Grading is done on an absolute, but adjustable scale. This means that there is no curve and thus need to compete with your fellow classmates. Anyone earning 90% or more of the total number of points available will receive a grade in the A range; 80% or more guarantees a grade in the B range, 70% or more guarantees a grade in the C range, 60% or more guarantees a grade in the D range. This scale may slide down, but it will not go up.

While there is a significant programming component to this course, it is primarily about understanding the concepts of computer graphics. Accordingly, your grade is based partly on how well you do on the programming projects and partly on how well you complete the take home exams.

Homeworks are solo projects designed to prepare everyone for the larger group projects. 

Group projects are done by three to five students. You may choose your own partners for each project. Although since each project builds on the previous ones, it may be difficult to switch groups later. Only one summary grade will be given for each group project. That grade depends not only on your programming skills but on your ability to work in a group. More credit will be given to programs that have minimal, but collaborative, functionality than to projects that have one piece working perfectly, but do not represent the integrated efforts of the group.

Students taking this course as a graduate level course will be asked to do more ambitious projects, homeworks, and exams. Additionally, several problems may be marked as required for the graduate level (and thus extra credit for the undergraduate level).

To receive a grade in the A range on programs you must exceed expectations. This means you must do everything required extraordinarily well or you must do more than is required and do this well. In other words, you must do more than merely meet the requirements, you must go beyond them.

Late Submissions

The secret to successfully surviving this course is to start early and work steadily; this class moves at a demanding pace and getting even a few days behind can be hard to recover from since it tends to propagate through the following assignments by domino effect. If you are having trouble, be sure to see one of the course staff as far before the due date as possible. Do not give up, ask for help.

Exams

There will be two take home exams during the semester and a final take home exam.

Final Projects

This final project must be completed and handed in before the course's scheduled exam time. Your final projects will be presented in an open session, attended by your classmates, graduate  students, and other faculty members during the scheduled exam period, Friday, December 14 from 9am to noon. Additionally, you must meet with the professor as a group to demo your final project and discuss its details. Plan on this demo taking approximately an hour --- everyone in the group must attend this demo.