Module Code - Title:
CS4085
-
COMPUTER GRAPHICS II - TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
CS4815
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Increase competence of student in the area of modern real-time computer graphics. This includes usage of Content Creation Suites, 3D Game Engines and combining available tools into a working tool chain. This is a follow on module to CS4815 which introduces more advanced graphics techniques and special effects.
Syllabus:
- Basic Modelling Techniques
- Basic Animation Techniques
- Usage of Content Creation Suites
- Graphical File Formats (importing / exporting)
- Introduction to Real-Time 3D Game Engines
- Scene Management Techniques
- Special FX
- Particle Systems
- Pixel/Vertex Shaders
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Utilise various tools to set up a tool chain for content creation;
2. Manipulate files in varying graphical formats;
3. Combine basic modelling and animation techniques in modern graphics systems;
4. Apply their skills in developing a 3-D real-time applications for content presentation in a 3D Game Engine;
5. Implement basic tasks on a GPU;
6. Demonstrate an insight into the steps required to achieve realistic graphical content.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module enables students to investigate techniques relating to Content Creation pipelines for modern Computer Games (and related) graphics implementations, targeting a Game Engine. Theory content is presented via Lectures, supported by a catalogue of demonstrations provided in videos online. Students propose, design and implement a Content Creation focussed coursework during the lab and private study hours, the objective being to provide skills to complement their individual career objectives.
Topics covered are informed by current computer games industry practices and tools, relating to the content creation process.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Mike McShaffry (2005)
Game Coding Complete (2nd edition)
, Paraglyph Inc., US
Daniel Sanchez-Crespo Dalmau, Daniel Sanchez-Crespo (2003)
Core Techniques and Algorithms in Game Programming
, New Riders
Other Relevant Texts:
Various Authors (2006)
Game Programming Gems [1-6]
, Charles River Media
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSCGDEUFA - COMPUTER GAMES DEVELOPMENT
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
gavin.wade@ul.ie