Computer Graphics from edX

Today, computer graphics is a central part of our lives, in movies, games, computer-aided design, virtual reality, virtual simulators, visualization and even imaging products and cameras. This course, part of the Virtual Reality (VR) Professional Certificate program, teaches the basics of computer graphics that apply to all of these domains.

Students will learn to create computer-generated images of 3D scenes, including flybys of objects, make a real-time scene viewer, and create very realistic images with raytracing. We will start with a simple example of viewing a teapot from anywhere in space, understanding the basic mathematics of virtual camera placement. Next, you will learn how to use real-time graphics programming languages like OpenGL and GLSL to create your own scene viewer, enabling you to fly around and manipulate 3D scenes. Finally, we will teach you to create highly realistic images with reflections and shadows using raytracing.

This course runs for 6 weeks and consists of four segments. Each segment includes an individual programming assignment:

Overview and Basic Math (Homework 0: 10% of grade)
Transformations (Homework 1: 20% of grade)
OpenGL and Lighting (Homework 2: 35% of grade)
Raytracing (Homework 3: 35% of grade)

This term, students who earn a total score of 50% or greater will have passed the course and may obtain a certificate from UC San DiegoX.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the concepts of 3d graphics
Write and develop programs that create images of a 3d scene with lighting

Learn the basics of graphics programming with opengl and glsl

Understand the concepts of 3d graphics
Write and develop programs that create images of a 3d scene with lighting
Learn the basics of graphics programming with opengl and glsl

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops essential math and graphics programming fundamentals, which are foundational for 3D modeling and visualization

Provides a comprehensive overview of computer graphics, covering core concepts, tools, and techniques

Taught by Ravi Ramamoorthi, a recognized expert in computer graphics

Emphasizes hands-on learning through programming assignments, enabling practical application of concepts

Covers advanced topics like raytracing, which are essential for creating realistic images

Part of the Virtual Reality (VR) Professional Certificate program, indicating alignment with industry trends

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Computer Graphics with these activities:

Read 'Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice' by James D. Foley et al.

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Reading this comprehensive textbook will provide you with a strong foundation in computer graphics, complementing the material covered in this course.

View Computer Graphics: Principles And Practice, 3Rd... on Amazon

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Read the first few chapters of the book to get an overview of the field of computer graphics.
Focus on the chapters that cover topics related to the course, such as 3D modeling, lighting, and rendering.
Complete the practice exercises and assignments included in the book.

Review 3D graphics fundamentals

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Reviewing basic concepts in 3D graphics will prepare you for success in this course.

Browse courses on Computer Graphics

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Read through an introductory article on 3D graphics.
Complete a tutorial on basic 3D modeling software.
Experiment with different 3D modeling techniques.

Follow tutorials on advanced OpenGL techniques

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Following tutorials on advanced OpenGL techniques will enhance your skills in graphics programming and enable you to create more sophisticated 3D scenes.

Browse courses on OpenGL

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Find a series of tutorials on advanced OpenGL techniques.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, implementing the techniques in your own code.
Experiment with different OpenGL techniques to create your own unique 3D effects.

Five other activities

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Practice writing GLSL shaders

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Practicing GLSL shader writing will strengthen your understanding of the material covered in the OpenGL and Lighting segment.

Browse courses on GLSL

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Find a tutorial on writing GLSL shaders.
Complete a series of practice problems involving GLSL shader writing.
Create a simple 3D scene using GLSL shaders.

Attend a workshop on real-time graphics programming

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Attending a workshop on real-time graphics programming will expose you to industry best practices and cutting-edge techniques.

Browse courses on 3D Graphics

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Find a workshop on real-time graphics programming that aligns with your interests.
Register for the workshop and attend all sessions.
Participate actively in discussions and hands-on exercises.

Create a blog post or video tutorial on a 3D graphics topic

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Creating a blog post or video tutorial will help you solidify your understanding of a particular 3D graphics topic and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on 3D Graphics

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Choose a specific 3D graphics topic that you are interested in.
Research the topic thoroughly.
Write or record your blog post or video tutorial, explaining the topic in a clear and engaging way.

Build a 3D scene with realistic lighting and shadows

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Creating a 3D scene with realistic lighting and shadows will demonstrate your mastery of the material covered in the Raytracing segment.

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Design a simple 3D scene.
Implement raytracing to render the scene with realistic lighting and shadows.
Optimize the raytracing algorithm for performance.

Contribute to an open-source 3D graphics project

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Contributing to an open-source 3D graphics project will provide you with hands-on experience in real-world graphics development and collaboration.

Browse courses on 3D Graphics

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Find an open-source 3D graphics project that interests you.
Identify an area where you can contribute your skills.
Submit a pull request with your proposed changes or contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Computer Graphics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mobile Software Engineer

Mobile Software Engineers are responsible for the coding, design, build, and maintenance of software for mobile devices. With graphics being a key part of mobile software, this course would be helpful to those wishing to enter this field as it helps build a foundation in computer graphics. Particularly the segments on Lighting, OpenGL, and Raytracing would be highly beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Software Engineer

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers are responsible for the visual components of various media, including websites, print, and digital advertising. This course would be useful to Graphic Designers who wish to branch into the computer graphics subfield.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

User Interface (UI) Designer

UI Designers are responsible for the look and feel of a product's graphical interface, including its buttons, menus, and other visual elements. This course would be useful to UI Designers who wish to branch into the computer graphics subfield.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Interface (UI) Designer

Front-End Web Developer

Front End Web Developers are responsible for the visual design, structure, and user experience of a website. This course would be useful to Front End Web Developers who wish to branch into the computer graphics subfield.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Web Developer

Software Developer

Software Developers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of computer software. This course would be helpful to Software Developers who wish to work on projects that involve computer graphics, such as 3D graphics or visual effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of computer programs. This course would be helpful to Computer Programmers who wish to work on projects that involve computer graphics, such as 3D graphics or visual effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Back-End Web Developer

Back End Web Developers are responsible for the server-side logic and data management of a website. While not as directly applicable to the field as it is to a Front End Web Developer or UI Designer, this course may be useful to Back End Web Developers who wish to work on projects that involve computer graphics, such as 3D graphics or visual effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Back-End Web Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the management and maintenance of databases. While not as directly applicable to the field as it is to a Software Developer or Computer Programmer, this course may be useful to Database Administrators who wish to work on projects that involve computer graphics, such as data visualization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for writing instruction manuals, user guides, and other technical documents. While not as directly applicable to the field as it is to a Graphic Designer or Front End Web Developer, this course may be useful to Technical Writers who wish to write about computer graphics or visual effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and closure of projects. This course may be useful to Project Managers who are working on projects that involve computer graphics, such as 3D graphics or visual effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for the development and execution of marketing campaigns. While not as directly applicable to the field as it is to a Graphic Designer or Front End Web Developer, this course may be useful to Marketing Managers who wish to understand the technical aspects of computer graphics and visual effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for the development and execution of sales strategies. While not as directly applicable to the field as it is to a Graphic Designer or Front End Web Developer, this course may be useful to Sales Managers who wish to understand the technical aspects of computer graphics and visual effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for understanding the business needs of an organization and developing solutions to meet those needs. While not as directly applicable to the field as it is to a Software Developer or Computer Programmer, this course may be useful to Business Analysts who wish to work on projects that involve computer graphics, such as data visualization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Accountant

Accountants are responsible for the management and reporting of financial information. While not as directly applicable to the field as it is to a Database Administrator or Technical Writer, this course may be useful to Accountants who wish to work on projects that involve data visualization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Lawyer

Lawyers are responsible for advising clients on legal matters and representing them in court. While not as directly applicable to the field as it is to a Technical Writer or Business Analyst, this course may be useful to Lawyers who wish to understand the technical aspects of computer graphics and visual effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer