CSMVR16-Virtual Reality

Module Provider: Computer Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: CS3VR16 Virtual Reality
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Richard Mitchell
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 assessed to a grea ter 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 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 has 2 lectures per week. The assignment will give students skills in creating interactive virtual environments.ÌýÌý

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 recommended that you make yourself familiar with such packages.

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:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: