Introduction
Building upon the research strengths within the department of Computer Science, the mix of topics chosen for this new programme gives it a distinctive flavour. In particular, the union of Computer Graphics, Visualisation and Digital Image Processing, seen from the point of view of software algorithms, design and implementation produces what we believe to be a unique combination of topics. The specialist modules that are unique to this programme are supported by staff from our Advanced Vision Research Centre and from the Theoretical Computer Science Research Division.
Students entering the programme will already have a high degree of knowledge of computer systems and their operation, and will be able to make use of such facilities. This is a specialist programme and students will need to develop their research abilities and will, as a result, be able to organise their time and work patterns to accommodate such tasks. Where coursework is of a group participation nature, students will learn how to maximise the effectiveness of group relationships. Opportunities exist for students to practise their communications skills, both written and verbal, as they present the results of subject-specific investigations to their peers. The project is a further opportunity for students to develop their written and other communication skills.
Programme Aims
Students admitted to this degree programme will possess a first degree, which will normally include a substantial element of Computing. The degree is designed
- to inspire and enthuse the students in the topics they have chosen to study, and to involve them in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and study;
- to provide students with knowledge of image coding processes and their importance in a range of imaging applications;
- to acquaint students with the use of software packages used in imaging and vision applications with a view to understanding their internal structure and algorithms;
- to give students the experience of undertaking a research project.
To enable students graduating at Masters level to:
- immediately make a significant contribution to a business or organisation making use of digital imaging, computer graphics and computer vision;
- move on immediately, if they wish, into postgraduate research.
Cognitive Skills
The knowledge gained from exposure to the modules in this programme will enable students to specify, design and implement digital imaging, computer graphics and computer vision systems and to evaluate such systems in terms of their quality and possible trade-offs. Further it will enable students to recognise risks or safety aspects involved in the operation of digital imaging, computer graphics and computer vision systems and to effectively deploy tools for the implementation and documentation of digital imaging, computer graphics and computer vision systems. It will enable them to work as part of a development team and to recognise the different roles of its members and to operate computing equipment efficiently, taking into account its logical and physical properties.
Subject Specific Practical and Professional Skills
Taken full-time, the programme is of twelve months duration. Two semesters, each of fifteen weeks duration, are spent in studying taught modules with a total modular weight of 120 credits. The remaining time is devoted to a project with a modular weight of 60 credits, which may, subject to satisfactory arrangements for supervision, be carried out in collaboration with an industrial partner. The programme may be taken on a part-time basis over a period of up to eight years. A part-time candidate must complete the project within a maximum period on one calendar year after completion of the taught modules.
Outline Structure
Taken full-time, the programme is of twelve months' duration. Two semesters, each of fifteen weeks duration, are spent in studying taught modules with a total modular weight of 120 credits. The remaining time is devoted to a project with a modular weight of 60 credits, which may, subject to satisfactory arrangements for supervision, be carried out in collaboration with an industrial partner. The course may be taken on a part-time basis. A part-time candidate must complete the project within a maximum period of one calendar year after completion of the taught modules.
| Module | Weight | Semester | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Programming | 15 | 1 | |
| Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues of IT | 15 | 1 | |
| Modelling and Simulation | 15 | 1 | |
| Fundamentals of Multimedia | 15 | 1 | |
| Research Methods and Project Preparation | 15 | 2 | |
| Computer Vision | 15 | 2 | |
| Digital Imaging | 15 | 2 | |
| Computer Graphics and Animation | 15 | 2 | |
| Computing Project | 60 | 2 | |
| Project Preparation* | 5 | 2 | |
| Research Methods* | 10 | 2 | |
*Part-time students undertake two separate modules, namely COP500, Research Methods (10 credits) and COP454, Project Preparation (5 credits), the latter being taken in the year in which the project is to be undertaken.
Contact the Programme Director
Dr Colin H C Machin
Director of Postgraduate Programmes
Department of Computer Science
Loughborough University
Loughborough, LE11 3TU
Tel: +44 (0) 1509 222683
Fax: +44 (0) 1509 221586
Email:c.h.c.machin@lboro.ac.uk
