CSC8502 : Advanced Graphics for Games
CSC8502 : Advanced Graphics for Games
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Rich Davison
- Lecturer: Dr Gary Ushaw
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| CSC8501 | Advanced Programming for Games |
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures (in person). |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 80 | 1:00 | 80:00 | Project Work Coursework - carrying out significant coursework that accounts for all the module assessment. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Exercises and practical work – achieved using provided literature and online resources. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Practical (in person) - Computer Classroom. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lecture materials follow-up – allowing students to reflect on their participation in the module. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 50 | 1:00 | 50:00 | Background reading – allowing students to deepen and broaden their understanding. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will be used to present the theoretical underpinnings of each of the major topics explored in the module, and will be used as an opportunity to discuss the wider context of the module.
Present in-person practical sessions are used to allow students to work through working examples of the major module topics, and to gain experience in working with a large pre-existing codebase.
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.
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 report | 1 | M | 100 | Graphics coursework (80 hours). |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Optional 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.
Formative assessment delivered through the VLE can be used to check understanding of the theory, to contrast with the practical knowledge demonstrated through the development of assessed coursework software.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8502's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CSC8502's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 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, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.