There will be one geometry exercise and three programming assignments, worth 50% of your total mark.

The geometry exercise is an introduction to 3D coordinates and geometry, to be done by hand without use of computers.

The three programming assignments will be written in Java or C/C++, using (only) the OpenGL graphics libraries, on the eScience or FEIT Linux computer systems. The choice of programming language is yours.

Marking is by by presentation to the tutor or lecturer in the scheduled lab session for the week it is due. This means that you do not submit your program code: instead you will run your program on a lab computer, demonstrate how it meets the assignment specifications, and answer questions about the design and implementation.

Each assignment will be a specification of what is to be done but not how, and will deliberately exclude many details. You are being assessed not only on your ability to write programs, but also to make choices between reasonable alternatives and justify your decisions.

Programming assignments (not the first geometry exercise) may be done individually, or in pairs with the agreement of your tutor or lecturer. Pairs must be both undergraduate or both postgraduate, and larger groups are not permitted. A pair presents just once and both members receive the same mark. Be warned that while in the best case the members of a pair teach each other and achieve more than they could individually, there is a strong risk of pair members each doing only half the necessary work and both later failing the final exam.

Each assignment will be given out no later than the week in which the previous exercise or assignment is due.

Designing your own assignments. If you have your own ideas about a graphical project, and can convince me that you will learn at least as much or preferably more by doing it, we can negotiate a new specification for your assignments.

Exam

The final exam will be the other 50% of your mark. It will be an open book exam without any programming. (Or rather no actual programming in Java/C: you may be asked to describe a series of operations or steps.)

To help students prepare for the final exam, I will write a sample mini-exam in week 7 or 8. This will be an optional self assessment exercise: take it away, try and answer the questions on your own, if you are not happy, discuss with me.

More detailed information about the exam style and content will be available before the mid semester break.

Requirements

To pass this unit you must achieve at least 25% for the assignments, and achieve at least 25% in the final exam. Higher grades will likewise require good marks for both assignments and exam.

Your final grade will follow the university guidelines, with 50-59% a pass, 60-69% credit, 70% and up for distinction or higher distinction.

Students aiming for a D/HD grade are expected to do additional study of topics not covered in lectures and apply these to assignments.