CSMVR16-Virtual Reality

Module Provider: Computer Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: CS3VR16 Virtual Reality
Current from: 2020/1

Email: r.j.mitchell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module covers the topic of virtual reality.

Aims:
To describe virtual reality in terms of the scientific issues, application areas and strengths and weaknesses of the technology. To provide hands-on experience of various devices and software.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the techniques used in Virtual Reality and 3D modelling skills. The student will be able to compare the applicability of various VR technologies to given applications and be able to apply their understanding to the design of an entire VR system, composing display technology and software. Students will also critically evaluate their generated virtual world.

This module will be asses sed to a greater depth than the excluded module CS3VR16.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
In a virtual reality, users can interact within a 3D computer-generated environment through multi-modal displays that support interaction through vision, hearing, and touch. This course will discuss what is (and is not) virtual reality, introduce topics relating to perception of virtual environments (e.g. stereo vision and sound localisation), and introduce a range of display and input technologies (e.g. head-mounted displays, cubic projection displays, and tracking technologies). The course wil l develop the mathematical and programming framework for highly interactive environments including modelling and animation of 3D objects, and the programming techniques used to render these in real-time.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module has 2 lectures per week. The assignment will give students skills in creating interactive virtual environments.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 1.5 hour examination paper in May/June.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Three pieces of coursework are set. In the first, each student generates a simple virtual world using a commercial virtual engine, In the second, students work in groups of typically five students to produce a more complicated virtual world in a specified theme, submitting both the final virtual world and a description of each person’s individual contribution to the work.

In addition, students will get feedback from users on their group’s world and so analyse it critically.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

One 2-hour examination paper in August/September. Note that the resit module mark will be the higher of (a) the mark from this resit exam and (b) an average of this resit exam mark and previous coursework marks, weighted as per the first attempt (30% exam, 70% coursework).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 16 June 2020