Syllabus

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This course makes use of Athena, MIT's UNIX-based computing environment. OCW does not provide access to this environment.

Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 2 lectures / week, 1.5 hours / lectures

Course Description

In this course, we will concentrate on 3D, not 2D illustration or image processing. You will learn:

• Fundamentals of computer graphics algorithms
• Basics of real-time rendering and graphics hardware
• Basic OpenGL
• C++ programming experience

You will NOT learn:

• OpenGL and DirectX hacks
• Software packages
• Artistic skills
• Game design

Grading Policy

Prerequisites

It is useful if you have knowledge of the following:

• C++: All assignments are in C++
• Calculus, Linear Algebra: Solving equations, derivatives, integral; vectors, matrices, basis, solving systems of equations

Assignments

• Turn in code and executable (Athena Linux).
• Always turn in a README file: Describe problems, explain partially-working code, and say how long the assignment took.
• Coding style is important: Some assignments are cumulative.
• Collaboration policy: see below.
• Late policy:

            –The deadline is absolute. All late assignments will be graded 0. So, submit early, even before you might be fully done.

            –Due Wednesday @ 8pm

            –Extensions only considered if requested 1 week before due date

            –Medical problems must be documented

Collaboration Policy

• You can chat, but code on your own (we use automated plagiarism detection software!)
• Use Piazza message board
• Help others on Piazza message board (will help your grade!)
• Acknowledge your collaboration (in README)
• Talk to each other, get a community going

Textbooks

• No textbook is required
• Recommendations

Watt, Alan. 3D Computer Graphics. Addison-Wesley, 1999. ISBN: 9780201398557.

Buss, Samuel R. 3D Computer Graphics: A Mathematical Introduction with OpenGL. 2003. ISBN: 9780521821032. [Preview with Google Books]

Akenine-Moller, Tomas, Eric Haines and Naty Hoffman. Real-Time Rendering. 3rd ed. A K Peters/CRC Press, 2008. ISBN: 9781568814247.

Shirley, Peter, Michael Ashikhmin, Steve Marschner. Fundamentals of Computer Graphics. 3rd ed. A K Peters/CRC Press, 2009. ISBN: 9781568814698. [Preview with Google Books]