CSC8501 : Advanced Programming for Games
CSC8501 : Advanced Programming for Games
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Graham Morgan
- Other Staff: Dr Gary Ushaw
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
None
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
None
Aims
To equip students with an understanding of the main aspects of programming allowing students to write and maintain program code
Outline Of Syllabus
The syllabus will cover memory, data structures, loops and conditions, functions, concurrency, error handling, debugging, algorithm analysis, and methodology of program development.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
To be able to define and discuss the main aspects of a programming language.
Intended Skill Outcomes
To be able to design and create programs.
To be able to identify appropriate techniques for analysing the efficiency of programs.
To be able to realise inappropriate usage of programming languages.
To be able to manage memory.
To be able to create and use data structures.
To be able to use condition statements, loops and functions.
To be able to utilise concurrency when appropriate.
To be able to create programs that handle run-time errors.
To be able to use appropriate techniques for debugging and analysing existing algorithms.
To be able to design programs using a well-known methodology.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lecture materials follow-up – allowing students to reflect on their participation in the module |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Online delivery of course materials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | PiP or Synchronous online; programming practical with Q&A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 25 | 1:00 | 25:00 | Exercises and practical work – achieved using provided literature and online resources |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 80 | 1:00 | 80:00 | Coursework - carrying out significant coursework that account for all the module assessment |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Online discussions (Q&A) – providing a forum to answer technical questions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 45 | 1:00 | 45:00 | Background reading – allowing students to deepen and broaden their understanding |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | PIP or Synchronous online: short discussion with Q&A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Structured guided learning will be used to introduce the learning materials and for demonstrating key concepts by example. Students are expected to align their independent studies in a timeframe reflective of their progression through the guided learning material.
To help students there will be online discussions moderated by the module leader. This will provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and receive answers on the topics covered in the module and seek help with their coursework.
Students aiming for distinction marks are expected to widen their knowledge beyond the content of the provisioned learning material through additional background reading.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 100 | Programming coursework (80 hours) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Since programming is a practical subject, development skills need to be assessed by coursework. Students must demonstrate an understanding of the issues associated with the practicalities of programming and be able to demonstrate the application of this understanding in solving a programming problem and evaluating their solutions
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8501's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CSC8501's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.