Course Title: Design digital simulations
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
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
Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:
• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account
• 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
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
Week |
Topic & Activities |
Assessment |
1 |
Introduction to the course and assessments Refresher on Unity Basics AT1 begins - Weekly Class Exercises |
|
2 |
FPS/ Adventure Game Design | |
3 |
2D Platformer Game Design |
|
4 |
Touch Screen Game Design | |
5 |
Text Based Game Design WIP - AT1 - Weekly Class Exercises
Introduction to AT2 - Triple Threat Game (TTT) Pre Production & INT 3 Knowledge Quiz AT2 begins - Triple Threat Game (TTT) Pre Production & INT 3 Knowledge Quiz
|
AT1 - Weekly Class Exercises |
6 |
AT1 review and project feedback. Organising team production - Slack & Trello |
|
7 |
GUI Design in Games WIP - AT2 - Triple Threat Game Pre Production (TTT) |
|
8 |
AR/VR Design
|
AT2 - Triple Threat Game Pre Production (TTT) & INT 3 Knowledge Quiz |
9 |
AT2 review and project feedback. Introduction to AT3 - Triple Threat Game Production (TTT) AT3 begins - Triple Threat Game Production (TTT) |
|
10 |
Game production |
|
11 |
Game production |
|
12 |
Game production (How to test prototypes) Prototype / User Testing - Lab 1 |
|
13 |
Game production Prototype / User Testing - Lab 2 Development of final Game based on Design proposal |
|
14 |
Game production WIP - AT3 - Triple Threat Game Production (TTT) Re-assessment of Gameplay based on prototype testing - added to final game document. |
AT3 - Triple Threat Game (TTT) Production (Graded) |
15 |
AT3 review and project feedback. Final Games set up and played in lab/ final changes |
|
16 |
Reviewing The Triple Threat (TTT) Game Projects; what worked, what didn't, lessons to be learnt |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
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 3.0 flash drive, with at least 128Gb capacity.
You are strongly advised to maintain a daily backup schedule of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account.
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
Assessment for this course is competency based. To show competency, you must complete all assessments 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 a specified assignment[s] and for the course.
Late assessment submissions, or submissions that do not reach the required standard may be assessed as Not Satisfactory (NS). You will receive feedback on your assessment through Canvas and resubmission instructions via email. You must resubmit within two weeks of this notification. You may re-submit an assessment task only once. Graded assessments which are resubmitted, are eligible for CAG (Competency Achieved Graded) only.
Please refer to the assessment brief for full assessment criteria or assessment rubric. All assessment documents are available on the course Canvas page through MyRMIT.
AT1 - 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 - Ungraded
AT2 - Triple Threat Game Pre Production (TTT) & INT 3 Knowledge Quiz
In addition to a knowledge quiz to gauge your understanding of fundamental concepts and techniques covered in this course, you will work individually to 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 8 - Ungraded
AT3 - Triple Threat Game (TTT) Production (Graded)
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 14 - Graded
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 for this course demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the unit of competency. It can be found on the Canvas course page 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.
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. You are strongly advised to 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.
Student Progress:
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
Adjustments to Assessment
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.
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.
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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview