CS 351 Visual Computing

Instructor:

Prerequisites:

C or better in CS 262 and CS 310

Texts:

Recommended: Fundamentals of Computer Graphics, 3rd Edition

Software:

This course uses Microsoft Visual Studio 2013, which is available only for Windows. The software is installed in the Volgenau School open lab (ENGR 1506) and hours for the lab are on the VSE Labs site ( http://labs.vse.gmu.edu ). If you have a Apple computer and want to install the software on it, you will have to use either a virtual machine or BootCamp to install Windows on your Apple computer. VMWare Fusion and Windows are available at no charge through your enrollment in Volgenau School courses. Instructions for obtaining the software are in the Microsoft DreamSpark & VMWare FAQs on http://labs.vse.gmu.edu

Description:

This course is a requirement of the ACS Game Design degree and can be used as a CS Related Elective for the BS CS degree.

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.

Grading:

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. All assignments will be given and submitted through Blackboard.

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.

Tentative Schedule:

Topic
Week 1 Introduction
Week 2 Introduction to C++
Week 3 Linear Algebra
Week 4 Scene Graphs
Week 5 More C++ and Animation
Week 6 Polygon Geometry
Week 7 Midterm Exam
Week 8 3D geometry and camera
Week 9 Parametric Surfaces
Week 10 Subdivision Surfaces
Week 11 Deformation
Week 12 Planarity and 3D picking
Week 13 Effective C++
Week 14 Course Review

Classroom Behavior:

During the lecture, students should not play games, text on their phone, or surf the web. All electronic communication devices (including laptops, PDAs, cell phones) should be either turned off or silenced.

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.

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

OTHER USEFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES:
WRITING CENTER: A114 Robinson Hall; (703) 993-1200; http://writingcenter.gmu.edu

UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES “Ask a Librarian”
http://library.gmu.edu/mudge/IM/IMRef.html

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS): (703) 993-2380;
http://caps.gmu.edu

UNIVERSITY POLICIES
The University Catalog, http://catalog.gmu.edu, is the central resource for university
policies affecting student, faculty, and staff conduct in university academic affairs. Other
policies are available at http://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/. All members of the university
community are responsible for knowing and following established policies.