Computer Science (COMP) 318
Introduction to Game Design and Development (Revision 2)
Revision 2 is closed for registrations, replaced by current version
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Delivery Mode: Individualized study online
Credits: 3
Area of Study: Science
Prerequisite: COMP 200
Note: Students who are concerned about not meeting the prerequisite for this course are encouraged to contact the course coordinator before registering.
Students in this course are required to contact their tutor using email. Please see the Tutor and Coordinator Support page for more information.
Centre: School of Computing and Information Systems
SCIS Orientation
COMP 318 is not available for challenge.
Overview
This is an introductory course in game design and development. This course covers many of the concepts involved in game design, beginning with the history of gaming and an examination of the software engineering aspects of game design. Other topics include the programming environment, game hardware, mathematical concepts, physical concepts, and graphics. This course will prepare students for advanced courses in game design.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to
- discuss and define the terms and principles of game design and development.
- select and evaluate programming and scripting languages to develop particular games.
- define the structure and duties of the game development team.
- practice animation production and creation tools.
- apply the mathematics used in game design.
- apply the physics needed to design computer games.
- apply artificial intelligence to developing computer games.
- explain the networking issues involved in games development.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, students will be able to understand all game development problems and issues, such as story creation, selection of programming language, mathematical analysis, physical analysis, graphics, multimedia, artificial intelligence, and others.
Outline
COMP 318 consists of the following fourteen units:
Unit 1: A Brief History of Video Games
Unit 2: Games and Society
Unit 3: Game Design
Unit 4: Teams and Processes
Unit 5: Programming Fundamentals
Unit 6: Debugging Games
Unit 7: Game Architecture
Unit 8: Memory and I/O Systems
Unit 9: Mathematical Concepts
Unit 10: Collision Detection and Resolution
Unit 11: Graphics
Unit 12: Artificial Intelligence
Unit 13: Networks and Multiplayer Mode
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 318, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent) and 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| 13 quizzes (4% each) | 52% |
| Final exam | 48% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
Textbook
Rabin, S. (2010). Introduction to Game Development, 2nd ed. Boston, MA: Charles River Media.
Other
The remaining learning materials for Computer Science 318 are distributed in electronic format. At this time, those materials include
- Computer Science 318 Study Guide
- Course Evaluation Form
- Links to Other Web-based Course Resources
Special Instructional Features
COMP 318 is offered through Moodle, a Learning Management System that can be accessed through the Web. COMP 318 can be completed at the student's workplace or home. COMP 318 is an elective in all undergraduate programs offered by the School of Computing and Information Systems.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 2, May 13, 2011
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