EdX

Computer Graphics (edX)

Computer Graphics (edX)

Learn to create images of 3D scenes in both real-time and with realistic raytracing in this introductory computer graphics course. Today, computer graphics is a central part of our lives, in movies, games, computer-aided design, virtual simulators, visualization and even imaging products and cameras.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see EdX's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

This course, part of the Virtual Reality (VR) Professional Certificate program, teaches the basics of computer graphics that apply to all of these domains.
Students will learn to create computer-generated images of 3D scenes, including flybys of objects, make a real-time scene viewer, and create very realistic images with raytracing. We will start with a simple example of viewing a teapot from anywhere in space, understanding the basic mathematics of virtual camera placement. Next, you will learn how to use real-time graphics programming languages like OpenGL and GLSL to create your own scene viewer, enabling you to fly around and manipulate 3D scenes. Finally, we will teach you to create highly realistic images with reflections and shadows using raytracing.CSE167x teaches the foundations of computer graphics.

This course runs for 6 weeks and consists of four segments. Each segment includes an individual programming assignment:

  1. Overview and Basic Math (Homework 0: 10% of grade)
  2. Transformations (Homework 1: 20% of grade)
  3. OpenGL and Lighting (Homework 2: 35% of grade)
  4. Raytracing (Homework 3: 35% of grade)

This term, students who earn a total score of 50% or greater will have passed the course and may obtain a certificate from UC San DiegoX.

What you'll learn:

  • Understand the concepts of 3D graphics
  • Write and develop programs that create images of a 3D scene with lighting
  • Learn the basics of graphics programming with OpenGL and GLSL
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Applications of Linear Algebra Part 1 (edX) EdX
Davidson College,DavidsonX

Applications of Linear Algebra Part 1 (edX)

Learn to use linear algebra in computer graphics by making images disappear in an animation or creating a mosaic or fractal and in data mining to measure similarities between movies, songs, or friends. From simulating complex phenomenon on supercomputers to storing the coordinates needed in modern 3D printing, data is a huge and growing part of our world.

No sessions available
4 Weeks
Data Visualization and Communication with Tableau (Coursera) Coursera
Duke University

Data Visualization and Communication with Tableau (Coursera)

One of the skills that characterizes great business data analysts is the ability to communicate practical implications of quantitative analyses to any kind of audience member. Even the most sophisticated statistical analyses are not useful to a business if they do not lead to actionable advice, or if the answers to those business questions are not conveyed in a way that non-technical people can understand. In this course you will learn how to become a master at communicating business-relevant implications of data analyses.

Jul 27th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Computing for Data Analysis (edX) EdX
Georgia Institute of Technology,GTx

Computing for Data Analysis (edX)

A hands-on introduction to basic programming principles and practice relevant to modern data analysis, data mining, and machine learning. The modern data analysis pipeline involves collection, preprocessing, storage, analysis, and interactive visualization of data. In the course, you’ll see how computing and mathematics come together.

Aug 24th 2026
13-24 Weeks
Jobs & Roles in the Game Industry & How to Get Them! (Skillshare) Skillshare
Skillshare

Jobs & Roles in the Game Industry & How to Get Them! (Skillshare)

40 years ago, game production was a lot less complicated. Back then, it wasn’t uncommon for one person to write, design, & code a single game in as little as a couple months. Nowadays however, the expectations for the average gamer is significantly more demanding. While the every expanding complexity of creating a game, may sound like a bad thing to some, in actuality it’s a great thing.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Everything you need to know about animation in 5 mins and how to get started. (Skillshare) Skillshare
Skillshare

Everything you need to know about animation in 5 mins and how to get started. (Skillshare)

3D digital art can be an intimidating endeavor. All the different ways you can model and material are enough to make your head spin. Now add animation to that along with the complexity of whatever software you're using and you got an ice-cold cocktail of frustration and forgotten attempts at learning.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Introduction to 3D Modeling (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Michigan

Introduction to 3D Modeling (FutureLearn)

Build your design skills and learn how to use Rhino software to create, edit, and render amazing 3D models. Grow your knowledge of design and 3D modeling. On this four-week practical course from the University of Michigan, you’ll not only learn how to use the Rhino software to create your 3D models, but you’ll also gain basic design skills to help bring your imagination to life.

Jun 28th 2021
4 Weeks
Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software (Coursera) Coursera
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST

Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software (Coursera)

In this course, you will learn the following essential computer skills for the digital age: major hardware components of a computer system; different types of software on a computer system; photo Editing using GIMP; and word processing applications, including MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.

Aug 3rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Modellazione digitale 3D: output (POK) Polimi OPEN KNOWLEDGE
Politecnico di Milano

Modellazione digitale 3D: output (POK)

Generare dal modello 3D file per la stampa grafica, e per la prototipazione fisica mediante macchine da taglio e stampanti 3D a deposizione. Il programma si propone di fornire indicazioni e consigli per la stampa di modelli digitali 3D su carta, e per la prototipazione mediante macchine da taglio CNC e macchine a deposizione FDM, ponendo particolare attenzione all'impaginazione delle viste da stampare su carta, alla scomposizione del modello da stampare in FabLab, alle scale di lavoro.

Available
2 Weeks
VR Interview Prep (Udacity) Udacity
Udacity,Google

VR Interview Prep (Udacity)

Confidently take on the tech interview. This course is an excellent way to prepare for technical interviews. You’ll experience a mock interview, and review detailed analysis on how to field key industry questions. You'll review common VR Developer interview topics, including 3D graphics and scene optimization. You'll also learn best practices for answering behavioral questions and solving whiteboard problems. Upon completing this course, you’ll be ready to showcase your skills during your VR Developer interview!

Self Paced
Self-Paced
3D Graphics for Web Developers (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Universitat Pompeu Fabra

3D Graphics for Web Developers (FutureLearn)

Use WebGL to develop high-quality, interactive 3D graphics applications that run natively in browsers. With the advent of WebGL, it is now possible to develop high-quality, interactive 3D graphics applications, which run natively in web browsers. However, to do this, you need to be proficient in both web development and 3D programming.

No sessions available
5-12 Weeks