BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY
School of Arts and Sciences
Department of Computer Science
COSC 418/COSC 518 Principles of Computer Graphics Syllabus
I. Course Information
Course: COSC 418/COSC 518: Principles of Computer Graphics
Time: Monday 7:30pm
Room: CSB 313
Description: This course introduces students to basic concepts and essential principles of Computer Graphics from programming
perspective. It includes topics such as Geometric Modeling, Lighting/Shading, Subdivision of Curves and Surfaces, Mesh
Parameterization, Texture Mapping, Morphing, and Animation. Students will use a standard Computer Graphics Library and
develop simple algorithms of Computer Graphics to reinforce the concepts.
Prerequisite: COSC 214, MATH 228
II. Instructor Information
Name: Jie Yan
Office: CSB 219
Tel: (301) 860-3966
E-Mail: jyan@bowiestate.edu
Office Hours:
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
12:00PM – 2:00PM, 3:00PM-5:00PM
By Appointment
12:00PM – 2:00PM
By Appointment
12:00PM – 2:00PM
III. Text
D. Hearn, M.P. Baker, "Computer Graphics with OpenGL", 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall, 2004, ISBN 0-13-015390-7
References:
Jackie Neider, Tom Davis, Mason Woo, “OpenGL Programming Guide: The Official Guide to Learning OpenGL”, 3rd
Edition, Addison-Wesley, 1999, ISBN: 0-201-46138-2.
You can download OpenGL 1.1 Programming Guide
IV. Instructional Modes
The primary teaching mode will be labs to reinforce lecture topics.
V. Student Learning Objectives:
In COSC 418 Principles of Computer Graphics, we will study the basics of computer graphics. The goal of the course is to teach
fundamental principles that underlie computer graphics algorithms. We will focus on graphics methods used to render realistic
images of scenes. Much of this involves geometric problems such as how we represent 3D models, describe their position and
motion in 3D, project them into 2D images, and render these 2D projections with pixels. We will also consider photometric
problems, such as how we represent light, model the way objects reflect light, and the path that light takes as it bounces off
objects or as objects shadow each other. We will also learn graphics programming using OpenGL, the most common computer
graphics library.
VI. Expected Student Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1.
Demonstrate the knowledge of the essential concepts and algorithms of computer graphics;
2.
develop an OpenGL program;
3.
Work with diverse geometric models, lighting, color and texture mapping technologies;
4.
Demonstrate the knowledge of the basic ideas of animation;
VII. Course Requirements
1. Homeworks

Homework problems from the end of chapters covered are assigned.

The student is expected to diligently do the assigned homework problems and ensure correctness of their solutions
always consulting with the instructor and class mates.

Homework solutions will not be collected by the instructor for grading purpose.
2.
Projects

three (3) projects, will be assigned (see Course Outline and Activity Schedule).
Project 1: Geometry project
Students will be required to use the OpenGL draw point and polygon functions to create a 3D face model.
The vertices and polygons data file of the 3D face model will be provided. Students will use the provided sample
code to start up this project. Upon successfully completion of this project, students will get familiar with the
OpenGL draw primitives functions.
Project 2: Texture project
Apply the texture information to the 3d face model created in geometry project 1,
The texture coordinates data and the facial image data will be provided. Upon successfully completion this
project, students will gain the knowledge and programming skills of endowing the texture information to the
3D objects by using openGL rendering functions.
Project 3: Animation Project
Design the animation algorithms to animate the 3D face model with all the texture details created in project 1 and
2. Students will be required to generate six basic facial expression sequences: Happy, Sad, Surprise, Disgust, Fear
and Anger.


Projects will involve programming which will demand a significant effort on the part of the student.
Project solutions will be collected within the first 15 minutes of class meeting on the due date. Any project
solution turned in later the specified period will be considered late and such late work will deserve a score of zero
(0).
3.
Exams

Three (3) in-class and one (1) final exams are scheduled. (See Course Outline and Activity Schedule for dates of
exams.)
4.
Quizzes

Several quizzes will be given each within the time block of scheduled class activity.
5.
Attendance

Every student should record his/her name on the attendance sheet as he/she comes into the class room.

Only students with either perfect attendance or with no more than three (3) failed attendance for the entire
semester will be awarded the 5% credit (see Grading Standard); the rest will be given zero (0) %.
VIII. Grading Standard
The final semester grade will be determined by the weighted average of the student performance on the homework, in-class
projects, projects, midterm and the final exam as follows:



In-class Exams
Final
Projects
30%
20%
30%

Quizzes
10%

Attendance
10%

Total
100%
Student’s semester letter grades will be assigned as follows:
A:
90 – 100
B:
80 – 89
C:
70 – 79
D:
60 – 69
F:
Below 60
Important: All students who are not officially registered for this class will not receive a grade.
IX. Course Outline and Activity Schedule
(Note: Some part(s) of the following activities may be modified at the instructor’s discretion. When/if said modification(s) occur,
the students will be informed in a timely fashion)
COURSE OUTLINE
Week of(s)
August 30
Topics
Course Orientation and Overview,
Computer graphics Concepts, OpenGL
Getting Started
Lab Topics/Reading
Read Chapter 1, 2, 11-6
September 6 (Labor
Day Holiday)
September 13
2-D Geometric Modeling
Read Chapter 5, 7
September 20
September 27
October 4
October 11
3-D Geometric Modeling
EXAM 1 (Geometric Modeling)
Texture I
Texture II
Geometry Project (Due Sept 27)
October 18
October 25
November 1
November 8
November 15
November 22
November 29
Texture III
December 6
Review & Group project presentations
December 13
Final Exam
EXAM 2 (Color/Texture)
Animation I
Animation II
Read Chapter 10-17, 10-21.
Read Chapter 12
Read Chapter 10-4, 10-5
Texture Project (Due Nov 1)
Read Chapter 8
Read Chapter 13
Animation Projects (Due Nov 26)
EXAM 3 (Animation)
***Any revisions are left to the discretion of the instructor. ***