PROGRAMS
Game Development Courses 1
3D CONTENT CREATION
The 3D Content Creation Course explores techniques used in the professional game industry to create content for state-of-the-art real time 3D games. Topics covered include geometry, lighting, shading, texturing, culling and the rendering pipeline, and animation. Student assignments include modeling, animating and rendering with a major 3D modeling and animation software package.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
In this course, students learn the techniques of designing intelligent behaviors used in games, and learn how to create opponents that actually challenge the user for repeated game play. Students learn how to give the appearance of intelligence through techniques like smart search algorithms, pursuit algorithms, and avoidance algorithms. Various techniques of modeling opponent behavioral styles and levels of aggression are also taught.
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
The Behavioral Science Course is designed to introduce students to the psychology of self-evaluation, self-motivation, self-awareness, and self-focus. This course provides proven methods in adapting to new environments and reducing anxiety. Students are also introduced to techniques of time management, organizational skills, active listening, and producing effective presentations.
CALCULUS AND TRIGONOMETRY
The Calculus and Trigonometry course is the first of two pure math courses in the program. During this course, the concepts of limits, tangents, and derivatives are covered, as they have direct applications in the optimization of physics formulas. Parametric equations are also explored as they are used to control motion as time increments from frame to frame. This course is a prerequisite for the Linear Algebra and Physics courses.DATA STRUCTURES
The Data Structures Course provides students with a programmer’s toolkit of code and techniques by introducing a variety of ways to manage data and organize programs. Students are reintroduced to core C++ concepts, and extensively examine memory and code dealing with arrays. More complex programming constructs are also explored by looking at the dynamic (linked) list and variations on dynamic data, such as hash tables, trees, and graphs. The course also looks at software engineering and code organization for C++, focusing on utilizing polymorphism and object-based design patterns.
DIRECT X
The DirectX Course is designed to introduce current tools and techniques used by console and PC developers in the current game industry. Student assignments include, but are not limited to, programming, debugging
ENGINE DEVELOPMENT I
The Engine Development I Course teaches students the techniques used to integrate complex systems. The class is also designed to help students think about the limitations of game engines with particular emphasis on the architectural engine design and feature integration. Students learn about and exercise the production methodologies and practices utilized by development studios to create stand alone gaming applications. Students will also learn about the limitations of implementing cross-platform technology for console and PC based systems.
