CS 5630

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - November 20, 2025 7:07PM EST

CS 5630
Physically Based Realistic Rendering

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

A fast-paced introduction to physically based realistic rendering in both offline and interactive contexts. Topics include radiometry, reflectance and scattering models, Monte Carlo methods, path tracing algorithms, denoising, and real-time ray tracing. Emphasis is on methods that are in widespread current use in film production and high-end games. The course includes a final project that culminates in a rendering competition.


Prerequisites CS 4620/CS 5620.

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

  • Formulate and implement Monte Carlo estimators for illumination integrals and verify them using statistical radiometric tests.
  • Implement and maintain rendering software based on path tracing.
  • Use custom software as a tool to achieve creative artistic goals.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 4 Credits Opt NoAud

  • 18428 CS 5630   LEC 001

  •  
    • TR
    • Jan 20 - May 5, 2026

    • Marschner, S

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

    Enrollment limited to: CS MEng students. All others should add themselves to the waitlist in January during add/drop.
    For Bowers Computer and Information Science (CIS) Course Enrollment Help, please see: https://tdx.cornell.edu/TDClient/193/Portal/Home/