CSC3232 : Gaming Technologies and Simulations
CSC3232 : Gaming Technologies and Simulations
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Giacomo Bergami
- Lecturer: Dr Chris Holder
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Stage 2 of CS Degree
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To understand the programming techniques associated with the technical development of a video game. Students gain experience in the technical design and implementation of engineering a computer games system. The analysis of a design as an engineered system is assessed through appropriate choice of system components based on complexity, processor cost and memory imprint.
Outline Of Syllabus
The syllabus has focus around the programming requirements for video games in the context of physics, artificial intelligence, and gameplay
• Players and adversaries – gameplay programming for adversarial based games
• Path-finding – algorithms for navigation
• Game AI– algorithms for simulating behaviour
• Physics – approximating realistic simulations in real-time in video games
• Gameplay modelling- Using probability to encourage longevity of play
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
To be able to:
- Describe the constituent parts of a video game development programming pipeline
- Distinguish between the appropriateness of programming choices in varied genre video game construction
- Produce a video game in a stand-alone manner or within a game engine
- Analyse a video game in the context of identifying playability and resource efficiency
Intended Skill Outcomes
To be able to:
- Program in a manner sufficient to create modular code allowing realistic real-time video game play
- Use and understand modern video game development software
- Implement and utilise resource monitoring tools to ensure efficiency of video game execution
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Coursework 1 |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Traditional Present in Person lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Present in Person Computer Classroom |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 115 | 1:00 | 115:00 | Background reading |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Lecture follow-up |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Techniques and theory are presented in lectures. Supervised practical classes on a PC cluster room provide experience of writing programs and using PCs with help available.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 100 | Graphical simulation achieved through game engine plug-in (software equivalent to 4000 words) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | VLE delivered test of learning outcomes. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The coursework ensures the students understand and can engineer solutions based on graphical code libraries.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC3232's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CSC3232's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.