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 full-time or up to 6 years part-time
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
Application
VTAC
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
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-undergraduatesFirst-year scholarships are available for high-achieving students. Prospective candidates should contact the Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering early in their Year 12 studies for details.
Middle Band
Completion of Specialist Mathematics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points.
Selection
ATAR 74.40 (2011)
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 70 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. They may also be asked to complete a maths test.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any) and either Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics.
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
Industry experience
The following types of industry experience are available in this course.
- Industry project (university-based, for academic credit)
Additional information
Students without the appropriate computer science background may be required to commence three weeks early to undertake accelerated first-year computer science subjects.
Career opportunities
Graduates are likely to find roles as developers in the games technology industry, as graphics programmers for special effects and computer-generated imagery, and in the many industries now incorporating games technology into their business. Because of the depth of their knowledge and skills in key areas of computer science, mathematics and physics, they may also have career options in software development, web programming, and computer networks.
Professional recognition
The course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society; graduates are eligible for membership.