Degree of MSc (Digital Media Technology)

Description

This programme, which leads to an M.Sc. in Digital Media Technology, is designed for students who wish to develop, design and implement projects in the fast growing field of digital media. The program emphasizes on the techniques and tools used in digital media. Both theoretical and activity-based learning are provided for graduates who wish to upgrade their competencies and skills. Core courses focus on the basic areas of computer graphics, multimedia, virtual reality and animation. Students have the opportunity of extending the breadth or depth of their pursuit through a wide range of elective courses offered. Exposure to state-of-the-art practice is given through seminars by experts from industry. The comprehensive project component provides practical experience towards developing a portfolio of work.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should possess a good Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science. Preference will be given to those possessing an Honours degree. Experience in digital media projects would be an added advantage. TOEFL is required for graduates from universities with a non-English medium of instruction.

ACADEMIC YEAR

Semester dates for academic year 2009/2010 can be found at here.

ASSESSMENT

All courses apart from the project will be examinable. However in view of the nature of some of the courses, there will be coursework components for all core courses and many of the electives.

CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

Full-time Option:
The full-time MSc programme has a normal duration of one year. During this time, students must complete 30 academic units (AUs) to graduate. Lectures are normally conducted in the evenings. Laboratory or workshop sessions may also be conducted during the weekdays, in the weekday evenings, or on Saturdays during the day. The project will be undertaken during normal working hours throughout the week

The full-time programme has only the single study option available:

- Coursework & Dissertation: Students are required to take eight (8) courses (24 AUs) consisting of core courses, elective courses and a substantial project (6 AUs).

Each course is 3 AUs and has 39 contact hours consisting of lectures, tutorials, laboratory and/or workshop sessions.

The project is an individual research or development project. The project, which carries a weight of two normal courses, must be proposed/selected in the first 4 weeks of the programme and undertaken full-time for the remainder of the programme. The dissertation for the project must be submitted within 2 years from the commencement of the candidature.

Part-time Option:
In order to provide more flexibility to candidates, particularly as the majority are working full time, the following study options are available:

(a) Coursework & Dissertation: Students are required to take eight (8) courses (24 AUs) consisting of four (4) core courses, four (4) elective courses and a substantial project (6 AUs).

(b) Coursework only: Students are required to take a total of ten (10) courses (30 AUs) consisting of four (4) core courses and six (6) elective courses, one of which must be DM6129: Directed Reading.

Each course is 3 AUs and has 39 contact hours consisting of lectures, tutorials, laboratory and/or workshop sessions. Students will select the option most appropriate to their needs towards the end of their first year.

If the student selects the project option, an individual research or development project in the area of digital media is undertaken as part of their second year of study. The project, which carries a weightage of two normal courses, must start before the end of the first academic year and usually end in the second semester of the second academic year. Project selections must be made before the students go for their Semester 2 examinations so as to allow one full year to complete the work. The dissertation for the project must be submitted within 4 years from the commencement of the candidature.

Core Courses

There are four (4) core courses and a project.

DM6101	Advanced Computer Graphics
DM6102	Multimedia Information Management
DM6103	Virtual Reality
DM6104	2D and 3D Animation
DM6119	Project

Elective Courses

Students are required to select four (4) electives.

DM6121	Human Computer Interaction
DM6122	3D Modelling and Reconstruction
DM6123	Scientific Visualization
DM6125	Mobile Game Development
DM6127	Introduction to Games Design
DM6128	Computer Animation and Simulation
DM6199	Special Topic in Digital Media Technology

General Elective Course

Subject Descriptions

Core Courses

DM6101 Advanced Computer Graphics
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: Basic C/C++ programming, linear algebra and calculus
Semester 1

Description: This course will survey recent rendering techniques in computer graphics as well as fundamental and classical topics that are not usually covered in an undergraduate computer graphics course. Topics include the graphics pipeline and scene graphs, analytical methods in graphics and the implementation of robust geometric algorithms, a survey of both photorealistic and non-photorealistic rendering, as well as recent texture synthesis methods and a survey of the different morphing methods.

Topics: Geometric and graphical computing - modelling polyhedra, scan-line rendering and ray tracing, shading computations. Elements of an OO scene graph & mapping to the graphics pipeline. Non-photorealistic rendering - computer--generated pen--and--ink illustration. Texture synthesis and mapping - 2D textures, 3D textures. Photo-realistic rendering-ray tracing, global illumination, shadow computation. Morphing techniques - image morphing, solid morphing.

DM6102 Multimedia Information Management
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: Linear algebra and image processing (suggested)
Semester 1

Description: This course focuses on multimedia database management. Student will learn how to represent images and videos by using techniques in computer vision and image processing. Based on the learned representations, i.e., low-level and middle-level visual features, conventional and modern retrieval techniques and algorithms will be introduced. Because different users may have different understandings to an identical image/video, the course will also introduce students the techniques of human computer interactions, which have been acknowledged to be effective to bridge the gap between the low-level/middle-level visual features and high level semantics. Finally, the course will brief the multimedia, hypertext, hypermedia and their applications.

Topics: 1) Image and video representation: global visual features, local visual features, biologically inspired visual features, interest point detection, and spatial-temporal data representation. 2) Image and video retrieval: similarity and dissimilarity measures, introduction to dimensionality reduction algorithms, large-scale image/video database organization, reranking, and retrieval representation. 3) Human computer interactions: relevance feedback in content based image retrieval, interactive reranking, and active learning. 4) Hypermedia: multimedia, hypertext, hypermedia and their applications.

Click here for more information.

DM6103: Virtual Reality
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: NIL
Semester 1

Description: This course provides an introduction to the current state-of-the-art in virtual reality, helps to set the foundations for a common taxonomy of virtual reality technologies and applications, and introduces the VR software tools commonly available for building VR applications.

Topics: Virtual reality and virtual environments, the historical development of VR, 3D computer graphics for VR systems, geometric modelling for VR systems, a generic VR system, animating the virtual environment, physical simulation, human factors, virtual reality hardware, virtual reality software, virtual reality applications.

DM6104: 2D and 3D Animation
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: NIL
Semester 2

Description: This is an intermediate level course in animation and the focus is on fundamental techniques used in computer animation systems.  The approaches, strengths and drawbacks of the classical animation systems based on kinematic and dynamic simulation are explained.  Effective animation systems based on advanced approaches such as optimization theory, control theory and machine intelligent paradigms are presented. Prominent commercial animation systems and research tools are discussed. Potential applications of computer animation in entertainment, education, automation and manufacturing for the coming century are discussed and illustrated.  At the end of the course, it is expected that the student will be able to produce realistic and fascinating animation sequences using methodologies and implementation skill learned in the course.

Topics: Kinematic and dynamic simulation, rigid multi-body motion, Euler-Newton formulation, lagrange formulation, optimization theory, space-time constraints, simulated annealing, stimulus-response approaches, autonomous agents, behavioural and intelligent models, commercial animation systems and related tools. Movie production: recording techniques - RGB v. NTSC and recording techniques: digital disks, single video frame recording, personal animation recorder, film.

Project
AUs: 6
Prerequisites: NIL
Semester 1 and 2

Each student is to carry out an individual research or development project in the area of digital media. The project carries a weight equal to two normal courses.

Elective Courses

DM6121 Human Computer Interaction
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: NIL
Semester 2

Description: The course focuses on both theoretical issues and  practical techniques in Human Computer Interaction. The emphasis is to develop good systems designs—systems with interfaces the typical user can understand, predict, and control. The coverage includes development methodologies, evaluation techniques, and user-interface building styles.

Topics: Human factors of interactive software: goals of user-interface design, motivations for human factors in design. Managing design processes: organizational design to support usability, development methodologies, ethnographic observation. Participatory design, direct manipulation and virtual environments. Examples of direct-manipulation systems, visual thinking and icons. Direct-manipulation programming, remote direct manipulation. Menu selection, form fill-In, and dialog boxes. Interaction devices. Keyboards and function keys, pointing devices, speech recognition, digitization and generation, image and video displays. Presentation styles: balancing function and fashion. Error messages, non-anthropomorphic design, colour. Response time and display rate. Expectations and attitudes, user productivity, variability. Expert reviews, usability testing, surveys and continuing assessments. Usability testing and laboratories, surveys, acceptance tests, evaluation during active use. Multiple-window strategies. Computer-supported cooperative work. Asynchronous interactions: different time, different place. Synchronous distributed: different place, same time. Face to face: same place, same time. Hypermedia and the world wide web. Hypertext and hypermedia, information abundant web sites, object-action interface model for web site design.

DM6122 3D Modelling and Reconstruction
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: Basic Engineering Math, computer graphics and programming is helpful
Semester 1

Description: Recent advances in real-time 3D technologies are allowing fully interactive virtual environments to be created and displayed on common desktop and home gaming computers, instead of the expensive research machines of years past. As it becomes feasible for artists and designers to create these rich virtual environments, they need to be aware of both practical and aesthetic issues unique to interactive 3D worlds. It is this course's aim to present the modelling and reconstruction techniques, experiences, and implications of VE development.

Topics: Overview, simple modelling and texturing - VE representation overview, VRML modelling, hierarchical scene graphs, representing geometry, representing material properties, low-poly modelling - common polygonal tools (Maya), optimization, texturing - UV map construction, advanced mapping tools, environments, navigation, lighting - examples from videogames, hiding artefacts. Navigation theory: collision, depth cues, interface design, backgrounds and lighting, animation, sound, interactivity - animation: event model, routing, triggers, timers, engines, key frame animation. Sound: ambient vs. spatialised. Avatars: multi-user, real-time human figure design and uses, virtual community challenges, implications and approaches. Case studies: NTU virtual campus, Singapore urban modelling, high-end military, multi-user VE game environment.

DM6123 Scientific Visualization
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: Basic Engineering Math is helpful
Semester 2

Description: The course will be organized around designing interactive visual solutions for exploring large datasets. The students will learn about techniques that help in designing visualization solutions for specific scientific needs. Each student, sometimes alone and sometimes in a small group, will design and/or realize several visualization approaches during the semester culminating in a final project.

Topics: Visualization overview, coordinate systems, sample theory, navigation, interaction. Perception: light, brightness, contrast, constancy, color theory, components of an effective visualization, 2D scalar visualization methods. Surface extraction: isosurface, convex hull. VolVis: direct volume rendering, MIP, ray casting, texture-based rendering, splatting, transfer functions, methods for time-varying data. FlowVis: design & traditional techniques, texture-based techniques. Information visualization: goals & problems, web-based tools. Case studies: algorithm and program visualization, geographical and weather visualization, financial data visualization, bio visualization, etc.

DM6125 Mobile Game Development
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with either C/C++ programming or Java programming language is helpful
Semester 1

Description: This course is an extensive overview of the latest in mobile gaming.  Students will learn how to develop interactive games for a variety of mobile devices including cell phones, PDAs and Pocket PCs.  The course culminates with the completion of an interactive game on a chosen platform. Knowing how to develop quality games for mobile platforms is becoming increasingly important, as the mobile gaming market continues to explode.  Mobile games run on less powerful devices than their PC counterparts with smaller screens and controls designed for telephony – but they are also running on devices that are portable, ubiquitous, and networked.  They offer the potential for a whole new style of game. Though communication rich, the environment is media poor in comparison to PC or console games.

Topics: Processor-limited environments, dynamic memory and limited environments, static storage limitations, network and online gaming, the mobile market.

DM6127 Introduction to Games Design
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: Basic C/C++ programming, undergraduate-level Math
Semester 2

Description: This course covers fundamental issues related to design and development of game engines, the programming of games and the application of HCI, game play and design to the development of a successful game. The course includes a survey of existing commercial game engines and other “production code,” code that is designed to merely work. Students will use a engine that is flexible, extensible, stable, and well-documented, written to be easy to understand and modify, especially to relatively inexperienced students. Students will use SAGE: A Simple Academic Game Engine that provides a series of demos and exercises to develop a functional and working game engine. Using Incremental development students will proceed step by step to develop a game engine.

Topics: Lecture topics will include a survey of game engines, a survey design issues in games development, human computer interaction and it’s impact on game playability and entertainment, incremental development, plugins for 3d animation software such as Maya and 3DS Max, model importation, Terrain input and rendering, Game engine architecture and Collision detection using axially aligned bounding boxes.

Textbook: Introduction to Computer Game Programming with DirectX 8.0 Dr Ian Parberry

DM6128 Computer Animation and Simulation 
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: Basic vector algebra and programming skills
Semester 1

Description: This is an advanced animation subject, designed to teach students the advanced techniques of computer animation and simulation. Topics covered will include advanced animation techniques for keyframing, simulation and dynamics, free-form animation, behavioral and procedural animation, and production scheduling and post-production. Students will be expected to work in teams to complete a large-scale animation project. The animation project must be of "reasonable" size (on the order of implementing a SIGGRAPH paper).

Topics: Software and hardware for animation projects, key frame systems, interpolation, animation languages. Motion control: keyframing and kinematics, motion processing, higher level motion control, particle systems, rigid body dynamics, rigid body.  Kinematics - forward and inverse kinematics, physically based, deformable body simulation and animation, shape modification - 2D morphing, 3D shape change; human figure modeling and animation - reaching, walking, facial animation, virtual humans, clothes, hair, artistic anatomy; natural phenomena - modeling plants with L-systems, water, gas, fire. Video review - SIGGRAPH video reviews, demo tapes of commercial computer animation houses, computer animation in the entertainment industry.

DM6129 Directed Reading
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: NIL
Semester 1 and 2

The course aims to impart detailed knowledge of a highly specialised topic within the field of study of the MSc. The directed reading and independent research will involve an in-depth study of an advanced technology/methodology/technique and its application to the area of study, under the guidance of a faculty member. The directed reading course will be chosen in consultation with a supervisor. Admission into the course requires agreement by a proposed supervisor and submission of a proposal to the School (via the programme director) during the first 2 weeks of the semester in which the course will be taken.

DM6199 Special Topics in Digital Media Technology
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: NIL
Semester 1 and/or 2

This course aims to provide a mechanism for providing specialist topics in digital media technology offered by invited visiting professors and practitioners. This course may run in either or both semesters.

General Elective Course
AUs: 3
Prerequisites: To refer to the course chosen
Semester 1 and/or 2
Students may take a single general engineering elective course from within the College of Engineering at NTU. It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that any prerequisites are met and that timetabling issues are resolved. Approval must be obtained from the programme director for these general elective courses.

RECOMMENDED TIME-TABLE (Full-Time)

Note: For a full-time candidate, it is possible to register for a maximum of 5 courses in any semester.

Semester 1 Two core courses: DM6101 Advanced Computing Graphics DM6102 Multimedia Information Management Three electives (preferably to include BI6129): DM6122 3D Modelling & Reconstruction DM6127 Introduction to Game Design DM6128 Computer Animation & Simulation BI6129 Directed Reading Semester 2 Two core courses: DM6103 Virtual Reality DM6104 2D and 3D Animation One elective: DM6121 Human Computer Interaction DM6123 Scientific Visualization DM6125 Mobile Game Development Full Year Undertake the project and complete the project dissertation.

RECOMMENDED TIME-TABLE (Part-Time)

Year 1 Semester 1 To complete core courses DM6101 Advanced Computer Graphics and DM6102 Multimedia Information Management Semester 2 To complete core courses DM6103 Virtual Reality and DM6104 2D and 3D Animation To select dissertation topic before the start of Year 2

Year 2 To undertake selected project and complete dissertation Semester 1 To complete 2 electives. Semester 2 To complete 2 electives.

TIMETABLE (Academic Year 2009-2010 Semester 1, August to December 2009)

Course	Day	Time	Venue	Lecturers
DM6101 – Advanced Computing Graphics	Friday	1830 – 2130	LT 10	He Ying
DM6102 – Multimedia Information Management	Wednesday	1830 – 2130	LT 10	Tao Dacheng
DM6122 – 3D Modelling & Reconstruction	Tuesday	1830 – 2130	LT 10	Zheng Jianmin
DM6127 – Introduction to Games Design	Monday	1830 – 2130	LT 10	Seah Hock Soon
DM6128 – Computer Animation & Simulation	Thursday	1830 – 2130	LT 10	Henry Johan

TIMETABLE (Academic Year 2008/2009 Semester 2, Jan to May 2009)

Course	Day	Time	Venue	Lecturers
DM6103 - Virtual Reality	Tuesday	1830 – 2130	LT 18	Wolfgang Mueller-Wittig
DM6104 - 2D and 3D Animation	Thursday	1830 – 2130	LT 18	Qian Kemao
DM6121 - Human Computer Interaction	Friday	1830 – 2130	LT 10	Tian Feng
DM6123 - Scientific Visualization	Wednesday	1830 – 2130	LT 19	Lin Feng

+ Course Co-ordinator

CONTACT INFORMATION

1. For further information on admission requirements, class timetable and programme curriculum, please contact the Programme's Office at :
   Programme Director M.Sc. (Digital Media Technology)
   School of Computer Engineering, NTU
   E-mail: pd-mscdmt@ntu.edu.sg
   Tel: 6316 8774 or 6790 6168

2. For enquiries pertaining to application procedures, leave of absence, candidature extension, withdrawal, examination etc., please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions here or e-mail to:
   gradstudies{at}ntu.edu.sg

3. SCE Graduate Office
   Blk N4, #02A-32
   Nanyang Avenue
   Singapore 639798