MAT101 MATHS 1

This subject introduces students to foundational mathematical concepts necessary for specialisation subjects in their degree. Main topics covered are – Linear Algebra, Discrete Maths and Geometry. The delivery consists of theoretical elements, a demonstration, and then the lecturers allow students to put these skills into practice. The students collaborate and share mathematical problem-solving approaches during frequent in-class discussions and are expected to provide these solutions for class reviews.

ISE102 INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

This subject provides an introduction to the information and skills needed to begin working in software engineering. This subject will cover the concepts of object-oriented programming with a particular focus on learning to use the C++ programming language. An understanding of C++ will form the basis of the necessary skills needed for developing professional and complex software packages such as video games.

ADS103 ALGORITHMS & DATA STRUCTURES

Students learn the fundamental data structures and algorithms that are needed to solve common software engineering problems. Students improve their learning throughout this subject by working on a large number of projects. They solve common problems by designing, developing, implementing, testing, and enhancing a collection of data structures and algorithms.

CAO107 Computer Architecture and Operating Systems

This subject examines the design, organisation, and operation of modern computer systems from both a hardware and software perspective.

The first half of this subject explores the five classic components of a computer system; input, output, memory, datapath, and control, with the last two making up the processor. We explore the history of computer systems, highlighting the recent change in trend from increasing clock speeds to increasing processor/core counts. We describe how the performance of a computer system can be evaluated, how it has been the driving factor behind progress and why this recent change in trend was necessary. Each of the five classic components are examined in both an abstract sense and by looking at specific real-world examples. We put particular emphasis on the structure, design and operation of modern CPUs, how CPUs differ in design and operation from GPUs, and how memory hierarchies are used to improve performance.

The second half of this subject examines how operating systems bring all of these computer system components together in a cohesive way, to allow user programs to interact with these components without needing to know about the low-level details. Students will learn about the structure of a modern operating system, with particular emphasis on processes & threads, memory management, file systems and I/O.

GDP102 GAME DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Game Design Principles introduces students to game design foundations, techniques and paradigms through a series of lecture led and student-led activities. Students will explore game design principles through the analysis of existing game artefacts, applying those findings to the development of their own games. Students are introduced to a variety of analysis, development and presentation techniques encouraging discussion, creation and dissemination of their design choices through prototyping and documentation.

MAT102 MATHS 2

Students learn how to construct mathematical solutions to common gaming problems. They design, develop, test, and enhance a game that requires a significant degree of mathematics. Analytic geometry, matrices, transformations, quaternions, fractals, curves and splines as taught to cover the entire spectrum for 3D games. Software engineering models and notations are used to represent mathematical problems and students learn to write these for all mathematical code. Mathematics used in 3D games are introduced (vectors and matrices) and the more challenging mathematical problems are solved as a team. Lecturers encourage in-class discussions to assist students in their understanding of the concepts.

GPR103 2D GAME PROGRAMMING

In this subject, introductory programming concepts and software engineering management methods are introduced within the context of game development. Through practical project-based learning and a foundational introduction to development through industry standard video game engine tools and associated programming languages, students will explore how to break complex development problems down into smaller tasks that can be planned, managed and implemented. This process will enable them to respond to game design briefs with appropriate programming and development solutions.

Project Based Learning Studio: Technology

This subject provides students with an opportunity to work collaboratively on a series of projects, enhancing skills such as project management, time management, prioritisation, resilience and a gamut of interpersonal skills within a team of people across multiple specialisations. Additionally, students will be challenged to find creative solutions to product development and small-scale rapid prototypes. Students will engage in peer learning through agile development and processes. This learning experience will enhance self-development and enable continuous learning.

ICG202 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER GRAPHICS

(Prerequisite MAT101, ISE102, ADS103)
Students are introduced to the fundamental topics of core computer graphics, 3D graphics programming and the rendering pipeline. Topics included are transformation pipeline, device states, primitive rendering, basic camera systems, lighting, texturing, alpha techniques as well as software engineering design principles and testing strategies. By the end of the subject, students create a project utilizing low-level 3D graphics concepts as introduced in the class.

NDS203 NETWORKING & DATABASE SYSTEMS

(Prerequisite MAT101, ISE102, ADS103)
This subject introduces students to core concepts of Networking and Database Systems. Students learn fundamentals of Database Management Systems and network topology including network architecture. They are introduced to relational database models and learn fundamentals of structured query language (SQL). Students will apply these concepts through completing multiple software engineering projects.

AIP201 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & PHYSICS FOR GAMES

AIP201 introduces students to the fields of Physics & Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of software development for digital games. Students will learn to build simple physics & artificial intelligence systems for games. These systems will extend the students’ knowledge in software engineering process skills, modelling techniques and validation by applying these concepts to games physics & AI development.

AIP201 will explore modern techniques and theory for making efficient interactive agents and intelligent systems by exploring the concepts of game theory, path-finding, state driven design and autonomous decision making. Students will also understand the application of Newtonian mechanics in game engines through the use of physics programming, middleware and mathematics.

GPR202 3D GRAPHICS PROGRAMMING

Complex graphical programming topics are explored, and tool construction is introduced. The analysis requirements for tools are discussed to increase the likelihood of designing a useful tool. Students expand on already existing libraries and create plug-ins for pre-existing technologies. Additionally, students will design, construct, test, and evaluate a 3D scene - drawing on a collection of human-computer interaction, visual design, and game design elements to enhance it. Visual and non-visual elements that enable the creation of the 3D scene are evaluated.

GDP204 GAME DEVELOPMENT PLAYSTATION®

This subject provides specialised familiarity on Sony’s PlayStation platform, namely PS4 and PS Vita. Students learn about the architecture and pipelines of these two systems. They learn the proprietary PhyreEngine and learn optimised game development techniques for the PlayStation platform. Students will conclude this subject by creating an optimized artefact for the PlayStation platform.

RGP204 RAPID GAME PROTOTYPE

The goal of this subject is to provide the students with an opportunity to collaborate on a series of projects, enhance collaborative skills working within a team of people across multiple disciplines. Additionally, the assignments in this subject will challenge the student in finding creative solutions to project management and small scale rapid game creation. Students will be asked to create various 3D game prototypes over the duration of the subject and present their work. They will work within a group that will involve Bachelor of Software Engineering students. This will introduce team dynamics where multiple disciplines are involved.

WIL302 WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING

This subject is designed to provide students with professional experience in an area related to their field of study or the career they are working towards. The aim of providing industry-specific opportunities is to enable students to develop skills that will enhance their prospects of gaining meaningful employment and building their career for the future. Much of the benefit of work integrated learning comes from observation, practicing under supervision and reflection. Work Integrated Learning is an excellent way to broaden the students learning environment while they are studying. It allows them to see first-hand how what they are learning in their degree translates into practice, as well as how ‘real world’ practice relates to what they are learning at University.

This subject will develop work ready skills and boost students’ employability while they are studying.

There are two work integrated learning options available to students:

Option 1: Internship

Students are offered the opportunity to work within a professional design environment for an extended period of time. It encourages students to build long-term relationships with the design industry and exposes them to the rigour of applied design practice while building their confidence in adapting to new environments. It also provides a context in which to enhance their communication skills and work collaboratively in a professional arena. Students will undertake a series of research tasks, conducting interviews and gathering data in order to understand the key concepts in managing a professional design practice with emphasis placed on the operation of the professional design environment.

Option 2: Industry Live Brief

This subject requires students to respond to criteria set within the context of an Industry Live Project. An understanding of research methodologies appropriate to professional practice and the documentation of personal creative investigation will be explored. Students will also further investigate and examine entrepreneurial and commercial opportunities through collaborative work practice.
The subject is delivered from a cross discipline perspective and draws on both discipline specific and common design practices. Students are required to work both independently or as part of a collaborative team in order to conduct research, analyse and define project parameters and deliver innovative solutions that expand the notion of an industry live brief.

DMV302 Data Mining & Visualisation

The aim of this subject is to teach students data mining techniques for both structured and unstructured data. Students will be able to analyse moderate-to-large sized datasets, data preparation, handling missing data, modelling, prediction and classification. Students will also be able to communicate complex information in results of data analytics through effective visualisation techniques.

PPR301 PRE-PRODUCTION CAPSTONE 1

Students develop game project documentation to be used in the development of a game, enhancing their skills in the areas of industry procedures and game design principles. Students draw on learning from previous materials to debate and justify the contents of their design. Teams need to communicate the project, ideas and scope through presentation, documentation, and playable prototypes. During this preproduction period, the environment is studio based, helping students prepare for industry realities.