Syllabus

Course Overview

In this course we will survey classic papers and current research in computer graphics. Topics include: advanced ray tracing, global illumination, photon mapping, subsurface scattering, mesh generation and simplification, subdivision surfaces, volumetric modeling, procedural modeling and texturing, weathering, physical simulation, appearance models. Course activities include programming assignments, oral presentations, and a term project.

What you should know before taking Advanced Computer Graphics

Prerequisite: CSCI-2300 Data Structures and Algorithms is required, and previous coursework (e.g., ECSE-4750 Computer Graphics) or experience in computer graphics programming and computational geometry is recommended.

Everyone in this course should have taken courses in, or have reasonable exposure to, basic calculus, linear algebra (vectors & matrices), data structures, and algorithms. Programming assignments will be done in C++, so familiarity with this or syntactically similar programming languages (Java, or Pascal) is necessary.

Familiarity with OpenGL programming, and rendering, modeling, or simulation software will be helpful, but is not required.

Course Objectives

To learn about recent research advances in Computer Graphics, Computational Geometry, Interactive Techniques, and Visualization.
To gain first-hand experience with the challenges of efficient and accurate modeling, rendering, and simulation, and the necessary data structures and algorithms.
To learn how to read, discuss, and propose extensions to academic publications.
To propose and carry out a creative and relevant term project.
To improve communication skills through in-class presentations, discussions, and a term project report.

Textbook & References

There is no required textbook for the class. We will be reading research papers (available online through ACM & IEEE digital libraries), SIGGRAPH course notes, and other online reference material.

Here are some relevant books you may be interested in reviewing:

Fundamentals of Computer Graphics
Peter Shirley
A K Peters

OpenGL Programming Guide
(the red book)

OpenGL Reference Manual
(the blue book)