Computer Graphics, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course deals with the basics of 2- and 3-dimensional computer graphics where the theoretical principles and methods are taught and how these can be applied using graphical software libraries. The course consists of two parts.

Part 1, Theoretical Computer Graphics, 4.5 credits.
This part treats the different steps in translating an object description of a 2D or 3D model into rendered image. Examples of algorithms and methods that are addressed are: geometric projections, transformations and coordinate systems, rasterization and polygon drawing, parametric curves, deciding upon visible lines and surfaces (clipping), lightning models and shading, color theory, and texture and bump mapping.

Part 2, Graphic Programming, 3 credits.
Within this part, programming skills are gained in using existing APIs and a given computer graphics standard, such as OpenGL, along with C ++ for graphics programming in 2D and 3D. This includes shader programming on the GPU and using APIs for graphical interfaces.

The practical part runs parallel to the theoretical, and consists mainly of individual tasks and a larger individual project work. Theories, methods, and techniques from the theoretical part are applied to design and develop a visualization program for 2D and 3D graphics objects.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
After having completed the course the student will be able to: 

• describe the data flow in a graphics rendering system; (FSR1)
• derive and apply geometric view and projection models and transformations of homogeneous coordinates in computer graphics, like transformations of 3D objects, transformations between object-world-camera coordinate systems, and perspective and parallel projections; (FSR2)
• describe how lines, surfaces and in some cases curves can be represented by polygons and parametric curves, as well as be able to derive the definition and use these representations; (FSR3)
• derive and apply basic rendering techniques and algorithms in polygon-oriented computer graphics such as lightning models, line and polygon cutting algorithms, and how to treat hidden surfaces; (FSR4)
• describe and relate various visual effects such as antialiasing, texture mapping, bump mapping, and displacement mapping; (FSR5)

Skills and Abilities
After having completed the course the student will be able to: 

• implement and apply fundamental theories and algorithms in computer graphics such as geometric projections and transformations, view and projection models, and different lightning models and algorithms for rendering polygon-based objects; (FSR6)
• implement one or more visual effects or advanced rendering techniques on a 3D object; (FSR7)
• use a computer graphics standard such as OpenGL, and program GPU hardware using shaders; (FSR8)
• design and implement software for visualization of 2D and 3D graphical models; (FSR9)

Values and Attitudes
After having completed the course the student will be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to determine what is relevant in an oral presentation of a software project performed and to implement this presentation in a manner that makes it clear to the audience; (FSR10)
• critically reflect on their own choice of program libraries and system design and suggest improvements, as well as demonstrate understanding of (by being able to critically discuss) others' choice of system design and solutions. (FSR11)

Required Knowledge

Univ: To be admitted you must have 60 ECTS-credits in Computing Science or two years of completed studies within a study programme (120 ECTS-credits). In both cases, the studies must include at least 22.5 ECTS-credits in mathematics including at least 7.5 ECTS-credits within Linear Algebra (e.g. 5MA019), and the course Programming in Unix (5DV088) or equivalent.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper Secondary course English A/5. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, group exercises in computer labs, oral presentations in smaller groups, and independent assignments and project work. In addition to scheduled activities, individual work with the material is also required.

Examination modes

Examination of the theoretical part (FSR 1-5) is done through a written exam in halls. The grades given on this part is Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Merit (4), or Pass with Distinction (5). For all students who do not pass the regular examination there is another opportunity to do the examination.

Examination of the practical part (FSR 6-11) takes place through code review and oral presentations and demonstrations of the various parts of the project, both individually and in groups. The project is usually divided into three parts with initial practical assignments that is not assessed. The number of parts in the project depends on their extent but is never more than 4.

In order to pass this part, the student must have a completed approved project including presentations and demostrations and a self-evaluation of the system design. Bonus points to be used for the written exam are possible to get for additional tasks completed in the project. The grade of the practical part is either Fail (U) or Pass (G). Students who have failed the practical part at the end of the course but who have participated in most activities may be allowed to complete the project at a later date if it is expected to be completed within a clear timeframe. This is determined in agreement with the course responsible teacher. If a student has not participated in the project activities, or missed a significant part of these, the student can attend the practical part the next time the course is given. The student then will start over with the practical part in its entirety and has no automatic right to claim approved partial results.

To pass the course, both parts must be passed. The grade on the course is one of the following: Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Merit (4), or Pass with Distinction (5) and the grade on Part 1 controls the course's overall grade along with any bonus points from Part 2. Note, however, that bonus points are only used for to raise a grade from 3 to 4 or from 4 to 5. The points can not be used to raise a failed result to a passed.

A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.

A student who has taken two tests for a course or segment of a course, without passing, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there exist special reasons (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 6, section 22). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the Department of Computing Science.

Examination based on this syllabus is guaranteed for two years after the first registration on the course. This applies even if the course is closed down and this syllabus ceased to be valid.

TRANSFER OF CREDITS
Students have the right to be tried on prior education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession can be credited for the same education at Umeå University. Application for credit is submitted to the Student Services / Degree. For more information on credit transfer available at Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of crediting can be appealed (Higher Education chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as part of the application for credit transfer is rejected.
 

Other regulations

This course may not be used towards a degree, in whole or in part, togehter with another course of similar content. If in
doubt, consult the student counselors at the Department of Computing Science and / or the program director of your
program.

In particular, this course can not, in whole or in part, be used in a degree together with 5DV111 Computer Graphics and Visualization. The overlap with this course i 7.5hp.

The course can be part of the fulfilment of 45 credits (at least 37.5 of these on advanced level) within Computer Science when pursuing the specialization in Computer Science within a degree of Master of Science (Two Years) with Computing Science as Main Field of Study.