Computer Science (Games Development)

The module provides you with an introduction to computer games programming through the use of an industry standard programming language, game engine and formal development process. It includes the architecture of computer games, input, user interfaces, audio, cameras and collision detection and resolution. On completion of the module, you should be able to understand the principles of computer game architectures and be able to understand how to produce your own computer games.

The module will focus on the foundations of User-Centred Design and Principles of Effective Human Computer Interaction Techniques. This involves all phases including the conceptualisation, design, building / prototyping, testing and developing digital systems such as interfaces and emerging technological innovations. The aims of the module will be to expose the students to the recent developments and state of the art techniques used to create and evaluate interactive systems. The content of the module will focus on the methodologies for achieving effective user centred design and usable systems while detailing the user experience aspects used in leading UX companies.

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the field of object-oriented design and programming, and to the utilisation of industry-standard methods and techniques for development. This module builds upon students' learning of fundamental programming techniques and approaches in previous modules.  Students will learn about fundamental object-oriented concepts such as class design, encapsulation, inheritance, composition, abstract classes and interfaces, using the Java programming language. Students will also be introduced to the principles behind and the use of industry-standard approaches to development such as version control, testing, test-driven development, and the development of professional-standard software documentation (such as APIs). Students will also be introduced to security issues in software design.  

This module builds on the principles and methodologies introduced in “Games Development”. You will learn about games development theory with particular focus on game maths, physics and virtual character decision-making and movement. It includes topics such as trigonometry, vectors, gravity, movement algorithms, finite state machines and path-finding.

This module provides an overview of various tools, techniques and applications of artificial intelligence. Through a series of lectures and workshops students will have the opportunity to examine the technologies and implement a practical software AI solution.  The student's portfolio will also offer the chance to research current innovations in the subject and understand why AI is considered to be a disruptive technology.

This module will provide you with a firm grounding in the principles of Professional Databases. The topics you will study include why databases are important, how to design and manipulate a DBMS. This will involve you looking at database design techniques; different models of data and gain a firm understanding of the challenges of working with a multi-user database user environment. The module will give you practical experience of using SQL within a modern relational database management system, such as Oracle.

This module begins the journey from serial programs with one thread of execution to concurrency and on to high performance computing. You will learn about multi-threading using algorithms from numerical methods as a focus for implementation. You will also learn about the pitfalls of multi-threading (such as deadlocks and race conditions) and how to modify algorithms to avoid them. Simple methods of measuring performance may be analysed.

This module allows you to further develop an understanding of Web Development. The lecture material covers the technologies involved in the production and support of secure, dynamic websites using a server-side scripting language and a database. During workshop sessions, you have the opportunity to practice lecture-taught material to develop your own website.

In this module you will start by looking at the Professional issues related to working in the Computing and IT industry. You will consider professional conduct and the social, legal and ethical implications related to the profession – in-line with BCS guidelines. In the first semester you will also start to consider the subject of your final year project. Following discussions with staff members you will produce a project proposal document and start a literature review on your chosen topic. You will be assigned a project supervisor who will meet with you at regular intervals to provide you with feedback on your work as it progresses. In your second semester you will continue to work individually on the main part of your final year project with regular meetings with your supervisor. This supervisor plus another member of staff will assess your project.

This module aims to provide an in depth understanding of web application development, and emphasises the importance of architectural patterns and Service Oriented Architectures in Web Development. It also takes a look at current and emerging web technologies.

This module focuses students on the current and emerging area of artificial intelligence and machine learning in both domestic and commercial life. Areas covered vary on research interests, but may include Robotics, Digital Entertainment and Industries, such as Automotive and Supply chain. Students will be able to focus on a portfolio of work in their chosen course area supported by lectures and supporting tutorials.

This module builds on High Performance Computing and Database modules to provide understanding and knowledge of the essential concepts, theories and practices of Big Data. This will include Distributed System, latest advances and techniques in processing and managing big data.

This module gives students the opportunity to apply the skills they have learnt theoretically in other modules to practical engaging case studies. This will enable an awareness of emerging techniques and technologies and how to use them practically. Two topics that are of current interest will be focussed and may vary over different runs of the module. Example topic areas include Robot Manipulator Motion Planning, Control of Unmanned Vehicles, Genetic Algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimisation, Cellular Automata.

This module is designed to provide the student with an awareness of both current and upcoming trends/developments within the computer science industry. This includes recent technology developments, along with evolving technologies and those currently at a research stage. With this foundation, the student will be able to appraise the viability of future 'Blue Sky' technologies, with some consideration towards their impact on Human Computer Interaction

This module will further develop your knowledge and understanding of Concurrent Systems. It will cover advanced topics drawn from the latest developments in High Performance Computing such as GPUs, FPGAs and computer clusters. Research will include investigation of the current state of these technologies and the development, implementation and performance testing of programs that use them to maximise performance.

Gain a good understanding of the issues, tools, techniques and technologies, in developing secure software for mobile environments, approaches to handling these issues, and the skills necessary in developing for contemporary mobile computing platforms.