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Applied Computer Graphics
College of Engineering, Computer Science,
and Construction Management
Interim Dean: Michael Ward
Applied Computer Graphics Program
O'Connell Technology Center 236
530-898-4891
e-mail:
graphics@ecst.csuchico.edu
http://graphics.ecst.csuchico.edu
Coordinator and Advisor:
Program
BS in Applied Computer Graphics
Applied Computer Graphics Course Offerings
Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
APCG 110 provides an introduction to computer graphics and art. Students use the computer as a tool for creating static and
animated images. Basic instruction in design and color relationships is provided. The writing component may include research
reports from current graphics publications and/or attendance and discussion of art exhibitions. 4.0 hours activity, 1.0 hours
discussion. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
An introduction to digital photography that explores the composition and aesthetics of photography. Emphasis is on concepts
and techniques of image manipulation software. The course addresses printing and displaying photographic portfolios. 2.0 hours
activity, 2.0 hours lecture. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
An in-depth look into pre-production process as it directly pertains to storyboard creation, character development and design,
pre-visualization techniques, and principles of concept design. 2.0 hours lecture, 2.0 hours activity.
An introduction course to video game design, studying the art, technology, and science involved in the creation and development
of video games. The course covers video game history, game theory, design of computer-based games, delivery systems, development
cycle, case studies, ethical and social issues, and emerging technologies and trends. This course emphasizes the understanding
and the interdisciplinary nature of video game design. This is not a computer programming course. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0
hours lecture.
This course introduces application scripting and programming to visual artists using scripting and programming environments
embedded in applications and integrated graphical development environments. Fundamental scripting techniques for computer
modeling, animation, video game and other visual media will be explored. Elementary application programs will be designed,
implemented and tested. 2.0 hours lecture, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: APCG 110.
The course explores the basic principles and techniques of motion such as in-betweening, timing, squash and stretch, and rotoscoping.
Students produce animated works that demonstrate these principles and techniques and that effectively communicate with the
audience. 1.0 hours lecture, 4.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: APCG 110.
This course uses 3-D modeling and animation software in developing 3-D computer models and creating presentations of those
models in story-telling still scenes. The tools, techniques, and topics studied include basic and advanced 3-D modeling tools,
3-D scene layout, lighting, texturing, and rendering. 1.0 hours discussion, 4.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see
the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: APCG 330.
A study of the necessary principles and techniques of creating digital 3-D characters. Students learn the necessary skills
for modeling characters, creating effective anatomy, and rigging characters for animation purposes. 1.0 hours lecture, 4.0
hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: APCG 330.
For both majors and non-majors. The concepts of computer imaging and animation are taught in this project-based class. Focus
is on the principles of animation and how they apply to current computer animation techniques. This class emphasizes both
creative and technical skills. 4.0 hours activity, 1.0 hours discussion. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, APCG 117.
Concentration on story development as it directly relates to Computer Animation. Students write a treatment, script, and storyboard
for an animation project. Emphasis is placed on understanding the story structure, writing interesting dialogue and developing
an in-depth storyboard. The course gives students a practical approach to creating the pre-production component of an animated
"short."
This course focuses on the study of design and implementation issues for Web page creation and maintenance from the perspective
of programming and writing code. Topics include page purpose, content, audience, navigation, speed, style, and maintenance
issues, mark-up language tags, style sheets, dynamic mark-up language, scripting. Students are required to work collaboratively
to produce functional sites and make verbal presentations. 2.0 hours lecture, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: APCG 170.
The course covers the principles of game design, gaming strategies, game production, and marketing. Students learn to function
as a productive member of an interdisciplinary game design team to plan, document, and develop a video game concept. 2.0 hours
lecture, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: APCG 170
This course introduces the concepts and tools to create levels for games and simulations. Fundamentals architecture theory,
critical path and flow, dilemmas, balancing, playtesting, and storyboarding relating to level design are studied. Existing
game levels are studied and analyzed. Original game levels are created using industry toolsets to meet game design objectives
2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This internship is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take
this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: APCG 330.
This course explores the techniques used for simulating realistic lighting and texturing in 2D and 3D environments and develops
student skills in accurate image creation. 1.0 hours lecture, 4.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: APCG 240.
This course explores the concepts of digital compositing and special effects production. Students study the process of integrating
images from multiple sources into a single, seamless whole image, and learn techniques and concepts for special effects production.
Tools and methods for digital compositing that work for both single and large sequences of images and special effects pertaining
to animation are explored. 1.0 hours lecture, 4.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: APCG 340.
This course covers the study of motion, timing and acting as they apply to animated characters. Emphasis is on the performance
of the character and how it reads to the audience. Techniques and methods for facial expressing, lip-synching, and staging
are explored. 1.0 hours lecture, 4.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: APCG 340, APCG 345.
The computer animation production process is taught in this class. Working from a script, storyboard, and/or animatic, students
complete an "animated short" with accompanying sound, music, and visual effects. Emphasis is on working as a member of a computer
animation team, similar to a real-world production facility. 4.0 hours activity, 1.0 hours discussion. Special fee required;
see the Class Schedule. Formerly CSCI 545.
Prerequisites: APCG 370.
Using the principles of game design, students work in collaborative teams to design, implement, test, and produce a computer
game. Marketing strategies are also explored. 4.0 hours activity, 1.0 hours lecture.
Prerequisites: APCG 340.
This course is an exploration of design and implementation of portfolios germane to the computer graphics field.
This course is designed to give hands-on experience to students in Applied Computer Graphics or related majors. Students work
as collaborators on large-scale, professional productions relevant to their field of study. Content of this course is subject
to change each semester. 1.0 hours discussion, 4.0 hours activity.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, top 5% of major. An enrolled student must be sponsored by a full-time faculty member in Applied Computer Graphics.
Independent study resulting in a piece of scholarly or creative work involving substantial research to be completed and publicly
presented. Must receive a grade of B or higher. This course must be taken during two consecutive semesters in order to complete
the 6-unit Honors project. This course is not available to graduate students. You may take this course more than once for
a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: APCG 445.
This course focuses on the completion of animation projects in the post-production environment, including editing, music,
sound effects, and other post-production elements to successfully complete professional-level short animations. Emphasis is
on working as a member of a computer animation team, similar to a real-world production facility. 1.0 hours lecture, 4.0 hours
activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: Graduate level standing, faculty permission.
Seminar on advanced topics in digital media. Technique, theory, and current events in computer graphics are explored.