Course Title: Design digital simulations

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: COSC6211C

Course Title: Design digital simulations

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6151 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

Course Contact: Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Peter McDonald
Ph: 9925 4815
e:peter.mcdonald2@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design digital simulations of real world environments and processes.

It applies to individuals who work closely with subject experts to develop virtual environments for fields including architecture, science and engineering, medicine, conservation and manufacturing. They may also collaborate with programmers and software authors so the simulation is technically achievable.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUADIG507 Design digital simulations

Element:

1. Identify project requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm objectives and outcomes of project briefs in consultation with relevant personnel

1.2 Confirm target audience and determine format and delivery platform of simulations in discussion with relevant personnel

Element:

2. Research and plan approach

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Investigate the real world environment to be simulated, to inform algorithms, rules, laws, physical and mathematical formulas that may be required

2.2 Evaluate designs, plans and other information relevant to the project brief that may assist in modelling the real world environment

2.3 Determine performance objectives, task complexity and user skill levels

2.4 Determine the required depth of physical and functional fidelity, taking into account production requirements

2.5 Research and suggest appropriate simulation authoring tools

2.6 Collaborate with relevant personnel and discuss ideas and creative solutions

Element:

3. Draft simulation design documents

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify processes that determine the functional behaviour of the simulation and specify how this behaviour is to be represented by control objects

3.2 Define the underlying functionality in a model that specifies essential settings, states, conditions and parameters

3.3 Specify user interface controls that enable users to interact with simulations

3.4 Identify critical impacts, alerts or costs for incorrect user operation

3.5 Specify positive and negative feedback to user responses when interacting with simulations

3.6 Specify sequencing of difficulty levels, if required

3.7 Confirm proposed simulation is technically achievable, in consultation with relevant personnel

3.8 Present clear and detailed draft simulation design specifications in a format that can be used for discussion with and feedback from other team members

Element:

4. Finalise simulation design documents

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Review designs against required project outcomes and performance objectives

4.2 Review designs against creative, technical and intellectual property requirements

4.3 Adjust design specifications as necessary after discussions with relevant personnel

4.4 Archive user interface controls for other projects


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will have developed skills and knowledge required to establish project parameters, plan and structure advanced interactive products whilst drafting and finalising digital simulations.


Details of Learning Activities

In class learning activities may include, but are not limited to:

• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT

Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:

• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT


Teaching Schedule

Week

Class Content - Interactive 3

Assessments

Wk 1

Introducing Unity: An introduction into the user interface, creative design tools and interactive environment within the software.

Introduce - A01 - Weekly Class Exercises.

Due Week 5

 

Wk 2

Introducing Unity continued: A further look into the user interface, creative design tools and interactive environment within the software.

 

Wk 3

Understanding the elements of a Unity game scene. Adding Interaction to game objects with programming and user input.

 

Wk 4

Understanding the elements of a Unity game scene. A look at how game objects and elements construct a working prototype game scene.

 

Wk 5

WIP review – Present your progress - A01 - Weekly Class Exercises

Demonstrate your understanding of the skills and techniques covered in class so far.

 

Understanding the elements of a Unity game scene. A look into the use of audio and visual effects in a game scene.

A01 - Weekly Class Exercises

 

Wk 6

A01 review and project feedback.

Introduction to A02 - Social Media App

Due Week 9

 

Understanding the elements of a Unity game project. A look at the process of exporting game scenes from Unity.

 

Wk 7

Understanding the elements of a Unity game project. Analysing how successful GUI design is implemented in games.

 

Studio Class for students to continue working on
A02 - Social Media App

 

Wk 8

Understanding the elements of a Unity game project. A look into the process behind creating Virtual Reality (VR) projects within Unity

 

Wk 9

WIP review – Present your progress

A02 - Social Media App

Demonstrate your understanding of the process behind designing a social media application.

 

A02 - Social Media App

Wk 10

A02 review and project feedback.

Introduction to A03 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

Due Week 15

Understanding the elements of a Unity game scene. A look at the development of 2D or 3D game environments.

 

Wk 11

Understanding the elements of a Unity game scene. A look into the process of integrating audio, visual effects and animation within a prototype game scene.

 

Develop game objects, implement programming and create production assets for A03 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

 

Wk 12

Continue developing game objects, implementing programming and creating production assets for
A03 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

 

Wk 13

Continue developing game objects, implementing programming and creating production assets for
A03 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

 

Wk 14

Continue developing game objects, implementing programming and creating production assets for
A03 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

 

Complete user testing on A03 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

 

Wk 15

WIP review – Present your progress

A03 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

Demonstrate your understanding and the skills required to design and produce a working game prototype.

A03 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

Wk 16

Scheduled review and feedback of all assessments

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.


Other Resources

Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.

Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB flash drive, with at least 32Gb capacity.


 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, practical project work and through the application of learned skills.


Assessment Tasks

This course is assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment.To demonstrate competency you must complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. Once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for A03 and for the course. Please refer to the assessment brief for full assessment criteria or assessment rubric. All assessment documents are available on the course Blackboard page through MyRMIT.

Ungraded Tasks:

A01 - Weekly Class Exercises

Working Individually, complete weekly class exercises to demonstrate an understanding of the interface, design tools and functionality required to create game prototypes in Unity. See full brief in the Assessment Task pdf in the Assessment task folder of Design Digital Simulations.
Due Week 5

A02 - Social Media App

Working Individually, create a comprehensive Design Document showcasing the development of a fictional Social Media App. See full brief in the Assessment Task pdf in the Assessment task folder of Design Digital Simulations.
Due Week 9

Graded Task:

A03 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

A joint Game Project between the Interactive 3, Games 3 and Sound 3 (Design Digital Simulations, Design Games, Develop Sound Designs) courses. Students will be required to develop their concepts from the initial Pre Production stage to the Final realised Production. The TTT Game will be developed using Unity Software for either a 2D or 3D environment. See full brief in the Assessment Task pdf in the Assessment task folder of Design Digital Simulations.
Due Week 15

 

Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:

CHD - Competent with High Distinction
CDI - Competent with Distinction
CC - Competent with Credit
CAG - Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did Not Submit for Assessment

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency.

The assessment matrix for this course can be found on Blackboard through myRmit, or from your teacher.

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students

Cover Sheet for Submissions:

You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions.

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Assessment Feedback:

You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work.  Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy

Student Progress:

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress

Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):

If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview