Program Overview

Computer Graphics and 3D Printing Course

Course Information

The Computer Graphics and 3D Printing course is offered by the School of Arts and Sciences. The course lecturer and director is Dr. K. S. Senthilkumar.

Course Description

Computer graphics has become an integral part of our lives, featuring in movies, computer games, computer-aided design, virtual simulators, and visualization. This course aims to help students understand the fundamental concepts of Computer Graphics and 3D Printing. Students will learn to use existing graphics tools to create graphics, exploring both technical and aesthetic concepts.

Course Objectives

• Employ key concepts on Computer Graphics (Raster and Vector).
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the elements and principles of graphic design.
• Use technology such as Photoshop, Blender, and Cura to solve problems using critical thinking.
• Describe the range of 3D printing and Prototyping technologies, and their application in modern industrial, design, and creative fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the elements and principles of graphic design.
• Demonstrate the capabilities of 3D printing (a rapid prototyping technology) and designing objects for this new technology.
• Analyze, select, and apply appropriate contemporary digital technologies in changing the business world.
• Apply design standards and conventions when using digital technologies.

Program Outcomes Met By This Course

• CTPO1: Analyze a problem, identify, and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution, taking into consideration current techniques, concepts, skills, tools, and best practices used in the core information technologies.

Grading Scale

• A = 89.5% or better
• B+ = 84.5 - 89.4%
• B = 79.5 - 84.4%
• C+ = 74.5 - 79.4%
• C = 69.5 - 74.4%
• D = 64.5 - 69.4%
• F = 64.4% or less

Course Materials

Supplementary readings and resources include:

• ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS HELP
• Mastering 3D Printing, Modelling, Printing, and Prototyping with RepRap-style 3D Printers, Joan Horvath
• Blender Reference Manual
• Cura Lulzbot edition user manual, 2014

Course Grading Requirement

• Class participation: 5%
• Quizzes: 15%
• Mid-term: 15%
• Assignment: 40%
• Final Project: 25% Total: 100%

Course Requirements

Students must have a computer system (Desktop/Laptop with minimum hardware requirements) to facilitate the course.

Course Schedule

The course schedule includes:

1. Introduction to Computer Graphics, Image Formats, Application of Computer Graphics
2. Introduction to Raster graphics, file formats, attributes of raster Graphics, Interpolation
3. Hands-on experiments on Raster graphics using tools; image resizing, transform
4. Make selections and cropping using different tools, add and edit text
5. Introduction to layers and its properties, Erase tools, Antialiasing, The RGB colour model
6. Adjust saturation, red eye removal
7. 2D Transformation – Translation, Rotation, Scaling, Skewing, Applying sequences of transformations
8. Mid-term exam
9. Using lights and materials, Preparing an image for texture mapping, Using an image to displace a surface
10. Elements of Design – Colour, Line, Shape, Space, Texture, Value
11. Principles of Design – Balance, Contrast, Emphasis/Dominance, Harmony, Movement/Rhythm, Proportion, Repetition/Pattern, Unity, Variety
12. Creating images, Formats, Resolution, Raster Vs Vector, An Introduction to Rendering
13. Brief History of 3D Printing, How 3D Printing Works, Benefits of 3D Printing
14. Making a 3D Model, slicing a 3D Model, Driving the 3D Printer, Material Considerations
15. 3D Printing Resources, Experiments using Cura slicing software
16. Final Project

Academic Integrity

Plagiarism is regarded as a cardinal offense in academia and is not tolerated. Students are expected to do good, honest work, credit their sources, and reference accordingly, adhering to the University's Honor Code.

Attendance Requirement

Students are expected to attend all classes and clinical rotations for which they have registered. Attendance may be taken randomly, and absence may adversely affect academic status.

Examination Attendance

All matriculated students are expected to attend all assigned academic activities. Medical excuses will be based on self-reporting by students, with specific policies regarding make-up examinations at the option of the Course Director.

Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services Policy

Students with a disability or disabling condition must submit a completed application form and supporting documentation to the Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS) to request accommodations. It is recommended that students apply at least one month before classes begin.