CSCI 340 (W '14), Interactive Computer Graphics

Overview
   Computer Graphics is virtually ubiquitous in industries from entertainment to design to medicine.  As an art or science, graphics is concerned with the generation of synthetic images.  In this course we will study the most flexible means for generating graphics, which involves mathematically modeling objects, cameras, lights and their interactions.  We will use C/C++ and the OpenGL graphics API to create online (real-time) high-fidelity 3D graphics applications.  We will also cover ray tracing, an offline (more computationally expensive) process that can allow for more physically accurate light models and material properties.  Toward the latter part of the term, you will work as part of teams and individually on projects of your interest that extend the common framework that we will develop, and you will present these advanced topics to the class. 
    In order to get us started quickly, we will take a top down approach.  Initially we will develop applications taking advantage of powerful OpenGL tools that perform the complicated mathematical modeling.  We will then look 'under the hood' and implement some of this functionality ourselves. 

Is CSCI 340 For You?

1. This is an upper level CS elective, and as such you should expect to spend at least 12 hours per week outside of class on everything from reading to debugging.  You are also expected to show considerable agency in problem solving.
   
2. This course requires CSCI 209 or instructor permission.  I will host occasional workshop sessions on C/C++ syntax.   
   
3. It would be helpful in this course to have had some calculus and linear algebra (how to take a derivative of a simple function, matrix algebra). 
   
4. Mathematical and statistical entities like matrix transformation, the Gaussian and other modeling hacks, and others will be developed in class. 

Textbooks
Required:   Angel/Shreiner, Interactive Computer Graphics: A Top-Down Approach with Shader-Based OpenGL (6th Edition), see here.
Optional:
    Shreiner et al., OpenGL Programming Guide (6th edition) - aka the Redbook and available in the advanced lab, see here.

Attendance, Grading, Late Assignments

1. Attendance is required.
2. Grading breakdown: Tests and Quizes 45%,  Projects 3x15%, Attendance and Participation 10%.
3. There will be two individual projects and one group (of three) project.  Late submissions are not accepted.
• I will defer to the Counseling Center (see here).
• If you have an athletic event and will not be able to make a deadline, you should tell me within a day of an assignment being posted.
  
• Accomodations for qualified disabilities requires written notfication in conjunction with Dean Bell of Student Academic Support (see here).

• Your only sources for this course should be the book, links I provide to you through the schedule, others in the course with you, and me. 
  
• Do not use other online materials.  It is likely that coded solutions to many of the homeworks are readily available on the web.  However, this material obviously constitutes implementation details. 
  
• I encourage you to discuss with each other broad solutions to problems on assignments.  However, when you sit down to code your solution, it should be your work.  Please acknowledge aid received from other students.  It will have no effect on my grading, and it is the honorable thing to do.
  
• Do not compare code or implementation details with other students before you have completed and submitted your work.   Discuss such detailed information only with me--I am happy to discuss details and look at your code, and I will not count it against you at all.  I have found that in the vast majority of non-typo cases, the mental exercise of running sample data through your code illuminates the issue and leads to better understanding on your part. Ignoring this exercise for convenience will hurt you.  I will help you with this exercise.
• After completing the assignment, feel free to discuss any aspects of the assignment, including implementation details.