COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: cap5705 Computer Graphics 
(see also the departmentally linked web page)

OVERVIEW: This is a graduate-level course on the concepts and
principles that underlie current and emerging methods, tools, and
techniques for interactive graphics environments,
basic illumination and  modeling of curved geometry (camera, light and 
actors).  
There is an intial, fairly steep learning curve, appropriate
for a graduate course. Familiarity with C or C++ is helpful.
Familiarity with OpenGL is not assumed.
Mathematical underpinnings and OpenGL practice 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, composition and parametrization
of curves and surfaces.

TEXTBOOK: 
Opengl Programming Guide : The Official Guide to Learning Opengl,
Version NEWEST EDITION
by Mason Woo, Jackie Neider, Tom Davis, ...  ca $50
ISBN 0 201 604582 or newer

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 quizzes (40% of final grade) plus 
four projects (60% of final grade). There are no graded homework
assignments.

WORKLOAD: Students who take this course often comment that a great deal
of material is covered in a relatively small amount of time.