CS 293H – Mathematical Graphics for Non-majors

Spring 2003

Professor Hartman

TR 2:00-3:30

Syllabus and course information

Instructor: Prof. Chris Hartman

Office: 201D Chapman

Office Hours: Tuesday 3:30-5:00 and Wednesday 10:30-12:00

Phone: 474-5829

Email: hartman@cs.uaf.edu

Class web page: www.cs.uaf.edu/~cs293

Prerequisite: Mathematical curiosity, possibly basic trigonometry.

Department policies: See www.cs.uaf.edu

Suggested Textbook: Jim Blinn’s Corner 1 and 2

Grading Policy:

Class participation: 40%

Final Project: 60%

Content:

Students in this tutorial/lab course learn basic geometrical programming. Novice programmers may use fully functional real time interactive animations (RTICA) to explore the 4th dimension, non-Euclidean geometries, fractals, cellular automata, chaotic dynamical systems, etc. Expert programmers are encouraged to modify or (re)write these, and to create new ones for future students.

Previous programming experience and advanced calculus are not required. Good spatial intuition, some trigonometry, and much geometrical curiosity are prerequisites. Some elementary physics and calculus are recommended. Experienced programmers are also welcome, but they will complete an individual course of study. Detailed tutorials and supervised practice sessions will augment the course for novice programmers.