Studieplan /1
Bachelor in Game Technology and Simulation
ECTS credits: 180
Academic level and organisation of the study programme
Completion of the study programmes confers the title of Bachelor in Game Technology and Simulation. It is a full-time first degree programme lasting 3 years with a total of 180 credits.
Introduction
The games and technology industry is ever increasing, and offers endless opportunities.
Game technology covers a large area that includes simulation, programming and
graphics for use in areas such as entertainment, games and multimedia. Experiences are becoming more important in society, in education and training, work and leisure time.
This development requires competent professionals with knowledge of the most recent technology, information dissemination, interactive processes, games and media design for different user groups.
The Bachelor’s degree study programme in Game Technology and Simulation provides a thorough profession-oriented and academic education oriented towards the many
activities and job opportunities that are waiting in the media and information technology sector.
The study programme aims both to develop further the students’ ability for overall thinking and to give them a complex understanding of programming and game design as tools and methods for problem solution in a broad range of work tasks.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, a qualified candidate has the following total learning outcome defined as knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge The candidate
• has knowledge about the historical development leading to the present-day game, media and communication society
• has knowledge about critical thinking, communication and problem solution linked to interactive systems
• has broad knowledge of information science
• has knowledge of scientific subjects underlying game technology and simulation
• has knowledge about national and international research and development work that is relevant for game technology and simulation, and is able to update his/her knowledge within the subject area
• has knowledge of how to use different types of digital tools in an efficient and systematic manner
Skills
The candidate
• is able to apply development methods and processes from idea to end product
• is able to master technological subjects such as programming, mathematics, networks and databases (cloud systems)
• understands artistic subjects such as design and 3D modelling
• is able to reflect on his/her own professional performance and adjust it under supervision
• is able to use professional knowledge and relevant results from research and
development work in information scientific subjects underlying interactive production
• is able to find, assess, use and refer to relevant research and development work, artistic development work and other pertinent professional material
• is able to apply critical thinking, logic, communication and problem solution
• is able to work creatively with technological subjects in problem solution - a basic competence that may contribute to new thinking and innovation
General competence The candidate
• is able to plan and carry out varied work tasks and projects over a protracted time period, alone and as a group participant, and in accordance with ethical requirements and guidelines
• has insight into relevant professional and work ethical issues, and is able to contribute in a professional community
• is able to inspire and facilitate entrepreneurship, new thinking and innovation and the
• is able to disseminate central subject matter orally and in writing, to take part in professional discussions within the subject area and share his/her knowledge and experiences with others
Target group
The study programme is aimed at students who wish to work with the development and operation of data systems in industry and commerce, the events industry, the game industry and similar areas. The study programme is suitable for students interested in games, science and technology.
If you wish to take this education, you must, in addition to higher education entrance qualification/validated formal, non-formal and informal qualifications, have Mathematics R1 or the equivalent and Physics 1. Applicants who do not have R1 or the equivalent are required to take the compulsory preliminary course in mathematics.
Career prospects and further studies
The study programme provides a thorough professionally oriented education with opportunities for jobs in game development, simulator development or more traditional programming.
The study programme is also an academic education that gives the opportunity to take further education at the Master’s level.
Qualifications
Higher education entrance qualification or validated formal, non-formal and informal qualifications at a corresponding level.
Teaching and working methods
The teaching is based on lectures, practical exercises, study groups/ group work, presentations and self-study. Fronter, the e-learning system, is used in the teaching.
Most of the courses are practical with significant emphasis on problem solution and entail compulsory work requirements, both individually and in groups.
In many subjects the students collaborate with students from the Bachelor’s study programme in Animation and Digital Art. This provides an environment for game development that is among the best and most comprehensive in Scandinavia. The
collaboration provides a unique understanding of the overall picture and the necessity of cross-disciplinary productions.
The teaching entails an extensive use of a personal computer with relevant software.
Assessment, examination and grading
Graded letter marks are used, from A – F, where E is the lowest pass grade. Various forms of assessment are used, both written individual school examinations and individual and group-based portfolio assessment.
Research-based teaching
The study programme keeps up-to-date by using new literature, research and methods.
The students have the opportunity to work with internal and external actors on research and development projects.
Internationalisation
The study programme makes it possible for students to make a study visit to an educational institution abroad during the 3rd semester, and, if relevant, the 4th semester. The study visit must have been given prior approval by the Hedmark
University of Applied Sciences (HUAS) so that the courses can be incorporated in the study programme.
The second and third years of studies are also planned so that international students can attend. The teaching in all courses during these two years can be given in English.
The study programme’s syllabus is international and part of the teaching takes place in English. A good deal of the syllabus literature is in English.
Programme structure and content
The study programme’s first year provides basic knowledge and understanding of both modelling/animation, mathematics and programming. Years 2 and 3 of the study
programme provide specialisation in game programming, as well as game and systems design, systems thinking and gamification.
30 credits are linked to a final project (Bachelor’s Thesis) where groups of students with different competence from the programme collaborate and carry out a project. The project may be an interaction with the business community. 10 credits are allocated to Pre-Production for Pilot, which is a cross-disciplinary course and is meant to be a preparatory course for the Bachelor’s Thesis (Pilot Production).
courses. The study programme requires great efforts from the students. If they are to be well equipped for working life in this field, it is important that they set aside a lot of time for their own study work. In addition, some of the courses will require the students to hand in assignments every week in order to achieve the necessary progression and reach an adequate level academically and professionally.
Class
2011/2012