OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

3D Graphics in Android

Sensors and VR

Benny Lo

This course is an ideal introduction into creating virtual environments in Android. This course is unique as it covers a range of tools and techniques to create immersive 3D environments, giving you a rounded skill set in this growing field. By the end of this course, you will really be able to bring your VR ideas to life!

The first part of the course covers animation, lighting and reflection. We then move onto textures and handling multiple 3D objects. Finally, we'll look at housing all of this within a binocular view to create a VR experience.

Read more

This course is an ideal introduction into creating virtual environments in Android. This course is unique as it covers a range of tools and techniques to create immersive 3D environments, giving you a rounded skill set in this growing field. By the end of this course, you will really be able to bring your VR ideas to life!

The first part of the course covers animation, lighting and reflection. We then move onto textures and handling multiple 3D objects. Finally, we'll look at housing all of this within a binocular view to create a VR experience.

There are practical exercises throughout the course to apply your understanding, and there is a summative project which can form part of your professional portfolio.

This course assumes a knowledge of Android programming and OpenGL. I recommend completing my two Coursera courses on these topics, as these are the perfect primer.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Animation, Touch Control and Lighting
In this first module, we're going to look at some core functions which we can use within Android to create 3D objects and scenes. We'll begin by looking at how we can add animation to 3D objects and make these interactive using touch control. We'll then look at using lighting and reflection to make our 3D objects look more realistic.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a good foundation in VR concepts and development, including animation, lighting, textures, and environment creation
Designed for learners with existing knowledge of Android programming and OpenGL
Led by an experienced instructor, Benny Lo
Covers practical aspects through exercises and a summative project
Offers hands-on experience in creating VR apps using binocular view
Provides a comprehensive introduction to VR development for Android

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

3d graphics and vr in android

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to creating 3D graphics and VR environments in Android. Many students found the content, particularly the focus on sensors and building a VR app, to be interesting and practical. While the course provides a good overview of key concepts like animation, lighting, textures, and blending, some learners felt that certain topics could benefit from more in-depth explanation or additional examples. The course assumes a strong foundation in Android and OpenGL, and reviewers confirm that this prerequisite knowledge is essential for success. Overall, it is seen as a valuable starting point for developers looking to dive into mobile VR.
Covers core 3D graphics and VR basics.
"The course does a good job covering the fundamentals like lighting, textures, and basic animation."
"I gained a solid understanding of how sensors can be used for VR movement."
"The modules on blending and multiple objects were particularly useful."
"It provides a good overview of the necessary steps to create a simple VR scene in Android."
Focuses on applying concepts to build a VR app.
"I loved the final project where I got to build a real VR app; it really ties everything together."
"The practical exercises throughout the course were very helpful in applying what I learned."
"The hands-on approach, especially with the sensors and binocular view, is a major strength."
"I appreciate that the course leads up to creating a full VR app; it makes the learning feel very practical."
Some coding examples have bugs or are unclear.
"Debugging the sample code took up a significant amount of time."
"I encountered some issues with the provided code snippets; they didn't always work out of the box."
"Some examples felt a bit outdated or didn't follow best practices."
"Clearer and more robust code examples would greatly improve the learning experience."
Some topics lack detailed explanation.
"While the topics covered are good, I wished some areas had more in-depth lectures or examples."
"Could use more advanced techniques or optimization tips for performance."
"I had to look up additional resources to fully grasp certain concepts, especially regarding the rendering pipeline."
"The explanation of the frame buffer felt a bit rushed."
Assumes solid knowledge of Android and OpenGL.
"As the course description states, a solid background in Android and OpenGL is absolutely crucial."
"If you don't know OpenGL well, you will struggle with the coding assignments."
"This course is not for beginners; make sure you meet the prerequisites."
"Prior experience with 3D graphics concepts helped me follow along much better."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in 3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR with these activities:
Review Android Programming
Refresh your memory on Android programming concepts to ensure a smooth transition into this course.
Show steps
  • Review the basics of Android app development.
  • Practice creating simple Android apps.
Refresh Java Coding
Reinforce your Java coding skills before starting the course to ensure a strong foundation.
Browse courses on Java
Show steps
  • Review basic Java syntax and data types.
  • Practice writing simple Java programs.
  • Solve coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
Follow OpenGL Tutorials
Enhance your understanding of OpenGL by following online tutorials and practicing with sample code.
Browse courses on OpenGL
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials that cover OpenGL basics.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step to create simple 3D objects.
  • Experiment with different OpenGL functions and parameters.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a Study Group
Collaborate with peers by joining a study group to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and provide support.
Browse courses on virtual reality
Show steps
  • Find a study group that aligns with your learning goals.
  • Attend study sessions regularly.
Practice Animation and Lighting
Solidify your understanding of animation and lighting by completing practice drills and exercises.
Browse courses on Animation
Show steps
  • Create scenarios that involve moving objects and lighting changes.
  • Experiment with different animation techniques and lighting effects.
Build a Virtual Environment Prototype
Apply your skills by creating a prototype of a virtual environment that incorporates animation, textures, and interaction.
Show steps
  • Design the layout and structure of your virtual environment.
  • Implement object placement, movement, and interactions.
  • Add textures and lighting to enhance realism.
Contribute to an Open-Source VR Project
Expand your knowledge by contributing to an open-source VR project, gaining practical experience and insights.
Browse courses on virtual reality
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source VR project that interests you.
  • Find a way to contribute, such as reporting bugs or writing documentation.
Develop a VR Application
Showcase your skills by creating a fully functional VR application that combines animation, textures, and interaction.
Browse courses on virtual reality
Show steps
  • Conceptualize your VR application's purpose and features.
  • Design and implement the user interface and interactions.
  • Optimize your application for performance and stability.

Career center

Learners who complete 3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Virtual Reality (VR) Developer
Virtual Reality (VR) Developers use their knowledge of 3D modeling, animation, and programming to create virtual reality experiences. This course would be very helpful for those in this role, as it will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for VR Developers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Reality (VR) Developer
Technical Artist
Technical Artists use their knowledge of both art and technology to create 3D models, textures, and animations for use in video games, movies, and other media. This course would be very helpful for those in this role, as it will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Technical Artists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist
3D Modeler
3D Modelers use their knowledge of 3D modeling software to create 3D models for use in a variety of applications, such as video games, movies, and architecture. This course would be very helpful for those in this role, as it will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for 3D Modelers.
See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Modeler
Augmented Reality (AR) Developer
Augmented Reality (AR) Developers use their knowledge of 3D modeling, animation, and programming to create augmented reality experiences. This course would be very helpful for those in this role, as it will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for AR Developers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Augmented Reality (AR) Developer
Special Effects Artist and Animator
Special Effects Artists and Animators create visual effects for movies, television shows, and video games. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create realistic and visually appealing effects. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Special Effects Artists and Animators.
See salaries and explore the career path for Special Effects Artist and Animator
Multimedia Artist and Animator
Multimedia Artists and Animators create visual content for a variety of media, including video games, movies, and television shows. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create realistic and engaging content. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Multimedia Artists and Animators.
See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist and Animator
Mobile Application Developer
Mobile Application Developers design, develop, and maintain mobile applications. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create interactive and visually appealing mobile apps. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Mobile Application Developers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer
Video Game Designer
Video Game Designers create the overall concept, design, and gameplay for video games. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create the game's environment and characters. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Video Game Designers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Designer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create interactive and engaging web content. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Web Developers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Interaction Designer
Interaction Designers design the user interface and user experience of products and services. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create prototypes and mockups of user interfaces. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Interaction Designers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer
User Experience (UX) Designer
User Experience (UX) Designers design the overall user experience of products and services. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create prototypes and mockups of user interfaces. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for UX Designers.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer
Product Designer
Product Designers create the overall design of products, including their appearance, functionality, and user experience. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create prototypes and mockups of products. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Product Designers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer
Software Developer
Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create interactive and visually appealing applications. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Software Developers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Drafter
A Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafter uses computer software to create detailed technical drawings. A 3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR course would be appropriate for those in this role to enhance their visualization and spatial reasoning skills. Using programs such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks, professionals in this role may use their understanding of 3D modeling to create virtual models of buildings, landscapes, and other structures.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Drafter
Front-End Developer
Front End Developers are responsible for the design and implementation of the user interface of a website or web application. This course may be useful for those in this role, as it will teach students how to create interactive and engaging 3D content for the web. The course will cover topics such as 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Front End Developers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in 3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR.
Cover image
Mastering Unity 2017 Game Development with C#
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of 3D graphics for game developers. It covers all of the essential topics, including 3D modeling, animation, and lighting.
Mastering Unity 2017 Game Development with C# -...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
OpenGL SuperBible
Save
Provides a collection of recipes for using OpenGL Shading Language. It covers a wide range of topics, including creating shaders for different effects, using textures, and using lighting.
OpenGL Superbible: Comprehensive Tutorial and...
Paperback
$$$
OpenGL SuperBible: Comprehensive Tutorial and...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Computer Graphics with OpenGL
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer graphics using OpenGL. It covers all of the essential topics, including 3D transformations, projections, and lighting.
Computer Graphics with OpenGL
Paperback
Check
Computer Graphics with OpenGL
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
3D Computer Graphics
Save
Provides a mathematical introduction to 3D computer graphics and OpenGL. It covers the mathematics behind 3D transformations, projections, and lighting, and it provides a detailed overview of the OpenGL API.
3D Computer Graphics: A Mathematical Introduction...
Hardcover
$$$$
3D Computer Graphics: A Mathematical Introduction...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Unity 2020 Virtual Reality Projects
Save
Provides a practical guide to creating VR projects using Unity 2020. It covers all of the essential topics, including setting up a VR project, creating VR content, and deploying VR apps.
Unity 2020 Virtual Reality Projects - Third Edition...
Paperback
$$
Unity 2020 Virtual Reality Projects: Learn VR...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of virtual reality and augmented reality. It covers the history of VR/AR, the different types of VR/AR devices, and the applications of VR/AR in various fields.
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): Foundations...
Paperback
$$$
(Deutsch) Virtual und Augmented Reality (VR/AR): Grundlagen...
Paperback
$$
(Deutsch) Virtual und Augmented Reality (VR / AR): Grundlagen...
Paperback
$$
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): Foundations...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Mobile Health
Save
Provides a collection of recipes for using sensors in Android devices. It covers a wide range of topics, including using the accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS.
Mobile Health: Sensors, Analytic Methods, and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Mobile Health: Sensors, Analytic Methods, and...
Kindle Edition
$$$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to 3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR.
Android Graphics with OpenGL ES
Most relevant
Master Lighting in Inkscape
Most relevant
Configuring Kotlin for Android with IntelliJ IDEA
Most relevant
Service-Oriented Architecture
Most relevant
3D Animation in Unreal Engine: Create an Original...
Most relevant
Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process
Most relevant
Create a Basketball Score Counter App in Android using...
Most relevant
Unreal Engine 5 - Environment Design
Most relevant
Blender to Unreal Engine 5 — 3D Props - Medieval Market
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Effort
4 weeks of study, around 6 hours per week. The final project will take around 10 hours to complete.
Level
Advanced
Via
Coursera
Institution
Imperial College London
Instructor
Benny Lo
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша tiếng Việt
This course belongs to a collection called Advanced App Development in Android. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Introduction to Android graphics
  2. 3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR (viewing)
  3. Advanced App Development in Android Capstone
  4. Android Graphics with OpenGL ES
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a good foundation in VR concepts and development, including animation, lighting, textures, and environment creation
Designed for learners with existing knowledge of Android programming and OpenGL
Led by an experienced instructor, Benny Lo
Covers practical aspects through exercises and a summative project
Offers hands-on experience in creating VR apps using binocular view
Provides a comprehensive introduction to VR development for Android
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to 3D Graphics in Android.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser