020). Motion Mountain - The Adventure of Physics. [online] www.motionmountain.net. Motion Mountain Physikverein. Available at: https://www.motionmountain.net/ [Accessed 29 Jun. 2020].
Reynolds, C. (2019). Boids (Flocks, Herds, and Schools: a Distributed Behavioral Model). [online] Red3d.com. Available at: http://www.red3d.com/cwr/boids/ [Accessed 30 Mar. 2019].
www.sidefx.com. (2020). Getting Started | Learning Houdini Learning Path | SideFX. [online] Available at: https://www.sidefx.com/learn/getting_started/ [Accessed 29 Jun. 2020].