Have you always wanted to know behind-the-scenes secrets of Pixar and Freej? This program offers aspiring animators the opportunity to create their own movie magic by fusing cinematic storytelling with digital technology and finding their own creative voice with close guidance and encouragement from experienced faculty and guest speakers.
Our digital design and drawing studios are fully equipped to allow learners to develop 2D and 3D work through both traditional and modern means. Students have access to a range of state-of-the-art digital design programs and facilities.
This degree is designed to teach students everything they need to know about animation principles, current techniques and industry standards. Students will be primed to make their mark in this exciting field, producing work in professional, creative and stimulating environments. Students will benefit from direct contact with highly experienced animation artists and tutorial staff and will be encouraged to develop skills across traditional and modern animation disciplines, including subjects such as figure drawing, contextual studies and the handling of state-of-the-art digital programs.
| Course Category | Total Number of Courses | Total Number of Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Courses | 10 | 30 |
| Core Courses | 11 | 33 |
| Specialization Courses | 16 | 60 |
| Free Electives | 1 | 3 |
| Total | 39 Courses | 126 Credit Hours |
| Course Name | Course Code | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing | ENG 101 | 3 | This course provides students with advanced writing skills in English so that they can successfully pursue their studies in various academic specializations. It helps students to develop, improve, and upgrade their writing and structure skills, and it also acquaints students with technical writing, research papers, and essays since brief research methods are applied in student projects and assignments. |
| Arabic Composition | ARLAA 105 | 3 | This course is designed to enable students to analyze multiple texts in various fields of knowledge. In order to be able to distinguish between texts despite their difference of contents, it also enables student to simulate those texts in a correct way, and to transform the information into skill and behavior. And since writing is an integrated building process, and that the building is affected by its parts, therefore student needs models, linguistic laws, planning, cohesion and goals including: news and inquiries, demand and influence of the recipient. |
| Arabic for Non Arab Speakers | ARLNA 100 | 3 | This course is based on the principle that "Education" is an accumulative task especially when it comes to language learning. This process undergoes specific stages to assist the non-Arabic speakers to reach the ultimate goal which is to acquire the required skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) easily and accurately. To achieve this aim, text-based dialogues are provided as head start for the non-Arabic speakers to continue to the higher levels. The course also provides basic elements for reading, writing, dialogues, and listening to assist the learners to confidently interact with the Arab community |
| Communication Skills in Arabic | ARLAA 100 | 3 | This course is designed to enable the Arabic-speaking student with the necessary language skills, especially focusing on the steps of writing reports, official letters and systematic research. To achieve this, and to develop the student's abilities to understand correctly what he reads and listens, and to gain the ability to write articles, reports, meeting minutes and recommendations of conferences and seminars in a sound manner, the course was concerned with training the student in basic writing skills; such as multiple spelling rules, punctuation marks, paragraph system, and essay writing progressively. |
| Contemporary Arab Art | DES 104 | 3 | This course explores Arab art and aesthetics from the beginning of the twentieth century till date. The students will learn about the contemporary art and design movement in Arab countries, the expression of cultural identity, as well as the factors involved and changes in aesthetics from Islamic to Arabic art. They will also study and analyze the role of pioneer artists from various generations with emphasis on their influence on contemporary Arab art. |
| Emirati Studies (formerly UAE and GCC Society) | ASC 208 | 3 | The course is designed to introduce the UAE and GCC society with its historical background and uniqueness. It is aimed at enabling students to understand the specific features of the society along with its customs, traditions and lifestyle. The course will introduce the processes and the challenges of development as well as the future aspirations of the UAE and GCC Society. |
| English Literature | ENG 200 | 3 | This course will provide the students with a comprehensive overview of English literature in the United States. It will familiarize the students primarily with early Anglo-American writers and the different literary movements that took place in the United States. Today American literature includes many minority literary works, but the historical matrix remains Anglo-Saxon if we are to consider the dominant culture as the starting historical point. |
| Environmental Science | ASC 211 | 3 | The ‘Principles of Environmental Science’ course is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of Environmental Science to undergraduate students. It includes topics from different areas of study such as ecology, biology, soil science and atmospheric science. The course aims at raising environmental awareness among students and providing them with the scientific knowledge and skills to identify, prevent and solve environmental problems. Additionally, it deals with ecological concepts, organism interactions, communities and ecosystems. The course focuses on key areas of population dynamics, biodiversity, human activities and the environment managed ecosystems, air quality, water and solid waste management. |
| General Mathematics | MAT 100 | 3 | This course is designed to develop a good understanding of the fundamental concepts of mathematics. It also stresses on crucial cognitive transferable skills such as the ability to think logically and concisely. Mastering this course will give students the confidence to go on and do further courses in mathematics and statistics. |
| General Psychology | ASC 200 | 3 | An introduction to the science of psychology, its theories and foundations. The course is focused on principles and research methodologies, including the following topics: history of psychology, the biology of mind, memory, learning, child and personality development, psychological disorders and therapy. The aim of the course is to introduce the basis of psychology, provide the foundational knowledge to pursue the subject in more depth in the future, and build an ongoing interest in the application of psychology in everyday life. |
| History of Islamic Art | DES 105 | 3 | This course aims to focus on the evolution of Islamic Art through a chronological overview of various ?trends and approaches throughout history. Students will explore and analyze the rise and influence of ?Islam leading to the formation of a new artistic culture the world over.? |
| Innovation and Entrepreneurship | MGT 604 | 3 | This course marks students’ introduction to the theory and practice of innovation and entrepreneurship. Whether they are creating an opportunity or seizing an existing one students explore the core concepts and tools for creating new products or services, new businesses, or new markets from a multilayered perspective. The course examines the fundamentals of innovation in a multitude of settings, operationalizing the entrepreneurial spirit via a comprehensive business plan, and making decisions in the areas of strategic planning, financing, marketing, process improvement, and management with an awareness of the opportunities and challenges of working in an increasingly complex environment regionally and internationally. |
| Introduction to Anthropology | ASC 102 | 3 | This course provides an understanding of anthropology, the study of human beings throughout time and space. Anthropology is a broad discipline that studies human from a holistic perspective looking at both biological and cultural aspects. Anthropologists use different methods in order to understand and study humans. During this course, students will experience ethnographic fieldwork. |
| Introduction to Geography | ASC 206 | 3 | This course will provide the students with a comprehensive overview of geography. Emphasis is on concepts that are necessary to understand global, regional and local issues. This course also includes topics on both human and physical geography. |
| Introduction to Philosophy | ASC 201 | 3 | This course will introduce the students to the key concepts of philosophy and its principle tools. The course will discuss the schools of philosophical thought, and will apply philosophical analysis to the topics of knowledge, religion, mind, freedom, responsibility, and ethics. |
| Introduction to Political Science | ASC 202 | 3 | This course will introduce the students to the key concepts of Political Science and its principal tools. The course will discuss the role of main political actors in the field of politics and their function. |
| Introduction to Research | ASC 207 | 3 | The intent of this course is two-fold. First, it introduces students with the basic research terminologies. Second, it familiarizes them with the process of research from choosing a topic to writing the proposal. Students will be immersed in hands on experience where they will be introduced to research concepts that will help them understand, interpret, and review a journal article. Contents to be covered include the language of research, types of research, elements of scientific research proposal, writing an academic research proposal using APA style, research ethics, identifying data collection instruments, and interpreting data. |
| Introduction to Social Sciences | ASC 110 | 3 | This course serves as an introduction into the interdisciplinary and multifaceted social sciences. The content on the course covers the range of different disciplines that social sciences consists of, namely: anthropology, sociology, psychology, political science, economics and to a lesser extent also history and geography. The secondary aim of the course is moreover for students to develop their critical thinking skills by engaging actively with material about social issues, social change and social institutions. |
| Introduction to Sociology | ASC 104 | 3 | This course introduces the science of Sociology. Students will examine Society, Institutions and the relationships that make up a social context. The scientific methodology used to study social interactions, stratification and other elements of sociological enquiry will be discussed to emphasize the core concept of sociology as a systematic study of societies and social structures. |
| Islamic Civilization | ASC 106 | 3 | The course is designed to give an in-depth understanding of the Islamic civilization. It deals with the universal principles that went into the making of the Islamic civilization. It examines the basic ideas of Islamic civilization besides exploring their contemporary relevance and challenges. The course seeks to effectively address the notion of the ‘clash of civilizations. |
| Islamic Culture | ASC 105 | 3 | This course will expand students’ knowledge to enable them to understand the Islamic culture and its characteristics. It analyzes the sources of legislation in Islam. It offers a review of the history of Islam and how it is currently the fastest growing religion in the world. |
| Middle East History | ASC 204 | 3 | This course provides an overview of Middle-Eastern History, including the sources of Middle Eastern History. The course will conclude with discussions about perspectives on Middle-Eastern History. |
| Natural Science | ASC 210 | 3 | The natural science course incorporates a wide range of subjects of sciences such as astronomy, geology, biology, chemistry, and environmental science. The course will present the scientific facts of astronomy, the Earth and its weather, water, and environment, biology, and nutrition with the chemicals of life. The course emphasizes understanding the core principles of different branches of science and their effects on our lives. Moreover, the course explores the scope of natural phenomena, changing environment conditions, general health rules of nutrition, and the variety of living organisms. The course helps the students to acquire skills in observation, critical thinking, analyzing, interpreting, understanding and discussing scientific terminology and facts. |
| Sustainable Energy | ASC 212 | 3 | This course gives a thorough introduction to sustainable energy, conservation, and energy efficiency within the UAE and the world. It will explore the relationship between energy, environment, economy and ecological well-being. It will discuss energy production from the biology, natural science, environmental science and social sciences perspectives. A variety of topics will be introduced including global warming, climate change, sustainable food production, solid waste management, environmental and natural resources laws. The course includes the growing challenges of climate change and energy crisis and proposes solutions to overcome them. |
| University Life | ASC 101 | 3 | The purpose of this course is to facilitate the process of transition into a new academic and cultural environment for the new students enrolled in the AUE. Furthermore, it aims to promote their confidence so that they can succeed and meet the academic requirements. The course assimilates academic content with interactive in class activities to ensure an understanding of curricular options and begin to develop a future career plan through self-reflection. |
| World History | ASC 203 | 3 | This course provides an overview of World / General History. The course will conclude with discussions about perspectives on World History. It surveys the history of humankind since 250CE till 1990 CE. In addition, interregional, comparative, cross-cultural, transnational, and historiographical topics will be considered. The objective of the course is to explore the roots of contemporary globalization and to develop historical thinking and writing. |
| Course Name | Course Code | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Design | DES 212 | 3 | In this course, students will learn various techniques to construct objects in digital 3D space, as well as physical 3D solutions. Students will follow a concept development process of research and sketching, to generate designs for 3D production. A final original design, related to each student’s major, will be constructed using industry-standard 3D software. |
| Art History I | DES 122 | 3 | This course is a chronological survey of art and design offering students an in-depth understanding of the role of art throughout history with a strong focus on aesthetic values, socio-cultural influences and technical terminology. Architecture, sculpture, painting, decorative arts, prehistoric art, design of the ancient world, the world beyond Europe, early Christian and Islamic art and the art of the Middle-Ages and Gothic period form the foundation of the course material spanning a period from 40,000 BC to 1300 AD. |
| Art History II | DES 211 | 3 | This course covers the extensive cultural shifts from the early Renaissance through to the 20th century. Students will study painting, sculpture, furniture architecture as individual works in relation to their geographical, social, political, and religious environments. Also, analysis and comparative study of periodic decorative elements, strong designs and architectural features will be conducted. |
| Basic Design | DES 101 | 3 | This course is one of the fundamental courses in which the students will be introduced to the visual elements of design comprising of: point and line; shape and form; surface and texture; color and value; light and shadow; negative and positive space. The students will practice design principles: unity and variety; similarity; emphasis and point of interest; scale; proportion; and balance. This course is designed to give the students a strong understanding of 2D and 3D visual communications. |
| Collaborative Design Studio | DES 414 | 3 | The course is designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in design. Graphic, Interior, Fashion Design and Digital Animation are brought together into one studio environment to allow students with different skills and strengths work as a team solving a relatively complex design problem. Students develop a research plan followed by the establishment of intent and context for the topic and identification of stakeholders, leading to concept exploration and creation of a holistic design solution in cooperation with other specializations, institutes or with professionals from the industry. |
| Color Theory and Practice | DES 100 | 3 | This course examines color theory as an aid to communication, control and expression in traditional and contemporary design. The fundamental course allows students to explore color topics including color theory, color interaction, and color psychology. Students will study a wide range of creative and technical aspects of color and its use in design, experimenting with traditional mediums and digital applications. |
| Design Thinking | DES 210 | 3 | This course introduces students to human centered design thinking methods and practices through a variety of hands-on activities. DT is a methodology used by designers for the identification of problems and the definition of innovative solutions. Students will engage in processes for idea generation including sketching and diagramming, concept mapping and low-fidelity prototyping infusing visualization techniques and empathic tools into their design process. |
| Drawing I | DES 121 | 3 | This course provides a core introduction to drawing, covering a wide range of basic and intermediate practical and technical skills. Students will explore approaches and concepts to the subject through manual practice using a comprehensive range of media and with reference to great masters in the field. Traditional and objective drawing skills in the use of line, tone, form and perspective provide the foundation for learning in this course. Students are required to develop their ability to observe, perceive and interpret through drawing the world around them, reflecting their understanding of 2D and 3D space. |
| Drawing II | DES 123 | 3 | This course introduces students to different drawing concepts and skills through observation and exploration of several drawing techniques. In this course, students will develop the ability to express themselves, learn problem solving, and exploring portraiture, figure drawing, landscape drawing, and advanced compositions. Critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and a self-directed improvement capability are essentially required for this course. |
| Fundamentals of Graphic Illustration and Digital Imaging | DES 102 | 3 | Fundamentals of Graphic Illustration and Digital Imaging introduces students to the use of a computer as a powerful digital drawing and imaging tool. The focus of the course is on basic computer skills and use, mastering fundamental digital illustration and imaging skills, and developing efficient working styles. The course learning experience incorporates a variety of visual artwork strategies including but not limited to, color/ texture enhancements, typography, pen/ brush tools, , perspective tool, using different color schemes. This course involves considerable hands-on instruction and multiple projects using Adobe Photoshop/ Illustrator. |
| Internship | DES 301 / FAD 300 / FAD 305 | 3 | The college considers students’ internship as an essential channel that brings together the college, the students, and the job marketplace. Furthermore, internship is a method that integrates the instructional theoretical backgrounds to real existing practice. The training allows them to work under the observation and guidance of the field supervisor without replacing any regular employee. The internship is closely monitored by a college faculty member as an academic supervisor. |
| Course Name | Course Code | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2D Animation | DIA 214 | 3 | This course is an exploration of the theory, principles and techniques of 2D animation. Students will explore life gesture and body movement through drawing. Students will produce their own scripts, characters, storyboards and integrate them into a short-animated movie using principles of animation, that utilize traditional animation techniques and industry standard software. Emphasis will be placed on timing and performance. Pencil rendering, inking, key framing, inbetweening, audio integration and other 2D animation skills will be explored. |
| Capstone I - Pre-Production | DIA 416 | 3 | This course covers the pre-production planning and processes for digital animation projects to create an original animation piece from concept to final production. Students will follow the necessary steps in the production pipeline while identifying, creating, and refining their ideas, concepts, and methodology. Students can choose to work individually or implement a team-based animation project. Tasks will include story, script, concept, character design, storyboard, animatics, modeling, rigging and animation. |
| Capstone II - Production | DIA 424 | 3 | This course covers the production and the postproduction for animation. The students will continue working on their Capstone Project. They will receive continuous instructions and critiques from their supervisor. In addition, students will complete peer review approaches to their projects. Students will receive feedback and refine their animations, methodologies, and outcomes, focusing on meeting deadlines, and following the production pipeline to maintain efficient professional practices. Students will produce a final animation piece along with written documentation of the process. |
| Character Animation | DIA 325 | 3 | This course builds upon the information introduced in Character Modeling course and introduces basic theory of computer animation with an emphasis on character development and narrative. Students will be able to hone their professional skills through exploration and application of animation principles and implement various animation technique to create believable character animation. Students will implement conceptualizing, scriptwriting, storyboarding, posing, key framing and other forms of animation techniques to execute a high-quality animation project. |
| Character Modeling | DIA 314 | 3 | This course focuses on 3D character design and modeling for animation. Modeling, animation, lighting, texture mapping and rendering are introduced in a production setting. Students will work on several hands-on 3D modeling and animation projects using industry-standard software. |
| Character Rigging and Setup | DIA 323 | 6 | In this course, students will construct rigs for bipedal and quadrupedal characters for efficient and convincing animation. Students will experiment with both FK (Forward Kinematics) and IK (Inverse Kinematics) systems and learn to create controls to select and manipulate the rigs. Students will learn weight painting and other methods to smoothly deform the mesh. Various other methods of rigging will be explored to further deform the mesh to create facial expressions and emotions. |
| Figure Drawing (Life Drawing) | GRD 221 | 3 | Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and figure construction through exploration of the skeletal, muscular and surface systems of the human body. Portraiture and facial expression also form part of the course. Classic technique and personal interpretation will be explored through intensive studio practice based on direct observation of the model examining shape, form, line, tone, value, texture, weight, balance, stress and movement. Advanced composition, sophisticated mark-making and the development of personal expression, interpretation and visual fluency are key in this course as well as thoughtful and constructive participation in group critiques using appropriate terminology. |
| Fundamentals of 3D Animation | DIA 224 | 3 | This course is an implementation of the twelve principles of animation with 3D animation tools. Students will be able to build a solid set of foundational skills and to create convincing and entertaining animation as well as to enhance their knowledge of the basic physics and mechanics of animation. Studio practice will include graph editor drills, best practices from planning to polish, and carefully guided demonstrations. At the end of the semester, student will be presenting a short character animation, including audio, background, lights, and camera. |
| History of Animation | DIA 301 / DIA 222 | 3 | This course is an exploration of the history and evolution of animation forms and contemporary animation. Students will identify and analyze the timeline of different genres and the work of the key creative figures in the development of this industry. In addition to lectures, review and analysis of professional work, they will construct early animation devices to develop an understanding of the moving image. |
| Introduction to Animation | DIA 120 | 3 | This course is exploration of animation theory, principles and techniques. Principles of animation will be introduced through the art of experimental and stop motion animation. Practical experience with different techniques including but not limited to the media of clay, paper cutouts, found objects, pixilation, and stop motion puppets will be provided to the students. Projects developed in this course will increase the students’ professional vocabulary and allow them to demonstrate a working knowledge of a range of animation techniques. |
| Introduction to Digital Video Production | GRD 314 | 3 | This course covers the theory of digital production, compositing and working in digital formats. Students will follow the production pipeline to learn story development through scripting, storyboarding, video recording and editing, lighting techniques, audio production and to author original content. Students will work with different narrative structures to tell a compelling story. |
| Motion Graphics | GRD 323 | 3 | This course introduces the theory and production of motion graphics utilizing industry-standard software and current broadcast techniques with emphasis on classic animation principles and workflow. The focus is on animating with typography, graphic symbols, shapes and color, to design and produce highly compelling time-based motion graphics and typography for broadcast, web, and mobile platforms. |
| Special Topics in Digital Animation | DIA 423 | 3 | This course provides an opportunity for students to focus on various issues in fashion design and to study advanced techniques and processes. Course content vary each time the course is offered. The course emphasizes research analysis and the creative process that leads to innovative solutions and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the subject of the course. The course may include lectures, discussions, individual projects and critique, depending on the nature of the topic. |
| Storyboarding | DIA 313 | 3 | This course introduces students to storyboarding as an integrated stage in the preproduction process through studying scripts and sketching a sequence of images to give a better idea of how the scene will play out. Story development, camera language, stages in storyboarding, storyboarding formats, motion and animation, character development, preproduction packets, and pitching will be included. Students will learn how to structure a storyboard with good draftsmanship and visual organization. |
| Surface Modeling | DIA 223 | 3 | This course introduces students to the different 3D modeling hard-surface methods using industry relevant software with an emphasis on polygonal, subdivision surfaces and Nurbs modeling. The focus will be on the basic and advanced tools, and the production methodology. |
| Typography I | GRD 214 | 3 | Typography-I is the study of letterforms including their purpose as communication tools, type anatomy, syntax, and their evolution with technologies in printing and new media. This course will provide the student with a foundation to understand the evolution of typography from both historical and conceptual perspective. Students will be exposed to a vocabulary of professional terms to articulately communicate their ideas with their peers, and their future associates and clients. In addition, students will learn to incorporate the basic principles of typography with the essential technical skills necessary to achieve success in graphic design and advertising. |
| Course Name | Course Code | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Elective | 3 | 3 Credit Hours must be chosen from any other college/ specialization in condition the prerequisites of the chosed courses are met. |
For undergraduate degree completion, undergraduate students must satisfy the following requirements:
