This module focuses on the programming of high quality visuals for real time programs. It is relevant to those interested in real time visual simulations (such as training simulators) and computer games.

The module will build upon the essential graphical programming skills developed during the second year.

New skills that students will develop include the ability to use the advanced features of graphical APIs and hardware (such as pixel and vertex shaders) and techniques of having high polygon counts in virtual scenes.

Students will be able to experience some of the software development problems currently faced by real time visual simulation and computer game programmers. They will also develop their knowledge of real time graphical techniques that are currently in use and of those that are emerging.

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to

• Analyse new graphical techniques and their applicability to solving real world problems.
• Design efficient solutions to a given graphical program specification.
• Integrate one or more graphical techniques into the construction of an interactive real time program.
• Critically evaluate the design and implementation of real time graphics solutions via a written document.

Student achievement will be measured by In-Course Assessment. This will involve constructing a real time graphical program to a specification chosen by the student and agreed by the tutor. The program will be expected to demonstrate one or more relevant and up-to-date graphical techniques.

Rendering and Visual Simulation are pre-requisites for this module.

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