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Games Fundamentals unit (KIT109)

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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 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
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $2,919.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

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 UniConnect 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 weekly — this unit will have joint on-campus/online classes facilitated using Discord

1 x 2-hour Tutorial weekly — this unit will have joint on-campus/online classes facilitated using Discord

~3–5 hours Self-Study weekly

AssessmentGame Project Concept Document (5%)|Pong Game (5%)|Prescribed Game Project (20%)|Modules and Exercises (30%)|Game Project Implementation (40%)
TimetableView 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.

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