CSU44052 – Computer Graphics – Teaching and Learning

Module Code	CSU44052
Module Name	Computer Graphics
ECTS Weighting [1]	5 ECTS
Semester Taught	Semester 1
Module Coordinator/s	Binh-Son Hua

*Note: Due to the currently challenging situation, and subsequent re-structuring of our module, there might be some slight changes throughout the term to ensure that it runs smoothly.

Presentation for CSU44052

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

Write graphical programs, using OpenGL or a similar graphics API, of moderate complexity;
Select an object or scene representation, create a model using modelling software, and export this model for use in an interactive application;
Discriminate between the different rendering choices for displaying objects, such as global or local illumination algorithms, and select the correct solution for the application area;
Derive and solve the mathematical formulations that underpin the practical aspects of creating, animating and rendering objects and scenes;
Critically appraise current computer graphics topics.

Module Content

The objective of this module is to equip the students with the fundamental understanding of the major elements of Computer Graphics and explore related areas including geometric modelling, rendering and animation. The main focus of the module is on the mathematics and algorithms used in the synthesis of computer graphics imagery and animation, and their practical application. Students are introduced to the standard architectures of modern graphical applications including details on the underlying hardware and low-level software components common to all such systems. The module is intended to enable students to bridge the gap between these low-level fundamental, components common to all computer applications, and the high-level abstract output in most interactive graphical applications. Students are also introduced to OpenGL, a modern high-level graphics API which is widely used for 3D Design and Visualisation, along with industry standard modelling software, and this software is used throughout the module to demonstrate concepts and to allow the students to develop their own 3D models, scenes and applications.

Specific topics addressed in this module include:

An introduction to computer graphics; problem domain and applications;
Linear algebra – two and three dimensional transforms; geometric operations; hierarchical 3D transformations;
The computer graphics pipeline and the OpenGL API for 3D computer graphics;
Projection and viewing; window to viewport transformation; Illumination models and rendering algorithms; colour, shading algorithms (Gouraud and Phong), local and global illumination.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The module will be delivered through lectures and labs.

Assessment Details

Assessment Component	Brief Description	Learning Outcomes Addressed	% of Total	Week Set	Week Due
Examination	No final exam, but we will have a number of quizzes in the second half of the term that will assess knowledge of the theory.	LO3, LO4, LO5	40%	N/A	N/A
Labs	Weekly labs will be set to build experience in OpenGL. A Mid-term assessment and a Final project will be graded. The Final project will be at the end of term.	LO1, LO2	60%	N/A	N/A

Reassessment Details

Coursework (100%).

Contact Hours and Indicative Student Workload

Contact Hours (scheduled hours per student over full module), broken down by:	33 hours
Lecture	22 hours
Laboratory	11 hours
Tutorial or seminar	0 hours
Other	0 hours
Independent Study (outside scheduled contact hours), broken down by:	92 hours
Preparation for classes and review of material (including preparation for examination, if applicable)	36 hours
Completion of assessments (including examination, if applicable)	56 hours
Total Hours	125 hours

Module Pre-requisites

Prerequisite modules: N/A

Other/alternative non-module prerequisites: High level of C or C++ programming is essential, at least freshman-level mathematics.

Module Co-requisites

N/A

Module Website

Blackboard