George Mason University
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

CS 551 - Computer Graphics – Spring 2020

Instructors: Jim X. Chen, PhD

DESCRIPTION:

• CS 551 is a 3-credit graduate course. It introduces graphics principles, advanced graphics methods, OpenGL graphics library, and programming. The programming platform is Java. The course is taught in Java.
• the prerequisite material includes Java programming, vector analysis, and matrix additions/multiplications. 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.
• Understand and use the current techniques, skills, and tools in GPU programming.
• Understand advanced graphics capabilities such as lighting, shading, blending, texture mapping, ray-tracing, bumped mapping, etc.

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GRADING POLICY:

There are all together 100 points:

• Homework assignments (20 points)
• Projects (20 points)
• In-class quizzes and/or class attendances (20 points)
• Midterm exam (20 points)
• Final Exam (20 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 50 points

• F: S is fewer than 50 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 and posted in Blackboard)

Office hours are posted in my homepage.

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ASSIGNMENTS: (announced in class and posted in Blackboard)

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HONOR CODE:

GMU Honor Code will be enforced. You are supposed to do your own programming, 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 programming, 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 in Blackboard with additions/modifications.

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TEXT BOOKS:

• V. Scott Gordon and John L. Clevenger, Computer Graphics Programming in OpenGL with Java, January 2017.
• Jim X. Chen and Chunyang Chen, Foundation of 3D Graphics Programming Using JOGL and Java3D, Second Edition, Springer Verlag.

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2020 by Jim X. Chen, Department of Computer Science, George mason University