Aims

To introduce students to the main principles and algorithms underlying the implementation of computer graphics software.
To illustrate the application of such techniques.
To provide students with a basis for understanding the current computer graphics research literature.

Outline Of Syllabus

1) Algorithms for Pixelated displays - Understand some of the classic algorithms designed for creating shapes on a display made up from pixels.
2) Coordination - Understand the mathematical fundamentals required when discussing geometry that is most commonly used in coordinate systems.
3) Rendering - Understand the different rendering techniques used across the graphics industry, focussing on 3D accelerated rendering on popular PC GPUs.
4) Shaders - How to create simple graphics effects using vertex, pixel and geometry shaders to exploit the GPU.
5) Scenes - How to construct a graphics scene using existing graphical objects.
6) Light - The use of lighting in generating a more realistic effect for graphical scenes.
7) Animation (firsts) - How to animate a more complex graphical object in a variety of ways.
8) Effects - How to influence the graphics pipeline to create interesting effects that can be subsequently used in real-time simulations.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Techniques and theory are presented in lectures. Supervised practicals on a PC cluster room provide experience of writing graphics programs and using PCs with help available. Further practical work takes place during the private study hours.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written examination demonstrates that students understand the underlying theory and standard methods, and can apply them. The coursework ensures the students understand and can engineer solutions based on graphical code libraries.

Study abroad students may request to take their exam before the semester 1 exam period, in which case the length of the exam may differ from that shown in the MOF.

N.B. This module has both “Exam Assessment” and “Other Assessment” (e.g. coursework). If the total mark for either assessment falls below 35%, the maximum mark returned for the module will normally be 35%.