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Computer Science In Games Technology

This course information is for local students only

Year

2012

Award

Bachelor of Computer Science in Games Technology

Length

3 years

Campuses

Melbourne

Course description

There has been a huge growth in the popularity of realistic games in a vibrant and rapidly transforming games industry. Games technology studies aims to develop sophisticated programming skills, a sound theoretical basis in games design, and specialist knowledge and skills in areas such as graphics, rendering, artificial intelligence, software development, multimedia programming, and operating systems. This course aims to provide a theoretical basis and practical training in games design and development and to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing industry. The course encompasses a solid grounding in the physics and mathematics necessary for producing increasingly realistic video games and interactive simulations.

Course structure

First-year studies include game design theory, object-oriented programming in Java C++ and XNA, mathematics, and physics.

Second- and third-year studies include advanced games and graphics programming, advanced mathematics for games development, algorithms and data structures, software system design, artificial intelligence, operating systems, and a major industry-sponsored games technology project.

Contact hours

29 hours a week (average) in first year

Subject details

Major areas of study

Algorithms and data structures, artificial intelligence, mathematics, physics, game design theory, object-oriented programming, games programming in Java C/C++ and XNA, games development, graphics programming and rendering, operating systems, professional practice, systems and software engineering, network engineering.

Overseas study opportunities

Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange for more information

Fee type

Fees (Fee-Help available)

Annual (or Total) Tuition Fee (AUD)

23 360

Scholarships

Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduates

Selection

Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at undergraduate (EFS5 (60%) UG) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or

TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 550 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or

TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 213 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or

TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 80 with no individual score less than 20; or

Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or

Approved equivalent.

Academic entry requirements

LTM Foundation Studies - 60
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 74.40
International Baccalaureate - 24
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 6
HKDSE - 8,3
Sri Lankan A Levels - CCC
STPM - 8
MICSS (UEC) - 3A 3B
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 60
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.5
Sweden Slutbetyg - G
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 65
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.2
Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 2.6
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.3
GAOKAO - see: the website

If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information, visit the *La Trobe Melbourne website.

Prerequisites

Mathematics determined to be equivalent to Australian VCE Units 3 & 4 Mathematical Methods (either) or Specialist Mathematics.

Semester starts

Semester 1 (February)

Industry experience

The following types of industry experience are available in this course.

  • Industry project (university-based, for academic credit)

Additional information

Semester 2 (July) entry is only available to students with Advanced Standing (credit) for previous studies.

Career opportunities

Graduates may work as games developers in the games technology industry, as graphics programmers for special effects and computer-generated imagery, as well as in the many industries now incorporating games technology into their business. The depth of knowledge and skills gained in key areas of computer science, mathematics and physics also enables graduates to enter careers in software development, web programming, and computer networks.

Professional recognition

The Australian Computer Society has accredited this course and graduates are eligible for professional membership.