WM9M3-15 Advanced Computer Graphics
Introductory description
Computer graphics is one the main foundations of computer games development. While the first module, Computer Graphics, formed a foundation to enable students to develop high performance renderers for interactive environments as required by video games, this module provides students with a strong fundamental and critical comprehension of the field. It presents the theory and advanced concepts of computer graphics, outlining the mathematical and algorithmic details of the highest quality physically-based methods that are only now beginning to be adopted by industry. This will future proof our graduates to ensure that they can advance games engineering when they are in industry. It will ensure students can comprehend and can evaluate state of the art developments in imaging, architecture and mathematics as they are used in games.
Module aims
The principal aim of this module is for students to be able to develop advanced theoretical concepts in terms of mathematics and algorithms in computer graphics that will serve them in good stead for future developments in the area.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Advanced mathematics for computer graphics (Monte Carlo)
Physically-based rendering
Physically-based shading
Participating media
Advanced graphics architectures
Advanced real-time effects
Screen space effects (reflections, filtering etc)
Real-time ray tracing
Perception and the human visual system
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Explain and critically analyze the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of physically-based rendering and imaging methods
- Reduce complex formulations of physically-based solutions for high performance in interactive environments
- Demonstrate and implement knowledge of state-of-the-art rendering techniques and algorithms
Indicative reading list
Pharr, M., Jakob, W., & Humphreys, G. (2016). Physically based rendering: From theory to implementation. Morgan Kaufmann.
(4th edition coming out in Feb 2023)
Dutre, P., Bala, K., & Bekaert, P. (2018). Advanced global illumination. AK Peters/CRC Press.
Banterle, F., Artusi, A., Debattista, K., & Chalmers, A. (2017). Advanced high dynamic range imaging. AK Peters/CRC Press.
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Research element
Quite a few of the methods being presented will be state of the art methods available only from recent publications and journals and conferences. Students will be expected to be able to read and evaluate such research papers.
Interdisciplinary
The mathematical and algorithmic skills developed here can be applied to many other fields in computing, physics, maths and engineering. For example, the mathematical methods and architecture used in graphics are very similar to those used in machine learning.
Subject specific skills
Mathematical skills and programming skills.
Transferable skills
Technology literacy, adaptability
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 15 sessions of 1 hour (10%) |
| Tutorials | 15 sessions of 1 hour (10%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 15 sessions of 1 hour (10%) |
| Private study | 45 hours (30%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Wider reading around implementations of rendering techniques and the state-of-the-art in rendering
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Renderer Implementation | 100% | 60 hours | Yes (extension) |
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A programming project to implement an advanced rendering methods - for example a path tracer with real-time components and physically-based shaders and a brief report outlining technical and implementation details. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback will be provided for the assessment.
Pre-requisites
To take this module, you must have passed:
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Games Engineering