Course description
COURSE CONTENT
The MSc attempts a balance between depth and breadth. Some aspects are studied at a very fundamental and detailed level, enabling you to become a technical problem-solving specialist in these areas. Other aspects are treated more broadly, so that you become aware of a wider spectrum of up-to-date software, hardware and human factors.
By the end of the taught part of the programme, you should understand and be able to implement a substantial repertoire of proven fundamental algorithms relating to 3D graphics (including scan-line techniques, ray tracing, radiosity, lighting, shadows, reflections, transparency, and texture mapping and rendering) and should be familiar with recent developments.You should be able to handle computational geometry and related mathematics, plus modelling techniques for curves, surfaces and a variety of different kinds of solid object.
You learn simulation techniques for virtual environment applications, including real-time graphics, animation and creation of synthetic worlds, and appreciate the enabling technologies such as highperformance computers and special purpose hardware.You acquire a thorough understanding and practical experience of visualization in studying scientific data, including issues relating to human factors, such as the psychology of perception and visual cognition.You also gain an understanding of the concepts, benefits, applicability and use of an objectoriented language for large-scale software development. In all areas, practical work enhances intellectual understanding and technical competence.
CORE MODULES
-C++ Programming and Design
-Real-Time Computer Graphics
-Game Development Architectures
-Simulation and Concurrency
-Development Project
ASSESSMENT
Students are assessed through exams, portfolios, programming and design exercises, and team work. The MSc includes a dissertation.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The programme is studied over one year on a fulltime basis and consists of two semesters of taught modules, followed by an individual project/dissertation.
Our Masters programmes are accredited by the British Computer Society.
The course starts in September each year.
RESEARCH AREAS
Research within the department is organised into two research groups: Dependable, Reliable, Intelligent Systems (DRIS) and Simulation and Visualization (SIMVIS). See the ‘Research’ section above for more details about these areas.