CS 351: Visual Computing

• Meets: Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-4:15pm in Innovation Hall, Room 134
• Blackboard: http://mymason.gmu.edu/
• Credits: 3
• Prerequisites: CS 262, CS 310, and Math 113

Instructor: Dr. Jan M. Allbeck

• jallbeck@gmu.edu
• http://cs.gmu.edu/~jallbeck/
• Office: ENGR 5324
• Office hours: Tuesdays 9-11am

Description:

The focus of this course is programming essential mathematical and geometric concepts underlying computer graphics. It covers fundamental topics in computational geometry, 3D modeling, graphics algorithms, and graphical user interfaces using both 2D and 3D implementations. Furthermore, it reinforces Object Oriented programming practices.

Textbook: Interactive Computer Graphics by Edward Angel and Dave Shreiner, 6th Edition. Addison-Wesley, 2011.

Grading:

• Homework Assignments: 60%, Midterm Exam: 20%, Final Exam: 20%.
• Late policy: Each student will be granted 3 grace days that can be used with programming assignments. The smallest unit that can be used is one day.

Course Outcomes:

1. Have a firm grasp of basic computer graphics algorithms and their underlying mathematics
2. Be able to describe the various components of a graphics pipeline at a high level 
3. Know how to represent and manipulate 2D and 3D models as well as a virtual camera 
4. Be able to design, implement and evaluate a simple graphics modeling package 
5. Have understanding of the consequences of various software system design choices

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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Mason is an Honor Code university; please see the University Catalog for a full
description of the code and the honor committee process. The principle of academic
integrity is taken very seriously and violations are treated gravely. What does academic
integrity mean in this course? Essentially this: when you are responsible for a task, you
will perform that task. When you rely on someone else’s work in an aspect of the
performance of that task, you will give full credit in the proper, accepted form. Another
aspect of academic integrity is the free play of ideas. Vigorous discussion and debate are
encouraged in this course, with the firm expectation that all aspects of the class will be
conducted with civility and respect for differing ideas, perspectives, and traditions. When
in doubt (of any kind) please ask for guidance and clarification.

OFFICE OF DISABILITY SERVICES
If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see
me and contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at 993-2474. All academic
accommodations must be arranged through the ODS. http://ods.gmu.edu

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http://caps.gmu.edu

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policies affecting student, faculty, and staff conduct in university academic affairs. Other
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community are responsible for knowing and following established policies.