Software Design with Virtual Reality and Gaming - BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

This four-year BSc (Hons) in Software Design with Virtual Reality and Gaming at Technological University of the Shannon equips students with the skills and knowledge for careers in software development, game development, and VR/AR industries. The program emphasizes software development principles, game design, programming, and VR/AR technologies, preparing students for dynamic and growing fields. Through a combination of lectures, tutorials, labs, and practical assessments, students develop their skills and knowledge in software design and development, game development, and VR/AR applications.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This BSc (Hons) in Software Design with Virtual Reality and Gaming is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program offered at the Athlone campus of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). It is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the rapidly growing fields of software development, game development, and virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The program emphasizes the latest tools and technologies in software development, including programming languages, tools, and methodologies. It also provides a strong foundation in game development principles, including game design, programming, and AI. The VR and Gaming specialization prepares students for careers in these dynamic industries.

Outline:

The program is structured over four years, with a specific focus on software development, game development, and VR/AR technologies.

Year 1:

• Digital Media: Introduces students to the fundamentals of digital media, including image and video editing, web design, and multimedia production.
• Mathematics for Software Design: Covers essential mathematical concepts relevant to software development, such as algebra, calculus, and discrete mathematics.
• Software Development: Provides a comprehensive introduction to software development principles, including programming languages, data structures, and algorithms.
• Web Development: Focuses on the design and development of websites and web applications, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Game Development: Introduces students to the fundamentals of game development, including game design, programming, and game engines.
• Agile Methodologies: Explores agile software development methodologies, such as Scrum and Kanban, emphasizing iterative development and collaboration.
• Mobile Apps and Connected Devices: Covers the development of mobile applications for various platforms, including iOS and Android.
• Communications: Develops students' communication skills, including written, oral, and presentation skills.

Year 2:

• Mathematics for Software Design: Continues to build upon the mathematical foundation established in Year 1, focusing on advanced topics relevant to software development.
• Software Development: Delves deeper into software development concepts, including object-oriented programming, design patterns, and software testing.
• Software Development for Gaming: Specifically focuses on software development techniques used in game development, including game engines and game programming.
• Databases: Introduces students to database management systems, including SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Game Development: Expands upon the fundamentals of game development, covering advanced topics such as game physics, AI, and level design.
• Networks: Covers the fundamentals of computer networks, including network protocols, network security, and network administration.
• Game AI and Physics: Explores the use of artificial intelligence and physics in game development, including pathfinding, collision detection, and character animation.
• Group Project: Students work in teams to develop a software project, applying the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program.

Year 3:

• Operating Systems and Concurrency: Covers the principles of operating systems, including process management, memory management, and concurrency.
• Software Development: Continues to build upon software development skills, focusing on advanced topics such as distributed systems and cloud computing.
• Software Engineering: Introduces students to software engineering principles, including software design, software testing, and software quality assurance.
• Software Development for Gaming: Further explores software development techniques used in game development, focusing on advanced topics such as game optimization and performance.
• Game Hardware: Covers the hardware components used in game development, including graphics cards, processors, and memory.
• VR Application Development: Introduces students to the development of VR applications, including VR programming, VR design, and VR user experience.
• Placement: Students undertake a work placement in a relevant industry, gaining practical experience and industry contacts.

Year 4:

• Project: Students undertake a major software development project, applying the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program.
• Computer Graphics: Covers the principles of computer graphics, including 2D and 3D graphics, image processing, and animation.
• Networks: Expands upon the fundamentals of computer networks, focusing on advanced topics such as network security, network management, and network protocols.
• Management and Organisational Behaviour: Introduces students to management principles and organizational behavior, preparing them for leadership roles in the software industry.
• VR and Gaming Technology: Explores the latest advancements in VR and gaming technology, including VR hardware, VR software, and VR applications.
• Real-time Rendering for VR: Focuses on the techniques used to render graphics in real-time for VR applications, including shaders, lighting, and textures.
• Databases: Covers advanced database concepts, including database design, database security, and database performance optimization.
• The Engineer in Society: Explores the ethical and societal implications of software development, including privacy, security, and accessibility.
• Security: Covers the principles of cybersecurity, including network security, data security, and application security.
• Distributed Systems: Introduces students to the design and development of distributed systems, including cloud computing, microservices, and distributed databases.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Written assignments allow students to demonstrate their research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Projects: Group and individual projects provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems.
• Presentations: Oral presentations allow students to demonstrate their communication skills and their ability to present technical information effectively.
• Practical Assessments: Practical assessments evaluate students' ability to use software development tools and technologies.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures provide students with a structured overview of key concepts and theories.
• Tutorials: Tutorials provide students with the opportunity to ask questions, clarify concepts, and practice their skills.
• Labs: Labs provide students with hands-on experience using software development tools and technologies.
• Workshops: Workshops provide students with the opportunity to work on specific projects and develop their skills in a collaborative environment.
• Guest Speakers: Guest speakers from industry provide students with insights into real-world applications of software development and game development.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the software industry, including:

• Game Developer: Develops video games for various platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices.
• Software Designer: Designs and develops software applications for various purposes, including business, entertainment, and education.
• Technical Salesperson: Sells software products and services to businesses and organizations, providing technical expertise and support.

Other:

The program offers students the opportunity to participate in a work placement program, allowing them to gain practical experience in the software industry. Students can choose to complete their placement locally or abroad, with the support of the International Office. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical and societal considerations in software development, preparing students to be responsible and ethical software professionals.