Module details for Game Engines and the Principles of Programming

Description

The module provides an introduction to computational thinking for students who want to work in the games industry. This module is for students who require knowledge of programming for their game design practice, but who are not primarily programmers and who have limited or no previous experience in programming.

Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the core concepts of computer programming through practical examples within game engines.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

1.  Demonstrate the use of core programming concepts.

2.  Write computer programs for a specific purpose.

3.  Demonstrate an ability to develop and implement code within a game engine, and communicate this work to colleagues.

Indicative Content

1 Introduction

An introduction to fundamental concepts of programming.

2 Expressions, variables and statements

Use and syntax of basic programming mechanisms.

3 Conditionals

Checking conditions and changing the behaviour of a program accordingly.

4 Repetition and Loops

Repeating code within a program

5 Functions

Create functions to perform tasks and operations within a program

6 Data structures

Introduce the concept of organising the data within a program through the use of basic data structures such as lists (arrays) and dictionaries (associative arrays)

7 Classes

Write and use program components that encapsulate data and functionality together

8 Modules

Use independently developed modules (libraries) to create additional functionality within a program

9 Files

Create and use data stored in external files

10 Engines

Demonstrate an awareness of available game engines and their applications

Teaching and Learning Work Loads