I am currently teaching the following modules:
Application Development Frameworks (SOFT8020)
This module focuses on developing scalable enterprise Java applications using the Spring Framework. Key concepts of frameworks are covered, such as Inversion of Control, Dependency Injection, Lightweight Containers, Aspect Oriented Programming, etc. Enterprise Integration is covered – web services, messaging, remoting – as is web application development using the MVC pattern, as well as an examination of other architectural patterns in web applications.
Game Development (SOFT8009)
Students begin by learning about the history of games. At the same time, students begin lab work using Unreal Engine 4 to develop a 3D first-person shooter game. We cover many game-related topics, such as aesthetics, game dynamics and game mechanics, examining some theories of models related to game analysis and design. Other topics such as narrative, character and level design are covered. Students learn how to write a game design document and how to develop a paper prototype of a game. During lectures, games are analysed critically and picked apart to examine why they are or are not effective. Students write a short essay (circa 2,000 – 2,500 words) on a topic of their choosing, but this will often be a deep analysis of a game or games using frameworks such as the MDA framework, though students could approach the essay from a number of other lenses – culture, psychology, etc. Students work in a group to develop a game using Unreal Engine 4.