Computer Graphics

CS559, Spring 2008
Time: MWF 1:20pm - 2:10pm
ROOM CHANGE: 1240 COMP S&ST -> Engineering Hall 2255

Prerequisites
Technically, CS367 (Data Structures) and Math 320, 340 or CS416 (some familiarity with linear algebra). Please read the Should You Be Here page.

Administrative
Mailing list: compsci559-1-s08@lists.wisc.edu If you are registered, DOIT will automatically put you on the list.
Computer account: Everyone registered in this class will get a Computer Systems Lab account to do programming assignments.

Textbooks

Peter Shirley. Fundamentals of Computer Graphics, 2ed
note: the new 2nd edition is considerably different than the first - it is green (not orange).

You may get the "uncorrected" 1st printing. If so, please be sure to check the errata page. In fact, I recommend that you go through the book and mark the errata right away.

Shirley, Foundations of Computer Graphics at Amazon. 

Mason Woo, et al. The OpenGL Programmer's Guide. This is sometimes known as the "red book."
The current edition is the 6th edition, but for the purposes of this class an older edition would be OK too. If you don't want to buy this book, the complete contents of the older version (fine for the required class readings) is online in html. There will be some readings from this book, and its an important reference.

OpenGL Programmer's Guide at Amazon. 
I provide links to Amazon since they can be cheaper than the UW bookstore - I do not necessarily endorse them.

Exams
There will be an evening midterm exam, on Monday, March 24th from 7:15-9:00pm.
There will be a final exam, in the time slot given by the registrar. Currently, this is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th from 7:45-9:45am. The registrar sometimes changes this.
There will be no opportunity to reschedule the exams. Please contact me at the beginning of the semester if you foresee there being a problem.

Projects
There will be three (fairly sizeable) programming projects. The deadline is strictly enforced; Each late day will cost you 20% of the total score. That is, after first day, you get 80%, second day, 60%, ... fifth day, 0%. The penalty is prorated hourly. For situations you can recover your penalty, please read the Policy page.

Grading
25% * 3 projects
15% final exam
10% midterm exam
See the Policy Page for more details

Computing Environment
This class has been assigned to the "Storm Lab" (1366 Comp Sci) that contains computers running Windows XP.
Programming assignments in the class will be in C++. If you do not have experience programming in C++, re-read the Should You Be Here page. There is a page of information on C++ for 559.
The compiler provided in the Storm Lab is Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2005. This is not the most current version. We can provide a copy of the compiler to any student taking the class, contact the TA for details.
See the Computing Policy page for more details.