Courses & Units
Games Fundamentals KIT109
BICT students need to get permission from the unit coordinator to enrol in the online offering. The online offering is primarily reserved for students enrolled in courses that are available online (e.g. Diploma of ICT Professional Practice, Undergraduate Certificate in ICT Professional Practice). Online students will need to attend online tutorials.
Introduction
Games (whether they be video games, console games, computer games, mobile games, or web games) differ from other media as they elevate the viewer to the level of a participant. Games are an ever-growing cultural phenomenon which has increasing relevance to people's day-to-day lives and well as significant economic importance. In this unit, students will be exposed to the basics of game development technology and game design, via an intensive process learning practical skills for developing games and the application of these in the development of their own small game in the Unity game engine. Students will be given the option to complete a Unity Certification course at the conclusion of the unit. While games are typically "fun", they are also increasingly being developed for non-entertainment uses, through so-called serious gaming and by the use of gamification. Supplementing the practical component, this unit will introduce such games as they are used to make social statements and to drive social change; for education and training; for rehabilitation and health; for research; and for art's sake alone. This unit will also examine controversial game content, the effects of game playing, and various ethical concerns. This unit will feature guest speakers who will provide unique personal insights into the workings of the games industry and advice on how to best prepare for employment within it. Completing this unit will provide you with the opportunity to obtain the Unity Certified User: Programmer professional industry certification via completion of a certification exam.
Summary
| Unit name | Games Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KIT109 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Information and Communication Technology |
| Discipline | Information & Communication Technology |
| Coordinator | Doctor Ian Lewis |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Launceston | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Launceston | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 1 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 2 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 26/2/2024 | 22/3/2024 | 15/4/2024 | 2/6/2024 |
| Semester 2 | 22/7/2024 | 16/8/2024 | 9/9/2024 | 27/10/2024 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Communicate the design and development processes of games
- Apply principles and technical skills to develop games
- Identify and analyse user needs and take them into account in the design and implementation of games
- Analyse the diverse usage and broad impact of games and virtual worlds on individuals, organizations, and society
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 029999 | $1,118.00 | $1,118.00 | not applicable | $2,648.00 |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 1 x 2-hour Lecture weekly 1 x 1-hour Tutorial (listed as "Practical" in your timetable) and 1 x 2-hour Tutorial weekly — this unit will have joint on-campus/online classes facilitated using Discord ~3–5 hours Self-Study weekly |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Game Project Concept Document (5%)|Pong Game (5%)|Quizzes (10%)|Prescribed Game Project (20%)|Game Project Implementation (30%)|Modules and Exercises (30%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.