This course is an introduction to computer graphics. The focus will be on 3D programming and rendering using the OpenGL graphics API. Topics include user interfaces, the 3D rendering pipeline, geometric transformations, color models, lighting & shading, textures, hierarchical modeling, animation, and scientific applications. Extensive programing in Java and OpenGL will be required.
Specific learning goals and expectations are summarized in excerpt (doc)
Class:MWF 11:30am-12:30pm in Collins 408
Lab: MWF 1:50-2:50pm in Collins 411
Required text: DRAFT COPY: Computer Graphics: Programming, Problem Solving, and Visual Communication, by Steve Cunningham. Expect to cover most of what is in Chapters 1-10.
Special thanks to Prentice Hall Publishing for providing copies of this text!!Other useful (but not required) books include
- The OpenGL Programming Guide: The Official Guide to Learning OpenGL, 4/E, (aka red book) by Dave Shreiner, Mason Woo, Jackie Neider, Tom Davis, OpenGL Architecture Review Board, David Shreiner. Older version is online, click here.
- OpenGLŪ 1.4 Reference Manual, 4/E,(aka blue book), OpenGL Architecture Review Board, Dave Shreiner, Older version is online, click here.
- OpenGL SuperBible, 3/E, by Richard S Wright, Benjamin Lipchak.
- Interactive Computer Graphics: A Top-Down Approach Using OpenGL, 3/E, by Edward Angel
Attendence in lecture is required. Failure to appear will be detrimental to your grade.
Attendence in lab is required at least once a week to review your progress with the instructor. If you are working on a group project or if you are experiencing diffculty in the class to any degree, then you are expected to attend lab more often.
There will be approximately 5 lab projects over the course of the semester. Late assignments will be heavily penalized (I'm not kidding!).
labs and other misc classwork
70%
midterm
15%
final
15%
In the context of this class, plagiarism is defined as representing someone else's work as your own. Cheating is defined as violating stated rules for an exam or an assignment. Plagiarized work will receive a grade of 0 as will any assignment in which cheating occurred Generally, you will be encouraged to cooperate on lab assignments. The rules and limitations of this cooperation will be defined in class. (Also see student handbook and college catalogue for more details)