KV6008 - 3D Graphics Programming

You will learn through teaching videos, workshops, and independent learning. The videos will cover the theoretical concepts needed, including the mathematical concepts needed to support the 3D rendering process. You will have scheduled workshop sessions, with staff available to provide support and feedback to you, in which you will be expected to firstly work through provided tutorials, and later to work on the development of your game for the module assessment. You will work on these during workshops and hands-on sessions in Northumbria’s CIS building computer labs, which are fully equipped with the latest industry-standard software. You will have access to custom-written tutorial material and hardware-specific manufacturer’s documentation of the hardware and API being used.

You will be supported by lecturers during the timetabled sessions when you will receive feedback on your work. You can approach staff outside formal teaching sessions to request an appointment to seek advice if required. The University’s eLearning Portal offers remote access to all lecture and seminar materials to reinforce your learning. In addition, the university library offers support for all students through providing electronic resources

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1 – Demonstrate programming skills in producing high-quality efficient and maintainable code for a 3D graphics application in C++.
MLO2 – Demonstrate knowledge and skills in Games Application Development, including design and create a well-structured, efficient, and maintainable games software component for 3D graphics display using current tools and techniques.
MLO3 - Demonstrate software engineering knowledge and skills in developing a software system to high standards using industry-standard console development tools.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO4 – Applying knowledge and understanding to identify and analyse 3D graphics programming problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature, and offer appropriate strategic solutions using appropriate methods and tools.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MLO5 Creativity: Demonstrate creativity and imagination in the game design and software design, of a small graphical game.

The single element of summative assessment (100%) will be a final assignment that brings together all your new skills and techniques where you will develop a 3D Graphics/Game deployed on relevant hardware.

This assessment addresses all module learning outcomes

You will receive both informative and confirmatory feedback on your assessments.

There will also be formative assessment through your work on the custom-written tutorial material and later on your work on the development of your game for the module assessment in-class.

This formative assessment addresses all module learning outcomes

Games Programming 2, or equivalent level of programming, preferably in C++

N/A

This module introduces you to the theory, principles and practice behind 3D graphics programming for games. Indicative topics include: basics of modelling, textures, lighting, shadows, and shader programs which form part of the rendering pipeline. Theory is followed by programming workshops where you will be introduced to a state-of-the-art console platform, creating a simple 3D rendering engine. You will apply the acquired theoretical and practical knowledge in building a substantial project.