1 Overview

This course explores the algorithms, data structures, and techniques used to cause computers to generate visual outputs. It is not a course about 3D modeling, animation or other content-creation topics but rather about the computational aspects of turning that content into images.

The first half of this course will be the basic topics that every computer graphics course should cover: the core algorithms and techniques for creating images from models. The second half will have more flexibility, going into more detail on a topic such as model representation, visual-quality physics simulation, high-dimensional visualization, or advanced topics in real-time or realistic 3D graphics. Details of second-half curriculum will be based in part on student input.

2 Is this the right class?

I have not yet finished CS 2150	No. We’ll need its coverage of data structures and the experience if provides in self-guided development.
I want to write code	Yes! Lots of that here! Most students will submit code containing more than 2,500 original statements (lines vary by language).
I want to make special effects	Yes, we’ll talk about lots of them!
I want to make movies	Movies are made mostly by artists, actors, and technicians. We will talk about how to make the software CG artists use…
I want to make games	CS 4730 is a better fit. We will talk some about how game engines draw things on the screen.
I want to learn OpenGL, Direct3D, Metal, Vulkan, …	We’ll skim some of these, but not a deep dive.
I want to learn Allegro, Banshee, C4, CryEngine, Intrinsic, OGRE, SDL, Serious, Source, Torque, Unity, Unreal, UX3D, Xenko, XNA, …	We’ll may discuss how they are built, but not how to use them.
I want to learn Maya, 3DS Max, Blender, Rhino, Wings, A:M, ZBrush, Nendo, XSI, SketchUp, …	Not a topic of this class, sorry. Try Arch 5420 or Arch 5422.
I’m not very technical, this sounds artsy	The technology of art is quite technical. Sorry.
I’m interested in computer vision	Take a special-topics course from Vicente Ordonez-Roman instead.
I didn’t do well in calculus	That’s fine; we need the ideas, but not the techniques.
I don’t know what calculus is	Fixable with a bit of reading.
I’m not very good with vectors	Vectors are important. We’ll help, but you’ll want to brush up on your own.
I’m intrigued by numerical stability and computational geometry	We don’t have proper courses on these topics from the programmer’s perspective, but this class will whet your appetite.