Course - Computer Graphics Fundamentals and Applications - IDIG4002
Computer Graphics Fundamentals and Applications
Choose study yearAbout
About the course
Course content
High-quality image rendering is increasingly important in media technologies, with many applications ranging from entertainment to product design and architecture. This course is an introduction to computer graphics, encompassing the fundamental mathematical and physical principles that are the basis of rendering techniques.
The core topics include:
- 3D Geometry and transformations
- Camera models and Projections
- Illumination
- Diffuse, specular and glossy reflections
- Basic surface scattering models
- Ray Tracing
- Texture mapping
Learning outcome
Knowledge
- Mathematical foundations of modeling and rendering for computer graphics.
- Theory and practice behind a surface scattering model.
- Process of rendering a photorealistic image.
Skills
- Efficient rendering of 3D models and scenes using open source software.
- Implementation of surface scattering models.
General competencies
- Be able to understand implementations of fundamental algorithms and data structures from computer graphics
- Possess the basis for performing research in the field.
Learning methods and activities
Students will learn through lectures and practical assignments, including a group project.
The group project must be agreed upon in advance with the course responsible and is done in groups of 2 to 3 students. The students must prepare a project proposal on topics building upon the course content, specifying goals and subdivision of the work.
Compulsory assignments
- Lab report
- Project proposal
Further on evaluation
Grades will be given on the scale A-F. The student must obtain a pass grade in the written exam and in the group project in order to complete the course.
For the group project, a project proposal should be prepared and submitted by the students. The proposal will be assessed and approved by the course responsible before the student can start implementing the project. The final project will be evaluated based on an oral presentation (in the classroom) and a report, as well as the project files. The project proposal is mandatory to be eligible to carry out the project and take the final exam.
Re-sit examination: There will be a re-sit for the written exam at the end of February or in March. The re-sit examination can be oral.
Use of AI tools: Students may explore the use of generative AI tools (ChatGPT, Bard, Midjourney,…) in their projects to help coding and/or modelling, so long as they explain very clearly, in the report, how it was used. These tools are expected to be used responsibly and judiciously, as the primary objective of the course is to engage in meaningful learning. Over-reliance on AI would undermine this educational goal and may result in a lower grade. Failure to report the use of such tools in the implementation of the project, the report and/or the presentation will be dealt with according to the University's bylaws.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Applied Computer Science (MACS)
Miscellaneous Courses - Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (EMNE/IE)
Recommended previous knowledge
Solid knowledge of basic linear algebra, vector and matrix operations, as well as integral calculus is assumed. Also, a basic knowledge of programming is assumed for the practical activities.
Required previous knowledge
There is no prerequisite course for IDIG4002. However, students are highly encouraged to check the "Recommended prior knowledge" before taking the course.
Course materials
The course does not strictly follow any textbook. It is loosely inspired by:
Pharr, M., Jakob, W., & Humphreys, G. (2018). Physically based rendering: From theory to implementation. Online edition.
Subject areas
- Informatics