Module
Descriptions
Code
5CM507 Graphics, 2025-26, University of Derby
Description
This module explores the theory and application of rendering techniques and technologies. The module provides an understanding of low-level graphics rendering techniques explored via graphics APIs, and an introduction to modern rendering technologies and their implementation within modern games engines. Examples include 3D mathematics for graphics, the rendering pipeline, transformations, game engines, recent developments in graphics, etc. Lectures introduce the fundamental theory and provide practical examples of the main concepts and algorithms. Laboratory sessions provide the framework for the development and implementation of graphics applications.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate standard computer graphics algorithm implementations using a graphics API.
2. Develop graphics solutions using a modern rendering engine.
Content
The module content covers the theory and practical aspects of rendering techniques and technologies in graphics and within modern game engines and APIs.
Revovling around following topics
Modelling (transformations, meshes, scenegraph, particle systems, etc.)
Lighting (Blinn-Phong, BRDF, GGX, Global Illumination, etc.)
Rendering and Sampling (Rasterisation, Ray tracing, AI)
GPU and shaders (Rendering pipelines and shader programming)
Animation and Simulation (character animation, collision detection)
Game Engine Technologies (shadows, terrains, level-of-detail, real-time ray tracing, etc.)
Features
4Rs: Real-time, Realistic, Rasterisation, Ray-tracing
Schedule
This module is a THRU module which covers two terms of year 2 for students on the game course. Please refer to the Schedule page for detailed schedules each term.
Prerequisites
Linear Algebra (for 3D transformations)
Basic Calculus (for illumination, etc.)
C++
Textbooks and Tutorials
There is no required textbooks for this module.
However, we recommended the following tutorials or books for the autumn semester:
Practice
LearnOpenGL.com
GLSL Cookbook 3rd Edition
D. Wolff. OpenGL 4.0 Shading Language Cookbook, Third Edition. Packt Publishing, 2018
Code: https://github.com/PacktPublishing/OpenGL-4-Shading-Language-Cookbook-Third-Edition
Theory
Real-time Rendering 4th Edition
Tomas Akenine-Möller, Eric Haines, Naty Hoffman, Angelo Pesce, Michał Iwanicki, and Sébastien Hillaire. Real-Time Rendering, 4th Edition, A K Peters/CRC Press, 1198 pages. ISBN: 978-1138627000
For more learning matierals please refer to the resource section.
Module Handbook
Please refer to blackboard
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