Graphics and Visualisation Training Courses
                           Manchester Univ
                             W T Hewitt
      
     This project will develop six courses that can be given by
     computer centre staff and four self-paced modules. The
     Advisory Group on Computer Graphics has already commissioned
     a number of introductory guides in these areas and the
     courses will use these as bases where appropriate.
      
     Existing resources of the proposers will be extended into a
     number of (almost) independent modules. Each module will
     contain both visual materials and demonstration programs, and
     will be targeted at introducing advanced graphics to those
     with some programming experience. It should enable a member
     of staff at a computer centre to become sufficiently
     conversant with the topics to present the material.

      
     The modules divide into two categories: lectures which
     present techniques (Graphics Standards, Visualisation, NURBs,
     etc.) and self-paced courses which are for subroutine
     packages (GKS, PHIGS, PHIGSPLUS, NAG Graphics).
      
     The emphasis will be on the practcal use of these systems,
     not on implementation details. Each module will include a
     lecturer's pack, teaching materials, student materials, and
     where appropriate demonstration programs and videos.
      
     The modules are aimed at scientists and engineers of at least
     `new graduate level', with some programming experience.
      
     Course Modules
     --------------
      
     o Graphics standards: Role of graphics software, the
       application program interface standards, realtionship to
       windowing and other standards.
      
     o Data visualisation: What to present. Techniques for
       presenting 1D, 2D and multi-dimensional data, use of colour.
       Systems for data display (AVS, apE, VISEDGE).
      
     o Geometry for computer graphics: 2D and 3D transformations
       using matrices and homogeneous coordinates.
      
     o Colour: perception, use, lighting and shading.
      
     o Curves and surfaces: Approximation and interpolation techniques.
       Interactive modification, drawing and rendering techniques.
      
     o NURBs: Definition, properties and their use. Application to
       interpolation, approximation, conic sections surfaces, and solids
      
     o 4 Self-paced courses covering the use of GKS, PHIGS,
       PHIGSPLUS and the NAG Graphical Library.
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