| Unit name | Computer Graphics (Teaching Unit) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMS30020 |
| Credit points | 0 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Lock |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
COMS10016 Imperative and Functional Programming and COMS10017 Object-Oriented Programming and Algorithms I or equivalent. COMS20010 Algorithms II or equivalent. Proficiency programming with C Knowledge of linear algebra Knowledge of matrices and vectors |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
EITHER COMS30018 Computer Graphics (Exam assessment, 10 credits) OR COMS30064 Computer Graphics (Coursework assessment, 15 credits). Please note: COMS30020 is the Teaching Unit for the Computer Graphics option. Single Honours Computer Science and Mathematics and Computer Science students can choose to be assessed by either examination (10 credits, COMS30018) or coursework (15 credits, COMS30064) by selecting the appropriate co-requisite assessment unit. Any other students that are permitted to take the Computer Graphics option are assessed by examination (10 credits) and should be enrolled on the co-requisite exam assessment unit (COMS30018). |
| Units you may not take alongside this one | |
| School/department | School of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
The general area of Computer Graphics encapsulates many different topics such as animation, interaction, physics, geometry and optimisation. This particular unit will focus primarily on rendering - the process of creating “realistic” images from geometry data. This unit does not intend to teach specific graphics APIs (such as OpenGL or DirectX), but rather will explore the fundamental principles and practices that underlie such libraries. The nature of the unit is such that the understanding gained from investigating these fundamental principles and practices will give students a deep understanding of how such APIs operate. As a result of this, students will have the knowledge and insight that will enable them to gain an appreciation of (and rapidly become proficient in) any relevant graphics framework.
This unit will first introduce the basic foundations of computer graphics (pixels, colours, coordinate systems etc.) before going on to consider alternative fundamental approaches to rendering (such as Raytracing and Rasterising). To support the objectives of this unit, various essential and transferable tools and techniques will be covered including interpolation, matrix transformation and applied linear algebra. Students will have the opportunity to explore different approaches to lighting and shadow as well as advanced techniques for improving rendering performance and realism.
Successful completion of this unit will enable a student, in both Examination and Coursework to:
In addition to the above, the Coursework assignment will also enable students to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.
Teaching will take place over Weeks 1-7, with coursework support in weeks 9-11 and for students assessed by examination, consolidation and revision sessions in Weeks 12.
Examination details:
2 hour exam (100%, 10 credits)
OR
Coursework details:
Coursework (100%, 15 credits) - to be completed during a specific period.
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. COMS30020).
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.
