Sample Syllabus


Catalog Description:
    This is an introductory-level course to computer graphics. No previous knowledge on the subject is assumed. The objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of computer graphics, focusing on the underlying theory, and thus providing strong foundations for both designers and users of graphical systems. The course will study the conceptual framework for interactive computer graphics, introduce the use of OpenGL as an application programming interface (API), and cover algorithmic and computer architecture issues. Prerequisite: CS 385 or CS 590. Cross-listed with CPE 537.

Textbook(s)


Required:    Introduction to Computer Graphics [Foley, Van Dam, Feiner, Hughes, Phillips]

Recommended:
   

Week-By-Week

Week
Topics Covered
Reading
Assignments
1
Introduction, Graphics Pipeline, Raster Scan System, Color, Blender Modeling Software Ch.1(skim), Ch.4.0 - 4.3.3, Ch.11
2
Basic Ray Tracing, Math Review, Calculating Ray/Polygon Intersections Ch.5.1, Ch.13.4-13.4.2 Blender Project
3
Lines, 2D Clipping, Scan Conversion, OpenGL Ch.3.1-3.2,Ch.3.4-3.5, Ch.3.8-3.9.3, Ch.3.11 Programming Assignment 1
4
Anti-aliasing, 2D Transforms, Homogenous Coordinates, Matrix Rep. Ch.3.14, Ch.5.2-5.4
5
Matrix stack, Concatenation of Transformations, 3D Transforms, Change of Coordinate Systems Ch.5.2-5.4, 5.7-5.9
6
Curves and Surfaces Ch.9-9.3, 9.5.1 Programming Assignment 2
7
Projections, Viewing in OpenGL
Ch.5.5, Ch.6
8
3D Clipping, Quadric, Fractals, Hidden Surface Removal Ch.9.4-9.5.1, Ch.13-13.2, 13.5.1
9
Illumination, Shading Ch.14-14.2 Programming Assignment 3
10
Cook and Torrance model of illumination, Textures, Shadows, Transparency Ch.14.3-14.5
11
Global Illumination, Rendering Equation Ch.14.6
12
Recursive Ray Tracing, Distributed Ray Tracing
Ch.14.7 Programming Assignment 4
13
Radiosity, Progressive Radiosity
Ch.14.8-14.9
14
Graphics hardware architecture, GPU algorithms