Introductory description

This course is a solid introduction to computer graphics, from how we see, display devices, and how computer graphics are generated by modern graphics processing units (GPUs).

With plenty of visual examples and demos, the lectures covers, step-by-step:

the graphic generation process and viewing geometry
three-dimensional objects,
parametric representations such as spline curves and surfaces,
display lists and drawing primitives
rasterisation onto a two-dimensional frame-buffer
On the way, we look at how realism is achieved by the clever use of texture-mapping and the approximation of lighting and shading, including shadow generation. We also look at ray-casting techniques, global illumination and volume rendering.

The course will assume you have some background in vector and linear algebra.

Module aims

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.

Topics covered include:

• Graphics hardware
• Rendering processes
• Computational geometry of 2 and 3 dimensions
• Modelling and projection of 3 dimensional structures
• Spatial data structures
• Colour and texture
• Ray tracing
• 'Fractal' processes in graphics
• Demonstrations of graphics features will be given during the module.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• At the end of this module, a successful student will: - Understand the mathematics behind geometric transformations and techniques for modelling objects; .
• - Understand the techniques used to approximate the physical process of image generation.
• - Have an understanding of how these techniques are made available through graphical programming standards.

Indicative reading list

Please see Talis Aspire link for most up to date list.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Understanding of human perception and digital display devices.
Knowledge of terminologies and concepts of basic algorithms behind graphics kernels for drawing 2D, 3D primitives, transformations, clipping, modeling and rendering.
Expertise in designing, modelling and manipulating graphics objects using OpenGL.

Transferable skills

Students will learn about displaying graphics objects and interaction on digital display devices. Computer graphics is multidisciplinary subject. The students will study skills for developing graphics user interfaces, engineering designs, data visualization, photo realism, computer generated imagery (CGI).