2016-2017 Undergraduate Calendar

Computer and video games can be complex expressive, narrative, experiential, intelligent, cultural and creative systems. They integrate many types of content and media and are presented on a wide range of interactive digital platforms. The creation of computer games requires highly diverse technical and creative conceptualization, design, implementation and production processes. Games are typically produced by teams of people with specialized knowledge and skills who also understand and support the larger enterprise of the game which is to provide a user/player with challenge, agency and experience.

The GAME program combines study at Brock University and Niagara College, focusng on the concepts, contexts and mechanics of computer games. Students may choose one of two study options: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Game Design and an Advanced Diploma in Game Development or a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Game Programming and an Advanced Diploma in Game Development. Students examine the history, discourses and production of games and participate in three major collaborative projects that result in the creation and production of fully realized computer games in the second, third and fourth years of the program.

Eligibility to continue in the GAME program is based on a student's major average and non-major average. A student with a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non-major average will be permitted to continue. A student with a major average lower than 70 percent will not be permitted to continue in the GAME program. With the approval of the Director of the Centre for Digital Humanities or the Chair of the Department of Computer Science, a student who is not eligible to continue may be permitted to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interactive Arts and Science or a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science respectively. Required courses not yet completed in these programs will need to be met.

Entrance Requirement

Students applying for the GAME program are required to submit a Statement of Interest as part of their application. See brocku.ca/game for details.

Concurrent Study at Brock University and Niagara College

Students in the GAME program will study at both Brock University and Niagara College each year of the program. The College and University have endeavoured to schedule courses and manage logistics and facilities, including software, hardware and networks, to enable each student's work between both institutions.

Facilities

The Centre for Digital Humanities (CDH) supports the program through a range of media enriched seminar and lab spaces including a state-of-the-art computer graphics lab, game development and game testing labs and two general labs.

The Department of Computer Science maintains a 16 core Redhat Linux server that supports the departmental labs and provides students with access to their files wherever they can connect via the internet. The department has three computer laboratories (MC D205, MC J301 and MC J310) containing multi-core Intel processor computers running both Windows and Linux operating systems with access to development environments, database systems and other special purpose software used in the courses.

Niagara College provides two state-of-the-art gaming labs fully equipped with high end gaming computers and a suite of software used throughout the gaming industry. The program also has a media viewing room with three widescreen monitors to display game development progress with faculty and clients in a multiscreen interactive environment. Small class sizes enhance the experience in using leading industry art production and software development tools.

The CDH and Niagara College partner with The Generator at One in downtown St. Catharines to enable students to work with industry professionals in internships and structured courses that provide access to a world-class media production studio. Students all have access to a sophisticated Motion Capturing System. Workflow is integrated between the green screen/motion capture studio, audio and visual effects suite, 3D scanning and printing, data centre and theatre.

Printer Usage Fees

A non-refundable printer usage fee may be charged for all courses offered by the Department of Computer Science which use departmental or User Services laboratories. Printing beyond the initial quota will incur an additional fee.

Program Notes

1.	Course requirements include those taught at Brock University and Niagara College.
2.	The GAME program works on a cohort basis. Students will only be permitted to transfer from other majors into upper years of the program in exceptional cases. Transfer credits may not be awarded.
3.	In 20 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
	In some circumstances, in order to meet university degree and program requirements, more than 20 credits may be taken.

Bachelor of Arts Game Design (Honours only)

Game Design prepares students to analyze and build games and other interactive media expressions. Students create games on varied platforms and gain fluency in computing and scripting. They will learn the principles of and use industry standard technology for 3D modelling, character design, environment design and animation. Students will integrate narrative, writing, art direction, level and game design.

For Niagara College course descriptions see niagaracollege.ca/media-studies/programs/ba-game-design/

Year 1

	APCO 1P00
	CPCF 1F25
	IASC 1P04, 1P05 and 1P06
	BTGD 9810, 9811, 9820 and 9822 (Niagara College courses)

Year 2

	IASC 2P04 and 2P05
	VISA 2P97 and 2P99
	BTGD 9831, 9833, 9835, 9841, 9844, 9845 (Niagara College courses)

Year 3

	APCO 1P50
	COMM 2P90 or STAC 3P14
	COMM 2P91 or VISA 3P10
	IASC 3F91, 3P04 and 3P06
	BTGD 9855, 9864 and 9965 (Niagara College courses)

Year 4

	IASC 4F03 and 4P02
	two credits from DART 3F61, 3P92, IASC 3P95, 3P99,VISA 3F96
	one and one-half credits from COMM 3P26, 3P90, 3P92, EDUC 4P62, IASC 3P98, STAC 3P97, 3P98, 4P72

Bachelor of Science Game Programming (Honours only)

Game Programming enables students to analyze and build games and to design and create the underlying program structures. Students gain fluency in basic art and technology tools specific to games. They will create games on varied platforms and develop a depth of knowledge in the concepts that underlie game mechanics involving computer science and related mathematics. Students will engage in practices associated with game programming while also participating fully in the entire game production process.

For Niagara College course descriptions see niagaracollege.ca/media-studies/programs/ba-game-programming/

Year 1

	COSC 1P02 and 1P03
	CPCF 1F25
	IASC 1P04 and 1P05
	MATH 1P66 and 1P67
	BTGD 9811, 9822 (Niagara College courses)

Year 2

	COSC 2P03 and 2P13
	IASC 2P04 and 2P05
	PHYS 1P21
	BTGD 9831, 9833, 9835, 9844 and 9845 (Niagara College courses)

Year 3

	APCO 1P50
	COSC 2P05 and 3P71
	IASC 3P04 and 3P06
	MATH 1P12
	BTGD 9855, 9864, 9865 and 9866 (Niagara College courses)

Year 4

	IASC 4F03 and 4P02
	one credit from COSC 3P40, 3P94, 3P98
	one COSC credit numbered 3(alpha)90 or above
	MATH 1P97 or MATH 1P98
	BTGD 9876 and 9877 (Niagara College courses)

Descriptions of Courses

See relevant calendar entry for course descriptions.

Last updated: April 1, 2016 @ 10:40AM