George Mason University
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

CS 551 - Computer Graphics - Fall 2014

Actions | Assignments | Syllabus
Description | Outcome | Grading | TA | Honor Code | Textbook

ACTIONS:

• Set up your working environment at home
• Suggestions and comments about this course: jchen(at)gmu(dot).edu

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DESCRIPTION:

• CS 551 is a 3-credit graduate course. It gives an introduction to graphics principles, advanced graphics methods, OpenGL graphics library, and programming. The programming platform is Java or C. The course is taught in Java.
• I am assuming you know the prerequisite material, Java or C programming, vector analysis, and matrix calculations. After this class, you will be able to do graphics modeling and animation of certain objects or behaviors of your preference.

COURSE OUTCOMES:

• Apply trigonometry, geometry, vector analysis, and linear algebra to solve real world problems.
• Analyze object positions and movements to define the computing methods and solutions for multiple objects.
• Collaborate with classmates in teams in achieving the course project.
• Understand and use the current techniques, skills, and tools in GPU programming for advanced lighting calculations.
• Understand advanced graphics capabilities such as texture mapping, ray-tracing, pixel shading, bumped mapping, etc.

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GRADING POLICY:

There are all together 100 points:

• Homework assignments (20 points)
• In-class quizzes and exercises (20 points)
• One programming project (20 points)
• A Final Exam (40 points)

Your overall course score, S, will be the sum of these points.

• A: S is at least 90 points
• B: S is at least 75 points
• C: S is at least 55 points
• F: S is fewer than 55 points

Each assignment/project late may not be accepted. Therefore, you should plan on working early. If there is an accident or emergency and you let me know, I will consider it accordingly.

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TEACHING ASSISTANT AND OFFICE HOURS: (will be announced in class)

Office hours are posted in my homepage.

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ASSIGNMENTS: (announced in class and due one day before next class)

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HONOR CODE:

GMU Honor Code will be enforced. You are supposed to do your own programmings, assignments, and projects. Violations of GMU Honor Code will result in an F. You may form into study groups, most of size 3. You can meet with your study group and discuss all homework questions and projects freely and frequently in your group. However, you must do your own programmings, assignments, and projects.

Disability Statement: If you have a learning or physical difference that may affect your academic work, you will need to furnish appropriate documentation to GMU Disability Resource Center. If you qualify for accommodation, the DRC staff will give you a form detailing appropriate accommodations for your instructor. If you have such a condition, you must talk to the instructor during the first week of the term about the issue.

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SYLLABUS: (tentative)

Will mostly follow the notes posted accompanying the text book with additions/modifications:

• http://cs.gmu.edu/~jchen/graphics/jogl/notes

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TEXT BOOKS:

• Jim X. Chen and Chunyang Chen, Foundation of 3D Graphics Programming Using JOGL and Java3D, Second Edition, Springer Verlag. (Required)
• Other reference books
• Jim X. Chen, Guide to Graphics Software Tools, Second Edition, Springer Verlag, 2009. (Recommended. This is the accompany book in C.)
• Mason Woo, Jackie Neider, and Tom Davis, OpenGL Programming Guide, Addison Wesley, latest version. (Recommended. This book is very popular on OpenGL programming in C.)
• James D. Foley, Andries van Dam, Steven K. Feiner and John F. Hughes, Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice, Second Edition in C, Addison-Wesley. (Recommended. This book is the most comprehensive text reference with details.)
• Edward Angel, Interactive Computer Graphics: A Top-Down Approach with OpenGL, Addison Wesley. (Recommended. This book is based on OpenGL programming.)
• Donald Hearn and M. Pauline Baker, Computer Graphics, C version, 2nd edition, Printice-Hall, latest version. (This book is excellent for beginners.)

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2014 by Jim X. Chen, Department of Computer Science, George mason University
version, 2nd edition, Printice-Hall, latest version. (This book is excellent for beginners.)

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2013 by Jim X. Chen, Department of Computer Science, George mason University