Contents
- 1 CSG Core Courses
- 1.1 CSG 1003 Game Design Concepts
- 1.2 CSG 3013 Introduction to Real-Time Engines
- 1.3 CSG 3023 Introduction to Game Programming
- 1.4 CSG 4283 3D Modeling and Animation
- 1.5 CSG 3523 Game Systems Development
- 1.6 CSG 4373 3D Visualization of Dynamic Simulations
- 1.7 CSG 3813 Environmental Storytelling and Level Design
- 1.8 CSG 4603 Portfolio and Professional Development
- 1.9 CSG 4003 Game Development and Production I
- 1.10 CSG 4013 Game Development and Production II
- 2 Built-In CS Minor
- 3 CSG Specialized Electives
- 4 Game Design
- 5 Game Development
- 6 Animation & Visual Effects
- 7 Sound Design
- 8 Game Production
CSG Core Courses
The Computer Simulation and Gaming (CSG) features a core of 30 credit hours across 10 courses, providing a wide range of industry-relevant skills essential for today’s digital landscape. This core structure enables students to build a solid foundation while also allowing them to delve deeply into specific areas of interest through specialized electives. This combination of breadth and depth empowers graduates to adapt to various roles and challenges in the rapidly evolving creative industries.
CSG 1003 Game Design Concepts
QUAD III
An introduction to the technical and creative aspects of game development. Core principles of game design, including gameplay, game mechanics, game interface, the player-centric approach, and the game development process. Students learn to develop games utilizing industry-standard software.
CSG 3013 Introduction to Real-Time Engines
Real-time engines are utilized to create immersive and interactive virtual worlds, games, special effects, simulations, and various other applications. Students will learn the fundamental components and features of popular real-time engines and develop applied skills for content creation within these engines.
CSG 3023 Introduction to Game Programming
Prerequisite: CS 2003 | Synonymous courses: CS 3023
Introduction to the design, writing, testing, and documentation of 2D and 3D computer games. Major topics include animation, physics, sound, user control, state maintenance, and game artificial intelligence. An emphasis is placed on design and implementation.
CSG 4283 3D Modeling and Animation
Synonymous courses: ART 4283
Introduction to 3D game asset creation focusing on best practices for game production. Professional techniques for creating 3D computer models and applying the principles of animation. Emphasis on low-polygon modeling, lighting, animating, and special effects.
CSG 3523 Game Systems Development
Prerequisite: CSG 3023 or CS 3023 | Synonymous courses: CS 3523
Game Systems Development delves into advanced programming techniques and optimization strategies essential for game and simulation development. Focusing on developing various game systems and utilities that enhance the game mechanics and gameplay. Emphasizing modular system development, the course underscores the importance of decoupling scripts to enhance scalability and maintainability. Through hands-on projects and exercises, students will develop their skills in designing, implementing, and optimizing game systems.
CSG 4373 3D Visualization of Dynamic Simulations
Prerequisites: CSG 3013 and CSG 4283
3D Visualization of Dynamic Simulations encompasses real-world physics, fluid dynamics, and the integration of real-world data sources. Through a hands-on approach, students will learn to develop advanced 3D models, virtual environments, techniques for motion capture, and 3D scanning to create immersive simulations. By the end of the course, students will have acquired the skills necessary to design and implement dynamic simulations for a variety of implementations, ranging from a variety of implementations, ranging from gaming and entertainment to scientific visualization and virtual prototyping.
CSG 3813 Environmental Storytelling and Level Design
Prerequisites: CSG 3013 and CSG 4283 (or ART 4283)
Implementation of world-building techniques for games and animations, with a focus on environmental storytelling to create immersive narratives. This course emphasizes the essential principles of environment theory and level design, exploring their roles in shaping player experiences and enhancing narrative depth. Students will engage with topics such as game balance, polygon modeling, and playtesting. Utilizing an industry-standard game engine, participants will develop practical skills in crafting interactive environments that seamlessly integrate story and gameplay dynamics.
CSG 4603 Portfolio and Professional Development
Prerequisites: CSG 3813 (minimum grade C)
Preparation and presentation of a professional portfolio that showcases work to attract employers across various creative digital industries, including computer simulation, game design & development, special effects, and animation. Students will explore the current landscape of these industries, define their career goals, and prepare for professional certification to enhance their marketability.
CSG 4003 Game Development and Production I
Prerequisite: CSG 3813 (minimum grade C)
Implementation of the game development process. Engaging gameplay, comprehensive game mechanics, game story, and character progression. Application of skills in storytelling, 3D modeling, animation, advanced game-level design, and prototyping. Collaborative work on the development of a pre-production game and formal game pitch.
CSG 4013 Game Development and Production II
Prerequisite: CSG 4003 (minimum grade Pass)
Second of a two-course sequence game development and production. Continue development and production project began in CSG 4003 Game Development & Production I. Emphasis on the production and post-production phases of game development. Includes game development, level design, asset creation, and animation. Work collaboratively to develop engaging gameplay, comprehensive game mechanics, game story, and character progression.
Built-In CS Minor
The Computer Simulation and Gaming (CSG) program includes a built-in Computer Science (CS) minor, which serves as a valuable asset by enhancing students’ technical proficiency and deepening their understanding of foundational computer science principles. This minor equips students with essential skills in programming, algorithms, and software development, complementing their specialized training in simulation and gaming. From a T-shaped learning perspective, these competencies are vital; they provide students with a solid technical base that enhances their creative endeavors. By integrating these core computer science skills with their artistic and design-oriented studies, graduates are better prepared to tackle complex challenges in the industry, collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, and innovate within their fields.
CS 1043 Introduction to Programming and Problem-solving
Corequisite: MATH 1163 and CS 1040 (non-credit lab)
A disciplined introductory approach to problem-solving methods and algorithm development using procedural and object-oriented programming techniques. Course includes lecture and weekly laboratory assignments. Students learn to write, debug, test, and document code with the Java programming language.
CS 3013 Discrete Mathematics
Prerequisite: MATH 1163 | Synonymous courses: MATH 3013
Theory and applications of mathematical models fundamental to analysis of discrete problems. Introduction to set theory, relations and functions. Principles of counting and other combinatorial problems. Introduction to graph theory and its application to algorithm analysis. Formal logic, methods of proof and correctness of algorithms. Recursion and recursive definitions.
CS 2003 Fundamentals of Algorithms and Computer Applications
Prerequisite: CS 1043 (minimum grade C) | Corequisite: CS 2000 (non-credit lab)
A disciplined introductory approach to problem-solving methods and algorithm development using procedural and object-oriented programming techniques. Course includes lecture and weekly laboratory assignments. Students learn to write, debug, test, and document code with the Java programming language.
CS 2123 Data Structures
Prerequisite: CS 2003 (minimum grade C) or DS 2113 (minimum grade C)
Concepts of data structures with analysis, B trees, AVL trees, Splay trees, etc. Recurrence formulas, hashing, and algorithm analysis. Emphasis on various algorithm techniques: backtracking, branch and bound, dynamic programming, simulated annealing, etc. Students will write programs in C++, Python or Java.
CS 3513 Software Engineering
Prerequisite: CS 2123 or CYBR 2013
Formal and semi-formal methods of specification, design, validation, and maintenance will be explored as engineering processes in the development and deployment of software systems.
CS 4053 Interaction Design
Prerequisite: CS 2003
A cross-disciplinary, practical, and process-oriented approach to Human-Computer Interaction which focuses on how to design interactive products that enhance and extend the way people communicate, interact, and work. Introduces tools and techniques of HCI, including the skills of task analysis, and analytic and empirical evaluation methods, and provides a systematic approach to design.
CSG Specialized Electives
Students enrolled in the Computer Simulation and Gaming (CSG) program are required to complete a minimum of 8 elective courses in Computer Simulation and Gaming (CSG), totaling 24 credits. These elective courses may be chosen from any of the following specialization areas: Game Design, Game Art & Animation, Game Development, Sound Design, and Game Production. Students have the flexibility to select CSG electives from multiple specialization areas, with no restrictions on the number of courses per specialization.
Additionally, students who choose to complete 4 or more electives from a single specialization area may qualify for an additional minor. For further guidance on this option, students are encouraged to consult with their faculty advisor.
Game Design
CSG 3613 Exploration in Gaming Technology
Prerequisite: CSG 3023 or CS 3023
Exploration of the evolution of computer games. Focus on new and emerging simulation and gaming technologies. Emphasis on research and development. Course may be repeated with a different technology focus.
CSG 3863 Special Topics in Computer Simulation & Gaming
Prerequisite: Instructor's Permission
Special Topics in Computer Simulation & Gaming
Game Development
CSG 4033 Game Engine Design
Prerequisites: CSG 3013 and CS 4613
Students will learn to design, write, test, and document a 3D game engine written in C++. Good design and implementation are emphasized. Students will also learn mathematics for graphical applications, tricks and tactics for memory management, and how to work directly with graphic cards.
Animation & Visual Effects
CSG 4293 3D Character Design & Animation
Prerequisite: CSG 4283 or CSG 4283 | Synonymous courses: ART 4293
Advanced 3D game asset creation focusing on 3D character design and animation. Advanced modeling techniques, character rigging, and character animation. Rigging of bipedal characters, creatures, and props for animation. Exploration of techniques for 3D scanning and motion capture.
CSG 4323 3D Animation & Visual Effects
Prerequisite: CSG 3013 and CSG 4283 or CSG 4283
This advanced course delves into the complex world of 3D animation and visual effects, equipping students with the technical and creative skills to produce high-quality, professional-grade 3D assets and animations with an emphasis on 3D animation for film and media production. Students will explore cutting-edge techniques in advanced 3D modeling, procedural modeling and texturing, lighting, special effects, and advanced animation. The course emphasizes the integration of artistic vision and technical precision, preparing students to create visually compelling and dynamic animations for both games and film production.
CSG 4413 XR and Virtual Production
Prerequisite: CSG 3813 |
Exploration of Virtual Production techniques used in modern filmmaking, animation, game production, and digital storytelling. Students will gain hands-on experience in creating immersive virtual environments and virtual sets, learning to integrate these elements into the production pipeline of contemporary cinema and emerging media fields. The course will cover key techniques such as storytelling and visual narrative design, storyboarding, animatics, and the use of Extended Reality (XR) technologies with LED volumes to produce immersive virtual productions.
Sound Design
CSG 3413 Introduction to Video Game Scoring
Prerequisite: Instructor's Permission | Synonymous courses: MUS 3413 / FLM 3413
Introduction to Video Game Scoring covers compositional, technical, and professional aspects of video game music. Students learn the basics of working with a digital audio workstation and audio middleware, explore theoretical perspectives and historical trends, and become familiar with business and career aspects of video game music. Coursework includes composing game cues, analysis of game scores, and completion of technical lessons on implementation software.
CSG 4313 Advanced Video Game Scoring
Prerequisite: CSG 3413 or MUS 3413 or FLM 3413 | Synonymous courses: MUS 4313 / FLM 4313
Advanced Video Game Scoring covers interactive scoring techniques, using audio middleware technologies, and analysis of video game music. Topics include adaptive scoring techniques, working in a game engine, and advanced techniques using a digital audio workstation. The semester culminates in a collaboration with CSG-4013: Game Production Development II, in which students provide audio assets and implement a sound engine into a game engine.