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BSc - Interactive Systems and Video Game Design

University of Bradford

Graduated BSc Interactive Systems and Video Games Design (Hons.). 2002-2005.

  • The BSc in Interactive Systems and Video Games Design (ISVGD) examines technical and creative aspects of the development of interactive multimedia systems and computer games, giving a clear overview of the various software and hardware technologies used in these complex systems.
  • The first year looks at the history and conventions of both traditional and computer games.
  • The second year develops practical skills in the field of interactive media, including 3D content creation and audio design.
  • The final year will focus on advanced concepts such as artificial intelligence, working individually and collaboratively to produce technical and artistic content for computer games and multimedia systems.

    • Link [ Website ]

    Module Details

    Year 1 Semester 1

    Year 1 Semester 2

    Year 2 Semester 1

    Year 2 Semester 2

    Year 3 Semester 1

    Year 3 Semester 2


    Foundations of Technological Skills

    Code: EM0115M

    Co-ordinator(s): Dr. C. Alder, Mr D Forbes

    Module Type: Single

    Level: Level 1

    Credit: 10

    Pre-requisite(s): None

    Co-requisite(s): None

    Aims: To provide an introduction to audio and visual image perception, capture and storage and reproduction

    Teaching Method: Lectures, Seminars and demonstrations.

    Skills: On completion of this module students will have:

    • Basic knowledge of aural and visual perception.
    • Be acquainted with the operating principles of audio and visual technology.
    • Be able to perform simple digital manipulations of audio and visual images.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Introduction to sensory physiology and psychology.
    • Fundamentals of acoustics and optics.
    • Signal acquisition and associated devices; microphones, cameras.
    • Digital signals and fundamental phenomena; sampling, quantization, dynamic range, noise.
    • Simple compression and storage techniques; tape, disc-based, data formats.
    • Simple post-processing techniques; mixers, editing.
    • Signal reproduction and associated technology; displays, loudspeakers.

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    Foundations of Technological Skills

    Code: EM0117M

    Co-ordinator(s): Mr David Forbes

    Semester: Semester 1

    Module Type: Single

    Level: Level 1

    Credit: 10

    Pre-requisite(s): None

    Co-requisite(s): None

    Aims:To develop an ability to manipulate mathematical formulae and perform calculations for electronic imaging. To provide an introduction to the fundamentals of electrical principles, electronics and optics.

    Teaching Method: Lectures, Tutorials, Seminars and Practicals.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Knowledge & Understanding.
    • Discipline Skills.
    • Personal Transferable.

    Skills: On successful completion of this module students will:

    • Be competent in using a scientific calculator for basic problem solving.
    • Be able to understand and apply basic mathematical operations and number systems and have developed an understanding of more complex mathematical concepts.
    • Have knowledge of fundamental electrical principles, electronic components and optics.

    Outline Syllabus:Mathematics

    • Basic number systems and mathematical operation.
    • Relevant operation of mathematical functions on a scientific calculator.
    • Functions, graphs and linear relations, circular measure, basic functions.
    • Principles and definition of integrals, differentials, complex numbers, matrices and logarithms.

    Electronics and Optics

    • Electric charge, current, resistance, capacitance, energy and power.
    • Conductors, insulators and semiconductors.
    • Series and parallel, AC & DC currents.
    • Digital and analogue quantities.
    • Elements and functions of digital logic.
    • Optical waves, reflection, refraction, polarisation and diffraction.

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    Imaging and Design I

    Code: EM0112D

    Co-ordinator(s): Mr Patrick Allen, Mr Charlie Meecham

    Semester: Semester 1

    Module Type: Double

    Level: Level 1

    Credit: 20

    Pre-requisite(s): None

    Co-requisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • Initial understanding of the practical applications of principles of electronic imaging through study of visual design & photography.
    • Develop awareness of integration of techniques in electronic imaging & design & their production in appropriate technological environments.

    Teaching Method: Lectures, practical workshops and demonstrations, design seminars, project work.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Knowledge & Understanding.
    • Discipline Skills.
    • Personal Transferable.

    Skills: Having successfully completed this module students will:

    • Have a practical understanding of image production through photography and computer manipulation.
    • Have the ability to integrate fundamental visual design skills.
    • Have developed an awareness of project work and self evaluation of results.

    Outline Syllabus: There will be three main themes to this module: photography, typography and layout, visual design integration.

    • Introduction to Photography.
    • Colour Theory.
    • Visual Design, research and planning.
    • Images and Communication.
    • Integration of pictures and words.

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    Introduction to Media Analysis I

    Code: EM0111M

    Co-ordinator(s): Mr M Goodall, Ms K Scott

    Semester: Semester 1

    Module Type: Single

    Level: Level 1

    Credit: 10

    Pre-requisite(s): None

    Co-requisite(s): None

    Aims: To provide an understanding of how to contextualise media communications and the relationships
    between technology, institution and cultural form in the mass media.

    Teaching Method: The module will be taught through a weekly programme of lectures, tutorials and seminars,
    supported by screenings.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Knowledge & Understanding
    • Discipline Skills
    • Personal Transferable

    Skills: On successful completion of the module students will have acquired:

    • Knowledge and awareness of contemporary media products and the contexts within which they operate
      (understood from perspectives of both producer and consumer).
    • Ability to critically analyse and interpret media images.
    • Ability to research a given topic making appropriate use of information sources.
    • Skills of report/paper writing.
    • Skills of oral presentation.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Introduction to the study of communications and the media.
    • Introduction to research and facilities.
    • Media convergence.
    • Representation and the mass media.
    • The Media and modernity.
    • Media and democracy.

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    Multimedia User Interface Design

    Code: EM0227M

    Co-ordinator(s): Ms C Stones

    Semester: Semester 1

    Module Type: Single

    Level: Level 1

    Credit: 10

    Pre-requisite(s): None

    Co-requisite(s): None

    Aims: To inculcate good practice in the design of multimedia software.

    Teaching Method: Lectures, practicals.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Knowledge & Understanding.
    • Discipline Skills.
    • Personal Transferable.

    Skills: On completion of the module, students should have:

    • Developed a thorough understanding of the component parts of multimedia and the delivery platforms and
      human-computer interaction which brings them and the user together.
    • Gained experience in the scripting of multimedia products and the use of multimedia authoring software
      according to HCI design guidelines.
    • Developed skills in problem-solving and integrating innovative concepts within a multimedia programming
      framework.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Applications and features of multimedia software.
    • Authoring systems and software development packages.
    • HCI design guidelines and good practice.
    • Testing and evaluation of multimedia software.
    • Integration of multimedia components including computer graphics, computer animation, sound and video.
    • Current and future delivery platforms for multimedia; social and individual issues associated with multimedia
      interfaces.

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    Computer Systems and Networks

    Code: EM0126M

    Co-ordinator(s): Mr. D Forbes

    Semester: Semester 2

    Module Type: Single

    Level: Level 1

    Credit: 10

    Pre-requisite(s): None

    Co-requisite(s): None

    Aims: To provide and introduction to the workings of modern computer systems and Internet technologies.

    Teaching Method: Lectures, practical coursework.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Knowledge & Understanding
    • Discipline Skills
    • Personal Transferable

    Skills:

    • Have knowledge of the computers internal functions.
    • Know how to transfer information across network systems.
    • Beable to manipulate web publishing technologies.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • PC architecture.
    • Hardware and software fundamentals.
    • Use of binary/hexadecimal in computers.
    • Computer Networks.
    • Peer to peer systems; Client server systems.
    • Protocol stacks & IP addresses.
    • Internet and intranet.
    • FTP Telnet, Http.
    • Server Systems & Connectivity.
    • Unix and Windows NT command shells.
    • Data file manipulation in command shells.

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    Conventions of Animation

    Code: EM0128D

    Co-ordinator(s): ML Goodliff

    Semester: Semester 2

    Module Type: Double

    Level: Level 1

    Credit: 20

    Pre-requisite(s): EM0112D

    Co-requisite(s): None

    Aims: To provide a historical overview of the animation process. To provide an introduction to the techniques, practices and conventions of traditional & computer animation.

    Teaching Method: Lectures, seminars, practicals and directed reading.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Knowledge & Understanding
    • Discipline Skills
    • Personal Transferable

    Skills: By the end of this module students will:

    • Understand the key concepts of traditional and computer animation.
    • Have acquired knowledge of animation production tools and delivery methods.
    • Be able to produce a simple animation using a computer.
    • Have enhanced time and resource management skills.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • History of animation.
    • Fundamental drawing skills.
    • Basic anatomy and character design.
    • Composition.
    • Key-framing.
    • Timing for animation.
    • Physics for animation.
    • The animation production process.
    • Storyboarding and animatics.
    • Introduction to a computer animation environment.

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    Fundamentals of Computer Programming

    Code: EM0124M

    Co-ordinator(s): Dr Rami Qahwaji

    Semester: Semester 2

    Module Type: Single

    Level: Level 1

    Credit: 10

    Pre-requisite(s): None

    Co-requisite(s): None

    Aims:Capability in the efficient development of computer software using a modern high-level programming
    language.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Knowledge & Understanding
    • Discipline Skills
    • Personal Transferable

    Skills:

    • Knowledge of how to construct good computer programs efficiently
    • Understanding of basic Java syntax.
    • Ability to use a PC development environment.

    Outline Syllabus:

    Software Engineering Methodology:

    • The software life cycle.
    • Problem analysis and definition.
    • Algorithm design.
    • Translation of design into programming language.
    • Verification through testing.
    • Coding style and documentation.

    The Java Programming Language:

    • Objects and classes.
    • Data types, operators and expressions.
    • Input and output.
    • Methods. Control structures. Arrays.
    • Programming development environment:
    • Entering, editing, compiling and executing a program.
    • Debugging facilities.

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    Introduction to Media Analysis II

    Code: EM0121M

    Co-ordinator(s): Mr M Goodall, Ms K Scott

    Semester: Semester 2

    Type: Single

    Level: Level 1

    Credit: 10

    Pre-requisite(s): EM0111M

    Co-requisite(s): None

    Aims: To provide an understanding of the key theoretical approaches to the study of contemporary mass media.

    Teaching Method: Lectures/screenings, tutorials and seminars.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Knowledge & Understanding
    • Discipline Skills
    • Personal Transferable

    Skills: On successful completion of this module students will have acquired:

    • Knowledge of the interaction of still and moving images with sound and text in various forms.
    • Understanding and applications of identifiable media theories.
    • Ability to approach media images critically and analytically.
    • Oral and written communications skills.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Introduction to theoretical perspectives and media analysis.
    • Postmodernism (including new media studies).
    • Psychoanalytical theory.
    • Marxist theory.
    • Gender.
    • Structuralism and Semiotics.
    • Narrative and genre.
    • Essay writing.

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    Specialist Projects I

    Code: EM0127M

    Co-ordinator(s): Mr David Robison

    Semester: Semester 2

    Module Type: Single

    Level: Level 1

    Credit: 10

    Pre-requisite(s): None

    Co-requisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • Instil an awareness & appreciation of the design process. Facilitate design projects specific to the
      particular course of study.
    • Integrate some of the subject material from other modules. Develop some basic design methods and techniques.

    Teaching Method: Lectures, Tutorials, Seminars and Practicals.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Knowledge & Understanding
    • Discipline Skills
    • Personal Transferable

    Skills: On completion of the module, students should:

    • Know and understand the key stages of the design process.
    • Appreciate the need for a structured approach to design.
    • Apply basic design methods and techniques to integrated design projects.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Design process.
    • Analysis techniques.
    • Research methods.
    • Design specification.
    • Conceptual design methods.
    • Product development.
    • Production planning.

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    Computer Animation I

    Code: EM-0203M

    Co-Ordinator(s): Dr I J Palmer, Mr M L Goodliff

    Module Type: Single

    Level: Level 2 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims: To provide an introduction to the theory and practice of 3D computer animation.

    Teaching Method:Lectures, seminars, practicals, directed reading.

    Learning Outcomes:

    Knowledge & Understanding

    • Have an understanding of the underlying concepts of 3D graphics. Have acquired knowledge of a 3D computer animation environment.

    Discipline Skill

    • Be able to produce a 3D animation using a computer. Be familiar with the production process and techniques of basic 3D animation.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Have enhanced their ability to work to a specification within a prescribed timescale.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Introduction to 3D graphics.
    • Computer assisted animation techniques.
    • Examples of software systems.
    • Modelling in
      3D.
    • Lighting and surfacing.
    • Animation in 3D.
    • Rendering algorithms.

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    Distributed Virtual Reality Environment Programming

    Code: EM-ADVREP

    Co-Ordinator(s): Dr T R Wan

    Module Type: Single

    Level: Level 2 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To introduce students to the state of the art in distributed VR environments and technology.
    • To introduce and outline concepts, theory, and programming for the construction and implementation of 3D navigable virtual environments.

    Teaching Method:

    • Lectures are used to introduce knowledge which is then applied through laboratory and project work.

    Learning Outcomes:

    Knowledge & Understanding

    • Analyse the basic concepts and principles involved in the construction and application of distributed VR environments;

    Discipline Skills:

    • Be able to script and construct basic navigable 3D virtual environments; have developed enhanced awareness of human visual perception.

    Personal Transferable Skills not applicableOutline Syllabus:

    • Concepts underpinning distributed VR environments;
    • Principles of construction of distributed virtual environments;
    • Introduction to the scripting languages used in the construction of distributed virtual environments e.g. VRML, XML.
    • VR script programming and applications.

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    Image Processing and Manipulation

    Code: EM-0226M

    Co-Ordinator(s): Mr M Goodliff, Dr T Wan

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 2 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims: To develop and understanding of image manipulation, processing and storage.

    Teaching Method:

    • Lectures, practicals, tuorials.

    Learning Outcomes:

    Knowledge & Understanding

    • Have an understanding of the mechanisms used by image manipulation software. Have an awareness of image
      processing standards and their importance.

    Discipline Skills

    • Have enhanced skills of digital image manipulation.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Have enhanced time and resource management skills.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Basic concepts - image input/output, cutting, pasting, copying, cropping.
    • File formats and their applications.
    • Transparency masks, alpha channels.
    • Image modes, colour models.
    • Image compression and coding.
    • Image adjustment/enhancement methods - curves (gamma), brightness, contrast, colour balance, hue, saturation.
    • Image calculations and layer blending modes.
    • Basics of Image Processing Techniques.
    • Pixel Processing of Image Enhancement.
    • Image Transforms.
    • Image Segmentation.

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    Introduction to Games Programming

    Title: Image Processing and Manipulation

    Code: EM-0206M Co-Ordinator(s): Dr Tao Ruan Wan

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 2 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To introduce the basics and the cutting edge technology of computer game construction and programming.
    • To help students develop their game programming skills through the implementation of their own game ideas.

    Teaching Method:

    • Lectures are used to introduce knowledge which is then applied through laboratory and project work.

    Learning Outcomes:Knowledge & Understanding

    • Analyse the basic concepts and principles behind computer games construction and programming.

    Discipline Skills

    • Have developed sufficient programming skills to begin to realise their own game ideas.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Have achieved enhanced self-management skills.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Introduction of Windows-based computer games structure and programming.
    • basic concepts and principles of games programming.
    • Introduction to an industry-standard interface programming language such as DirectX or OpenGL; game algorithms image manipulation in the games environment.
    • Introduction to advanced topics - interaction, artificial intelligence, physics.

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    Soundscapes

    Code: EM-0211D

    Co-Ordinator(s): Mr R Woodcock, Mr M Goodall

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 2 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 20

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To integrate theoretical and practical studies of sound and its applications.

    Teaching Method:

    • Lectures and screenings are used to impart requisite knowledge.
    • Practical sessions introduce students to recording
      techniques.
    • Seminars and tutorials are used to place the above in a theoretical context.

    Learning Outcomes:Knowledge & Understanding

    • Understanding the development and use of technologies for sound production and reproduction and their cultural
      applications in cinema, broadcasting and the music industry.

    Discipline Skills

    • Acquiring and improving skills in the analysis and application of sound in the context of production. Understanding
      relationships between sound and vision in selected media and genres.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Written and oral communication, team working, improving own performance.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • The development of sound recording and the effect of changing technologies within the film, broadcasting and music
      industries.
    • Early electronic instruments, music concrete, synthesizers. MIDI, computer music and sampling (including overview of different music equipment).
    • Music in the age of mechanical, electronic and digital reproduction, ambient music.
    • Sound and the moving image.
    • Sound effects and styles on films.
    • Music on film, MTV and the rise of pop promos.
    • Radio: programming and audience.
    • The aural experience; comedy and drama.
    • The audio-visual construction of reality through the interaction of sound with moving images; constructing notions of
      the real in cinema verite, Cinerama and Imax.

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    Advanced Distributed Virtual Reality Environment DevelopmentProject
    Code: EM-0ADVRED     Co-Ordinator(s): Dr T R Wan

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 2 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): EM-0207M

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To introduce students further to the state of art in distributed VR environments and scripting technology
    • To develop students technical skills with fundamental knowledge to use different types of 3D materials and graphics elements to produce a complex distributed VR environment
    • To develop the advanced autonomous learning, team-working and time management skills.

    Teaching Method:

    • Lectures are used to introduce knowledge which is then applied through laboratory and project work.

    Learning Outcomes:Knowledge & Understanding

    • Have acquired analytical knowledge and in-depth view of VR environment developments.

    Discipline Skills

    • Be able to use a more rigorous and structured approach to design and to develop complex VR environments.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Have acquired further technical skills to produce an integrated VR environment
    • Have developed enhanced awareness of human visual perception
    • Have developed effective autonomous learning, team-working and time management skills.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Advanced topics of complex VR environments and developments.
    • VR system design and development process.
    • Interactivity in VR.
    • Using other 3D elements such as Maya 3D models in the VR environments.
    • Project evaluation.

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    Computer Animation II
    Code: EM-0205M Co-Ordinator(s): Dr I J Palmer

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 2 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): EM-0128D

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To provide practical knowledge of 3D computer animation production process in a project-based environment with
      particular reference to character animation.

    Teaching Method:

    • Knowledge will be delivered through a series of lectures and seminars, illustrated by case studies, and applied in
      practical sessions.

    Learning Outcomes:Knowledge & Understanding

    • Have a thorough understanding of the 3D computer animation process.
    • Have knowledge of photo realistic graphics techniques.
    • Have knowledge of character modelling and animation techniques.

    Discipline Skills

    • Be able to work to a brief to produce a 3D animation.
    • Have enhanced character animation skills.
    • Be able to combine multiple 3D elements to produce an animation.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Be able to manage time and resources to complete a project.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • 3D animatics.
    • Modelling for visual realism.
    • 3D Character modelling.
    • Character animation & lip sync.
    • Lighting for visual realism.
    • Rendering and compositing.

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    Computer Graphics Programming
    Code: EM-0CGProgramming Co-Ordinator(s): Dr R Qahwaji

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 2 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): EM-0124M

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • An introduction to the theory and practice of computer graphics and animation programming using an object-orientated language.

    Teaching Method:

    • The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, practicals and directed reading.

    Learning Outcomes:Knowledge & Understanding

    • Have a practical knowledge of classes associated with graphics, GUI and animation production.

    Discipline Skills

    • Be able to apply object-orientated concepts to the analysis and construction of simple multi-class graphics and animation programs.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Have improved their ability to analyse and solve programming tasks.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Programming in the small.
    • Further development of object-orientated concepts.
    • Attributes.
    • Behaviours.
    • Classes.
    • Instanciation.
    • Inheritance.
    • Overloading.
    • Building user interfaces.
    • Event handling.
    • Programming for animation.
    • Multithreading.
    • Graphical concepts.

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    Game Programming, Development and Project
    Code: EM-0234M Co-Ordinator(s): Dr T R Wan

    Type: Standard module

    Level: 2 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): EM-0206M

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To introduce the concepts and the fundamentals of 3D computer graphics programming
    • To gain in-depth understanding of real-time animations for computer games applications
    • To understand further the process of game programming and development, to gain the technical skills to produce a group game project collaboratively.

    Teaching Method:

    • Lectures, practicals, seminars and group project work.

    Learning Outcomes:Knowledge & Understanding

    • Understand in-depth 3D computer graphics concepts and the 3D programming foundations underlying 3D graphics and game applications in a programming context.

    Discipline Skills

    • Have a clear overview of the process of design and development of computer games;
    • Have acquired the methods and technical skills to integrate materials from other modules into a game environment.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Gain effective autonomous learning, team-working and time management skills.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • The fundamentals and concepts of 3D computer graphics programming.
    • Computer game design and development.
    • Artificial intelligence in game applications.
    • The use of imported 3D models.
    • Rendering and texture mapping.
    • Real-time animation.
    • Project evaluation.

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    Images, Media and Society
    Code: EM-0221M Co-Ordinator(s): Mr. T Appelbee, Mr. M Goodall, Ms K Scott.

    Module Type: Standard

    Level: 2 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • Understanding of the ways in which a range of socio-cultural issues are represented in the media, and investigation of a range of empirical and theoretical approaches to explaining the nature of media representations.

    Teaching Method:

    • A series of lectures is used to impart knowledge, this is developed and applied in seminars and tutorials.

    Learning Outcomes:Knowledge & Understanding

    • Obtained knowledge & analytical understanding of the relationship between media practice & socio-political & cultural issues.

    Discipline Skills

    • Acquired further understanding of key critical approaches to analysis of the mass media
    • Worked in small groups in collaboration on presenting larger critical case studies (than are possible individually).

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Further developed research, presentation and written skills, group working.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Introduction to group work.
    • Youth and identity.
    • Realism and documentary practices.
    • Cultural hegemony, transnationalism and globalisation.
    • Sport and nationalism.
    • Authorship, the avant-garde and the ‘auteur’.
    • Media and community.
    • Research and presentation skills.
    • Team work.

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    Interaction and Innovations
    Code: EM-0229M Co-Ordinator(s): Penny Scaffold.

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 2 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): EM-0227M

    Corequisite(s): NoneAims:

    • This module aims to provide students with a theoretical framework for studying and designing interactive experiential multimedia artefacts within an arts context.

    Teaching Method:

    • Lectures.
    • practicals.

    Learning Outcomes:

    Knowledge & Understanding

    • Obtained knowledge and understanding of the relationship between interactive multimedia, other media forms and
      artistic expression.

    Discipline Skills

    • Integrated their design and programming skills to create an experiential multimedia artefact.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Enhanced their ability to generate creative ideas for multimedia development.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • What is Interaction?
    • Art and Technology Pixel Power - Visualising cyberspace Performance, Theatre and Computers.
    • Stories from CyberSpace: Non-Linear Narrative E-motion - can computers make us cry?
    • Tool and Rules: Multimedia s/w and creativity.
    • Representations of interaction-visions of the future Multi user interaction.

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    Individual Project (Planning and Process) ISVGD
    Code: EM-IndProjPlanningAndProcessISVGD Co-Ordinator(s): Mr M L Goodliff, Dr I J Palmer

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 3 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To integrate material from other modules into a major digital media project.
    • To pre-plan working schedule and develop realistic goals for said project.

    Teaching Method:

    • The module comprises practical work of an independent nature supervised by staff with suitable expertise.
    • Following introductory sessions, students work, with supervisor contact, on individual proposal development.
    • Students who are required to take supplementary assessment will be required to repair the deficiency in the
      original assessment.

    Learning Outcomes:Knowledge & Understanding

    • Critical awareness and practical understanding of project planning and management skills according to the
      nature of the project.

    Discipline Skills

    Have the ability to combine skills from different areas to produce a single project proposal and plan.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Be able to plan and produce a major individual project with imposed deadlines.
    • Be managers of their own learning.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Creating a proposal.
    • Developing a project schedule.
    • Keeping a logbook.
    • Technical seminars as appropriate to the project area.

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    Interactive Systems and Video Games
    Code: EM-0331D Co-Ordinator(s): Dr I J Palmer, Dr T Wan.

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 3 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 20

    Prerequisite(s): EM-0205M EM-0234M EM-0206M EM-0225M

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To provide an understanding of the techniques and processes underlying interactive systems and video
      games within the context of their rapidly evolving commercial and social importance.

    Teaching Method:

    • Theory is provided through lectures, directed reading and guest lectures. Practical skills are developed during the course.

    Learning Outcomes:

    Knowledge & Understanding

    • Understand the specific processes of designing and implementing interactive multimedia systems both on the
      technical and creative side.

    Discipline Skills

    • Have a clear and thorough overview of the various software technologies used in interactive systems & video
      games. Have a working knowledge of a video game development environment.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Have improved their ability to develop complex systems collaboratively.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Introduction and history of the computer games industry.
    • Game design principles and gameplay.
    • Game level design.
    • Kinematics and inverse kinematics.
    • Modelling and data structures for interactive systems.
    • Scenario, character and plot development.
    • Character design and animation for games.
    • Project and production management.

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    New Media Landscapes
    Code: EM-0300M Co-Ordinator(s): Richard Woodcock

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 3 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To enable students to research and synthesise up to date information on developments in digital media
      technologies and their uses.

    Teaching Method:

    • An introductory series of lectures, including guest speakers, outlines the foci for analysis and recent new media developments. Students then research topics for presentation at seminars, following advisory tutorials.

    Learning Outcomes:

    Knowledge & Understanding

    • Have a thorough criticial overview of current developments in digital media technologies and their uses.

    Discipline Skills

    • Be able to synthesise this knowledge with their own production and technology-based experience.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Have achieved enhanced research and presentation skills.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Digital convergence and its implications for technological, economic, social and cultural spheres.
    • Television Film Music Games Business HCI - developments.

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    Telecommunications and Networking
    Code: EM-1313M Co-Ordinator(s): Prof P Excell

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 3 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To provide a broad overview of telecommunications and network systems and their use in media content delivery, emphasising emerging techniques.

    Teaching Method:

    • Formal lectures
    • Seminars
    • Case Studies

    Learning Outcomes:

    Knowledge & Understanding

    • An understanding of the system aspects of telecommunications and networks, and their implications in influencing the development of digital media.

    Discipline Skills

    • Ability to predict basic characteristics of telecommunications and network systems.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Refinement of analytical and problem-solving skills.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Outline principles of wire-based, radio and optical communications systems.
    • Telecommunications services: telephone (POTS & PSTN), packet-switched service, mobile telephone principles, broadcasting.
    • Networking technologies.
    • Appreciation of enabling technologies and their limitations on present and future systems,
      including mobile services (GSM, 2.5G, 3G, WLAN).
    • Communications channels. bandwidth, and channel capacity (wire links, radio links, optical fibres, spectrum).
    • Broadcast services: radio, television and media streaming.
    • Telecommunications and computer network: data format, packet switching, protocols, error
      correction.

    Protocols: Ethernet, TCP/IP, HTTP, WAP, iMode, ISDN, ADSL, GSM, EDGE, GPRS, UMTS, 4th
    Generation, IEEE802.11a/b.

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    AI for Games
    Code:     CM-0328D

    Co-Ordinator(s): Prof Peter Cowling

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 3 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 20

    Prerequisite(s): CM-0108L

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To provide knowledge and experience of the creation of artificial opponents for a variety of games, using Artificial Intelligence techniques.

    Teaching Method:

    • The delivery of the module will consist of lectures and lab classes supplemented by students own lab work and directed study.
    • The coursework will involve students in the design of a AI game playing opponent.

    Learning Outcomes:

    Knowledge & Understanding

    • Critical Review of a range of AI approaches and their application to designing computerised game opponents.
    • Critical understanding game strategies and of the psychology of human game players.

    Discipline Skills

    • Design of computer game opponents. Analysis, design and implementation of AI software applicable to
      games, and also to finance and decision support.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Seeking information from appropriate sources, problem solving, preparation for further research in the area.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Games of complete information, search trees, evaluation functions, examples: chess, draughts, go, etc, application to a particular game.
    • Games of incomplete information: opponent modelling, probabilistic ideas, applications: Poker, Magic - The gathering, etc.
    • Real-time games: path finding, terrain analysis, machine learning approaches, rule-based approaches, making artificial people, application to a particular real time multiplayer game environment.
    • The computer games industry.

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    Individual Project (Production Process) ISVG

    Code: EM-@IndProjProductionISVG

    Co-Ordinator(s): Dr I J Palmer, Dr T Wan

    Module Type: Linked 10+10

    Level: 3 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 20

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To integrate material from other modules into a major digital media project
    • To provide students with a platform for autonomous learning.

    Teaching Method:

    • Practical work of an independent nature supervised by staff with suitable expertise.

    Learning Outcomes:

    Knowledge & Understanding

    • Critical awareness and practical understanding of the technical project production skills according to the nature of the project

    Discipline Skills

    • Have the ability to combine skills from different areas to produce a single project

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Be able to plan and produce a major individual project to imposed deadlines; be managers of their own learning.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Keeping a logbook
    • Adhering to a production schedule.
    • Delivering a project to a self-initiated brief.

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    Group Project ISVG

    Code: EM-@GroupProjectISVG

    Co-Ordinator(s): Dr I J Palmer, Dr T Wan

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 3 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 20

    Prerequisite(s): EM-0331L

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • To collaboratively deliver an interactive digital media product to an assigned brief; to manage and work effectively in a team.

    Teaching Method:

    • Learning is supported through production projects, supported tutorials and selected exercises.
    • Students who are required to take supplementary assessment will be required to repair the deficiency in the original
      assessment.

    Learning Outcomes:

    Knowledge & Understanding

    • Critical awareness of project production within a team, working to deadlines and budgets; critical awareness of technical production processes.

    Discipline Skills

    • Management of the production process, selection of technologies for development.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Communication, problem solving, working with others, time and conflict management.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Delivering, presenting, demonstrating and reflecting on major project work.
    • Technical and reflective report writing.

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    Media Contexts II

    Code: EM-0323M

    Co-Ordinator(s): Mr M Goodall, Ms K Scott

    Module Type: Standard module

    Level: 3 (Undergraduate)

    Credit: 10 Prerequisite(s): None

    Corequisite(s): None

    Aims:

    • Development of skills in interpretation & presentation of ideas & information.
    • Development of ‘peer review/assessment’ skills.
    • Contextualisation of own work.

    Teaching Method:

    • The module will be taught through lecture presentations, tutorials, student-directed and peer-edited.

    Learning Outcomes:Knowledge & Understanding

    • Critical understanding of relationships between representations of societies and the media forms within which
      those representations are constructed.

    Discipline Skills

    • Appreciate the roles of individuals as both producers/editors of media communications and as analysts/critics of media products.
    • Have acquired the ability to look critically and objectively at their own work using more advanced theoretical perspectives
    • Be able to peer edit colleagues work.

    Personal Transferable Skills

    • Communication, improving own performance.

    Outline Syllabus:

    • Key issues for the critical examination of (self-made) media production.
    • Authorship.
    • Audiences.
    • Design and fine art.
    • Relationship between theory and practice
    • Peer review.

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