In this course, students are introduced to a wide range of powerful dynamic particle simulations solutions inside of Autodesk Maya. Students will become familiar with how to create simple to complex visual effects like rain, dust, fire, smoke, bullets, and fireworks. Tools like nParticles, the Bullet solver, and Maya Fluids will be taught alongside professional production workflows. Through demonstrations, lectures, analysis of reference, and homework rendering exercises which reinforce in-class learning, students will gain techniques for understanding and exploring particle emission, emitters, and how to creatively control the look and feel of the wide range of Maya dynamic simulation tools. Students will create many different visual effects shots using a wide range of artistic and technical methods, culminating in a final project that leverages the skills and techniques learned over the course of the term.