Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 361 D100

Introduction to Visual Computing (3)

Class Number: 5451

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 225 and STAT 271, both with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: MATH 251.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides a unified introduction to the fundamentals of computer graphics and computer vision (visual computing). Topics include graphics pipelines, sampling and aliasing, geometric transformations, projection and camera models, meshing, texturing, color theory, image filtering and registration, shading and illumination, raytracing, rasterization, animation, optical flow, and game engines.

COURSE DETAILS:

Classical computer graphics has had a focus on realistic image synthesis, when given an explicitly defined 3D scene. In its modern era, graphics research has extended its reach to cover the synthesis and generation of all visual content, beyond scene projection and rendering. Hence, there is often a need to first acquire an understanding of the visual information being processed and created, which is an analysis task studied in computer vision. Indeed, modern computer graphics has seen “an increasing integration of techniques from computer vision” (from page 2 of “Computer Graphics, Principles and Practice, Third Edition, by Hughes, et al.). In this course, which will be co-taught by two instructors, we will offer an introduction to fundamental concepts and techniques in both computer graphics and computer vision, with more emphasis placed on material that is deemed central to both fields. With a focus on classical topics, we will also shed light on the most recent trend and developments in the fields and the interplay between them. Students completing this course will be well prepared for more advanced courses in both computer graphics and computer vision. Programming assignments will be conducted in WebGL for the graphics-related problems and MATLAB for vision-related ones.

How to take this course:
This course is composed of two mandatory and important parts: lecture videos and live lectures. Live lectures are accessible through Zoom where the recordings will be made available, as well as in-person. Every week, you need to watch the lecture videos before coming to the live lectures. The live lectures have many different activities that will help you develop your understanding, where we go over hard concepts and formulations in further detail, discuss your questions on previous week's subjects, programming assignments, and general discussions about every aspect of visual computing.

Online Lectures:
You do not need to attend the lectures in-person to get the best out of this course. All live lectures will be broadcast over Zoom, where you can ask questions and interact with the professor. The recordings of these lectures will also be made available.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

- Understanding the mathematical models and techniques fundamental to modern visual computing
- Developing fundamental mathematical and coding skills essential in computer graphics and computer vision
- Topics include image formation, image processing, image registration, rendering fundamentals, geometric modeling, animation

Grading

NOTES:

You should brush up on your linear algebra skills as soon as possible to make the best of this class. 3Blue1Brown has introductory Linear Algebra classes on Youtube with great visual explanations of concepts that we will make use of during the class. 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0-GT3co4r2y2YErbmuJw2L5tW4Ew2O5B

REQUIREMENTS:

CMPT 361 – Introduction to Data Communications and Networking

Prior to Spring 2026:
Prerequisites: CMPT 225 and MATH 232 or MATH 240, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Effective Spring 2026 (CMPT 361 D100):
Prerequisites: CMPT 225 and STAT 271, both with a minimum grade of C-.
Recommended: MATH 251

Note: For the Spring 2026 term, either set of prerequisites (Prior to Spring 2026 and Effective Spring 2026) will be accepted. Students who wish to enroll in CMPT 361 but do not meet the new Spring 2026 prerequisites but meet the prior to Spring 2026 pre-requisites, must complete and submit a CMPT Prerequisite Waiver Form to the department.

CMPT Prerequisite Waiver Forms are available here https://www.sfu.ca/fas/computing/current-students/undergraduates/forms.html

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

http://yaksoy.github.io/introvc/

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.