Undergraduate courses offered by the Faculty
Bachelor of Computer Science in Games Technology (SBCSGT) – Melbourne (Bundoora)
Accompanying the expansion of computer power and functionality in recent years has been a huge growth in the popularity and accessibility of increasingly realistic games and the establishment of a vibrant games development industry. In addition to specialist knowledge and skills in areas like computer software development, graphics, multimedia programming and artificial intelligence, games developers also need a solid grounding in mathematics and physics.
The Bachelor of Computer Science in Games Technology provides the necessary theoretical basis, plus practical training in games design and development, and prepares students for a career in the dynamic and rapidly transforming world of computer games production. It is a three-year, full-time course and the Honours program requires a further year of study.
This course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Upon completion of this course, students should possess:
- a comprehensive understanding of the core areas of computer science including computer organisation, algorithms and data structures, and compiliers and systems software;
- advanced high-level skills in developing software using high level languages, with a current emphasis on C++ and Java;
- specialist knowledge and skills required for games development, including graphics, multimedia programming, artificial intelligence, network communication protocols input/output device control;
- a sound understanding of physics and mathematics relevant to computer science generally, and games development specifically – discrete mathematics, functions and number systems, vector calculus, linear algebra, and mechanics;
- proficiency in applying an object-oriented approach to systems analysis, design and implementation;
- skills and abilities necessary to function effectively in project teams;
- written and oral communication skills enabling effective communication with professional colleagues and the wider community;
- ability to engage in lifelong learning; and
- an appreciation of pertinent social, legal, and ethical issues faced by today’s computing professional.
Scholarships
First year scholarships are available for high achieving students. Prospective candidates should contact the Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering early in their year-12 studies for details.
Course structure
The course is of three years full-time or equivalent part-time duration and requires the completion of 360 credit points. In the first year, students take subjects designed to provide them with basic knowledge and skills in computer science, mathematics, and physics, including programming skills in Java and C++ programming languages. In the second year students concentrate on developing further knowledge in the areas of mathematics needed for games development and building on understanding of key computer science topics. The third year includes visual basic programming, games technology (using games development in, Direct X), multimedia systems for web games, network communication protocols for massive multi-player online games and control of input/output devices. Students also undertake a major industry-sponsored games technology project during this year. Students who meet entrance requirements for Honours may proceed to the Honours year and will have the opportunity to take specialised subjects at an advanced level.
Mid-year commencement
Some students with prior tertiary studies may be required to commence their course on 5th July 2010, three weeks earlier than the normal commencement for that teaching period. These students will be advised by the faculty office at the time of offer.
First year (120 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Discrete Mathematics | MAT1DM | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Calculus and Number Systems | MAT1CNS | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Object-Oriented Programming Fundamentals | CSE1OOF | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Principles of Physics A | PHY1SCA | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Game Design Theory | CSE1GDT | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Intermediate Object-Oriented Programming | CSE1IOO | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Linear Algebra and Physics for Games Technology | CSE1LAP | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Object-Oriented Programming Using C++ | CSE1CPP | 15 |
Second year (120 credit points)
Core subjects (90 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Advanced C++ for Games Technology | CSE2ACG | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Graphics Programming | CSE2GRA | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2 | Algorithms and Data Structures | CSE2ALG | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Games Programming Technology | CSE2GAM | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Mathematics Topics for Computer Science | MAT2MFC | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | System Design Engineering Fundamentals | CSE2DES | 15 |
Electives (30 credit points)
The remaining 30 credit points can be any second year level subjects for which pre-requisites have been obtained. The following subjects are recommended:
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Computer System Architecture | CSE2CSA | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Network Engineering Fundamentals | CSE2NEF | 15 |
Third year (120 credit points)
Core subjects (90 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Advanced Games Programming Technology | CSE3AGT | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Advanced Graphics Programming | CSE3AGR | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Games Technology Project A1 | CSE3GPA | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Games Technology Project B1 | CSE3GPB | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Operating Systems | CSE3OSS | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Professional Environment | CSE3PE | 15 |
Electives (30 credit points)
The remaining 30 credit points can be any third year level subjects for which pre-requisites have been obtained. The following subjects are recommended:
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Database Fundamentals | CSE2DBF | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | System Design and Methodologies | CSE3SDM | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals | CSE2AIF | 15 |
Key: 1 Both subjects must be taken in the one academic year. Students may take CSE3PRG as an alternative to CSE3GPA and CSE3GPB but only if approved by the Course Coordinator
Honours
Honours degree students are selected based on their performance in the final year of the pass degree course. Students must obtain a minimum average of 60% across all of their third year subjects and obtain an average of at least 70% over their best third year level computer science subjects to the value of 60 credit points (project included) to qualify for entry to the Honours year. The subjects CSE3GPA and CSE3GPB will be counted as 15 credit points only in this calculation. Meeting this requirement, however, does not guarantee a place in the Honours year as resources may limit the total number of places available and students are expected to find a supervisor prior to enrolment
Fourth (Honours) year (120 credit points)
Core subjects (90 credit points)
| Teachingperiod | Subject name | Subject code | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Games Platform Programming | CSE4GPP | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Thesis A | CSE4THA | 30 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Games Modding | CSE4MOD | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Thesis B | CSE4THB | 30 |
Electives (30 credit points)
Electives must be chosen from the following list. With the approval of the course adviser students may take a subject not listed below.
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Advanced System Design | CSE4ASD | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Communication Protocol Engineering | CSE4CPE | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Decision Support Systems | CSE4DSS | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Multi-Agent Systems | CSE4MAS | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Pattern Recognition2 | CSE4PRN | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Real-Time and Fault-Tolerant Systems | CSE4RFS | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Web Services Engineering | CSE4WSE | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Wireless Network Engineering | CSE4WNE | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Advanced Databases | CSE4ADB | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Advanced Quality and Reliability | CSE4AQR | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Business Intelligence Engineering2 | CSE4BIE | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Data Mining | CSE4DMI | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Entrepreneurship in I.T. | CSE4ENT | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Mobile and Pervasive Computing | CSE4MPC | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Performance Analysis of Computer Systems | CSE4PCS | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Pervasive Network Design | CSE4PND | 15 |
Key: 2 Not available in 2010.
For a full description of subjects, including the subject name, subject code, credit points, campus/location, subject coordinator, class requirements, assessment, prerequisites and readings, students should access the Subject Database at www.latrobe.edu.au/udb_public.