| Unit name | Augmenting the Real World |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMSM0129 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Aaron Zhang |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Introduction to Immersive Technologies and Arts (TB1) |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one | |
| School/department | School of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
As one of the principal types of immersive technologies, Augmented Reality (AR) provide a direct link between the physical reality and virtual information, generating an interactive experience with computer-generated objects residing in the enhanced real environment. It has been used in many applications such as training, tourism, games, marketing and healthcare. This unit, Augmenting the Real World, is designed to enable students on the MSc to gain critical skill and knowledge in AR that will allow them to succeed in developing engaging immersive experiences.
This unit is a core disciplinary competency of the MSc Immersive Technologies (Augmented and Virtual Reality) programme. It introduces how augmented reality is achieved, giving students an understanding of how camera and real-world alignment occurs with students being taught how to use professional augmentation devices and Software Developer Kits (SDK) such as Vuforia or Google’s Core. This unit is a mandatory unit.
Overview of Content
This unit will introduce how augmented reality is achieved through various application examples of this powerful real-world user interface technology. It will cover the core techniques used in augmented reality, based on which the students will be taught to use professional AR devices and Development Kits, which will improve their practical experience and understanding of typical AR system architectures. Specifically, the unit will cover the following theoretical topics:
We will demonstrate a couple of AR application examples based on existing software development kits. These cases will help the student to accumulate practical skills required by AR project development.
In this unit, the students are expected to obtain theoretical knowledge and practical skills of AR technology. By the end of the unit, the students will be able to use the professional AR devices and Software Development Kits offered by this unit to build their own AR applications, and gain experience required for planning, delivering, and communicating project in an academic or commercial environment.
Learning Outcomes
100% coursework submission
Tasks which help you learn and prepare for summative tasks (formative)
Practical sessions run in parallel with theory sessions. These practical sessions will follow a lab format, comprised of a lab tutorial with an activity which helps support the students on their learning trajectory towards completion of their AR prototype experience. As part of their formative assessment, this activity will be validated by one of the unit coordinators or teaching assistants so students get regular feedback on their development process.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative)
The coursework will include the following tasks for assessment:
When assessment does not go to plan
For students who will be required to undertake a re-assessment if there are enough students a new group will be formed in order to undertake the creation of an AR prototype. If there are not enough students requiring a reassessment to form a new team or forming a new team is deemed not possible then the student will be required to individually undertake a pro-rata contribution to a creation of an AR prototype, this may mean that a student only completes a specific stage of a full AR prototype development.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. COMSM0129).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
