Spring 2024-2025
Prerequisite: MA221
Credits: 4
Instructor: Joshua Holden
Office: FL107
Office Phone: 877-8320
E-mail: holden@rose-hulman.edu
Web Page: http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~holden
Textbook: https://bookstore.ams.org/clrm-51/
Description
The mathematics behind the computational aspects of space, shape, transformation, color, rendering, animation, and modeling. We will be answering questions such as:
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- How do artists build up realistic shapes from geometric primitives?
- What computations is my computer doing when it generates a realistic image of my 3D scene?
- What mathematical tools can I use to animate an object through space?
- How do artists build up realistic shapes from geometric primitives?
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- Why do movies always look more realistic than video games?
Student Learning Objectives
MA 341 is a topics course in mathematical modeling. This quarter, we will be investigating models related to computer graphics and animation. After successfully completing the course, students will be able to:
- apply calculation and theoretical skill from coursework in, e.g., calculus to modeling computer graphics and animation.
- learn the basics of new material in, e.g., linear algebra and group theory as necessary for modeling computer graphics and animation.
- use computer graphics to visualize mathematical concepts.
- work independently and/or in groups on learning and/or developing models not covered in class.
- effectively communicate mathematical models in the form of papers and/or presentations.
The class will be a mixture of lectures and projects, which will hopefully be inspired by student interest. There will be significant mathematical content, but there will also be hands-on demonstrations and room for creativity!