Deborah R. Fowler

Resources for VSFX 728
Particles and Procedural Effects

Posted 2013 Updated March 24 2026
Lecture Overview   Course Structure
Assignments are available online only.
Please review the syllabus regularly during the quarter.
Assignments Graded Work
Weight % Requirements Out Image Reviews / Dailies Deadlines
(by class #)
Grading Rubric Breakdown Template
5 Ex 1 out 1

due 4 (Vex/Vops) GR1
20 Ex 2 out 3

due 6 (Particles) GR2
10 Ex 3 out 6

due 8 (RBD - Light/Heavy) GR3
20 Ex 4 out 8
continuous due 10 and 12 (Destruction/Pyro) GR4
10 Project Blog out 10
continuous due 15 to start final 20

25 Project out 1 prop 15
due 19 and 20 PGR
10 Professionalism including Hi-Res Stills




Breakdown

In keeping with creating a studio environment you will be expected to adhere to deadlines and show your work in progress in a "dailies" fashion.

Class Notes

Classes 1–20: please refer to the syllabus located on Blackboard.

Reading & Resource List Required Reading

Text: The VES Handbook of Visual Effects, Third Edition, edited by Jeffrey A. Okun & Susan Zwerman, Focal Press, ISBN-13 978-1138542204

The documentation provided with the Houdini software is extensive and online. Specifically we will be using Houdini 21.0.440 and the links below will be very helpful.

VEX / VOPs