Course - Introduction to visual computing and informatics - IDIG4121
Introduction to visual computing and informatics
New from the academic year 2026/2027
About
About the course
Course content
This course introduces the principles and technologies underlying modern visual information systems, covering the full pipeline from image formation to visual data analysis and display.
Topics include:
- Vision system
- Light and colour
- Colour imaging and technology, including RGB, spectral, 3D
- Displays
- Image quality
- Colour science
- Colour and image processing
- Video processing
- Image analysis and computer vision
- Efficient pipelines for visual data analytics
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The candidate will:
- Explain the principles of human vision, light, and colour perception and their relevance to imaging systems.
- Describe colour imaging technologies, including RGB, spectral and 3D acquisition, and modern display systems.
- Explain methods for image and video formation, processing, and quality assessment.
- Discuss core concepts in colour science and visual data representation.
- Describe foundational techniques in image analysis, computer vision, and visual analytics.
Skills
The candidate will:
- Apply colour and imaging principles to acquire, process and evaluate visual data.
- Design and implement efficient software pipelines for imaging and visual analysis tasks.
- Apply fundamental methods in image processing and computer vision to extract information from data.
- Evaluate imaging systems and data quality for different visual computing applications.
General Competence
The candidate will:
- Understand the full pipeline from image formation to visual analysis and display in modern visual computing systems.
- Recognise the implications of imaging and processing choices on visual quality, system performance and interpretation.
- Communicate visual computing and imaging concepts clearly to specialists and non-specialists.
Learning methods and activities
Learning will take place through lectures, seminars and practical assignments, including practical exercises and small projects.
Some sessions may involve group discussions or guest lectures on related research topics.
Compulsory assignments
- Compulsory assignments
Further on evaluation
Forms of assessment
- Oral exam, individually.
- Coursework is mandatory and is assessed «approved/not approved». The performance to get the report approved needs to be equivalent to the grade "C".
- Coursework needs to be «approved» to be eligible for the oral exam.
Re-sit examination is offered for the oral exam. In the case the student fails this course, a re-sit exam will be conducted in March of the Spring following the course.
This course acknowledges the use of AI as part of assignments and deliverables. However, it requires an explicit declaration of how and where it is used. Details will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Informatics (MSIT)
Recommended previous knowledge
Basic programming, physics and linear algebra.
Course materials
Course material will be announced at the beginning of the semester.
Subject areas
- Computer Science