Computer Graphics

The course is mandatory within Game Design & Technology, Master's Programme (N2GDT).

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Computer Science, Bachelor's Programme (N1COS)
2. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)
3. Applied Data Science, Master's Programme (N2ADS)

The course is a also a single-subject course at Gothenburg University.

To be eligible for the course, students should have successfully completed courses corresponding to 90 credits within the subject of Computer Science, including the following courses:

• 7.5 credits in data structures (DIT960 or equivalent), and
• 15 credits in imperative or object-oriented programing (DIT012 and DIT952, orequivalent).

Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course aims to provide broad knowledge about algorithms for three dimensional computer graphics and also gives the student experience in implementing basic 3D- graphic techniques.

The course provides knowledge of the principles used to create images through computer algorithms. The primary focus is on real-time rendering and photo realistic rendering.

The first part of the course covers real-time rendering, where techniques and data structures for e.g. illumination, special effects, shadows and reflections will be studied.Design of graphics hardware and speedup algorithms will also be treated.

The second part focus on generating photo-realistic images and includes the studying of algorithms for ray tracing and global illumination. Overall, the course provides explanations and some capabilities to, on a basic level, apply corresponding mathematics, e.g., object and camera transformations, light/material interaction, and intersection tests. For this, linear algebra is used. The course contains some programming tutorials, giving the students practical skills concerning programming for 3D-graphics.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• state and describe how computer graphics are implemented using a high-level programming language and a typical graphics API such as OpenGL,
• state and describe the fundamental algorithms used to create computer graphics in 3D-games and movies,
• to some extent, state how the current graphics hardware architectures are designed

Competence and skills

• implement algorithms to generate real-time renderings and, to some extent, photo realistic renderings,
• state how to utilize the functionality of dedicated hardware support for graphics through programming interfaces,
• apply some basic mathematics used for solving relevant subproblems, e.g., for intersection tests, lighting computations, object transformations, and ray tracing.

Judgement and approach

• describe fundamental algorithms in 3D graphics and discriminate based on their suitability and efficiency,
• select suitable algorithms, data structures and matehematical methods for specific subproblems in computer graphics.

The course is organized into lectures and exercises. The exercises focus on implementing 3D graphics algorithms using C++. Students are not expected to have preknowledge in C++ but in at least another modern high-level language (e.g., Java, since C++ and Java are rather similar).

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined by laborations done in pairs or individually, and a written exam done individually in an examination hall.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Sub-courses

1. Written exam, 6 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)
2. Laboratory work, 1.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

A Pass grade (G) for the entire course requires at least a Pass grade for all sub-courses. To be awarded Pass with Distinction (VG) for a full course, the student must, in addition, receive the grade VG on the sub-course Written exam.

The course is evaluated through meetings both during and after the course between teachers and student representatives. Further, an anonymous questionnaire is used to ensure written information. The outcome of the evaluations serves to improve the course by indication which parts could be added, improved, changed or removed.

The course is a joint course together with Chalmers.

The course replaces the course DIT223 Computer Graphics, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains DIT223. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course DIT223 is included.

It is also recommended that the student has 7.5 credits of linear algebra (MMGD20 or equivalent), but this is not a strict requirement.