COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: 
   cap4730 Computational Structures in Computer Graphics 

OVERVIEW: 
This is an advanced undergraduate course on the concepts and
principles that underlie current and emerging methods, tools, and
techniques for 
(i) interactive graphics environments,
(ii) basic illumination and
(iii) modeling of curved geometry 
(think of camera, light and actors).  
There is an initial steep learning curve for students 
not familiar with C or C++ and for students no longer familiar with 
basic linear algebra or calculus.
Familiarity with OpenGL is not assumed.
Structures underlying graphics and practical implementation
are emphasized.

PREREQUISITES:
Familiarity with programming using a high-level language;
basic knowledge of algorithms, data structures and discrete math.
Central concepts require matrix operations
of curves and surfaces.

TEXTBOOK: 
see http://www.cise.ufl.edu/class/cap4730sp09

OUTLINE OF COURSE TOPICS: (subject to change!) 

(1) Introduction & TEST             (9) Bezier and B-spline surfaces
(2) OpenGL, Bezier Curves          (10) Texture Mapping
(3) Interaction & Display lists    (11) 3D data structures geometry
(4) basic 3D viewing, coordinates  (12) OpenGL Shaders
(5) Projection & Modeling Hierarchy(13) fractals, particles
(6) Z-buffer & Smooth shading      (14) shape grammars
(7) Graphics Pipeline              (15) Contouring & Voxels
(8) Test 1, Discussion             (16) Test 2, Discussion

EXAMINATIONS AND GRADES: Your course grade will be based on 
two equally-weighted tests (ca 40% of final grade) plus 
four projects (ca 60% of final grade) and, possibly,
some graded homework assignments in the early part of the course.

WORKLOAD: Students who take this course comment that 
a lot of material is covered. (see prerequisits)