Courses

Note: All GVU courses are administered by the various departments which participate in the GVU. The GVU does not itself offer courses.

Part I: Undergraduate Courses
Part II: Graduate Courses

AE 4803 - Multimedia in Engineering

This course is an introduction to multimedia, hypermedia and simple data visualization as they relate to Engineering. Several hypertext tools and authoring methods are examined and used, and data visualization of three-dimensional data sets is explored. This course is designed to give any engineer basic knowledge of what multimedia is and how it can be used effectively to present technical information. (Gramoll)

ARCH 4521 - Multimedia Studio I, II

Studio instruction in the visual arts with a concentration on experimental graphics utilizing numerous techniques, ranging from air brush and lithography to video.

CS 2101 - Computer Programming

This introductory course will give non-cs majors exposure to the C programming language, enabling them to take courses in computer graphics, virtual reality, user interface development and other courses which require some knowledge of C programming. This course may not be taken by computing majors.

CS 4390 - Introduction to Computer Graphics

This course is an undergraduate introduction to computer graphics hardware and software algorithms. Topics covered include: raster graphics hardware, generation of lines and curves, polygon definition and representation, 2-D and 3-D transformations, specification of windows and viewports, and clipping polygons. (Ezquerra, Hodges, Hodgins, Stasko)

CS 4391 - Advanced Techniques in Computer Graphics

A continuation of the topics covered in CS 4390, with an emphasis on three-dimensional computer graphics. Topics covered include: 3-D display mathematics, projections, hidden surface elimination, illumination models, and ray tracing. (Ezquerra, Hodges, Hodgins)

CS 4753 - Human Factors in Software Development

Examines human factors in the software design and application process from initial requirements to testing and implementation, with emphasis on designing the user interface. (Abowd, Badre, Hudson, Potts, Stasko)

LCC 3010 - Issues in Professional Communication

Special Section: Issues in Multimedia Design This special section of LCC 3010 is a seminar which introduces students to a number of important issues in multimedia design. The course devotes two weeks to each of these issues, concentrating on defining the current state of the problem and providing bibliographical resources for further research. Issues studied include: use of color, effect of motion on viewers, interaction and interference in multiple media, navigation, and the effect of system response speed.

LCC 3020 - Technical Writing

Special Section: Communicating with Multimedia This special section of LCC 3020 provides students with skill in written communication and introduces them to some ways that multimedia can be used to enhance the communication process. Each student completes multiple drafts of several projects, and works as part of a team to implement a portion of one of the proposed solutions.

LCC 4020 - Advanced Technical Writing

Special Section: Multimedia Design This special section of LCC 4020 introduces students to multimedia design and provides them with the opportunity to develop an extended multimedia package. Students work in teams to propose and storyboard a multimedia package that addresses the needs of a specific audience and then implement a portion of the package.

PSY 3510 - Research Methods and Experimental Design

An introduction to research methods used in psychology. The course will focus on experimental methods and design. The laboratory will introduce students to the use of statistical packages for data analyses. (This course replaces PSY 4407.)

PSY 4409 - Introduction to Engineering Psychology

Engineering psychology is presented as an integral component in the design and evaluation of human/machine systems. Applied problems and general methodological questions are examined.

PSY 4501 - Sensation and Perception

An introductory course that examines how we process sensations and perceptions of our environment to determine what something is and where it is located. Vision and audition are emphasized.

PSY 4503 - Cognition: Attention and Memory

Experimental study of human attention and memory from a cognitive perspective. Key phenomena, theories of explaining the phenomena and experimental methods used in investigation are studied.

TEX 4503 - Science of Color

The physical, chemical and biological principles involved in perception, measurement and specifications of color.

---

Graduate Courses

CE 6775 - Advanced Engineering Programming Methods

This course presents a structured approach to computer problem solving, utilizing techniques of data structuring and top-down program design. Issues of software engineering are included. The class stresses why engineers need to understand computers and reasons for using developed algorithms with formal data structures, and concurrently teaches the 'C' programming language. (Baker)

CE 8103 - Virtual Environments for Engineers

This class provides the background for understanding the basic principles behind virtual environments, as well as practical experience in the design and implementation of such VEs. Class projects concentrate on the conception and development of the basic modules that constitute a complete virtual environment. For the final project students design and implement virtual environments to visualize engineering problems related to their fields of interest. (Op den Bosch)

CE 8104 - Knowledge-based Systems for Engineers

This course will present a working understanding of knowledge-based systems, with the primary focus on rule-based systems. We will stress the appropriate circumstances for knowledge-based systems in engineering. Weekly assignments will address KBS techniques and the development of a course project. Students will become familiar with a rule-based "expert-system" shell. Other knowledge representation mechanisms will be discussed in class. (Baker)

CE 8114 - Advanced Knowledge-based Systems for Engineers

This course explores knowledge representation mechanisms beyond rule-based frameworks, including frames and objects. Techniques of interfacing knowledge-based systems with algorithmic programs are explored. Pertinent topics of current research in the field of knowledge-based systems as applied to engineering are presented.

CS 4803 - Computer Programming

This introductory course will give non-cs majors exposure to the C programming language, enabling them to take courses in computer graphics, virtual reality, user interface development and other courses which require some knowledge of C programming. This course may not be taken by computing majors.

CS 6364 - Hypermedia

Hypermedia is the nonlinear viewing and presentation of information (text, images, video, sound drawings, gestures). Topics: History and impact of hypermedia, hardware and software, authoring systems, user interfaces, knowledge representation, and navigation.

CS 6393 - Visualization Techniques in Science and Engineering

This course is an introduction to computer graphics rendering and display techniques that may be used for visualization of data in science and engineering applications. The course will be divided into three basic sections. The first section consists of a broad overview of basic surface and volumetric rendering techniques. This is followed by more detailed discussion of visualization tools such as animation, use of color, 3-D displays, and filtering techniques. Case studies that present application problems which use these techniques in representative fields such as bioengineering, medical imaging, mathematics, and molecular modeling will constitute the last section of the course. (Ezquerra, Hodges)

CS 6395 - Principles of User Interface Software

This course examines user interfaces from the system design and implementation point of view. We study current window systems and user interface development tools and their methodologies. Selected topics include window systems, user interface toolkits, user interface management systems, application frameworks, and graphical user interface development tools. Students will read selected recent research publications and develop programs under a variety of user interface design paradigms. (Hudson, Stasko)

CS 6490 - Computer Graphics

An introductory course in computer graphics for graduate students. This course provides a thorough overview of hardware and software issues for design and implementation of computer graphics algorithms. Topics covered include 2-D and 3-D transformations, computer graphics hardware, line and polygon algorithms, transformations, clipping, hidden surface removal, illumination models, and ray tracing. (Hodges, Hodgins)

CS 6751 - Human-Computer Interface I

Human-computer interface is considered in terms of user-system compatibility. Concepts in human factors and interface design are covered in relation to capabilities and limitations of both humans and computers. (Abowd, Badre, Hudson, Potts, Stasko)

CS 6752 - Human-Computer Interface II

The user interface design process and application of design principles to the design process. Additional design topics beyond 6751, such as help systems, interaction styles, and visual design principles. User interface prototyping and development tools. Usability testing. (Abowd)

CS 7321 - Low Level Computer Vision

An introduction to computer vision and machine perception. Extracting symbolic and environmental information from images. Topics: paradigms, feature extraction, perceptual organization, perspect motion, stereo, color, texture.

CS 7322 - High Level Computer Vision

Machine vision systems using artificial intelligence and model-based techniques. Topics: architecture; object models; indexing and matching; hypothesis and uncertainty management; constraints; active sensing.

CS 7390 - Software Visualization

Software visualization is the use of graphics to illustrate computer algorithms, programs, and their methodologies. This introduction to current research in software visualization and other closely related research areas includes such topics as program and algorithm animation, data structure display, graphical debugging, visualization in software development, visualizing parallel programs, graphical user interfaces, languages for graphics, visual programming, and innovative visual environments. We will discuss recent research projects and publications. Students also get hands-on experience developing these types of systems. (Stasko)

CS 8113 - Computer Animation

This course provides an introduction to techniques for computer animation: keyframing, trajectory generation, motion capture, and simulation. We will also explore current research topics in computer animation, including animation of flexible objects, facial animation, automatic motion generation, and physically realistic simulation. (Hodgins)

CS 8113 Design and Analysis of Educational Software

This course is an introduction to developing and evaluating software for educational settings (elementary, secondary, and higher education, as well as training applications). Topics discussed include underlying assumptions of existing educational software (e.g., philosophies, model of the user, model of the classroom), authoring tools for educators, fitting software to the classroom environment, and evaluating educational software. Students will be required to develop and evaluate a software project. (Guzdial, Ram)

CS 8113 - Educational Technology

Introduction to educational technology. Review of philosophies/approaches (apprenticeship, tutoring), technologies (collaborative learning, multimedia), issues impacting effective use of technology (teachers, classroom culture), and assessment. (Guzdial, Ram)

CS 8113D - Representations and Algorithms for Interactive 3D Graphics

The course will cover the theoretical foundations and the software techniques for efficiently representing, transmitting, analyzing, rendering, morphing, and animating complex 3D models in interactive industrial, scientific, or entertainment applications. It will prepare students for research and development in a variety of disciplines that evolve around 3D models, including graphic user interfaces, rendering, visualization, animation, vision, CAD, and VR.

Topics include: Computing with linear geometries and transformations; Representing and animating hierarchical scene descriptions; Understanding the validity and performance implications of various representation schemes for polyhedra; Deriving multi-resolution triangular meshes from CSG, from parametric surfaces, and from other design models; Accelerating the rendering of complex 3D models for interactive applications; Compressing triangular meshes for internet transfer; and Computing and animating deformations and morphs between 3D meshes.

The learning will be motivated by--and structured around--small team projects conducted in class. Most of the programming exercises will be conceptual (high level algorithmic descriptions with pencil and paper). There will be regular homeworks and an exam, but no major project. The focus will be on developing: solid theoretical foundations; a portfolio of algorithmic and geometric techniques; innovation and problem-solving skills; and the aptitude to identify flaws in algorithmic solutions.

Prerequisites are: experience in designing datastructures and algorithms in a high-level programming language and a strong taste for geometric reasoning in 3D and for graphics and animation. (Jarek Rossignac)

CS 8113H - Introduction to Virtual Environments

This new course discusses a history of the creation of virtual spaces, VE display technology (including volumetric display, stereoscopic display and head-mounted display), tracking and angle measurement technology, human factor issues in the creation of VEs, graphics hardware architectures for real-time animation, and graphics algorithms for VEs (level-of-detail management, projections, distortion correction, database management and collision detection). (Hodges)

CS 8113X - Image Processing

This course provides an introduction to the methods, techniques and tools associated with processing 2D, 3D and spatiotemporal (dynamic) medical imagery. The course includes designing and implementing image processing methods applied to actual imagery.

EE 6418 - Digital Image Processing

An introduction to image processing fundamentals. Major topics include image compression, picture enhancement, image restoration and segmentation

ISYE 6205 - Cognitive Engineering

The application of existing cognitive science concepts in system design, and the development of concepts appropriate for understanding and aiding cognition in naturally or technologically complex environments.

ISYE 6215 - Models of Human-Machine Interaction

The development and use of mathematical models of human behavior are considered. Approaches to modeling that are discussed include estimation theory, control theory, queuing theory, fuzzy set theory, rule-based models, pattern recognition, and Markov processes. Applications considered include flight management, air traffic control, process monitoring and control, failure detection and diagnosis, and human-computer interaction

ISYE 6219 - Human Factors Engineering

Application of cognitive engineering principles and knowledge of human capabilities and limitations in the design of human-machine interfaces.

ISYE 6400 - Design of Experiments I

Analysis and application of standard experimental designs, including factorials, randomized block, latin squares, confounding and fractional replication multiple comparisons, and an introduction to response surfaces

ISYE 6845 - Effective Use of Interactive Computer Graphics

Proper use of color, shapes, and text to develop good graphical interfaces are taught. Human performance considerations, including appropriate perceptual and cognitive aspects, are considered.

ISYE 7210 - Simulation of Interactive, Real-Time Dynamic Systems

Principles and laboratory experience in design and implementation of interactive simulations of complex dynamic systems. Topics that will be covered include event management, user input processing interface design, data logging and analysis. The course is implemented in C++, X/Motif on Unix Workstations. (Mitchell)

LCC 6401 - The Rhetoric of Electronic Environments

This course explores traditional rhetorical theory as a way of understanding and assessing computer-mediated communication.

LCC 6402 Communication from a Social and Organizational Perspective

This course introduces theoretical frameworks and methodological tools for understanding the role of communication in creating and maintaining social and organizational structures.

LCC 6403 Cognitive Perspectives on Electronic Communication

This course examines both traditional, "objective" cognitive theory and social construction and applies these theories to issues in electronic communications technology.

LCC 6404 - Studies in Communication & Culture

The course examines the computer as a medium for representation and communication in the history of such media (e.g., earlier forms of writing technology, earlier forms of visual representation). It also introduces and applies various contemporary cultural theories as a way of understanding computer-mediated communication.

LCC 6104 - Video Production

Teaches video scripting, shooting, and editing. Each student produces a video related to his/her area of research.

LCC 8130B - Visual Genealogy of Multimedia

This course examines the history of visual representation and presentation in painting, photography, film, and television in order to provide a framework for understanding the use of visual media in multimedia and hypermedia.

MATH 6175 - Fractal Geometry

Introduction to fractal geometry and applications to science and engineering. Notions developed include metric spaces, iterated function systems and fractal dimensions.

PSY 6012 - Cognitive Psychology

A survey of the core areas of human cognition: attention, memory, language, representation of knowledge, thinking, reasoning, problem solving, decision making. History, theoretical issues and methods are also addressed.

PSY 6014 - Sensation and Perception

In this course we examine how sensations and perceptions of the outside world are processed by humans. The course will cover vision, audition, somesthesis, gestation, and olfaction, although the emphasis of the course will be on vision. We will look at sensation and perception from different viewpoints, including physiological, psychophysical, ecological, and computational perspectives.

PSY 6610 - Psychoacoustics

A comprehensive coverage of physiological and psychological acoustics, including analyses of auditory and extra-auditory response mechanisms and evaluation of research and theories in hearing.

PSY 6611 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology I

A survey of quantitative methods in psychology used in the design of psychological experiments and studies and used in the analysis of psychological data.

PSY 6612 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology II

Coverage of theoretical and applied aspects of regression/correlation procedures in the analysis of psychological data.

PSY 6613 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology III

Coverage of experimental design and the use of analysis of variance procedures in the analysis of experimental data.

PSY 6627 - Human Learning

A comprehensive consideration of principles, problems, methods and experimental data in the study of human learning, including discussion of applications of theory and experimental findings.

PSY 6640 - Engineering Psychology

The course covers the basic methods used to study human-machine systems. These methods include both system analysis techniques and human performance evaluation techniques. Students are required to apply these methods to specific systems.

PSY 6641 - Displays, Controls and Work Space Layout

Basic principles of human factors for design and evaluation of displays, controls and workspace layouts. New control and display technologies and associated human factors problems are also included.

PSY 7011 - Problem Solving

This seminar focuses on psychological research in the problem solving, analogical reasoning, transfer, and procedural learning literatures. Emphasis is given to reading journal articles, book chapters, and technical reports that examine issues such as how people learn from examples and how they transfer their knowledge to new problems. (Catrambone)

PSY 7012 - Seminar in Engineering Psychology

Critical examination of current problems in a selected area of engineering psychology. The area to be discussed may vary each time the course is offered.

PSY 7020 - Advanced Learning

An advanced and systematic examination of selected topics dealing with the experimental psychology of learning and memory. Theoretical approaches to learning, transfer and retention will be discussed.

PSY 7021 - Sensation and Perception

An advanced examination of applied and theoretical aspects of human sensation and perception. The specific topics and emphases may vary each time the course is offered. For instance, we might examine human audition in determining where objects are located in 3D environments (i.e., spatial localization and distance perception).

PSY 7022 - Vision

An advanced examination of the visual processes. Emphasis is placed upon the study of rigorous models and testing of those models by empirical methods. The specific topics and emphases may vary each time the course is offered.