The following is our tentative syllabus for the course, some changes should be expected throughout the semester. I will announce in class lecture, piazza, or through e-mail any major changes.
To get all of the assignments/activities for the course, you must first click the following link: Course MonorepoDo not do a 'git pull' until class starts (Occasionally I make changes/spelling corrections)
Week
Date
Lecture and Readings
Assignments
Note(s)
1
Wednesday - July 07, 2021
Lecture outline
Course Overview
Administrivia
Course Structure
Programming Language Selection
Introduction to Offline Rendering in Computer Graphics
Offline verus online graphics
Difference between ray tracing, path tracing, and other techniques
This course is going to teach you the essentials in Non-interactive (Offline Rendering) computer graphics techniques.
Registrar Description:This course introduces computer graphics algorithms and concepts primarily focusing on offline rendering techniques. The course consists of a lecture component and in-class laboratory where students will learn about common image synthesis algorithms and techniques to generate images used in games and 3D animated movies . Out of class activities will involve readings about techniques in ray tracing, path tracing, and other state-of-the-art research papers used in academic and industry. The course culminates with a final project in which students will complete in groups or individually a renderer for generating high-quality images. Students with an interest in a career as a graphics, rendering, or high performance computer engineer may consider taking this course.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you will:
Students will learn and apply essential mathematics (trigonometry, geometry, linear algebra) used in 3D graphics.
Students will learn the architectural differences between the CPU and GPU and be able to explain the tradeoffs of each.
Students will learn fundamental data structures for organizing 3D scenes and be able to apply them.
Students will learn how to use a profiler to understand how to find and optimize performance bottlenecks.
Students will understand how to utilize concurrency to implement acceleration data structures to improve rendering time.
Students will be able to understand and explain the differences between fundamental Non-interactive (offline) and real-time rendering techniques.
Prerequisites
Previous experience with trigonometry and exposure to linear algebra.
You should have basic knowledge in github, using any text-based editor, and how to compile, run, and debug programs.
This course will be taught using examples in C and C++, but you may use any language you like. Thus, the ability to read code is necessary.
If you are unsure of what language to use, I recommend C or C++, as that is the language the graphics industry predominately uses.
Resources
There will be no required textbook to purchase for this course. However, these resources have been vetted, and I recommend for mastery (while taking this course, and reviewing later on in your career).
Students and instructors are to follow the Northeastern policies on these important issues.
Northeastern Non-Discrimination Policy - This classroom is a safe space for the instructor and students to talk about ideas, share viewpoints, and learn.
Northeastern Academic Integrity Policy - You only cheat yourself if you are not honest. Most often cheating occurs when an individual falls behind or perhaps has other circumstances occurring in their life. Please consult the instructor before ever considering cheating.
If you are caught cheating I have to report the violation. My official policy is you receive a 0 in the course. Always remember, if you use any external sources, you must cite them.
Student Code of Conduct: Students and instructors will follow the following guide for how we conduct ourselves. This is to create a respectful environment where everyone can learn.
Make-Up Policy
Students participating in varsity athletics(this does not include club sports or intramurals) or other University sanctioned events may have the need for a make-up. Please contact me in advance of such events, so that appropriate accommodations can be made.
This semester we will be using a "tokens" system such that you can extend an assignment or lab (but not final project) by up to three days total. Simply move the token file to the assignment or lab directory in your github repo and it will be automatically applied. Further directions are in the repository
E-mailing me asking for extensions just because is unfortunately not fair to your classmates, thus in this course, we have the token system which allows you up to extend your assignment by up to 3 days throughout the semester (or otherwise to split 3 tokens for multiple assignments) to complete your work and stay on track. Assignment submissions that are otherwise submitted late without using a token receive a 10% penalty per day.
Occasionally, other life events and circumstances occur that were not planned. If this is the case, please e-mail me privately.
Accessibility
Part of what makes Northeastern University unique, is our diverse cohort of students, faculty, and staff. In order to support this, Northeastern is committed to providing equal access and support to all qualified students through the provision of reasonable accommodations so that each student may fully participate in the University experience.
If you have a disability that requires accommodations, please contact the Student Accessibility Services office at DRC@northeastern.edu or (617) 373-2675 to make an appointment with the Disability Resource Center representatives in 20 Dodge Hall to determine appropriate accommodations.
We Care is another university resource for helping tackle challenges you may be facing. Asking for help is okay!
Lateness and Attendance Policy
Students who do well in this course tend to show up to the course consistently, participate, start coursework the day it is assigned, and engage with their peers. Come to class, come on time, and build good habits! In-Class activities that are not completed during attendance are a zero.
Wellness Policy
While university can be difficult at times, please do take care of yourself. It is okay to seek help and take a break. Please communicate with your instructor, advisor, and officials at the university if you just need a mental break.
Northeastern Univerity provides resources for student healthcare and general wellness:
I personally remember how difficult university can be juggling myself multiple jobs, multiple clubs, and trying to learn. Do take your wellness seriously!
Another resource at Northeastern is We Care which provides resources for students at Northeastern.
Assessment/Course Polices
Please find below the grading distribution that will be used for this course to compute a weighted average for your final grade. You will find grades you earn through the semester on Canvas and your final grade in banner.
Please do not ask me for an A on the first day of class (It happens enough I have a bullet point here).
In the event of a sick/snow day (i.e. we miss a lab or in-class activity) the weight of each assignment increases (There may also be shuffling of course material if we are interrupted).
The expectation is that the assignments are fair but difficult, so you should start early!
Late Submissions of Assignments can be extended up to 3 days max with your tokens without a penalty--otherwise your assignments lose 10% each day it is turned in late if a token has not been used
Unfortunately, with large classes I cannot make individual exceptions (i.e. "special deals") fairly to your classmates who are likely making other personal sacrifices to complete work on time.
Come speak to me about your wellness if something is otherwise impeding your progress so we can provide you available resources to succeed.
Assignments that do not compile/open receive no credit Simply put, programs that do not compile do not do anything.
There are no "re-grades" or points awarded one week after your grade is posted. "re-grades" may result in a higher, equal, or lower score.
Re-grades are done cautiously to correct any errors that may occur from the course staff.
Re-grades are not for "redoing assignments", you have the opportunity to improve based on the feedback for your next assignment.
There are no "re-grades" after the semester is over.
Do not ask multiple members of the course staff for "re-grades"
If you are currently waitlisted, you must submit your homework on time. That is the gamble! If you do not have Canvas access, you will submit by e-mail or other course mechanism (e.g. github).
There are no extra credit assignments just for you. I reserve the right to add points to assignments that do go above and beyond however. I reserve the right to give an extra credit assignment to the entire class, though this is highly unlikely.
I reserve the right to modify the grading scale in your favor if you show exemplary proficiency in any of the catagories. I will never modify the scale to lower a students grade.
In class work cannot be made up at a later date unless otherwise arranged with the instructor well in advance.
Course work completed after the date cannot be graded, as solutions will have been discussed (this includes if taking this course for an Incomplete).
Once again, "in-class" work must be completed in-class unless there is a documented emergency or you have prearranged with the instructor a make-up well in advance.
Lab time is meant for helping students with the lab, not completing homework. I have to prioritize lab first, then can answer homework questions.
No Facebook, no cell phones. Not only does it distract you, it distracts others!
Everyone needs to come see me in office hours (or by appointment) at least one time during the semester to introduce yourself. The purpose is so that you:
Know where my office is.
Get used to coming to office hours.
Let me know how I can help you achieve your goals.
Please do not redistribute or host any materials without e-mailing me first. I generally am happy to share the latest .pdf or slide presentation with those who ask. Thank you for your time!
