CS 351: Visual Computing

• Meets: Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-4:15pm in Art and Design Room L008
• 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 1-3pm

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: Fundamentals of Computer Graphics by Shirley and Marschner 3rd Edition, CRC Press.

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. After using the grace days, students will receive no credit for late assignments.

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
The class enforces the GMU Honor Code, and to the more specific honor code policy special to the Department of Computer Science. You will be expected to adhere to this code and policy.

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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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