Software Design with Virtual R - Technological U

This three-year BSc program at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in Athlone equips students with skills and knowledge in software development, specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) and Gaming. The program highlights the booming software and game development industries in Ireland and prepares students for a variety of careers in software engineering, VR/AR development, and game design.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This 3-year, full-time BSc program at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in Athlone focuses on software development with a specialization in Virtual Reality (VR) and Gaming. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the rapidly growing software and game development industries. The program highlights the significant growth of the software development sector in Ireland, with over 900 companies employing over 24,000 people. It emphasizes Ireland's reputation as a software excellence hub, generating €16 billion in annual exports. The program also emphasizes the booming game development sector, with annual video game sales exceeding €30 billion and expected to reach €40 billion in the next four years. The global value of the computer games industry surpasses €85 billion, making it a highly promising field. The program specifically addresses the burgeoning VR and AR industries, with global investments exceeding €3 billion in the past year. This specialization prepares students to work as software developers in these immersive environments, creating experiences previously unimaginable in gaming and movies.

Outline:

The program is structured across three years, with a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of software development and game design.

Year 1:

Digital Media: This module introduces students to the fundamentals of digital media, including concepts, tools, and techniques.
Mathematics for Software Design: This module provides a solid foundation in mathematics essential for software development, covering topics like algebra, calculus, and discrete mathematics.
Software Development: This core module introduces students to the principles of software development, including programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and software design methodologies.
Web Development: This module focuses on web development technologies, covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side scripting languages.
Agile Methodologies: This module explores agile software development methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Mobile Apps and Connected Devices: This module covers the development of mobile applications and the integration of connected devices, exploring platforms like Android and iOS.
Communications: This module focuses on effective communication skills, essential for collaboration and project management in the software development industry.
Computer Applications: This module provides practical experience with various computer applications relevant to software development, including operating systems, productivity tools, and software development environments.

Year 2:

Mathematics for Software Design: This module builds upon the foundation established in Year 1, delving deeper into mathematical concepts relevant to software design.
Software Development: This module continues to develop students' software development skills, covering advanced programming techniques, software architecture, and design patterns.
Software Development for Gaming: This module focuses on software development specifically for the gaming industry, covering game programming techniques, game engine optimization, and performance analysis.
Databases: This module introduces students to database management systems, covering database design, SQL, and data manipulation.
Game Development: This module expands upon the fundamentals of game development, covering advanced game design principles, game mechanics, and level design.
Networks: This module explores computer networks, covering network protocols, network security, and network administration.
Game AI and Physics: This module delves into the implementation of artificial intelligence and physics in game development, covering topics like pathfinding, collision detection, and game simulation.
Group Project: This module provides students with practical experience in collaborative software development, working in teams to design and develop a software project.

Year 3:

Operating Systems and Concurrency: This module explores operating systems, covering process management, memory management, and concurrency control.
Software Development: This module continues to refine students' software development skills, covering advanced topics like software testing, software quality assurance, and software maintenance.
Software Engineering: This module introduces students to software engineering principles, covering software requirements analysis, software design, and software implementation.
VR Application Development: This module focuses on the development of VR applications, covering VR programming techniques, VR user interface design, and VR interaction design.
Placement: This module provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the software development industry through a work placement.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

Assignments: Students complete assignments throughout the program to demonstrate their understanding of course concepts and their ability to apply those concepts to practical problems.
Exams: Students take exams at the end of each semester to assess their knowledge and understanding of the course material.
Projects: Students work on individual and group projects to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world problems.
Presentations: Students present their work to their peers and instructors to demonstrate their communication skills and their ability to explain complex concepts.
Portfolio: Students build a portfolio of their work to showcase their skills and experience to potential employers.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods to engage students and facilitate learning, including:

Lectures: Lectures provide students with a foundation in the core concepts of software development and game design.
Tutorials: Tutorials provide students with the opportunity to practice their skills and get feedback from instructors.
Labs: Labs provide students with hands-on experience with software development tools and technologies.
Guest Speakers: Guest speakers from the software development and game development industries share their experiences and insights with students.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the software development and game development industries, including:

Software Developer: Develop software applications for various platforms, including desktop, web, and mobile.
Game Developer: Develop video games for various platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
VR Developer: Develop virtual reality applications for various industries, including gaming, entertainment, education, and healthcare.
AR Developer: Develop augmented reality applications for various industries, including gaming, entertainment, retail, and manufacturing.
Software Engineer: Design, develop, and maintain software systems.
Web Developer: Design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications.
Database Administrator: Manage and maintain databases for organizations.
Network Administrator: Manage and maintain computer networks for organizations.
IT Consultant: Provide technical advice and support to organizations.

Other:

The program emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teamwork, providing students with opportunities to work in groups on projects and assignments. It also encourages students to develop their communication skills, which are essential for success in the software development industry.

Software Design with Virtual Reality and Gaming - BSc

Program Overview