نظرة عامة على البرنامج

FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS

OVERVIEW

This course introduces the fundamental principles and techniques for developing computer graphics and data visualization applications. The course has a theoretical-practical focus and is aimed at providing basic knowledge and acquiring the ability to use libraries and software tools to develop simple interactive applications.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Learning basics of event-driven programming and how 2D and 3D computer graphics systems work.
• Learning the basic tools for creating interactive 2D computer graphics programs and for modeling and rendering 3D scenes.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to:

• Provide both theoretical and practical knowledge to develop interactive applications that include 2D graphics output and/or data visualization.
• Illustrate the principles behind geometric shape modeling and introduce tools for this purpose.
• Provide the theoretical foundations of 3D graphics and dedicated hardware (GPU).
• Introduce high-level tools for developing 3D graphics applications.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of Event-Driven Programming (EDP).
• Understand the fundamental principles of 2D and 3D computer graphics.
• Understand the basic principles of 3D polygonal modeling.
• Develop simple interactive 2D graphics applications.
• Use a geometric modeling system at a basic level.
• Use a high-level system for creating 3D scenes at a basic level.

PREREQUISITES

• Imperative and object-oriented programming (C++ or similar languages).

TEACHING METHODS

• Lectures (approximately half of the course).
• Guided lab sessions (the other half): the exercises will preferably take place in the classroom using the students' personal computers.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Overview of Computer Graphics and its applications.
• The Event-Driven Programming (EDP) paradigm.
• Interactive 2D graphics: application examples using an EDP library.
• Elements of data visualization and examples.
• 3D geometric modeling: polygonal models (meshes).
• Examples of creating polygonal models.
• 3D graphics: ray tracing paradigm.
• 3D graphics: GPU and rasterization paradigm.
• Examples of 3D graphics applications.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Textbooks are not strictly required. Most of the materials will be provided by the instructor or available online. For further reading: Steve Marschner, Peter Shirley, Fundamentals of Computer Graphics, Fourth Edition, CRC Press.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

• ENRICO PUPPO.
• Exam Board:
  • ENRICO PUPPO (President).
  • CLAUDIO MANCINELLI.
  • PAOLA MAGILLO (President Substitute).
  • MANUELA CHESSA (Substitute).

LESSONS

LESSONS START

According to the calendar approved by the Degree Program Board.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

• Final project on one of the topics covered during the guided workshops.
• Oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

• The final project aims to assess the practical skills of the student in relation to the libraries and software systems covered in the guided exercises.
• The oral exam aims to assess the student's knowledge of the fundamental principles of computer graphics, polygonal modeling, and all other topics covered in the lectures.

Exam schedule

• Data appello: 15/01/2026, Orario: 09:00, Luogo: GENOVA, Degree type: Scritto + Orale, Note: Aula 214.
• Data appello: 18/02/2026, Orario: 09:00, Luogo: GENOVA, Degree type: Scritto + Orale.
• Data appello: 04/06/2026, Orario: 09:00, Luogo: GENOVA, Degree type: Scritto + Orale.
• Data appello: 01/07/2026, Orario: 09:00, Luogo: GENOVA, Degree type: Scritto + Orale.
• Data appello: 02/09/2026, Orario: 09:00, Luogo: GENOVA, Degree type: Scritto + Orale.