This is a core subject in year 2 of the Games degree and as such should be allocated adequate resources in keeping with its importance. The emphasis of this Module is on manipulation of 2D graphics (sprites, sprite sheets, backgrounds) and audio content. The learner will learn about the game loop and the game content pipeline. The Learner will programmatically cater for the various input devices including game controllers and use these to move characters in a game environment. Collision detection will be programmed for 2D sprites. Sound will be incorporated and cued with actions. Deployment of a PC based game on a gaming platform will be implemented. Emphasis will be given to good coding practices and code structure. Students will be encouraged following this module to enter games competitions to display their portfolios. Students must successfully meet all learning outcomes examined by assessment and final exam to pass this subject.

1. Understand the nature of 2D games in terms the Game Loop and real time programming
2. Represent and manipulate game objects and program interaction between Game objects using a Game Framework
3. Incorporate and manipulate 2D sprtites and sounds in response to user input and producerealtime game play

Object Oriented Programming is a programming paradigm where data and operations can be defined together as objects and allows reuse of these objects within the same or other programs. In this module students will examine the concepts of object creation and design and implement software interfaces adhering to modern design principles which connect with data repositories.

1. Identify the principles and benefits of object-oriented programming.
2. Design and develop an object oriented program from a high level specification.
3. Implement graphical user interfaces to object oriented solutions.
4. Connect data sources to object oriented solutions.

This module will allow the learner to develop graphic content for 2D games. The module will focus on the design & production of 2D graphic content with the view to incorporating this content in a game. It will broaden the students experiences of design principles such as brainstorming, sketching, group work, with a focus on generating ideas from a brief, conceptualization and finally exporting the work ready for importing into a game engine. The process will include generating multiple low fidelity ideas through sketching, communicating/presenting those ideas as well as the development of design concepts in 2d in appropriate software.

1. Create 2D sprite sheets
2. Create 2D animated characters
3. Use a design process to develop game content
4. Create the background & props required for a 2D game level

This module sets the broader context for software development by giving an overview of alternate system development life cycles and focuses on the gathering, analysis and validation of software requirements using agile and more conventional methods. Using a practical approach, methods for requirements elicitation and documentation are introduced and explored through practical case work. Requirements documentation and modelling, using a range of techniques such as user stories and object oriented analysis techniques are also addressed.

1. Elicit user requirements
2. Document user requirements
3. Analyse and detail user requirements using a range of methods
4. Apply theory to practical problems.

The student will be introduced to database technologies and will acquire an intermediate set of skills in database design and development.

1. Decide the appropriate database technology that should be used for a given specification
2. Design a logical model for a database from a given specification
3. Design and manage the physical structure of a database
4. Enforce data integrity using constraints, defaults, and rules
5. Interrogate a database using SQL

This subject adds further to the Mathematical skill set of computing students. The module begins with the student developing competence in the usage and application of various co-ordinate geometry formulae and then looks at the application of matrices to transformations of geometric objects. The middle section of the module spends time on differentiation and its applications. The final section develops competence in performing vector operations.

1. Demonstrate competence in co-ordinate geometry calculations.
2. Apply matrix algebra to linear transformations.
3. Solve problems by determining and using derivatives.
4. Show competence in the use of partial derivatives.
5. Demonstrate competence in vector operations

The purpose of 3D game programming is to teach the student to develop 3D games using a mixture of 3D models, physics, scripting and audio content. Students will learn how to draw both graphics primitives and 3D models. They will learn how to programmatically manipulate models and cameras. Students will implement rendering, physics and scripting in simple 3D games.

1. Recognize the types of architectures employed in modern 3D game engines.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure of 3D geometry and models and how they can be manipulated programmatically.
3. Differnetiare the role of spatial partitions and how they are created and utilized.

The module will build upon an understanding of object oriented programming and software engineering principles to develop and deploy full applications embracing modern software development practices.

1. Translate a design specification into a working software application.
2. Apply design patterns in software development.
3. Organize code utilising best practices in software development.
4. Implement testing and quality assurance best practices.

This module will allow the learner to develop content for 3D games. The module will focus on the design & production of 3D content with the view to incorporating this content into a game. It will further the students understanding of design principles such as brainstorming, sketching, group work, with a focus on generating ideas from a brief and conceptualization by building on the learners design experiences. The process will include generating multiple low fidelity ideas through sketching, communicating/presenting those ideas as well as the development of design concepts in 3d in appropriate software.

1. Create a high Poly model of an original game asset they have designed themselves.
2. Demonstrate competency in the use of a design process to produce original game assets.
3. Show a basic proficiency in applying materials to a 3D model.
4. Show a basic proficiency in animating a 3D model.

This module provides an in-depth understanding of what constitutes quality software and the critical role of rigorous testing in achieving it. Students will gain essential knowledge in software quality and the core concepts of software testing. Through both theoretical and practical learning, the course equips students to effectively contribute to a quality assurance role within a software development team, ensuring high standards in software delivery.

1. Explain the fundamentals of software quality & testing
2. Classify and make use of different static testing techniques
3. Categoriseand make use of different dynamic testing techniques
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of test manangement
5. Evaluateand make use of tool support for testing

The purpose of Data Structures and Algorithms is to introduce the learner to fundamental data structures and algorithms using an appropriate programming language. While it is envisaged that the learner will show some of their understanding from a games perspective, the majority of the module will be centred on understanding and implementing DSAA at a fundamental level.

1. Demonstrate the benefits dynamic programming structures and data structures in a programming language
2. Apply data structures and algorithms to cater for complexity
3. Evaluate suitability and choice of data structures to game complexity

This subject develops further Mathematical skills and applies some of the Mathematical skill set already developed. The module begins with a look at various integration techniques. This is followed by an application of matrices in Gaussian and Gauss Jordan elimination. There is a significant section on number theory and it's application in areas such as encryption. The concept of a group and the identification of group examples used in the current and earlier modules is then looked at. Finally the module covers coding theory, again using skills already developed previously in areas such as probability and matrices.

1. Demonstrate competence in integral calculus.
2. Solve problems using Gaussian and Gauss Jordon techniques.
3. Apply number theory.
4. Explain the concept of a group and identify examples.
5. Demonstrate competence in error deection and error correction codes

In this module you will understand the role of game engines in modern video and computer games development. The module will cover some of the major third party game engines currently available, examining each and analysing the overall architecture and design of such real time software systems.

The key areas to be covered in this module are Game engine architecture and development Game engine programming and visual programming The differences between the major engines (CryEngine, Unreal Engine, Unity) How these engines allow for a wide variety of games (extensibility and flexibility) Scripting solutions

1. Produce detailed design and development documentation
2. Have detailed knowledge and understanding of an industry standard scripting language in a commercial game engine
3. Demonstrate ability in the usage of Cinematics, Particle System and Material Editors
4. Implement a client/server multiplayer game with additional web services for game data

Rich Application Development 301 examines the range of tools, techniques, and full development stacks appropriate to the creation of interface-rich line of business applications. Particular emphasis is paid to the building n-tier applications incorporating user interfaces modern UI frameworks. Database access is introduced using object-relational modelling to prepare students in the development of n-tier applications.

1. Explore Core declarative UI concepts
2. Appraise Data binding and Procedural Binding
3. Examine Object-relational modelling and N-Tier structured Applications
4. Deploy Cloud solutions

The aim of this module is to provide learners with the ability to design, develop, test and deploy native touchscreen mobile applications that adhere to the design guidelines of the targeted smartphone operating system.

1. Describe the fundamental aspects of a mobile phone operating system and its subsystems.
2. Design an appropriate mobile application structure from a given brief, employing appropriate industry design guidelines.
3. Implement, debug and test mobile phone applications using an OS emulator.
4. Deploy a mobile application to a phone and app store.

This module explores project management practices, particularly agile methods such as Scrum, Lean, and Kanban, in software development environments with complex and changing requirements. The course combines theoretical insights with practical workshop-based activities exploring different project management techniques and tools. By the end of the module, students will understand how project management can drive efficiency and customer value leading to project success.

1. Describe the fundamentals of software project management and Examine different Agile project management approaches
2. Explain the importance of value-driven delivery and apply value-driven delivery techniques.
3. Illustratehow projects are planned
4. Classify and apply risk management techniques.
5. Explain how an environment and culture of high performance can be cultivated.

This module is designed to prepare students for their work placement in the computing industry. The module endeavours to improve the employability skills of the students with particular emphasis on CV and Interview preparation and on the job soft skills to be an effective team member.

1. Identify sources of information on job opportunities
2. Create a comprehensive CV and portfolio to effectively market themselves
3. Demonstrate the necessary skills to undertake a job interview
4. Research, report and deliver an effective oral presentation
5. Identify and apply on the job soft skills

The purpose of Computer Mediated Reality Applications is to ensure learners are on the cutting edge of games technology and keeping pace with the rapid developments surrounding areas such as mobile, virtual and augmented reality. A platform agnostic approach is to be taken when developing solutions for the above-mentioned fields. Leaners will be mainly assessed through the development of a large project developed continuously throughout the semester.

1. Describe the concepts, evolution and terminology associated to virtual reality
2. Describe the concepts, evolution and terminology associated to augmented reality
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the current limits of AR and VR
4. Design an application of appropriate scale from given a brief
5. Develop an AR or VR application and deploy it to a device

Rich Application Development 302 focuses on building richly interactive line-of-business applications using modern design patterns to support n-tier Web API applications and clients consuming web API data . It embraces modern frameworks and code libraries to expedite the design/development of rich interactive user interfaces. Connections with databases are supported through object-relational mapping techniques. Design patterns are introduced, including separation of concerns in the development of client-server line of business applications. The complexity of structure and scope of modern N-Tier business applications is examined with a view to managing such complexity in a team environment.

1. Evaluate and Implement Software Architecture Patterns
2. Evaluate Styling & templating to produce rich user interfaces
3. Examine and implement Testing strategies with Code Patterns
4. Manage Code Complexity

The student will be placed in a suitable organisation and should be integrated into the IS environment as much as possible. The placement may begin in April and must be completed by the end of August. A student would be expected to spend at least 3 months in industry. The course is of 12 months duration and awards will not be granted until the Autumn examination board meeting. This is necessary because a student will not be eligible for an award until an industrial placement has been successfully completed.

Where it is not possible to find a placement for a student consideration will be given to that student undertaking a research project in IT Sligo.

1. The students will be exposed to and experience a live ICT working environment.
2. The student will be given the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
3. Describe the quality assurance procedures in the host enterprise.
4. Work as a member of a team and have developed appropriate communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Describe the operational practices within the host enterprise.

Casual Gaming is a popular gaming model. This module examines the game play model associated with casual gaming. The business context of casual games is examined. Casual game mechanics are presented and realised by the learner. The development and delivery mechanism in the form of web and handheld mobile devices for casual games is explored. The delivery mechanism in the context of Cloud technology is studied.

1. Examine the Casual Game Mechanics
2. Examine Multiplayer Game Architecture
3. Implement a Casual game client
4. Deploy a Casual Game

Project 300 represents a substantial body of work undertaken by a group of four that brings together their learning in the modules undertaken in Years 1, 2 and 3. The module aims to encourage innovation and a wider exploration in their field of study. The module intent is to provide students with a simulation of a real-world project along with the management issues (of time, people, resources, and skills) and fixed deadlines that accompany it.

1. Apply project planning and coordinating methodologies (e.g. agile methodology) to a group project.
2. Determine project requirements and apply research to the analysis of potential solutions.
3. Plan the project delegating individual tasks and responsibilities.
4. Develop a prototype and final working solution by adopting an iterative process to the development and testing of the solution.
5. Choose appropriate tools to aid collaboration, document management, and version control.
6. Develop a working solution to specification, presenting and defending the deliverables before a review group.