Module Catalogue 2023/24

CSC8502 : Advanced Graphics for Games

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Rich Davison
  • Owning School: Computing
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
Pre Requisites
Code Title
CSC8501Advanced Programming for Games
Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To equip students with an understanding of the main aspects of graphics programming allowing students to write and maintain code that presents graphical representations

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus will cover: Mathematical fundamentals of graphics, polygon mesh models, representation and modelling, real-time rendering, lighting.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To be able to describe and discuss the main mathematical modelling techniques used in computer graphics and write code to render graphics to screen in real-time.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The ability to:
-       Describe graphical representations mathematically.
-       Design and create graphical representations of solid objects.
-       Realise what advanced techniques are required to achieve realism.
-       Understand and create shader programs.
-       Utilise polygon mesh models to represent 2D and 3D graphics.
-       Use techniques to provision real-time animation.
-       Understand the purpose of all stages of the graphics pipeline.
-       Use appropriate APIs to render in real-time.
-       Use advanced techniques associated with lighting to create realism in graphical scenarios.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion201:0020:00Lecture materials follow-up – allowing students to reflect on their participation in the module
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials101:0010:00Online delivery of course materials using VLE
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical101:0010:00PIP or Synchronous online: practical with Q&A and demonstration
Structured Guided LearningAcademic skills activities251:0025:00Exercises and practical work – achieved using provided literature and online resources
Guided Independent StudyProject work801:0080:00Coursework - carrying out significant coursework that accounts for all the module assessment
Structured Guided LearningStructured non-synchronous discussion51:005:00Online discussions (Q&A) – providing a forum to answer technical questions
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study451:0045:00Background reading – allowing students to deepen and broaden their understanding
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesModule talk51:005:00PIP or Synchronous online; short discussion with Q&A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Structured guided learning will be used to introduce the learning materials and for demonstrating key concepts by example. Students are expected to align their independent studies in a timeframe reflective of their progression through the guided learning material.

To help students there will be online discussions moderated by the module leader. This will provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and receive answers on the topics covered in the module and seek help with their coursework.

Students aiming for distinction marks are expected to widen their knowledge beyond the content of the provisioned learning material through additional background reading

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report1M100Graphics coursework (80 hours)
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Computer assessment1MOptional VLE (Quizzes)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Since graphics is a practical subject, development skills need to be assessed by coursework. Students must demonstrate an understanding of the issues associated with the practicalities of real-time rendering and be able to demonstrate the application of this understanding in the creation of efficient solutions to the requirements of a modern rendering engine and its associated visual effects.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2023/24 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2024/25 entry will be published here in early-April 2024. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.