Software Development with Games Programming - BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

This BSc (Hons) in Software Development with Games Programming equips graduates with comprehensive software development skills specializing in game programming. The program emphasizes the design and development of games for various platforms using industry-standard programming languages and game engines. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the software development and game development industries, including roles as game developers, software engineers, and game engine developers.

Program Outline

Software Development with Games Programming – BSc (Hons) - TUS Thurles

Degree Overview:

This program is designed to equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of software development and the skills necessary for game programming. The program aims to produce graduates capable of designing and developing games for various platforms, including mobile, consoles, PCs, and online, using a variety of programming languages and game engines.

Key Objectives:

• Develop a deep understanding of software development principles and techniques.
• Acquire the skills needed to design and develop games for various platforms.
• Master programming languages and game engines relevant to the industry.
• Gain experience in creating, releasing, and promoting games.
• Develop expertise in software development, artificial intelligence, agile software design, game engine frameworks, and cross-platform game development.

Outline:

The program is structured over four years, with a focus on both theoretical and practical learning.

Year 1:

• Computer Mathematics: Introduces fundamental mathematical concepts relevant to computing, including arithmetic, algebra, indices, logarithms, number systems, and logic.
• Data Essentials: Provides a foundation in data and databases, covering types of data, database design, implementation, and security.
• Introduction to Programming: Introduces the principles and techniques of computer programming using a modern programming language, covering fundamental data types, decision concepts, and loops.
• Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective communication skills in a professional context, including oral and written communication, presentations, and learning skills.
• Mathematical Methods: Provides a foundation in mathematical methodologies relevant to computing, including set theory, functions, coordinate geometry, and matrices.
• Operating Systems Fundamentals: Covers the purpose, functions, and structures of modern computer operating systems, including the OS kernel, processes, device handling, storage, security, and virtualization.
• Responsive Design and Web Development: Develops skills in designing and developing interactive and responsive websites, covering mobile-first design, responsive web design, JavaScript, and website publishing.
• Structured Programming: Provides an in-depth analysis and implementation of structured programming concepts, including functions, arrays, vectors, pointers, and streams.
• Web Development Fundamentals: Introduces the fundamentals of web page development, covering fundamental web concepts, HTML5, CSS, and web design concepts and principles.

Year 2:

• 2D Game Development: Develops programming abilities with a focus on 2D game development, including the development of a 2D game-based system, analysis, design, and development using appropriate programming languages and design patterns.
• Agile Development Methods: Introduces the process of software development from an Agile perspective, covering the software development lifecycle, Agile methodology, Agile lifecycles, and UML model specification and development.
• Algorithms For Game Development: Introduces advanced topics in algorithms and data structures with applications to game design and development, examining algorithms and data structures from graph theory and computational geometry, along with computational complexity.
• Computer Graphics: Introduces the basic concepts of computer graphics and raster-based methods, providing theoretical background and demonstrating the application of computer science to graphics.
• Data Structures & Algorithms: Introduces fundamental data structures, including arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hash tables, both abstractly and concretely in terms of their implementation in an object-oriented framework.
• Game Design: Introduces essential concepts of game design, focusing on developing abilities and awareness of game genres, game design, and ethical boundaries.
• Game Play Programming: Develops game development abilities with a focus on using an OO framework to program entertaining interactions, covering applied digital game case study-based system analysis, design, and development using appropriate OO design techniques.
• Mathematics for Game Dev: Describes the mathematical ideas and language used to formulate problems in computer science, particularly the mathematics and dynamics employed in describing the position and motion of bodies in 2D and 3D space when developing computer-based games.
• Object Oriented Theory and Game Programming: Develops programming and problem-solving skills, providing the principles and practices of object-oriented techniques in a gaming context.

Year 3:

• 3D Game Engine Development: Explores design techniques, planning, and programming techniques used to design, develop, test, distribute, and maintain games developed using 3D game engines.
• Game Development Patterns: Examines the use of software patterns utilized within digital games to improve the user experience and gameplay.
• Game Physics: Introduces the principles and methods from mathematics, physics, and computer science underlying physics simulation and collision detection in computer games.
• Project And Team Dynamics: Involves students in the specification, design, and implementation of a medium-to-large-scale practical project, integrating learning from various technical subjects.
• Work Placement: Provides students with an opportunity to apply theoretical and practical knowledge in a professional IT environment, gaining valuable career experience and understanding of working in such an environment.

Year 4:

• Cross Platform Game Development: Scrutinizes platform architectures and appropriate programming concepts, exposing learners to games design and scene development on mobile, handheld console, PC, and games console platforms.
• Networked Games: Explores and analyzes network programming algorithms and architectures in the context of games programming.
• Advanced Data Systems: Enables students to build reliable, scalable, distributed systems to manage and access large datasets.
• Computing and Modern Culture: Explores research about cyberculture and computer games, with an emphasis on interactive media and smartphones.
• Cyber Security: Examines the principles underlying web and network security, focusing on system security and threat analysis.
• Game Development Project: Involves students in the specification, design, and implementation of a medium-to-large-scale project, integrating learning from various course subjects.
• Machine Learning: Provides an understanding of the end-to-end process of building machine learning models, from understanding the business proposition to evaluating model performance.
• Mobile Applications & Connected Devices: Develops knowledge required to develop mobile applications and applications capable of interfacing with connected devices.
• Software Project Management: Illustrates the need for professional discipline and effective management throughout the software development process, providing skills to manage a software development project.
• Software Security: Introduces different approaches and guidelines associated with the development of secure software, providing skills to analyze code and design secure programs.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Exams: Written examinations assess theoretical knowledge and understanding of concepts.
• Assignments: Practical assignments allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems.
• Projects: Larger-scale projects provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their ability to integrate knowledge and skills from various modules.
• Presentations: Oral presentations allow students to communicate their findings and ideas effectively.
• Portfolio: Students may be required to compile a portfolio of their work to showcase their skills and achievements.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Traditional lectures provide a structured overview of key concepts and theories.
• Tutorials: Small group tutorials offer opportunities for students to ask questions, discuss concepts, and receive feedback.
• Labs: Practical laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with software development tools and techniques.
• Workshops: Workshops provide focused training on specific skills and technologies.
• Guest Speakers: Industry professionals share their expertise and insights with students.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the software development and game development industries. Potential career paths include:

• Game Developer: Design, develop, and test video games for various platforms.
• Software Developer: Develop software applications for various purposes, including enterprise software, mobile apps, and web applications.
• Game Play Programmer: Focus on programming the gameplay mechanics and logic of video games.
• Software Engineer: Apply engineering principles to the design, development, and maintenance of software systems.
• Game Engine Developer: Develop and maintain the software frameworks that power video games.
• DevOps Engineer: Manage the deployment, operation, and maintenance of software systems in a cloud environment.

Other:

• The program is hosted at the TUS Thurles campus, a Digital Games Hub, which is home to Games Fleadh, one of Ireland's most important games programming festivals.
• Students participate in Games Fleadh throughout their degree, designing and developing games to be judged by industry veterans.
• Graduates are sought after by both multinational and indigenous industry leaders, such as Microsoft, Amazon, General Motors, and Jaguar Land Rover.