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ACADEMICS

Courses

UCSB's Online Schedule of Classes:

To search for a course at UCSB, or obtain a list of courses by department, use the online Schedule of Classes.

MAT Schedule of Classes - Winter 2024

Week View

Undergraduate Courses

Course
Day
Time
Location
Course Code

MAT 80EM

Mediated Worlds/THEMAS Engineering+Mathematics Emphasis

4 units

Instructors: M. Novak, D. Flatley

TR
R
W
3:30pm - 4:45pm
2pm - 2:50pm
12pm - 12:50pm
Arts 1349
ILP 4209
ILP 4211
---
28829
28837

Description

Integrative overview of media arts and technologies, emphasizing the interconnections between technologies and humanities (means and ends), engineering and mathematics (concrete and abstract), and arts and science (synthesis and analysis). The THEMAS model proposes a continuum across disciplines previously separated by narrow specializations. This class emphasizes Engineering+Mathematics (concrete/abstract) within the overall model of THEMAS.

Graduate Courses

Course
Day
Time
Location
Course Code

MAT 201B

Computing with Media Data

4 units

Instructor: K. Yerkes

TR
1pm - 2:50pm
Elings Hall 2003
28845

Description

This course is a hands-on introduction to developing interactive audiovisual applications for full-surround virtual environments. We explore selected aspects of 3D graphics, computer networking, interaction, simulation, animation, generative art, agent systems, and spatial audio. Each student develops an original open-source software-based multiuser experience and demonstrates this in the AlloSphere or another immersive system. Other topics include C++, Git, and object-oriented programming.

MAT 237

Designing Expressive Technologies

4 units

Instructor: J. Jacobs

TR
3:30-4:45pm
Elings Hall 2003
28852

Description

Computational tools create new opportunities for making things, yet designing expressive computational systems poses many challenges. Addressing these challenges requires finding ways to integrate rigorous and structured research and development methodologies with observations of real-world creative production, and dialog and collaboration with different kinds of makers. This course is for Ph.D and Masters students with an interest in researching and designing computational technologies for art, design, manufacturing, or craft. The course is run as a seminar involving discussion of readings and concepts presented in lecture and exploration of human-computer interaction research methodologies.

MAT 240E

Digital Audio Programming

4 units

Instructor: K. Yerkes

TR
10-11:50am
Elings Hall 2003
63537

Description

MAT 240E focuses on audio programming in the context of systems like Unreal Engine, Unity, and perhaps other systems. We will explore UE's embedded audio system Metasounds as well as strategies for using SuperCollider, Max, or other systems with engines using Open Sound Control. Topics may include procedural audio, synthesis techniques, and audio effects. The E in 240E is for Engines.

MAT 259A

Projects in Visualizing Information

4 units

Instructor: G. Legrady

TR
1-2:50pm
Elings Hall 2611
28878

Description

Project-based course focused on aesthetics of algorithmic visualization. Course concentration on fundamentals of data visualization and design, with an emphasis on data query, analysis, processing and visualization in inear, 2D frequency, and spatial map visualizations.

MAT 261C

Transvergence Seminar II

4 units

Instructor: M. Novak

W
2-5pm
Elings Hall 2615
28886

Description

Introduction to Transmodal Continuum. n-dimensional conceptions of space (and form) after Riemann. Scalar, vector, and tensor fields and beyond. Digital, physical, biological, and neurophysiological considerations in the poetics of the very small. Models of morphogenetic and evolutionary developmental emergence. World making and ontology.

MAT 261D

Transvergence Studio II

4 units

Instructor: M. Novak

W
6-9pm
Elings Hall 2615
28894

Description

Trans Architectures: The Pantopicon, Habitable Cinema, and Invisible Architectures. Multi-agent systems: Implementation of morphogenetic and developmental models of emergence. Design and implementation of everted virtual environments and eversive Worldmaking. Locative Worldmaking: linking locative media, online worlds, tracked/sensed space, and eversive virtual environments.

MAT 265

Open Projects in Optical/Motion - Computational Processes

4 units

Instructor: G. Legrady

TR
3:30-5:20pm
Elings Hall 2611
28902

Description

Student defined research projects course focused on optical, or other imaging/sensing device interfaced with a computer such as anamorphs, experiments in multiple exposure, spatial & virtual exploration, distance/presence, reflection and penetration (x-ray, infrared, medical (MRI, PET), etc.

MAT 276LB

Digital Audio Montage

2 units

Instructor: C. Roads

M
4-5:50pm
387 1015
28910

Description

Second quarter of a three-quarter sequence course concentrating on studio based composition.

MAT 293

Internship in Industry

1-4 units

Instructor: Use specific instructor code

TBD
TBD
TBD
28928

Description

Special projects for selected students. Offered in conjunction with selected industrial and research under direct faculty supervision. Prior departmental approval required.

MAT 299

Independent Study

4 units

Instructor: TBD

TBD
TBD
TBD
28936

Description

Independent research under the guidance of a faculty member in the department. Offers an opportunity to qualified students to undertake independent research or work in a group laboratory in digital media arts and technology.

MAT 502

Teaching in MAT

1-4 units

Instructor: TBD

TBD
TBD
TBD
28944

MAT 594CE

CREATE Ensemble

1-4 units

Instructor: K. Yerkes

F
2pm-4:50pm
TBA
60806

Description

Hands on practical approach to composition, improvisation, critique, refinement, and research dedicated to live performance.

Open to laptops, new interfaces for artistic expression, audiovisual art, live coding, local and/or wide area networked performance, interactive dance, music for acoustic and electronic instruments, performance art, trans-categorical live performance, etc.

Prerequisite: graduate standing in MAT or Music or consent of instructor; students are expected to contribute some combination of technical development, composition, and/or performance skills. Optionally, take in conjunction with independent study for related research.

We will prepare one structured improvisation for the entire group and several smaller pieces according to our resources. Will discuss many potential venues on and off campus for events.

MAT 594H

Special Topics

1-4 units

Instructors: Y. Visell

MW
F
11am-12:15pm
9am-11:50am
GIRV 2119
ILP 4209
 
28977

MAT 594P

Special Topics in Multimedia Engineering, Visual Arts or Electronic Music.

1-4 units

Instructor: J. Kuchera-Morin, R. Millett

MW
10-11:50am
Elings Hall 2611
28985

Description

MAT 594P is a studio-based course in media composition for making media art works for MAT grads working on their portfolios. We will deal with the compositional process with regard to multimodal content that unfolds over time and space. The object of this seminar is to make, and also to discuss our compositional processes as we build our portfolios. Each student will work on their individual or group project and will present work each week. We can meet as a group and individually as well. During the class/lab sessions, students can also bring in various works and readings from artists and researchers from which their philosophy of making is being drawn.

594P is a place where students can work on their media arts/tech/science projects. You can sign up for as many units that you are putiing in to work on your portfolio. It is open ended. It is modeled after private lessons in studio. I work with each student individually and then we meet as a group to share our work with one another and share with each other. All of the MAT sudents are welcome. Media works can be whatever your area and interests are. These can be visual sonic and or interactive and also material. This also includes making computational systems as some students come from the engineering side and some from the arts side. It depends on the area that a student is pursuing. It is a way to begin integrating both sides of the MAT. So its really about deisgn and craft. I do not teach software or systems so one can work on whatever platform they wish.

MAT 595M

Media Arts and Technology Seminar Series

1 unit

Instructor: M. Peljhan

M
1-2:30pm
Elings 2003
28993

Description

A weekly writing, theory and guest lectures seminar, focused on research topics of interest to the wide fields at the intersection of media arts and technology. The seminar is organized in topical modules, covering writing methodologies, media theory, philosophy and critique.

MAT 596

Directed Research

2-12 units

Instructor: Use specific instructor code

TBD
TBD
TBD
29009

MAT 597

Individual Study, PhD exams

1-12 units

Instructor: Use specific instructor code

TBD
TBD
TBD
29017

MAT 598

Master's Thesis/Project Research

1-12 units

Instructor: Use specific instructor code

TBD
TBD
TBD
29025

MAT 599

PhD Dissertation Research and Preparation

1-12 units

Instructor: Use specific instructor code

TBD
TBD
TBD
29033

Miscellaneous

M - Monday,  T - Tuesday,  W - Wednesday,  R - Thursday,  F - Friday.

Choose your electives from Art, Computer Science, ECE, and Music, then have them approved by the instructor.

Instructor Codes: T. Höllerer (27), J. Jacobs (02), J. Kuchera-Morin (33), G. Legrady (09), M. Novak (03), F. Offert (12), M. Peljhan (11), C. Roads (08), K. Yerkes (21).