Degree Curriculum
SEMESTER ONE (September thru December)
Mathematics for Computer Games
Dr. Nigel Lucas & Dr. Richard Paris
This course covers mathematics used to program graphics and computer games. Students learn to apply 2D and 3D vector/matrix transformation techniques to typical computer graphics problems, use Newton's laws of motion in 1D and 2D models and use concepts of momentum, work and energy to solve problems.
The Games Marketplace
Mr. Ken Fee
This course covers professional issues associated with the games industry. Students learn to critically evaluate the various forms of game play and their interrelationship with game designs and the player experience; understand terminology used in game development in the context of a "lifecycle" model; examine methods used to develop and market computer games and entertainment products, and synthesize as well as evaluate a games development and marketing proposal.
Artificial Intelligence for Games
Dr. Suheyl Ozveren & Dr. David King
This course explains the features and techniques used to implement A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) in a game or entertainment product.
Programming Games
Dr. Louis Natanson
2D and 3D programming using DirectX with C++ is introduced as students create graphics applications for the PC and Xbox platforms using the DirectX API.
SEMESTER TWO (January thru April)
Console Game Development
Dr. Henry Fortuna
This course introduces the techniques, tools, and environment necessary to develop game applications on a modern console. Students evaluate console architecture and performance with specific reference to 3D issues; develop techniques for use in programming 3D games; analyze and use development tools; evaluate console game development techniques; and design, create and critically evaluate a console game application.
Games Programming for the PC and Xbox
Dr. Louis Natanson
Games Programming for the PC and Xbox extends the core concepts from the first semester Programming Games course. Students will create 3D computer games or interactive graphics applications using the development techniques offered by DirectX, analyze the computer games rendering and simulation problems and devise or select appropriate solutions, and understand how to develop 3D graphics software through efficient and effective use of a graphics rendering pipeline.
Game Design and Development
Dr. Euan Dempster
This course introduces collaborative group work as a part of a development team. In teams, students design and propose a complete game design and development plan then produce a full one-level prototype. Each team member learns to contribute to the management and direction of a development team and reflect upon their individual role as well as the team's ability to meet the challenges set for it.
MASTERS PROPOSAL
Dr. Colin Cartwright
Scholars identify and research hypotheses and investigations in the field of computer games technology and evaluate the feasibility of pursuing resolutions to such investigations. This course provides students with the skills to prepare a proposal for an independent or industrial research project.
MASTERS PROJECT
Dr. Colin Cartwright
The Masters Project involves the conduct and write-up of a research investigation based on the Masters Proposal. Students engage with their peers and supervisors while testing and examining their work on an ongoing basis. This is an opportunity to specialize in a chosen area of study through independent research, investigation, critique and formal presentation. The final report is constructed as a coherent and cogent dissertation (thesis) that clearly explains the findings of the investigation.
Mathematics for Computer Games
Dr. Nigel Lucas & Dr. Richard Paris
This course covers mathematics used to program graphics and computer games. Students learn to apply 2D and 3D vector/matrix transformation techniques to typical computer graphics problems, use Newton's laws of motion in 1D and 2D models and use concepts of momentum, work and energy to solve problems.
The Games Marketplace
Mr. Ken Fee
This course covers professional issues associated with the games industry. Students learn to critically evaluate the various forms of game play and their interrelationship with game designs and the player experience; understand terminology used in game development in the context of a "lifecycle" model; examine methods used to develop and market computer games and entertainment products, and synthesize as well as evaluate a games development and marketing proposal.
Artificial Intelligence for Games
Dr. Suheyl Ozveren & Dr. David King
This course explains the features and techniques used to implement A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) in a game or entertainment product.
Programming Games
Dr. Louis Natanson
2D and 3D programming using DirectX with C++ is introduced as students create graphics applications for the PC and Xbox platforms using the DirectX API.
SEMESTER TWO (January thru April)
Console Game Development
Dr. Henry Fortuna
This course introduces the techniques, tools, and environment necessary to develop game applications on a modern console. Students evaluate console architecture and performance with specific reference to 3D issues; develop techniques for use in programming 3D games; analyze and use development tools; evaluate console game development techniques; and design, create and critically evaluate a console game application.
Games Programming for the PC and Xbox
Dr. Louis Natanson
Games Programming for the PC and Xbox extends the core concepts from the first semester Programming Games course. Students will create 3D computer games or interactive graphics applications using the development techniques offered by DirectX, analyze the computer games rendering and simulation problems and devise or select appropriate solutions, and understand how to develop 3D graphics software through efficient and effective use of a graphics rendering pipeline.
Game Design and Development
Dr. Euan Dempster
This course introduces collaborative group work as a part of a development team. In teams, students design and propose a complete game design and development plan then produce a full one-level prototype. Each team member learns to contribute to the management and direction of a development team and reflect upon their individual role as well as the team's ability to meet the challenges set for it.
MASTERS PROPOSAL
Dr. Colin Cartwright
Scholars identify and research hypotheses and investigations in the field of computer games technology and evaluate the feasibility of pursuing resolutions to such investigations. This course provides students with the skills to prepare a proposal for an independent or industrial research project.
MASTERS PROJECT
Dr. Colin Cartwright
The Masters Project involves the conduct and write-up of a research investigation based on the Masters Proposal. Students engage with their peers and supervisors while testing and examining their work on an ongoing basis. This is an opportunity to specialize in a chosen area of study through independent research, investigation, critique and formal presentation. The final report is constructed as a coherent and cogent dissertation (thesis) that clearly explains the findings of the investigation.