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252-0543-01L 8 Credits BSC , MSC , WBZ D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATH
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Computer Graphics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Markus Gross, Dr. Marios Papas
VVZ CR 3.3

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:44

Abstract

This course covers fundamental and advanced concepts of modern computer graphics. Students will learn the fundamentals of digital scene representations, advanced physically-based light transport algorithms for generating photorealistic images from these scene representations, and inverse rendering methods for recovering digital scene representations from captured images.

Objective

At the end of the course, the students will be able to build a rendering system based on path-tracing algorithms. The students will learn the principles of physically-based rendering and computer graphics. In addition, the course is intended to stimulate the student's curiosity to explore the field of computer graphics in subsequent classes or on their own.

Content

We will begin with an introduction to light emission and radiometric quantities, followed by an exploration of geometry representations and texture mapping. Next, we will mathematically formulate the physics of light transport and appearance modeling. Subsequently, we will introduce relevant concepts from Monte Carlo integration and develop path-tracing algorithms to solve these equations by simulating light transport for direct and global illumination due to hard surfaces and participating media, such as fog, smoke, and translucent objects. Moreover, we will present techniques for significantly improving path-tracing efficiency, including importance sampling, multiple importance sampling, stratified sampling, denoising, and acceleration data structures. The course lectures will conclude with an overview of image-based capture and rendering methods. Topics covered will include geometry reconstruction, material acquisition, differentiable rendering, and image-based rendering.

Resources

Lecture Notes

no

Literature

Books: Physically Based Rendering: From Theory to Implementation High Dynamic Range Imaging: Acquisition, Display, and Image-Based Lighting Multiple view geometry in Computer Vision

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC , WBZ
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
None.
The final grade consists of 20% programming assignments with Code Interviews in the exercise sessions, 30% project, and 50% final exam. Code Interview results apply as a pass (1) or fail (0) multiplier to the examined assignment grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Computer Graphics
  • Tue 13:15-14:00 (HG F 7)
  • Fri 10:15-12:00 (HG E 7)
3 h weekly
exercise Computer Graphics
  • Fri 14:15-16:00 (HG E 7)
  • Fri 15:15-16:00 (HG E 5)
2 h weekly
independent project Computer Graphics No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In