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Computer Graphics II

Rendering

Ravi Ramamoorthi

Today, computer graphics is a central part of our lives, in movies, games, computer-aided design, virtual simulators, visualization and even imaging products and cameras. This course teaches the basics of computer graphics rendering, that is of great recent relevance in industry, and that apply to all of these domains.

Students will learn to create very realistic computer-generated images of 3D scenes, with ray and path tracing. The course follows on from CSE 167, Foundations of computer graphics, to delve into the details of high-quality physically-based rendering, creating the most realistic and beautiful computer-generated images, culminating in a state-of-the-art path tracer with multiple importance sampling. The projects will be as follows (each counting for 25% of the grade, a passing score will be 60%)

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Raytracing (homework 1)
Direct lighting (homework 2)

Path tracing (homework 3)
Importance sampling (homework 4)

Raytracing (homework 1)
Direct lighting (homework 2)
Path tracing (homework 3)
Importance sampling (homework 4)

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what should give you pause

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Built upon another course (CSE 167), so students should already be comfortable with computer graphics and its foundations

Teaches ray and path tracing, which are important for creating realistic computer-generated images

Gives students the opportunity to create their own state-of-the-art path tracer with multiple importance sampling

Suitable for students interested in computer graphics, game development, or other fields that use computer-generated imagery

Taught by renowned instructors who are experts in computer graphics rendering

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Reviews summary

Advanced rendering: deep dive into path tracing

According to learners, this course is an outstanding deep dive into physically-based rendering, particularly praised for its cutting-edge content on path tracing and importance sampling. Students consistently highlight the challenging yet immensely rewarding projects that solidify understanding and provide practical implementation skills for a career in graphics. The lectures are often described as detailed and insightful, delving deep into mathematical foundations. However, learners advise that the course demands a strong background in C++ and linear algebra, as it has a heavy workload and steep learning curve. Some also noted that explanations can occasionally be dense or rushed, and support might be slower than desired.

Projects are highly challenging but crucial for practical skill development.

"The projects are incredibly challenging but immensely rewarding, especially the path tracer."

"The homework assignments are well-structured and build upon each other nicely. I particularly enjoyed the direct lighting project."

"One of the best graphics courses I've ever taken. The hands-on projects, especially the path tracer, solidified my understanding completely."

"The projects are tough but fair, really pushing you to implement complex algorithms."

Covers cutting-edge, physically-based rendering in detail.

"This course is simply outstanding for anyone serious about physically-based rendering. The instructor's explanations are clear, and the lectures delve deep into the mathematical foundations."

"Truly exceptional! The content on path tracing was cutting-edge and the assignments really forced me to apply the concepts."

"This course changed my understanding of rendering completely. The depth of coverage, particularly on importance sampling and path tracing, is unmatched."

Some lectures are dense, project instructions sometimes unclear, and support can be slow.

"The explanation quality was inconsistent. Some parts felt rushed, and I struggled to follow without external resources."

"Sometimes the pace felt a bit rushed, especially in the later modules on importance sampling, and I had to spend extra time re-watching lectures."

"I found the lectures hard to follow and the assignments poorly explained at times. Support was minimal."

"The clarity of instructions for projects was sometimes lacking, leading to frustration."

Requires strong prior knowledge and significant time commitment.

"Requires a strong background in linear algebra and C++."

"The workload is heavy, so be prepared to dedicate a lot of time."

"The course assumes a lot of prior knowledge, more than just CSE 167."

"I'd advise having a solid C++ foundation and strong math skills before starting."

"The workload is immense for a single course. I felt overwhelmed at times."

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 II: Rendering with these activities:

Review Fundamentals of Computer Graphics

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Review the basics of computer graphics to strengthen the foundation for this course.

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Read the first three chapters of the book.
Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter.

Practice Ray Tracing

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Practice ray tracing to gain hands-on experience with the core concept of the course.

Browse courses on Ray Tracing

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Implement a simple ray tracer in your preferred programming language.
Render a variety of scenes using your ray tracer.
Experiment with different ray tracing parameters to observe their effects.

Create a Scene with Realistic Lighting

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Create a 3D scene with realistic lighting to demonstrate your understanding of lighting techniques.

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Model a simple scene in a 3D modeling software.
Set up realistic lighting using the techniques learned in the course.
Render the scene and evaluate the results.

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Mentor Junior Students

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Share your knowledge by mentoring junior students in the same course to solidify your understanding.

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Identify a junior student who is struggling with the material.
Offer your assistance and provide guidance on specific topics.
Review their work and provide constructive feedback.

Career center

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

Reading list

We've selected 22 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Computer Graphics II: Rendering.

Physically Based Rendering

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Relevant for understanding the theoretical foundations needed for this topic.

Computer Graphics II

What's inside

Learning objectives

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Reviews summary

Advanced rendering: deep dive into path tracing

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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