CPSC 441: Computer Graphics |
Fall 2008 |
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Location/Time: T/R
Class Web Page:
http://courses.cs.tamu.edu/schaefer/441_Spring2008 Instructor: TA: Dr. Office: HRBB 527B Office: TBA Phone: 862-4251 Phone: TBA Office Hours: Wens 10:30am-11:30am Office Hours: TBA Th 1:00pm-2:00pm
(or by appointment) Topics and Goals: This course deals with the fundamentals of computer
graphics. We will emphasize the most
basic algorithms and concepts in computer graphics that form the foundation
(both historical and practical) for most modern graphics systems. The emphasis in this class will be on
interactive 3D computer graphics, although we will discuss some 2D
algorithms, and introduce some non-interactive rendering methods. Goals:
Topics:
If Upon finishing this class, you should be able to
understand how graphics are produced, write your own basic graphics programs,
and explore on your own some of the more advanced graphics techniques and
algorithms Prerequisites: The course description lists CPSC 210 or 211 and junior
standing as prerequisites. There will
be a significant amount of programming in this class, and students will be
expected to use C/C++ for the assignments.
In addition, students should be familiar with basic linear
algebra (vector and matrix representation and arithmetic). A prior course in linear algebra (e.g. Grading: There will be several (5-7) projects throughout the semester. Each project will have a “possible score,” and each student will receive a “given score” for that project. The overall project grade will be the sum of the given scores divided by the sum of the possible scores. There will probably be 900-1000 total homework points. In addition, there will be a midterm exam and a final. The overall grade will be determined as follows:
The expected grading scale will be A ³ 90% > B ³ 80% > C ³ 70% > D ³ 60% > F. Depending on the final percentage distribution, an absolute or relative curve may be applied, though an attempt will be made to avoid this. In addition, the instructor reserves the right to raise grades near a “borderline” to the next highest letter grade. Factors weighing into this decision will be the individual student’s perceived effort and class attendance and participation. Linear
Algebra Review: An online
examination testing the basic linear algebra concepts you should know for
this class will be required of all students.
Each student will be required to complete this exam by a certain
date. Students may take the exam as
many Required Textbooks: Hearn, Baker. Computer Graphics with Open GL. Third Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004. Shreiner, Woo, Neider,
Davis. Open GL Programming Guide,
Fifth Edition. Addison-Wesley,
2006. The Hearn and Baker book will be the primary textbook for
all required readings. It gives a
broad overview of graphics fundamentals, as well as a broad description of OpenGL. Although Hearn and Baker includes OpenGL
information, the Programming Guide is far more complete, better organized,
etc. It will be far more useful for
graphics programming in OpenGL after this class. OpenGL-specific readings and some
assignments will draw on this book.
Note: for the purposes of this class, an earlier edition of the OpenGL
Programming Guide could be used – it is likely that only page numbers will
change for the material we will cover. Finally, one other book you might want to consider, if you plan on studying graphics further is the following: Foley, Van Dam, Feiner, Hughes. Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice (Second Edition in C). Addison-Wesley, 1996. Foley and van Dam is considered the standard book on computer graphics. While most of the core material is covered
in Hearn and Baker, and Hearn and Baker is more up-to-date, Foley and van Dam
is more complete, and goes into more depth in many areas. Policies: Attendance: Attendance will not be checked, however
it will be considered in borderline decisions for the final grade. Students with unexcused absences should not
expect additional help outside of class and are still responsible for any
material or instructions given in class, for turning in assignments on Late
Assignments: Assignments are due
at Communication: A class web page (listed at the top of this syllabus) will be maintained throughout the semester. Students are responsible for checking both the web page and email regularly for class updates. Reading: Readings from the required textbook will be given out throughout the semester. We will not be able to discuss all of it in class, but you are still responsible for keeping up with these readings. Code Documentation:
When assignments are graded, source code may be examined to verify the
way a solution was achieved or to award partial credit. It is your responsibility to make
sure that your source code is presented in a clear, readable, way. Even if your code “works,” if the grader
can’t understand it, you may lose points. Academic Honesty: The
Aggie Honor Code is: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate
those who do.” Upon accepting
admission to For this class, the interpretation of the code will be as
follows: Unless specifically stated otherwise, all assignments are to be done
on your own, unless specified
otherwise. You may discuss
general concepts, and get help in tracking down a persistent bug, but should
not copy work, download code from the web or other sources, or work together
with other students on problems or programs unless specifically stated
otherwise. By turning in an assignment
or exam, you are implicitly assumed to be committing to the honor code. If you are unsure of whether a type of
cooperation is appropriate, check with the instructor or TA first. That is, you should err on the side of
assuming cooperation is not allowed. ADA Statement: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Cain Hall or call 845-1637. |
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