CS3VR16-Virtual Reality

Module Provider: Computer Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Richard Mitchell
Email: r.j.mitchell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

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

This module also encourages students to develop a set of professional skills, such as creativity (of virtual world), group work, scripting and effective use of commercial software.

Aims:

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

This module also encourages students to develop a set of professional skills, such as creativity (of virtual world), group work, scripting and effective use of commercial 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.

Additional outcomes:

Experience of teaching self some relevant software

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 will 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 comprises 2 lectures per week. The assignment will give students skills in creating interactive virtual environments. The exam will focus more on the graphics content.

The coursework for the module involves creating virtual worlds using the Unity Game Engine. You may also use packages such as Blender to create items in your world.

It is strongly recommended therefore that you make yourself familiar with Unity in particular before the start of the term. Help with the software is available online in general, but also on Blackboard.