Games Programming

Unit Code:HIT3243

Credit Points	Duration	Contact Hours	Campus	Prerequisite	Corequisite
12.5 Credit Points	1 Semester or equivalent	48 Hours	Hawthorn	HIT2302 Object-Oriented Programming or HIT2037 Software Development in Java or HIT3037 Programming in Java or HIT3054 C++ for Java Programmers or HIT3072 C++ for Programmers or HIT3172 Object-Oriented Programming in C++ or 65% in HIT3181 Technical Software Development	Nil

Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Bachelor of Multimedia (Games and Interactivity)/Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software Engineering), Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology and Bachelor of Science (Games Development)

Aims & Objectives:

The aim of unit is for students to understand, select, design, implement and utilise game engine components, and the associated use of data structures and software patterns.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

Discuss game engine components including architectures of components, selection of components for a particular game specification the role and purpose of specific game engine components, and the relationship of components with underlying technologies
Create games that utilise and demonstrate game engine component functionality, including the implementation of components that encapsulate specific low-level APIs
Identify performance bottlenecks by using profiling techniques and tools, and applying optimisation strategies to improve performance
Explain and illustrate the role of data structures and patterns in game programming, and rationalise the selection of these for the development of a specified game scenario.

Teaching Methods:

Lectures (24 hrs), Tutorials (labs) (24 hrs)

Assessment:

Assignments,Tests (formative) and Portfolio

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Students will be provided with feedback on their progress in attaining the following generic skills:
· Communication skills
· Problem solving skills
· Ability to work independently

Content:

Components of game engines and their use and implementation, including input, graphics, audio and others.
Tools, techniques and strategies for optimising the performance of software in a games context.
The use of data structures and patterns in games programming.