CS 184. Foundations of Computer Graphics
Catalog Description: Techniques of modeling objects for the purpose of computer rendering: boundary representations, constructive solids geometry, hierarchical scene descriptions. Mathematical techniques for curve and surface representation. Basic elements of a computer graphics rendering pipeline; architecture of modern graphics display devices. Geometrical transformations such as rotation, scaling, translation, and their matrix representations. Homogeneous coordinates, projective and perspective transformations. Algorithms for clipping, hidden surface removal, rasterization, and anti-aliasing. Scan-line based and ray-based rendering algorithms. Lighting models for reflection, refraction, transparency.
Units: 4
Related Areas:
Prerequisites: COMPSCI 61B or COMPSCI 61BL; programming skills in C, C++, or Java; linear algebra and calculus.
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Comp Sci 184 after taking Comp Sci 284A.
Formats:
Summer: 6.0 hours of lecture and 2.0 hours of discussion per week
Spring: 3.0 hours of lecture and 1.0 hours of discussion per week
Fall: 3.0 hours of lecture and 1.0 hours of discussion per week
Grading Basis: letter
Final Exam Status: Written final exam conducted during the scheduled final exam period
Class Schedule (Summer 2025):
CS 184 – MoTuWeTh 15:30-16:59, Physics Building 1 –
Class Notes
* Time conflicts ARE allowed.
* This is an IN-PERSON class, on-site attendance is expected.
* Lecture WILL be recorded for playback later. Discussion sections are in-person only and attendance is expected.
*To enroll in this class, select the lecture and the 999 (placeholder) discussion sections. Assignment to the ACTUAL discussion sections will be managed by teaching staff during the first class.
* High school students are not allowed to enroll in upper division CompSci classes.
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