BSc (Hons) Software Development for Animation Games and Effects

Course details On this course you will usually be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry. Year 1 Core units Decoding Art: By uncovering the scientific and technical principles from Art History and Classical Painting, as well as higher-level aesthetics of Computer Graphics technology, we'll make a bridge between Art and Science. This bridge will help you with your project work, and to have good conversations with other students from art backgrounds. Introduction to Production Tools: You'll learn about the software tools used for producing 3D computer animation and visual effects, and work on a 3D animation and visual effects project to a set brief. Discrete Mathematics: You'll learn how discrete mathematics are used in computing, computer animation and computer games. Fundamentals of Computer Science: The topics covered in this unit include a short history of computing, algorithmic techniques, data structures and databases, automata and Turing machines, computer hardware design and a brief introduction to operating systems. Principles and Practice of Programming: This unit will teach you about the programming and algorithms needed to develop software for games, films and effects. You'll learn about tools and techniques used for problem-solving and gain transferable skills to help you pick up computer programming techniques regardless of the language being used. Mathematical Methods: You'll learn how maths and physics are used in Computer Games and Computer Animation. Year 2 Core units Effects Production Tools: You'll develop an in-depth understanding of computer graphics tools to produce animation effects by using industry standard software. Group Project: In a group, you'll develop creative skills by producing a short visual sequence. You'll be taught more advanced CG skills to help you develop and research ideas. Programming Paradigms: Programming paradigms are commonly used in computer graphics and animation. You'll learn why these are relevant and how to use them for solving particular problems. Principles of Rendering: There are similarities between rendering techniques that take hours (film) and less than a second (games). For example, both disciplines have rules governing light and colour. In this unit, you'll develop an understanding of rendering and create new effects and shaders. Shape Modelling for Computer Graphics: An introduction to shape modelling that's regularly used in advanced computer graphics algorithms. You'll learn about the unity between representations and techniques relating to shapes of different dimensionality. There will be compulsory maths content in this unit. Principles of Software Engineering and Operating Systems: Here you'll develop an engineering perspective on what you learnt in your first year, be introduced to operating system basics and learn how to network. Year 3 Optional minimum 30 week work placement Year 3/4 (final year) Core units Major Project & Report: The end of your production work, where you'll merge the techniques you've been taught throughout your three years of study. You'll show your technical, creative and professional skills. Your project should be of a high enough quality to be entered or presented in international and national festivals and conferences. Research and Development Project: You'll work professionally in a research and development team in an academic setting, getting opportunities to improve your academic communication skills and advice for pursuing postgraduate research at the end of the course. Simulation Techniques for Animation: An opportunity to develop your understanding of basic theories involved in animation system development, such as geometrical deformation, kinematics, dynamics and mechanics. You'll also gain an understanding of common techniques used in animation systems, such as character animation and natural phenomena simulation, along with problem-solving and technique development skills. Advanced Programming: This unit looks at advanced and optimal software development techniques, you'll develop professionalism and proficiency for this discipline. Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision: There are two objectives in this unit. One is to introduce you to the AI techniques that are relevant for the generating behaviour for autonomous agents in virtual environments. The other is to introduce you to methods for creating artificial vision systems, an important component for embodied agents. Scheduled learning and teaching activities The emphasis of this course is in guided independent learning, which helps you develop into a self-motivated learner. When not attending lectures and seminars, you will be expected to read around the subject. Your typical week’s activities will include reading books and journal articles, working on group projects, preparing presentations, conducting library research and writing your assignments. The hours below give an indication of how you can expect to spend your time during each year of this course. Year 1 – 37% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities Learning and teaching: 463 hours Independent learning: 737 hours Year 2 – 40% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities Learning and teaching: 410 hours Independent learning: 790 hours Year 3/4 – 20% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities Learning and teaching: 242 hours Independent learning: 958 hours 56% of the course is assessed by coursework Year 1: 33% Year 2: 52% Year 3/4: 83% Throughout the course you will be assessed by coursework culminating in your final year research project, but you will also undertake group work and written exams. Programme specification Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used. View the programme specification for BSc (Hons) Software Development for Animation, Games and Effects. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry. If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance. All statistics shown are taken from Unistats, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE), BU institutional data and Ipsos MORI (National Student Survey) unless otherwise stated.