F21GA 3D Graphics and Animation

Course co-ordinator(s): Dr Stefano Padilla (Edinburgh), Dr Ryad Soobany (Dubai).

Aims:

Investigate Computer Graphics theory and develop programming skills in 2D/3D Graphics and Animation.

Detailed Information

Course Description: Link to Official Course Descriptor.

Pre-requisites: none.

Location: Dubai, Edinburgh.

Semester: 1.

Syllabus:

Computer Graphics concepts and practical introduction to Graphics Programming.
♦ Vertices, triangles, meshes, display lists and models.
♦ Hierarchical modelling and scene graphs understanding and representation.
♦ 2D and 3D transformations, homogeneous co-ordinates, matrices multiplication.
♦ Model, world, camera, scene and projection spaces.
♦ Instancing and tessellation.
♦ Materials, texture mapping and shading.
♦ Lighting and global illumination models.
♦ Shadows, occlusions and reflections.
♦ Real-time and offline rendering pipelines.
♦ Basics of procedural and physical animations.
♦ Animation systems and concepts.
♦ Animation skeletons, poses, clips, skinning and blending.
♦ Tools, environments, coding practices and industrial applications.
♦ Course summary and review.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Mastery

Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
♦ Critical evaluation of Computer Graphics & animation concepts, elements and techniques.
♦ Ability to compare and contrast core graphical elements.
♦ Critical interpretation of scene graphs, hierarchical models, and spaces.
♦ Critical evaluation of transformations, modelling, and projection concepts.
♦ Critique different material, lighting and shadowing models.
♦ Critical appreciation of rendering pipelines.
♦ Interpret and implement animation concepts and systems.
♦ Review of graphics and animation in various industries (video games, data visualisations, and internet applications).
♦ Ability to design, implement and justify a small-scale rendering and animation system.

Learning Outcomes: Personal Abilities

Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others Communication, Numeracy & ICT
♦ Ability to think, plan, and construct in three dimensions.
♦ Representation of, planning for, and solution of problems.
♦ Ability to plan, design and implement a rendering and animation system.
♦ Skills integrating graphics and animation in various industries.

SCQF Level: 11.

Credits: 15.