| Unit name | CGI (Teaching Unit) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMS30058 |
| Credit points | 0 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Mr. Dalton |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
An interest in graphics production and the creative design process is important. Experience of using CAD, a 3D software environment and/or a games engine would obviously be ideal - but not essential. |
| Co-requisites |
EITHER Year 3 Assessment Unit COMSXXXX CGI OR Masters Level Assessment Unit COMSMXXX CGI. Please note, this is the Teaching Unit for CGI. Students can take this unit in either their third or fourth year, and must also choose the Assessment Unit for their year group. |
| School/department | School of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Contemporary Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) production combines elements of classic computer graphics pipelines with new and emerging games engine technology, and the fusion enables dynamic and real-time rendering. Modern computer-generated imagery blurs the boundary of film production and games development. In visual effects production models and frames of animation can now be pre-visualised and directed in real-time on set. Engineers, architects and product designers are using the emerging technology for design visualisation and virtual prototyping.
The CGI unit is designed to introduce you to model development and computer graphics production. The unit introduces the design process used to build assets and sets for deployment in films and games, for product visualisation and for immersive display. Professional software is used as a framework to introduce the asset development pipeline - from concept design to model. The focus of the unit is on the creation of polygonal geometry, shader application and lighting design. A number of advanced topics in motion design and character setup will be introduced to enable animation of assets, virtual cameras and actors.
The unit uses both Autodesk Maya and Epic Games’ Unreal Engine to introduce different parts of the pipeline. Maya and UE4 are used throughout the visual effects industry for product visualisation, simulation, films and games production.
Although not a pre-requisite, a number of the rendering topics in the COMS30018 Computer Graphics relates to this unit, so this maybe a useful pre-cursor for students; but in contrast to Computer Graphics, this unit is not about the algorithms, mathematical models or source code.
On completion of the associated CGI design project, a successful student will be able to:
In addition, Year 4 students will be able to experiment with advanced topics in animation design.
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures and software demonstrations, lab sessions, and self-directed project development.
Coursework (100%)
Reading for the CGI unit will primarily come from online references. Both Autodesk and Epic Games provide extensive online documentation and resources for educators and students. Links to be made available to students through Resource List and Blackboard.
