Overview
Aims
- Students will be well prepared to shape future developments in computer graphics and virtual environments, and to make substantial contributions to the design and creation of application software which involves these closely related areas.
- The programme aims to encourage innovation, and foster initiative, enabling students to learn independently, and to gather information for themselves.
- Students will become aware of research issues, and the current limitations of modern technology.
Objectives
This MSc in Computer Graphics Programming is an advanced taught programme for which students should have, or expect to obtain, a good honours degree, or equivalent, in a computing, numerate or technological discipline, or be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of computing experience.
However, since students begin the programme with differing academic backgrounds, a common starting point is reached by covering a selection of basic topics, so that no-one starts at a disadvantage. Use of departmental computers, operating systems, and basic graphics programming are some of the items included in an initial computing skills module.
The programme attempts a balance between depth and breadth. Some aspects are studied at a very fundamental and detailed level, enabling the students to become technical problem solving specialists in these areas. Other aspects are treated more broadly, so that students become aware of a wider spectrum of up to date software, hardware, and human factors. By the end of the taught part of the programme, students should understand and be able to implement a substantial repertoire of proven fundamental algorithms relating to 3D graphics, including scan-line techniques, ray tracing, radiosity, lighting, shadows, reflections, transparency, texture mapping and rendering, and should be familiar with recent developments. Students should be able to handle computational geometry and related mathematics, modelling techniques for curves, surfaces, and a variety of different kinds of solid object.
Students will learn simulation techniques for virtual environment applications, including real-time graphics, animation and creation of synthetic worlds, and will appreciate the enabling technologies such as high performance computers and special purpose hardware. They will acquire a thorough understanding and practical experience of visualization in studying scientific data, including issues relating to human factors, such as the psychology of perception and visual cognition. Students will understand the concepts, benefits, applicability, and the use of an object oriented language for large-scale software development. In all areas, intellectual understanding and technical competence are enhanced by practical work.
Although the degree is designed to be predominantly specialist and technically oriented, some modules include skills which are transferable to other areas. Examples of such skills include those which relate to the preparation leading up to the project, for example: the effective use of libraries, reviewing literature, writing papers, giving presentations, planning the project and the dissertation. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate that students can put into practice what they have learned, work independently, and learn new things for themselves.
Is this degree relevant?
The breadth of most undergraduate programmes in computer science means that graduates, although highly employable, often lack the specialisation that certain key markets find attractive. This programme aims to provide such specialisation for market segments that have a heavy involvement in the production or usage of computer graphics and virtual environments. Market areas include: entertainment, scientific modelling, the aerospace industry, medicine, computer aided design and graphical information systems including GIS.
The aims, objectives and content of the MSc are reviewed on a regular basis by academic and industrial experts in the fields of graphics and VE to ensure that the content of the degree is relevant to the requirements of industry. The degree has recently been awarded Part II accreditation from the British Computer Society reflecting the professional relevance of the degree and the confidence of the profession in our teaching methods.
The MSc is also an ideal route for students wishing to undertake MPhil and PhD research degrees in computer graphics and Virtual Reality.
"This MSc provides graduates with knowledge
and understanding of graphics and VE, allowing them to address the future
needs of business and the ever increasing dimensions in home entertainment."
Prof J A Elmore, Director, Information and Process Engineering, ICL.
"There is no doubt that interactive computer graphics systems will become a major industrial tool of the 21st century, and graduates who wish to be part of this future must acquire the necessary skills today. This Masters course provides a unique opportunity for the future." - Prof J A Vince, Former President of the Virtual Reality Society.
