Bachelor of Computer Science in Games Technology
Course code/s: Melbourne (SBCSGT)
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 compilers 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.
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 | Calculus and Linear Algebra | MAT1CLA | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Object-Oriented Programming Using C++ | CSE1CPP | 15 |
Second year (120 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Advanced C++ for Games Technology | CSE2ACG | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | 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 |
| The remaining 45 credit points can be any second year level computer science subjects. The following subjects are recommended: | |||
| TE-SEM-1 | Database Fundamentals | CSE2DBF | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Network Engineering Fundamentals | CSE2NEF | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals | CSE2AIF | 15 |
Third year (120 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Advanced Games Programming Technology | CSE3AGT | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Industry Project 3A1 | CSE3PRA | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Industry Project 3B1 | CSE3PRB | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Operating Systems | CSE3OSS | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Professional Environment | CSE3PE | 15 |
| The remaining 45 credit points can be any third year level computer science subjects. The following subjects are recommended: | |||
| TE-SEM-1 | System Design and Methodologies | CSE3SDM | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Visual Information Systems | CSE3VIS | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Metrics, Quality and Reliability | CSE3MQR | 15 |
Key: 1 Both subjects must be taken in the one academic year.
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 CSE3PRB 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 (60 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Thesis A | CSE5TSA | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Games Modding | CSE4MOD | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Thesis B | CSE5TSB | 30 |
| TE-SEM-1 / TE-SEM-2 | The remaining 60 credit points can be any fourth or fifth year level computer science subjects. | 60 |
Please note: Some of these subjects may not be offered in the current year. For a full description of subjects, including the subject name, subject code, credit points, campus/location, teaching period and availability, subject coordinator, class requirements, assessment, prerequisites and readings, please click on the appropriate Subject Code or refer to the Subject Database at www.latrobe.edu.au/udb_public.