Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Objectives

The objective of the module is to provide students with a strong foundation, and state-of-the-art competences in the area of Computer Graphics, with applications in graphics for games and interactive media. Game engines such as Unity and Unreal provide powerful real-time rendering and animation functionality, much of which standard developers might not be qualified to fully utilize. This module aims at providing students with the theoretical background and in-depth understanding of high-end rendering techniques, so as to enable them to utilize game engine rendering to its full potential, to choose the optimal approach to rendering challenges, and to design novel solutions to such challenges. The module will also introduce applications for media content creation and visual storytelling, such as real-time filmmaking, animation and virtual production techniques.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who complete the module will obtain:

• knowledge of light-matter interaction in the form of radiometric and photometric concepts
• understanding of fundamental rendering challenges, and core aspects of the tradeoff between rendering quality and computational requirements
• understanding of state-of-the art rendering techniques that position themselves on various levels of this tradeoff

Skills

Students who complete the module will be able to: 

• apply pre-rendered or real-time rendered advanced rendering techniques, such as baking, light probes, High Dynamic Range formats, tone mapping, raytracing, etc.
• analyze the applicability of state-of-the-art rendering techniques in relation to relevant rendering challenges and requirements
• apply rendering for media content creation, such as animation production, real-time filmmaking, virtual production, interactive experiences, games or other relevant application areas

Competences

Students who complete the module will be able to:

• evaluate affordances and limitations of advanced rendering techniques, and synthesize/create novel rendering solutions for interactive real-time Computer Graphics, e.g. for media content creation such as games, XR experiences, virtual production, animation and real-time filmmaking

Type of instruction

Refer to the overview of instruction types listed in § 17.

Exam

Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam

• To be eligible to take the exam, the student must timely have handed in any mandatory assignments

Exams