C or better in CS 310 and CS 351
Required: Game Engine Architecture by Jason Gregory. ISBN# 978-1-56881-413-1
This course uses Microsoft Visual Studio 2012, which is available only for Windows. The software is installed in the Volgenau School open lab (ENGR 1506) and hours for the lab are on the VSE Labs site ( http://labs.vse.gmu.edu ). If you have a Macintosh computer and want to install the software on it, you will have to use either a virtual machine or BootCamp to install Windows on your Macintosh computer. VMWare Fusion and Windows are available at no charge through your enrollment in Volgenau School courses. Instructions for obtaining the software are in the Microsoft DreamSpark & VMWare FAQs on http://labs.vse.gmu.edu
This course is a requirement of the ACS Game Design degree and can be used as a Senior CS Elective for the BS CS degree.
The course will provide an introduction to technologies and techniques used in modern computer games, animations, and special effects. Students will gain knowledge and experience needed to build games, simulations, and animations. Therefore, the key elements of the course will be knowledge, experience, and fun!
Each student will be granted 3 grace days that can be used with programming assignments. The smallest unit that can be used is one day. After using the grace days, students will receive no credit for late assignments. All assignments will be given and submitted through Blackboard.
a) Become familiar with advanced techniques used in object-oriented programming
b) Realize the manner with which the graphics pipeline may be utilized to create animations, games, and simulations
c) Utilize mathematical abilities to create optimum algorithms
d) Exhibit skills that demonstrate understanding of physics simulations
e) Realize the appropriate techniques for maximizing code reuse
f) Experience employing a variety of data structures and algorithms
| Topic | Assignment | |
| Week 1 | Introduction | 1. Installation |
| Week 2 | Character animation | 2. Walking |
| Week 3 | System design | 3. Level Loading |
| Week 4 | Pathfinding | |
| Week 5 | Pathfinding | 4. Pathfinding |
| Week 6 | Flocks and swarms | |
| Week 7 | Flocks and swarms | 5. Flocks |
| Week 8 | Collision Detection | |
| Week 9 | Rigid Body Dynamics | |
| Week 10 | Rigid Body Dynamics | 6. Physics |
| Week 11 | Artificial Intelligence | |
| Week 12 | Artificial Intelligence | |
| Week 13 | Low level systems | |
| Week 14 | Project Presentations | Final Project |
During the lecture, students should not play games, text on their phone, or surf the web. All electronic communication devices (including laptops, PDAs, cell phones) should be either turned off or silenced.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The class enforces the
GMU Honor Code, and to the
more
specific honor code policy special to the Department of Computer Science.
You will be expected to adhere to this code and policy.
OFFICE OF DISABILITY SERVICES
If you are a student with a disability and
you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Office of
Disability Services (ODS) at 993-2474. All academic accommodations must be
arranged through the ODS. http://ods.gmu.edu
OTHER USEFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES:
WRITING CENTER: A114 Robinson Hall; (703)
993-1200; http://writingcenter.gmu.edu
UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES “Ask a Librarian”
http://library.gmu.edu/mudge/IM/IMRef.html
COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS): (703) 993-2380;
http://caps.gmu.edu
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
The University Catalog, http://catalog.gmu.edu, is the
central resource for university
policies affecting student, faculty, and
staff conduct in university academic affairs. Other
policies are available at
http://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/. All members of the university
community are
responsible for knowing and following established policies.