Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing (Games Design and Development)

Course Code: TI018
Academic Year: 2008/2009
Location: Thurles
Number of Places: 20
Duration: 4
NQF Level of Programme: 8
Accrediting Body: HETAC
Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirements for standard entrance are a Pass in 6 subjects with two higher C3 grades and four ordinary D3

Programme Coordinator: Philip Bourke
Telephone: 0504 28258
Email: pbourke@tippinst.ie

Objectives:

This programme is designed to produce graduates with an in-depth knowledge of the critical aspects of game design and development. They will acquire the necessary knowledge to cope with the changing nature of the games industry throughout their careers. Students will be taught techniques for analysis, design and development of games for platforms such as mobiles, handheld consoles, PC’s, games consoles, interactive TV and online games in a variety of computer languages. Students will develop problem specifications and their respective solutions related to games design and development. In addition participants will be required to complete a substantial project under the guidance of an ICT Specialist. Graduates can expect to take up employment in industries ranging from small or medium-sized entertainment media enterprises to large multinationals.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the programme will understand the theory, concepts, methods, practices and principals pertaining games design and development. They will also be exposed to software development methodologies and will have an appreciation for the professional, social and ethical issues within the games development industry. The programme will provide the theoretical and practical knowledge of gaming devices. Technological and programming skills will be developed for standalone and networked platforms & operating systems. Graduates will be exposed to, team based and individual games portfolio development opportunities.

Further Study:

Graduates will be able to gain employment in different areas of entertainment media enterprises such as Mobile Application Design and Development, Design, Games Development, Interactive TV, e-Learning and Online entertainment applications. Specific jobs appropriate for graduates to consider include:

• Entertainment Media Tester
• Entertainment Media Designer
• Level Designer
• Games Developer
• Entertainment Media Project Manager
• Software Developer
• Software Designer
• Software Analyst

Tipperary Institute is a partner of the IGDA

Semester 1
Intro. to Computer Programming
Intro. to Systems Analysis & Design
Computer Architecture
Mathematical Fundamentals
Operating System Fundamentals
Fundamental Accounting

Semester 2
Introduction to OO Programming
Introduction to OO Design
Computer Organization
Mathematical Methods
Data Communications
Developing Your Potential

Semester 3
Procedural Programming
Electronics
Statistical Data Analysis
Operating Systems Management
Professional Development
Database Planning and Design

Semester 4
Data Structures
Human Computer Interface Design
Computer Systems Hardware
Internetworking
Database Systems Implementation

Work placement

Semester 5
Enterprise Client Server Programming
Computer Graphics
Software Security & Testing
Algorithms
Network Services & Applications

Semester 6
Advanced OO Programming
Introduction to Embedded Systems
Artificial Intelligence
Team & Self Management
Management and Control
Project (10 credits)

Semester 7
Programming Games Engines
Concurrent Programming
Advanced Methods in Systems Design
Graphics and Audio
Game Physics

Semester 8
Platform Games Development
Games Design
Games Artificial Intelligence
Networked Games Games and Modern Culture
Games Project (10 credits)
Graduate Profile

Graduate Profile
Pieter Vos
J2ME Developer
Nephin Games

I always wanted to be a games developer and on graduating from Tipperary Institute I was hired by Nephin Games. Tipperary Institute helped me secure a work placement in a games company, which is what, helped me to fulfil my dream of becoming a games developer. During my time in college at Tipperary Institute I got involved in events such as Robocode and got to show second level kids how to develop their own games. Tipperary Institute has an ICT Society and when I’m not programming or playing computer games I get involved in events like paintball or adventure treks organised by the college. When I left second level I looked at going to a number of colleges, after seeing what goes on in Tipperary Institute, I put their degree on my CAO. I am really glad I made that choice as the staff there helped me to achieve my dream.

For more see http://www.tippinst.ie/courses/course_details.aspx?id=31