CSC 220 -- 3D Computer Graphics
Course Syllabus -- Fall 2003
MW 2:30-3:45 BR 160
Instructor:
Dr. Harry F. Smith
The instructor is available by email
(hsmith@uncw.edu) , by telephone (962-3819), during office hours
(TWR 11:30-1:00 in BR 281), or by appointment.
Texts, Supplies, and References:
Course Overview:
The usual computer graphics course requires a high level of competence in
programming and also in mathematics. On the other hand, there are now
many higher level tools for doing graphics that do not require this
expertise, and some of them are free. This course is a hands-on approach
to learning the fundamental principles of doing computer graphics, but
using a number of such tools: Teddy, TERA, POV-Ray, and
Rhino. All but Rhino are freely available either from the
Internet or via a CD that comes with the text by Wolfe. In order to use
Rhino for project work, students will need to use it in BR165
or BR201D; alternatively, a student can purchase it from McNeel &
Assoc. for $195.
As well as presenting the programming tools and their use, I will at
various points discuss some topics that are significant for computer
graphics, such as:
- graphics hardware, coordinate systems, and files
- alternative methods for modeling objects
- geometrical transformations
- the synthetic camera
- surface algorithms
- lighting and shading methods
- alternative rendering techniques
- an introduction to computer animation
Here is a Course Schedule.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of the course, each student will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental issues in computer graphics.
- Demonstrate mastery of the programming tools that are the heart
of the course.
- Accomplish projects that use these programming tools.
Class Format:
Class presentation formats will include a number of instructor lectures
and demonstrations, and work at a significant number of tutorial exercises
with the programming tools.
Student Participation:
Regular class attendance is expected. You are at risk whenever missing a
class meeting, and will need to obtain missing materials from other
students, NOT the instructor. No makeup exams will be given except in
case of prior arrangement. There will be some use of email via the UNCW
mail system, and one should check for messages there at frequent
intervals. Students are also encouraged to send email to me
(hsmith@uncw.edu) .
Completion of assignments will necessitate time at a computer outside of class,
either on campus or at home. Work should be backed up on diskettes or a zip
drive to prevent loss. ASSIGNMENTS THAT ARE SUBMITTED LATE MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED
AT ALL, OR WILL HAVE GREATLY REDUCED CREDIT.
Special Needs:
A student who needs reasonable accommodation for a disability should
inform the instructor of this fact as soon as possible. He/she should
also be registered with the Office of Disability Services in Westside Hall
(x3746), and obtain a copy of their Accommodation Letter. Finally he/she
will need to meet with the instructor to make mutually agreeable
arrangements.
Evaluation:
Evaluation will be based upon:
- some homework assignments (10%)
- several projects (35%)
- quizzes, tests, and a Final Exam (55%)
Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct:
Students are responsible for submitting their own work. Students who
cooperate on oral or written examinations or work without authorization
share the responsibility for violation of academic principles, and the
students are subject to disciplinary action even when one of them is
not enrolled in the course where the violation occurred.
Page Last Updated August 15, 2003 by Dr. Smith