Computer Graphics: 2011-2012
Lecturer | |
Degrees | Schedule S1(3rd years) — Computer Science |
Term | Michaelmas Term 2011 (16 lectures) |
Overview
This course is an introductory course in Computer Graphics, and covers a wide range of the field of interactive computer graphics at all levels of abstraction, and with emphasis on both theory and practise. It follows a standard textbook in the field, with additional material used to keep the course up-to-date.Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- Understanding of the fundamentals of the modern computer graphics pipeline
- The mathematics of affine transformations in three dimensions
- Manipulation of lighting effects
- Application of mathematics to graphics systems
Practical skills
- Ability to program low-level scan-conversion of simple shapes
- Working knowledge of a modern 3D graphics library via the practical assignments
- Ability to produce usable graphics user-interfaces
- Ability to write programs from a practical specification and produce realistic graphics output
- GPU programming
Synopsis
The following are major topics that will be covered. (Numbers in brackets give an approximation to the number of lecture hours spent on the topic.)
- Fundamentals of graphics hardware and software (3).
- Essential algorithms: line generation, solid area display, transformations, clipping, projection (5).
- Abstraction, and simple examples of libraries of graphics functions (2).
- Modelling of 3-dimensional solids, and display of parametric curves (2).
- Rendering techniques and colour and lighting models (3).
- Input devices, interactive techniques, and the human-machine interface (1).
Syllabus
The following are major topics that will be covered. (Numbers in brackets give an approximation to the number of lecture hours spent on the topic.)
- Fundamentals of graphics hardware and software (3).
- Essential algorithms: line generation, solid area display, transformations, clipping, projection (5).
- Abstraction, and simple examples of libraries of graphics functions (2).
- Modelling of 3-dimensional solids, and display of parametric curves (2).
- Rendering techniques and colour and lighting models (3).
- Input devices, interactive techniques, and the human-machine interface (1).
Reading list
The new main course text is
- Interactive Computer Graphics: A Top-Down Approach with Shader-Based OpenGL by Shreiner and Angel, Pearson Education ISBN 9780273752264, 61 GBP (41 GBP Amazon)
Supplemental Reading
There are many text books on computer graphics. Two you are likely to find in College libraries are
- "Introduction to Computer Graphics" by J D Foley, A Van Dam, S K Feiner, J F Hughes and R L Phillips, Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0201609215
- "Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice" by Foley, Van Dam, Feiner, & Hughes, Addison-Wesley ISBN 0201848406
Another recent book is
- "Computer Graphics with OpenGL" by Hearn, Baker and Carithers, ISBN 978-0132484572
Feedback
Students are formally asked for feedback at the end of the course. Students can also submit feedback at any point here. Feedback received here will go to the Head of Academic Administration, and will be dealt with confidentially when being passed on further. All feedback is welcome.
Taking our courses
This form is not to be used by students studying for a degree in the Department of Computer Science, or for Visiting Students who are registered for Computer Science courses
Other matriculated University of Oxford students who are interested in taking this, or other, courses in the Department of Computer Science, must complete this online form by 17.00 on Friday of 0th week of term in which the course is taught. Late requests, and requests sent by email, will not be considered. All requests must be approved by the relevant Computer Science departmental committee and can only be submitted using this form.