module specification

CU5063 - Programming Graphical Special Effects for Games (2025/26)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2025/26
Module title Programming Graphical Special Effects for Games
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 150
 
50 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
64 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 70%   Special Effects Project
Coursework 30%   Presentation of final work
Running in 2025/26

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Tuesday Afternoon

Module summary

This module builds on Shaders and Graphics Programming 1, moving towards advanced programming for computer graphics and image processing, including an introduction to computer vision techniques.

AIMS
- provide an advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the entire programming workflow and relevant API for rendering computer graphics, image processing and visualisation;
- introduce students to techniques for computer vision, using still and moving image data;
- equip students for employment in the variety of industries relying on computer graphics and image processing (computer games, Virtual Reality, simulations, aerospace or automotive industry, engineering, CAD/CAM and machine/robotic vision, medical applications, geo-survey, security and etc applications).
- help students to continue development of a personal portfolio that demonstrates understanding of the key principles and practical skills to use industry standard API for 2D/3D computer graphics programming and image processing in a variety of applications.

Prior learning requirements

CU5010a

Syllabus

- computer vision techniques
- procedural content generation
- advanced shader programming
- image processing, thresholding, edge detection and connectivity, image enhancement and understanding.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Students will develop theoretical understanding and practical skills based on weekly lectures, tutorials and supervised workshops. The workshops, in particular, are provided to enable group discussions and give opportunities for teamwork experience and practical support.

Appropriate blended learning approaches and technologies, such as the University’s VLE and online tools, will be used to facilitate and support student learning to:
• deliver content;
• encourage active learning;
• provide formative and summative assessments, and prompt feedback;
• enhance student engagement and learning experience.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1: Demonstrate skills in writing shaders for different platforms and game engines.
2: Procedurally generate visual effects.
3: Evaluate and refine work, showing attention to detail and professionalism.
4: Develop skills to document and present the created artefacts, both in class and online.

Bibliography