Course syllabus - Computer Graphics

Objectives

The course gives a thorough understanding of the most commonly used rendering methods in 3D computer graphics, from simple local illumination to the more advanced global illumination models. Furthermore, the course gives practical programming experience of modern graphics hardware using OpenGL and shader programming.

Learning outcomes

The student will after fulfilled course be able to:
- describe, in detail, how computer graphic models can be translated, scaled, rotated and sheared using transformation matrices, including homogeneous coordinates and concatenated transformation matrices
- give a thorough presentation of the different stages of the rendering pipeline
- explain the inner mechanics of local illumination models such as flat shading, Gouraud shading and Phong shading
- understand and explain texture mapping
- understand how to do bump mapping and environment mapping
- implement graphics applications using OpenGL and OpenGL Shading Language
- describe the main principles behind ray tracing and radiosity, and the limitations of these rendering methods

Course content

Raster graphics, vector graphics, polygon models, affine transformations, homogeneous coordinates, composite transformations, viewing, projection, rendering pipeline, local illumination, back face culling and hidden surfaces elimination, clipping, bounding volumes, view frustum culling, texture mapping, mip-mapping, bump mapping, environment mapping, graphics hardware, shader programming, OpenGL, OpenGL Shading Language, shadows, global illumination, ray tracing, radiosity.

Tuition

Lessons, exercises, laboratory work, and project tutoring.

Specific requirements

Theoretical knowledge and practical competence in: - Programming in a high level language (for example C, C++, C#, Java, or Ada) - Data structures and algorithms - Algebra and Calculus are desirable but not required

Examination

Exercise (INL1), 3 credits, marks Pass (G)
Exercise, laboratory work (LAB1), 1,5 credits, marks Pass (G)
Project (PRO1), 3 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail