Graphics module (AC41001)
15
AC41001
Organisation
The Module Co-ordinator is Dr Iain Martin
If you want to talk about an aspect of the module, or your work on it, please make an appointment to see the lecturer.
If you use email, please include "AC41001" in the heading.
About the module
The unit covers three-dimensional, interactive, colour computer graphics.
The two main aims of the unit are:
- To study the algorithms that underpin modern computer graphics.
- To provide experience in programming computer-generated images of 3D scenes
The unit begins by looking at environments for writing modern graphics code and understanding how to create and render basic scenes.
The theory of the graphics pipeline and shader coding is discussed at an early stage and revisited throughout the module with an emphasis of relating theory to practical examples.
Some elementary theory from co-ordinate geometry is reviewed in order to understand more complex computer graphics algorithms that are used later.
We then examine three-dimensional, colour and interactive graphics, along with animation techniques.
As each topic is addressed, the underlying algorithms will be discussed, and their practical implementation will be described with practical programming experience through labs and assignments.
A major objective of the unit is to provide students with first-hand experience of modern graphics programming.
Module timetable
| Week | Subject |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | Graphics programming environments, OpenGL and our first graphics programs. |
| 5 | The graphics pipeline, GPU shaders, vectors, matrices. |
| 6 | Transformations and projections |
| 7 | Colour, lighting and shading |
| 8 | Textures, depth buffer, blending, anti-aliasing, fog |
| 9 | Procedural graphics generation, L-systems, fractal surfaces, noise |
| 10 | Shadow casting, normal mapping and particle animations |
| 11 | Geometry and tessellation shaders, ray tracing and radiosity |
Assessment and Coursework
Coursework counts for 60% of the final module mark.
The final degree exam counts for 40% of the final module mark.
Assignments
Marking criteria are provided on My Dundee for all assignments, so that you know what we are looking for when we are marking your coursework. Please ensure that you refer to these when completing assignments.
| Title | Week given | Week due | Effort expected (hours) | Value (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programming assignment 1 | 6 | 8 | 25 | 30 |
| Programming assignment 2 | 9 | 11 | 25 | 30 |
Resources
All course material is available on My Dundee. This includes copies of lecture materials, practical exercises and assignments. The reading list for this module can be accessed from My Dundee, and provides recommended materials for completing the module.