Catalog Data: VIZA 657 / CSCE 648, Computer Aided Sculpting (3-0). Credit 3.

Instructor: Ergun Akleman, Ph.D.

Hours: MW 8:00am - 10:05am

Office: Langford A, Room 105

Classroom: Langford C 414

E-mail: ergun dot akleman at gmail dot com

Office Hours: Online with Groups

Description: The mathematical and artistic principles of 3D modeling and sculpting; The topics may including but are not limited to parametric curves and surfaces (including B-splines and NURBs), implicit surfaces, constructive solid geometry, subdivision surfaces, proportions in construction, expressions and postures

Prerequisites: MS/PhD Status or Consent of the instructor.

Goals: This course will provide a thorough grounding in the state of the art in the treatment of computer aided geometric design and construction, particularly within the context of computer graphics, and shape modeling. It is designed to prepare students to

• understand existing systems for shape modeling
• write their own software for working with shapes
• undertake creative work and research involving shapes

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will know the state of the art in the treatment of computer aided geometric design and construction in the context of computer graphics, and shape modeling. They will understand existing systems for shape representations and manipulations, they will be able to design and construct unusual sculptures and they will be able to undertake creative work and research involving shapes.

Attendance: Attendance is required.

Main Class Website: http://people.tamu.edu/~ergun/courses/viza657/

Course Content: The course consists of three conceptually different parts that are integrated together:

• Mathematical Fundementals of Computer Aided Geometric Design : Students will learn the fundemental concepts of Computer Aided Geometric Design such as Interpolation and approximation, Parametric and rational parametric polynomials, Geometric and parametric continuity, Concept of invarience, Uniformity and non-uniformity, Constructive solid geometry, Implicit surfaces, Subdivision surfaces, Polygonization, Topology.
• Aesthetic Fundementals of Character & Shape Design : The students will learn the fundementals of character development such as Proportions in construction, Skeletal foundations, Facial Expressions, Body Postures, Line of Action.
• Virtual & Physical Sculpting: The students will virtually sculpt and print 3D models. They will use a wide variety of modeling primitives such as Spheres, Cones and cylinders, Platonic and Archimedean Polyhedra, Kepler and DePoinsot solids, Free form surfaces such as Bezier and B-Spline surfaces, NURBs. They will use Constructive Solid Geometry, Soft Objects and Meta Balls, Free form deformations.

Grading Policy
Quizzes: 70 points
Sculpting Project: 20 points
Class Participation: 10 points

The highest possible grade is 100.

• A Grade >90 points
• B 90 points > Grade >80 points
• C 80 points > Grade >70 points
• D 70 points >Grade >60 points
• F 60 points > Grade

Quizzes:
We will have weekly quizzes, which are not necessarily be equally weighted. Quizzes will be given and graded using Webassign. Make sure to pay attention to due dates and times. If you miss the deadline, your quiz will be graded over %50 of actual grade.

Sculpting Project:
Team of students will be responsible to come up and interesting sculpting problem and solve it by providing a general solution. I will work with groups like a capstone project. The final project descriptions are available in class project website. Final projects will be graded by 20 points. The grading of the project will be based on both quality and process. If you miss the grading deadline, your project will be graded over %50 of actual grade.

Class Participation:
Class participation will be computed mainly based on attendance of online presentations. Students will miss 1 points for each unexcused absense from their "class participation grade". A student can miss at most 10 points from class participation. Students who regularly provide insightful inputs by participating class discussions will get some bonus points in class participation.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement
The following ADA Policy Statement (part of the Policy on Individual Disabling Conditions) was submitted to the University Curriculum Committee by the Department of Student Life. The policy statement was forwarded to the Faculty Senate for information.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Cain Hall or call 845-1637.

Academic Integrity Statements

Aggie Honor Code

An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.

Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the TAMU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor System.

For additional information please visit: http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor/

Plagiarism
In this course, we want to encourage collaboration and the free interchange of ideas among students and in particular the discussion of homework assignments, approaches to solving them, etc. However, we do not allow plagiarism, which, as commonly defined, consists of passing off as one's own the ideas, words, writings, etc., which belong to another. In accordance with this definition, you are committing plagiarism if you copy the work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you should have the permission of that person. Plagiarism is one of the worst academic sins, for the plagiarist destroys the trust among colleagues without which research cannot be safely communicated.
If you have any questions regarding plagiarism, please consult the latest issue of the Texas A&M University Student Rules, under the section on Scholastic Dishonesty.

College of Architecture's "Don't deface the property" statement
"It is unlawful for any person to damage or deface any of the buildings, statues, monuments, trees, shrubs, grasses, or flowers on the grounds of any state institutions of higher education (Texas Education Code Section 51.204)"
The words damage or deface refer specifically to any and all actions, whether direct or indirect, that either diminish the value or mar the appearance of the physical environment.

Acknowledgements
Thanks all who generously support this class.

Useful Links

Academic Calendar
Final Exam Schedule
On-Line Catalog
Student Rules
Religious Observances