David Long, Program Chair
(585) 475-5724; dllppr@rit.edu
http://cias.rit.edu/film/digitalcinema/digital_cinema.html
Program overview
The BS degree program in motion picture science provides a science- and engineering-based education in the fundamental imaging technologies used for the motion picture industry. By joining a core curriculum in practical filmmaking from the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences and image science from the College of Science, this program trains students in the art and science of feature film, television, and animation production. Topics include film and digital image capture, film scanning, digital image manipulation, color science, visual effects, and digital and traditional projection. New facilities provide students with hands-on experience on the same equipment being used in major motion picture production today.
Utilizing research, critical thinking, creativity, and a range of problem-solving principles, students are taught to address complex motion imaging workflow issues within the constraints of time, space, budget, and technology. Graduates of the BS program will enjoy a variety of career opportunities, from feature film and television post-production to imaging equipment design and essential motion imaging technology research and development.
Curriculum
Motion picture science, BS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 1016-281, 282, 283 | Project-Based Calculus I, II, III | 12 |
| 1017-311, 312 | University Physics I, II | 10 |
| 2065-201 | Introduction to Film Production | 4 |
| 2065-202 | Digital Film Production | 4 |
| 2065-222 | Film Language | 4 |
| 2065-231 | Film/Video Materials and Technology | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| 1720-050, 051 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Second Year | ||
| 1017-313 | University Physics III | 4 |
| 1051-211 | Programming for Imaging Science | 4 |
| 1051-320 | Linear Math for Imaging | 4 |
| 1051-350 | Vision and Psychophysics | 4 |
| 1051-370 | Radiometry | 4 |
| 2065-316 | Production Process | 6 |
| 2065-331 | Introduction to Animation I | 4 |
| 2065-344 | Post-production Processes | 4 |
| 2065-452 | Sound Recording | 3 |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| 1051-361 | Digital Image Process I | 4 |
| Third Year | ||
| 1051-303 | Geometric Optics | 4 |
| 1051-402 | Color Science | 4 |
| 1051-462 | Digital Imaging Processing II | 4 |
| 2065-361 | Introduction to 3D Computer Animation | 4 |
| 2065-411, 2065-xxx | Image Capture and Production Technology I, II | 8 |
| Special Effects and Digital Post 2065-xxx | 4 | |
| Film/Animation History and Aesthetics | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 2065-xxx, 508, 509 | Senior Project 1, 2, 3 | 9 |
| 2065-xxx | Film Projection and Digital Cinema | 4 |
| Film/Animation Electives | 9-12 | |
| Film/Animation History and Aesthetics | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 12 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 192 | |
*Please see Liberal Arts General Requirements for more information.
†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
Motion picture science, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| SOFA-101 | Production I | 3 |
| MATH 181 | Calculus I (LAS-P7a) | 4 |
| IMGS-181 | Freshmen Imaging Project 1 (LAS-E1) | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar | 3 | |
| First-Year Writing | 3 | |
| SOFA-111 | Flim Viewings | 1 |
| SOFA-102 | Production II | 3 |
| SOFA-103 | FV Mat. & Tech. (LAS-E2) | 3 |
| MATH 182 | Calculus II (LAS-P7b) | 4 |
| PHYS. 211 | Physics I (LAS-P5) | 4 |
| Second Year | ||
| SOFA-121 | Animation Survey (LAS-E3) | 3 |
| IMGS-221 | Vision & Psych. (LAS-E4) | 3 |
| PHYS 212 | Physics II (LAS-P6) | 4 |
| LAS PerspectiveS 1 (LAS-P1) | 3 | |
| LAS PerspectiveS 2 (LAS-P2) | 3 | |
| SOFA-202 | Production Processes | 4 |
| IMGS-251 | Radiometry (LAS-E5) | 3 |
| IMGS-261 | Linear Math (LAS-E6) | 4 |
| SOFA-205 | Basic Sound Recording | 3 |
| LAS PerspectiveS 3 (LAS-P3) | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| SOFA-311 | Image Capture & Prod. Tech. | 3 |
| IMGS-321 | Geometric Optics | 3 |
| IMGS-351 | Color Science | 3 |
| IMGS-361 | DIP I | 3 |
| IMGS-365 | DIP I - Programming | 1 |
| LAS Immersion 1 (LAS-I1) | 3 | |
| SOFA-312 | DIG Post-Prod Tech (WI) | 3 |
| IMGS-362 | DIP II | 3 |
| SOFA-221 | Object & Character Creation | 3 |
| SOFA-3xx | Program Elective 1 | 3 |
| Open Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| SOFA-401 | Senior Project I | 3 |
| SOFA-313 | Film Projection & Dig. Cinema | 3 |
| Open Elective 2 | 3 | |
| SOFA-3xx | Program Elective 2 | 3 |
| LAS Immersion 2 (LAS-I2) | 3 | |
| SOFA-402 | Senior Project II | 3 |
| Open Elective 3 | 3 | |
| SOFA-3xx | Program Elective 3 | 3 |
| LAS PerspectiveS 4 (LAS-P4) | 3 | |
| LAS Immersion 3 (LAS-I3) | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 125 | |
Admission requirements
For information on undergraduate admission, including freshman and transfer admission guidelines, please refer to the Undergraduate Admission section of this bulletin.
Additional information
Professional student organizations
The school maintains memberships in a number of professional organizations: Animation World Network, College Art Association, Rochester Audio Visual Association, Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, University Film and Video Association, Siggraph, and BEA. The school also is a certified Apple Training Center for Professional Applications.