Faculty of Business and Information Technology

Introduction to Computer Graphics – INFR 1350U

Course outline for Fall 2023

1. Course Details & Important Dates*

Course
Term CRN Instructor Day Time Location
Type
Fall 2023 Lecture 40144 Samaneh Mazaheri Wednesday 6:40pm – 9:30pm UA2130
Fall 2023 Tutorial 44224 Gabe Kotton Monday 11:10am – 2pm UA2240
Fall 2023 Tutorial 41407 Sadiya Afrin Friday 2:10pm – 5pm SIRC1350

Classes Start Classes End Last day to drop Final Exam Period
course
September 5, 2023 December 4, 2023 October 2, 2023 December 6 - 16, 2023
* Visit https://ontariotechu.ca/current-students/academics/important-dates-and-deadlines.php

2. Instructor/TA Contact Information

Instructor Name Info Email
Samaneh Mazaheri Office: UB 2020 [email protected]
Hongxi He TA for Markings, assignments, … [email protected]
Gabe Kotton TA for Monday Labs [email protected]
Sadiya Afrin TA for Friday Labs [email protected]

3. Course Description
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of Computer Graphics. The course initiates with
the basic concepts and techniques of computer graphic and continues with the fundamental
transformations of scaling, translation, rotation, windowing, image processing and clipping. In
process of learning these fundamental concepts, you will also be introduced to and obtain a
working knowledge of the modern OpenGL graphics API.

4. Learning Outcomes
On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of graphics systems and models, imaging systems and graphics
architectures.
• Obtain a basic understanding of graphics hardware, graphics primitives, fundamental computer
graphics concepts, including two and three-dimensional transformations and projections.
• Explain the basics of lighting and texture mapping.
• Develop interactive computer graphics applications using C/C++ and the OpenGL graphics API.
• Understand the basics of the graphics pipeline and shaders.
5. Course Design
The course is taught in-class. During the lectures the students should have a laptop and internet
connection, to participate in live activities. The lecture part focuses on theory of Computer
Graphics, but some practical examples should be demonstrated. The tutorial will focus on the
practical part of the concept.

6. Outline of Topics in the Course

Lecture # Date Topics
Lecture 1 September 6, 2023 Intro to the course: Discussion about the course, Fundamental Concepts,
Raster vs Vector.
Lecture 2 September 13, 2023 Computer Graphics Hardware, Terminology, Technologies.
Lecture 3 September 20, 2023 Intro to OpenGL programming, VBOs, VAOs, Shaders.
Lecture 4 September 27, 2023 Vectors, Matrices, Transformations, Projections, Shaders programming.
Lecture 5 October 4, 2023 Coordinate Systems, Viewing
Study Break October 9-15, 2023 Study Week, no scheduled academic activities
Lecture 6 October 18, 2023 Midterm test [Test 1]
Lecture 7 October 25, 2023 Color theory, Lighting models, light sources.
Lecture 8 November 1, 2023 Mapping, UV mapping.
Lecture 9 November 8, 2023 Mipmapping, filtering, wrapping.
Lecture 10 November 15, 2023 GLSL, Vertex and Fragment Shader.
Lecture 11 November 22, 2023 Advanced Topics
Lecture 12 November 29, 2023 Final exam [Test 2]

7. Optional textbooks
There is no required textbook for this course. If you would like to have a textbook to refer to, you
may buy one of these:

Interactive Computer Graphics:

A Top-Down Approach with
Shader-Based OpenGL

Publisher: Pearson; 6th edition (or 7th edition)

ISBN-13: 978-0132545235 (978-0133574845)
ISBN-10: 0132545233 (0133574849)
Author: Angel and Shreiner

Fundamentals of Computer Graphics

Publisher: A K Peters/CRC Press; 4th edition

ISBN-13: 978-1482229394
ISBN-10: 9781482229394
Author: Steve Marschner, Peter Shirley
 The Angel text is more applied, closer to OpenGL. The Marschner text is more mathematical,
stronger on theoretical foundations. Both are good, neither is "perfect" for this class.

I will point to readings in these books, but these readings will be optional. Most of the material in
the course can be learned from the lecture notes I provide, with some Googling for additional
material whenever you want to go deeper or need to figure out implementation details for a
project. When I do have required reading, I will provide it as an online handout.
(Additional readings may be assigned or recommended during the course.)

8. Evaluation Method
Component Info/Due Date Weight
10 Labs: 10 weeks

No labs on:
Labs 20%
❏ 1st week of the course
❏ Week of the study break
❏ Week of the mid-term test (Test 1)
Quizzes/Exercises Throughout the semester (Announced or Surprised) 10%
Assignment 1 October 6, 2023 10%
Midterm Test October 18, 2023 (during class time) 25%
Assignment 2 October 29, 2023 10%
Assignment 3 November 17, 2023 10%
Final exam November 29, 2023 (during class time) 15%
Total 100%

Tutorials
Each tutorial will consist of a small practical code example or activity led by the TA. A 2% course
grade will be awarded for these tutorials for a total of 20% throughout the semester. To earn this
mark, you must show the TA your individual work and prove your knowledge by answering some
questions regarding the activity, if applicable.

Quizzes and hands-on exercises

This course will have quizzes and hands-on exercises worth 10% of the final grade. From week 3 to
the end of the semester at least one hands-on exercise will take place on a weekly basis. The
exercises will help students absorb course content by implementing a number of fundamental
computer graphics features (learning by doing). Students will be given a few days to complete the
exercises asynchronously. More information will be given in the class.

Assignments
Assignments must be done individually or in pairs. Each assignment will build on concepts learned
and applied in earlier assignments, so it is important that students stay on top of their work.

9. Assignments and Tests

Final course grades may be adjusted to conform to program or Faculty grade distribution profiles.
Further information on grading can be found at:
https://calendar.ontariotechu.ca/content.php?catoid=55&navoid=2422
 Missed Term Test
Students who miss a midterm or term test may submit a request for deferral using an Academic
Consideration form, along with supporting documentation to the Faculty Advising offices within
three (3) working days. We do not require students to submit Ontario Tech University Medical
Statements at this time. If a midterm or term test is missed for approved reasons, the weight of the
missed component will be added to the final If you miss the midterm or term test and do not follow
the procedure above, you will receive a score of zero on the missed component.
All forms can also be found through MyOntarioTech or on the Ontario Tech University website.

Late Assignments
Late submissions are not accepted. The only exceptions are serious issues (proof may be requested)
and technical issue with Canvas. NO email submissions will be accepted.

Assignment Submission
The assignments of this course require the submission of a complete VS Studio project. The process
is:
1. Finish your project.
2. Test it.
3. Compress the whole package.
4. Submit.
Individual files or projects that do not work won’t be accepted.
The format of your compressed files should be:
FIRSTNAME_FIRSTNAME_ID_ASSIGNMENT.zip or .rar
If any kind of setup is required explain the process in a separate README.TXT file.

Missed Course work

Coursework missed for medical or serious personal reasons must be documented and reported to the
instructor within three (3) working days of the missed work. Medical absences must be accompanied
by a Ontario Tech Medical Statement form completed by the student and physician within 24 hours of
the missed course work or an Academic Consideration form for non-medical reasons should be
submitted. Coursework includes, but is not limited to, quizzes; written assignments; participation; case
studies; etc… If missed coursework totals more than 20% of the final grade, this must be documented
through the FBIT Academic Advising office. The weight of the missed course component will be
reweighted to the students’ performance on the remainder of the component in the pool. If you miss
coursework and do not notify the instructor within the three (3) working day deadline, you will receive
a score of zero on the missed component. All forms can also be found in the Ontario Tech tab of
MyCampus or on the Ontario Tech University website.
Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their
performance in the course is urged to contact [email protected] for support.
Furthermore, please notify your professor if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable them to
provide any resources and help that they can.

10. Technology Requirements and Learning Management System Information

Ontario Tech uses Canvas™ as its learning management system (LMS). Access to the LMS is limited to
students formally registered in courses. That access is for the duration of the semester and for an
additional 120 days once the semester is over. Students are strongly encouraged to download
any/all relevant course material during that access period. Any requests for access post this period
must be made in writing to the instructor/faculty member responsible for the course.
To support online learning, the university recommends certain technology requirements for laptops,
software and internet connectivity which are available at: Ontario Tech’s Remote Learning Policies.

Students experiencing technical difficulties such that they are unable to meet the technology
requirements may contact the IT Service Help Desk at: [email protected]
Students experiencing financial difficulties such that they are unable to meet the technology
requirements may contact Student Awards and Financial Aid Office at: [email protected]

By remaining enrolled in this course, you acknowledge that you have read, understand and agree
to observe the Recommended Technology Requirements for accessing university online learning
resources, including those minimum requirements that are specific to your faculty and program.

11. Sensitive/Offensive Subject Matter

The classroom (both physical and virtual) is intended to provide a safe, open space for the critical and
civil exchange of ideas and opinions. Some articles, media and other course materials may contain
sensitive content that is offensive and/or disturbing. The Course Instructor will try to identify such
material and communicate warnings to students in advance of the distribution and use of such
materials, affording students the choice to either emotionally prepare for, or not to view or interact
with, the content.

12. Student Support

Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their
performance in the course is urged to contact [email protected] for support.
Furthermore, please notify your professor if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable them
to provide any resources and help that they can.

13. Sexual Violence Support and Education

Ontario Tech is committed to the prevention of sexual violence in all its forms. For any student who
has experienced Sexual Violence, Ontario Tech can help. We will make accommodations to cater to
the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities of students when dealing with individual cases.

If you think you have been subjected to or witnessed sexual violence:

• Reach out to a Support Worker, a specially trained individual authorized to receive
confidential disclosures about incidents of sexual violence. Support Workers can offer help
and resolution options which can include safety plans, accommodations, mental health
support, and more. To make an appointment with a Support Worker, call 905.721.3392 or
email [email protected]
• Learn more about your options at: Ontario Tech’s Policy on Sexual Violence and Support
Information
14. Students with Disabilities
Accommodating students with disabilities at Ontario Tech is a responsibility shared among various
partners: the students themselves, SAS staff and faculty members. To ensure that disability-related
concerns are properly addressed during this course, students with documented disabilities and
who may require assistance to participate in this class are encouraged to speak with me as soon as
possible. Students who suspect they have a disability that may affect their participation in this
course are advised to go to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as soon as possible.
Maintaining communication and working collaboratively with SAS and faculty members will ensure
you have the greatest chance of academic success.
 When on campus access is allowed, students taking courses on North Oshawa campus can visit
Student Accessibility Services in Shawenjigewining Hall. Students taking courses on the downtown
Oshawa campus can visit Student Accessibility Services in Charles Hall, Room 225.

Disability-related and accommodation support is available for students with mental health,
physical, mobility, sensory, medical, cognitive, or learning challenges. Office hours are 8:30am-
4:30pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, Wednesday’s 10:00 am to 4:30. Please note they
are closed each day between noon and 1:00 pm. For more information on services provided, you
can visit the SAS website at Ontario Tech’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Students may
contact Student Accessibility Services by calling 905-721-3266, or email
[email protected].

When on campus access is allowed, students who require the use of the Test Centre to write tests,
midterms, or quizzes MUST register online using the SAS test/exam sign-up module, found here
Registration Link to write examinations in SAS at Ontario Tech. Students must sign up for tests,
midterms, or quizzes AT LEAST seven (7) days before the date of the test.

Students must register for final exams by the registration deadline, which is typically two (2) weeks
prior to the start of the final examination period. SAS will notify students of the registration
deadline date.

15. Professional Suitability (if applicable)

Ontario Tech University is a community that values and promotes respect, integrity, diversity and
accountability among all members of the university. These values can only be achieved in an
environment that supports and protects the safety and security of its members. The Ontario Tech
University Policy on Student Conduct defines and guides standards of student behaviour at the
university to uphold these values and ensure that behaviour contrary to these standards are dealt
with in a manner that is fair, open and effective.

The Faculty of Business & IT has the following expectations related to professionalism for all its
community members, including without limitation, students, Staff, and Faculty:

• Respect, civility, and courtesy: Community members are expected to treat each other with
respect, civility, and courtesy both in and outside of the classroom. Rudeness, profanity,
insults, harassment, and class disruptions are unacceptable.
• Critique ideas, not the people who raise the ideas: Discussions, debates, and the exchange
of ideas are normal parts of life in an academic community. Community members are
expected to engage in discussions, debates, and the exchange of ideas in respectful ways,
even while vigorously advocating for one’s perspective.
• Talk to those with whom you have a complaint, not about them. When community
members have disputes, complaints, and/or concerns about another community member,
they are expected to do their best to address the matter directly and informally with the
other member, provided that it is safe to do so. (See Appendix A for more information about
how students can raise concerns about academic matters.)
• Special obligations: Community members in positions of authority have special obligations to
demonstrate respect, civility, and professionalism and to encourage the development of
these values within the FBIT community.
The Professional Suitability policy can be found at Ontario Tech’s Professional Suitability Policy and
the related procedures are hosted at Ontario Tech’s Professional Suitability Procedures.
16. Academic Integrity
Students and faculty at Ontario Tech University share an important responsibility to maintain the
integrity of the teaching and learning relationship. This relationship is characterized by honesty,
fairness and mutual respect for the aim and principles of the pursuit of education. Academic
misconduct impedes the activities of the university community and is punishable by appropriate
disciplinary action.

Students are expected to be familiar with and abide by Ontario Tech University’s regulations on
Academic Conduct which sets out the kinds of actions that constitute academic misconduct,
including plagiarism, copying or allowing one’s own work to copied, use of unauthorized aids in
examinations and tests, submitting work prepared in collaboration with another student when
such collaboration has not been authorized, among other academic offences. The regulations also
describe the procedures for dealing with allegations, and the sanctions for any finding of academic
misconduct, which can range from a resubmission of work to a failing grade to permanent expulsion
from the university. A lack of familiarity with these regulations on academic conduct does not
constitute a defense against its application. This information can be found at Ontario Tech’s
Academic Integrity Policy.

Extra support services are available to all Ontario Tech University students in academic
development, study skills, counseling, and peer mentorship. More information on student support
services can be found at Academic Support at Ontario Tech’s Student Learning Centre.

17. Turnitin (if applicable)

Ontario Tech University and faculty members reserve the right to use electronic means to detect
and help prevent plagiarism. Students agree that by taking this course all assignments are subject
to submission for textual similarity review by Turnitin.com. Assignments submitted to Turnitin.com
will be included as source documents in Turnitin.com's restricted access database solely for the
purpose of detecting plagiarism in such documents. The instructor may require students to submit
their assignments electronically to Turnitin.com or the instructor may submit questionable text on
behalf of a student. The terms that apply to Ontario Tech University’s use of the Turnitin.com
service are described on the Turnitin.com website.

Students who do not wish to have their work submitted to Turnitin.com must provide with their
assignment at the time of submission to the instructor a signed Turnitin.com Assignment Cover
sheet: Signed Turnitin Coversheet to Withdraw Permission to Submit Work.

18. Online Test and Exam Proctoring (Virtual Proctoring)

Ontario Tech University will conduct virtual monitoring of examinations in accordance with Ontario
privacy legislation and all approved policy instruments.

19. Final Examinations (if applicable)

Final examinations are held during the final examination period at the end of the semester and
when on campus access is allowed, may take place in a different room and on a different day from
the regularly scheduled class. Check the published Examination Schedule for a complete list of days
and times.

Students are required to show their Student ID card (campus ID) when in-person examinations are
allowed. Students are advised to obtain their Student ID Card well in advance of the examination
period as they will not be able to write their examinations without it. More information on ID cards
can be found at Information on Ontario Tech’s Student ID Cards.
 Students who are unable to write a final examination when scheduled due to religious publications
may make arrangements to write a deferred examination. These students are required to submit a
Request for Accommodation for Religious Obligations to the Faculty concerned as soon as possible
and no later than three weeks prior to the first day of the final examination period.

Further information on final examinations can be found at Ontario Tech’s Procedures for Final
Examinations.

20. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

The following is an important notice regarding the process for submitting course assignments,
quizzes, and other evaluative material in your courses in the Faculty of Business and IT.

Ontario Tech University is governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
(“FIPPA”). In addition to providing a mechanism for requesting records held by the university, this
legislation also requires that the University not disclose the personal information of its students
without their consent.

FIPPA’s definition of “personal information” includes, among other things, documents that contain
both your name and your Banner (student) ID. For example, this could include graded test papers
or assignments. To ensure that your rights to privacy are protected, the Faculty of [Insert Faculty
name] encourages you to use only your Banner ID on assignments or test papers being submitted
for grading. This policy is intended to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of your information where
graded papers are returned to groups of students at the same time. If you still wish to write both
your name and your Banner ID on your tests and assignments, please be advised that Ontario Tech
University will interpret this as an implied consent to the disclosure of your personal information
in the normal course of returning graded materials to students.

If you have any questions or concerns relating to the new policy or the issue of implied consent
addressed above, please contact [email protected]

Notice of Collection and Use of Personal Information

Throughout this course, personal information may be collected through the use of certain
technologies under the authority of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Act, SO 2002,
c. 8, Sch. O. and will be collected, protected, used, disclosed and retained in compliance with
Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act R.S.O. 1990, c. F.31.

For more information relating to these technologies, we encourage you to visit: Educational
Technologies used at Ontario Tech. Questions regarding personal information may be directed to:
Ontario Tech University Access and Privacy Office, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5,
email: [email protected].

By remaining enrolled in this course, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and
agree to the terms and conditions under which the technology provider(s) may collect, use,
disclose and retain your personal information. You agree to the university using the
technologies and using your personal information for the purposes described in this course
outline.

21. Human Rights and Respect

Ontario Tech University is committed to providing a campus environment in which all University
Members are treated with dignity and to fostering a climate of understanding and mutual respect.
 The University will not tolerate, ignore or condone Discrimination or Harassment by or against
anyone. Examples of Harassing behavior include, but are not limited to; bullying, taunting or
mocking someone’s race or creed, ridiculing an individual’s disability, or targeting individuals with
unwanted sexual or negative stereotypical comments about one’s sex, gender, sexual orientation,
gender identity and/or gender expression. Pursuant to Ontario Tech’s Respectful Campus Policy,
students are reminded of their role in ensuring a campus environment that is equitable and
inclusive. Requirements to refrain from harassment and discrimination apply broadly to the
classroom, including in lectures, labs and practicums, as well as through the use of sanctioned and
unsanctioned technological tools that facilitate remote learning, e.g. class and other chat
functions, video conferencing, electronic mail and texts, and social media content amongst or
about University students, faculty and staff.

22. Freedom of Expression

Pursuant to Ontario Tech’s Freedom of Expression Policy, all students are encouraged to express
ideas and perspectives freely and respectfully in university space and in the online university
environment, subject to certain limitations. Students are reminded that the limits on Freedom of
Expression include speech or behaviour that: is illegal or interferes with the university’s legal
obligations; defames an individual or group; constitutes a threat, harassment or discrimination; is
a breach of fiduciary, contractual, privacy or confidentiality obligations or commitments; and
unduly disrupts and interferes with the functioning of the university. In the context of working
online, different forms of communication are used. Where permitted, students using “chat”
functions or other online forms of communication are encouraged to ensure that their
communication complies with the Freedom of Expression Policy.

23. Copyright Notice

All teaching materials provided by the instructor throughout the course, including, but not limited
to, in whole or in part, recorded lectures, slides, videos, diagrams, case studies, assignments,
quizzes, and examinations are subject to the Copyright Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42. Teaching materials
are owned by the faculty member, instructor or other third party who creates such works. The
copyright owner(s) reserves all intellectual property rights in and to the teaching materials,
including the sole right to copy, reproduce, distribute, and modify the teaching materials.
Consistent with the university's Intellectual Property Policy, teaching materials are intended only
for the educational use of Ontario Tech University students registered in the course that is the
subject of this course outline. Any distribution or publishing of this material (e.g. uploading
material to a third-party website) is strictly prohibited under the law unless the student has
obtained the copyright owner's prior written consent. Any violation of copyright law or the
Intellectual Property Policy, if proven, may be subject to sanction as academic misconduct, and/or
under the Student Conduct Policy.

24. Student Course Feedback Surveys

Student evaluation of teaching is a highly valued and helpful mechanism for monitoring the quality
of Ontario Tech University’s programs and instructional effectiveness. To that end, course
evaluations are administered by an external company in an online, anonymous process during the
last few weeks of classes. Students are encouraged to participate actively in this process and will
be notified of the dates. Notifications about course evaluations will be sent via e-mail, and posted
on Canvas, Weekly News, and signage around the campus.

University Response to COVID-19

The government response to the COVID-19 pandemic is continually evolving. As new information
becomes available from federal and provincial public health authorities, the Province of Ontario
and the Regional Municipality of Durham, Ontario Tech University will remain nimble and prepared
to respond to government orders, directives, guidelines and changes in legislation to ensure the
health and safety of all members of its campus community. In accordance with public health
recommendations, the university may need to adjust the delivery of course instruction and the
availability and delivery mode of campus services and co-curricular opportunities. Ontario Tech
University appreciates the understanding and flexibility of our students, faculty and staff as we
continue to navigate the pandemic and work together to demonstrate our strong commitment to
academic, research and service excellence during these challenging and unprecedented times.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards have been considered in the
development of this model course template and it adheres to the principles outlined in the
University’s Accessibility Policy.