module specification

This module is designed to give students a solid introduction to the underlying concepts and principles of Computer Graphics (CG) and images as well as some practical experience of applying relevant techniques and tools. Students are introduced to the 2D/3D computer graphics and images, production workflow, relevant documents (concept art, sketches, model sheets, etc), main modelling and animation concepts and techniques, use and apply appropriate techniques and tools to produce an artefact and develop a communication style in the subject topic. No prior learning is required for this module.

This module aims to:

- enable students to understand the fundamentals of CG;
- develop and apply relevant practcial skills to implement the production of CG output from a relevant industry standard tool;
- develop communication skills with particular reference to CG;
- equip students for employment in the CG, games, web and multimedia, design and publishing industries.

>  Concepts and Principles
- Pixel;
- Graphics;
- Rendering;
>  2D Graphics (Image Types)
- 2D bitmap (raster) images:
- bit-depth, colour, colour models, colour representation;
- output devices and the notion of “image size”, image resolution;
-compositing, image processing;
- 2D vector graphics:
- lines, polylines, polygons, vectors, 2-D geometrical shapes, Bezier curves, text, font;
- fill and line rendering.
>2D/3D Graphics
- concept art, design, sketches, model sheets;
- projections, reference images/planes;
>2D/3D Modelling techniques
- 2D/3D computer models, geometry (mesh & surfaces);
- NURBS modelling and editing;
- Polygonal modelling and editing;
- Other modelling and editing techniques;
- Shaders (materials), lights, and cameras basics
- Rendering,batch rendering, volume rendering, photorealistic rendering, presentation;
> Animation
- keyframe, path, interpolation;
- skeletal systems, IK, FK;
- deformers, tweening and morphing;
- procedural and expression based techniques;
- animation editing.
> CG Applications

The key concepts and theoretical material will be covered in the lectures and workshop based sessions (using tutorials and relevant examples).  Time will be devoted to the discussion and evaluation of problem solutions.  The student will be expected to spend an equivalent time in private study (research connected with the subject, directed reading, and developing their own modelling and animation style/techniques).  In addition to this, a substantial coursework will be set.

On completing the module the student will be able to:

LO1: Understand the principles of CG and images, main contextual issues and production workflow with the focus on 3D modelling and animation
LO2: Analyse CG project requirements and identify possible problems;
LO3: Be competent at solving CG production problems and suggest effective solutions;
LO4: Design a 2D/3D objects and apply theoretical CG knowledge in practical scenarios;
LO5: Implement and produce effective CG output (artefacts and relevant documentation) from a number of systems by applying appropriate techniques and relevant tools.

The assessment will consist of the three components: CW1 and CW2 assignments and In-Class Test, all pass on aggregate. The tutor will set the subject.

The first assessment (25%) will ask student to research and design a 2D/3D scene (concept art/sketches/model sheets and storyboard for various objects and their animation/interaction).

The second assessment (30%) will be an in-class test (MCQ) to check the student knowledge, and focusing on the theoretical and technical aspects of computer graphics.

The third assessment (45%) will ask student to produce an artefact by implementing a work according to the design in the first assessment.  They will have to demonstrate various techniques used for image processing and compositting, 2D/3D modelling and animation. The implementation must be completely original and must show visual and aesthetic awareness.

All assessment assignments are designed so that student will have to demonstrate their capability and skills to use and apply various techniques they have used throughout the complete 3D scene/objects production workflow.

To reduce a student workload and ensure efficient and useful feedback to students all assignments will be spread in time throughout 30 teaching weeks. Students will have many opportunities for assessed and non-assessed feedback during the module (see next section).

Assessment criteria include demonstrating:
- understanding of some of the contextual issues raised by the production of computer models and animation;
- ability to (research) analyse, design, model and animate a 3D scene on a suggested or chosen topic;
- ability to document and present (research) findings and implementation in an entertaining and educational way using appropriate knowledge and skills taught in the module.

Suggested bibliography for the 2D content (the latest list will be provided in the module handbook):
• Chapman, N. and J. (2009) Digital Multimedia, 3rd edition, Wiley, ISBN-10: 0470512164, ISBN-13: 978-047051216.
Recommended suplementary reading:
     Weinman, E. (2007) Visual Quickstart: Photoshop,  CS, Peachpit.
     Foley, J. et al (2003) Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice in C, Addison Wesley

Suggested bibliography for the 3D content (the latest list will be provided in the module handbook):
• Derakhshani, D. (2010) Introducing Maya 2011, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN-10: 0470502169, ISBN-13: 978-0470502167.
or
Autodesk Maya Press (2009) Learning Autodesk Maya 2010: Foundation (Autodesk Maya Techniques: Official Autodesk Training Guides), John Wiley & Sons,
ISBN-10: 1897177550, ISBN-13: 978-1897177556.

Recommended supplementary reading for 2D/3D:
  Eisner, W. (2001) Comics and Sequential Art, Poorhouse Press, ISBN 0961472812.
  Eisner, W. (2001) Graphic Storytelling & Visual Narrative, Poorhouse Press,
  ISBN 0961472820.
  Kerlow, I.V. (2004) The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects,Wiley,
  ISBN 047143036-6.
  McCloud, S. (1994) Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art, HarperPerennial,
  ISBN 006097625X.