module specification

CU6005 - Prototype Development (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24
Module title Prototype Development
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 30
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 300
 
81 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
219 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 10%   Presentation of logbook
Coursework 10%   Project Plan
Coursework 80%   Artefact and documentation (1500 words)
Running in 2023/24

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Year North Tuesday Afternoon

Module summary

This module is designed to give students the responsibility for working together as a large team, in order to design and build a 3D console game. Students will work in smaller sub-teams focusing on design or programming techniques or asset production. 

The module provides students with the opportunity to take masterclasses in a variety of disciplines related to their chosen sphere of expertise, closely supervised by specialists from relevant industries.

Students will be expected to develop professional quality work to a specialist brief.

This module aims to:
- enable students to understand workflow models, styles of project management and the necessity of good communication skills in a team-based work environment
- implement art, design and/or programming capabilities in the area of computer games and digital media
- develop communication skills with particular reference to computer games and digital media
- equip students for employment in the area of computer games and digital media.

Prior learning requirements

Completion of level 5

Syllabus

Meeting a brief;
developing requirements;
user centred design;
QA - evaluation techniques;
prototyping tools;
professional standards;
marketing and publicity

LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

A problem based learning approach will be used in the module delivery.

Students will be able to negotiate their final coursework, based on a brief set by the tutor.  Each member of the team will be expected to deliver professional quality work to deadlines determined through the team management structure.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to:
LO1 understand the importance of proof of concept development;
LO2 have experience of team-work and self-management; 
LO3 develop cross-disciplinary communication skills;
LO4 be able to devise appropriate techniques for developing and testing final product from prototype and be able to produce work to a professional standard.

Assessment strategy

100% coursework – 3D game that meets brief + technical and design documentation. A logbook should be kept throughout the design stage and shown regularly to the tutor, to be presented in week 10. A plan for the development of a games artefact is required in week 16. This is then followed by the development of the artefact itself to be submitted with a report in week 30.

Formative feedback will be given during weekly meetings, where team members present their work.  Feedback from industry professionals will be important, as well as peer review and accountability within context of team.

Assessment:
Presentation and log book
Project Plan
Artefact and documentation

Bibliography

Textbooks:

Core Text:

Online Unreal Documentation:
https://docs.unrealengine.com/en-us/

Other Texts:

Sherif, W., (2015). Learning C++ By Creating Games With Ue4. Packt Publishing - Ebooks Account.