Biomedical Art

BMA: 2D/3D Compositing for Animation

Course No. BMA300.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Kasumi

The course is designed to instruct students in the process and concepts of integrating 2D and 3D images from multiple digital sources into a single, seamless whole composite. The course will be examining tools, techniques and concepts which help to augment and compose digital space for sequences of images (still images, animations & video). Digital compositing is the manipulated combination of at least 2 or more sources of images to produce and integrated result. The course will use the process of compositing to demonstrate the following advanced concepts & techniques: digital compositing concepts, motion graphics integration, post production special effects, matte painting/masking, basic 2D rotoscoping and animation of different composited layers, depth and 2D space composites, 3D generated render passes, lighting and color correction for image synthesis and rendering with correct frame rate and aspect ratios. The fundamental concepts, principles and practices of time based digital compositing and rendering in order to establish a common aesthetic and technical language necessary to develop quality professional visual communications. Based primarily in the software program Adobe After Effects, students will immerse themselves in the making of integrated 2D works that are driven by medical/scientific, socially, culturally and research connected narratives. 3 credits.

BMA: 2D/3D Compositing for Animation

Course No. BMA400.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Kasumi

The course is designed to instruct students in the process and concepts of integrating 2D and 3D images from multiple digital sources into a single, seamless whole composite. The course will be examining tools, techniques and concepts which help to augment and compose digital space for sequences of images (still images, animations & video). Digital compositing is the manipulated combination of at least 2 or more sources of images to produce and integrated result. The course will use the process of compositing to demonstrate the following advanced concepts & techniques: digital compositing concepts, motion graphics integration, post production special effects, matte painting/masking, basic 2D rotoscoping and animation of different composited layers, depth and 2D space composites, 3D generated render passes, lighting and color correction for image synthesis and rendering with correct frame rate and aspect ratios. The fundamental concepts, principles and practices of time based digital compositing and rendering in order to establish a common aesthetic and technical language necessary to develop quality professional visual communications. Based primarily in the software program Adobe After Effects, students will immerse themselves in the making of integrated 2D works that are driven by medical/scientific, socially, culturally and research connected narratives. 3 credits.

BMA: Adv Problems, Concepts, & Media

Course No. BMA354.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Thomas Nowacki

In this course the student will continue investigating complex concepts and techniques in Biomedical media and apply them to advanced visual communication problems. The focus will be on developing conceptual visual story-telling skills (First in sketch form/storyboarding for client proofing, then rendered digitally for final art) Students will learn to take complex information presented by biomedical subject matter and simplify it to solve visual communication problems effectively for the target audience. Advanced digital illustration techniques in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and the integration of flash will be used as the basis to solve illustration problems. Students outside the major will learn techniques and concepts in visual communication to for editorial and narrative based projects. Offered spring. 3 credits.

BMA: Intro to 3D Animation

Course No. BMA346.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Amanda Almon

This course serves as an introductory platform to investigate and discover object, environment, human and natural science 3D animation to create a narrative with goals to communicate a message and/or educate and instruct the viewer. The student will use the concept of narrative to tell animated short stories of the body, environment and/or natural science through the medium of 3D digital animation software. Within the course, strong conceptual skills are emphasized and developed through professional production techniques, workflow and time-based linear media. Successful animation breathes life into motion with clear communication of thought, emotion, narrative or experience. Any moving object is a ÒcharacterÓ in film or animation. We will hold regular discussions and workshops on how the dialogue of an otherwise stagnant object changes and evolves when put to motion. Methods of instruction will consist of lectures, demonstrations, art & scientific research, studio assignments, in-class lab time, and group critiques. The principles of 3D space and motion/timing will be used as the foundation for understanding how to communicate a message through animation. Learning the ideas of simplistic object, environment and body motion accuracy/timing will be taught in 3D and students will be expected to create simple to complex animations (based on level and individual progress.) The computer will be explored like other art media and will serve as a tool for creation.

Digital Color: Style & Representation in Science

Course No. BMA264.2  Credits: 3
Faculty David Schumick

This open elective to all students, interested in techniques and concepts in traditional and digital color media. The course will focus on principles of color theory, light on form, line, texture, aesthetic impact, and accuracy of content in the illustration of scientific information and editorial content. Through research, planning, and the application of medical and scientific knowledge, the students use color to effectively communicate conceptual and observational problems. Assignments focus on the creative use of color to express specific communication objectives to a range of audiences for both majors in Biomedical Art and other majors of study. This course supplements the integration of traditional and digital illustration techniques for non majors, focused on editorial, and narrative based course work. 3 credits.

Experimental Video

Course No. TIM240/340/440  Credits: 3
Faculty Kasumi | Sarah Paul

This is an advanced video course, investigating the scope of symbolic and improvisatory cinematic storytelling. Students will explore unconventional methods of video acquisition, manipulation, processing, editing and display. Students will be able to delve into media hybrids, and rather than established narrative forms, underscoring metaphorical poetic styles that inform the structure of the work. Emphasize will be towards development of acute observational skills and innovative visualization techniques, encourage divergent thinking and cognitive flexibility. This course is for students who have a sustained interest in using video technology as part of their art-making. Note: Experimental Video (or Motion Graphics) is a required course for all Video majors and Animation majors. Required materials: A 7200 rpm hard drive, a set of headphones and a notebook.

Experimentation in Electronic Arts II

Course No. TIM416.2  Credits: 3
Faculty Nicholas Economos

This is a seminar class that guides students in the development and realization of a semester long research project in electronic arts. Projects can be in a wide range of areas, hybrid thinking and intermedia approaches are strongly encouraged. Topics in the theory and history of contemporary art related to current and emerging practices will also be discussed. The class is designed to allow for synthesis of content from earlier studies into significant finished work that will be shown in an exhibition planned, managed and coordinated by the students under the direction of the instructor. Offered spring. 3 credits.

Human Anatomy & Physiology I

Course No. BMA116.1  Credits: 3

This course is the first course in a two-semester sequence that covers most systems of the human body and covers homeostasis, membrane structure and function, membrane transport, tissue types, the integumentary system, neurons and nerves, the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, special senses (vision, hearing and equilibrium, taste, smell), and the cardiovascular system. Cross-registration at CWRU required.