Mathematics for game programmers (5 cr)

Objective

You are able to apply mathematics in game and software development and programming.
You are able to calculate vectors and matrices.

Content

How to use vectors and matrices in game implementations?
How to present the solutions of equations of quantities in 2D and 3D space?

Course material

Lecture slides, exercises, and other possible web material that will be published on the course's electronic learning platform. The exercises and their model answers will also be provided to students on the course platform and/or via the Teams channel.

Study forms and methods

The learning is carried out in-person, so the student participates in face-to-face activities according to the schedule, with studies structured around group meetings and independent learning tasks. The student completes the required exercises and assignments on time during the course and participates in the exam towards the end of the course.

Alternatively, the course can be completed solely by taking an exam, or the student’s competence can be recognized and accredited according to the standard process used by the university. These alternative methods of completion must always be agreed upon with the course instructor.

RDI and work-related cooperation

In the course, students will program game features that utilize mathematics, which can be applied in games and simulations. Whenever possible, real-world problems encountered in game programming and game companies will be addressed, and solutions will be explored using game mathematics.

Timing of exams and assignments

Exercises and assignments are submitted to the learning platform by the deadline specified there. Weekly exercises are completed, and any larger project is submitted towards the end of the course. The date for the course's theory exam will be agreed upon separately in consultation with the students.

International cooperation

The course does not have international cooperation, but the course will be lectured in English.

Student workload

The course extent is 5 credit units, which means a total of 135 hours of student work. This includes approximately 60 hours of in-class learning and 75 hours of independent work.

Further information

The course implementation is largely based on programming mathematical tools and using game engines and other software. Therefore, students are expected to have reasonable programming skills and a basic understanding of using common game engines.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

To pass the course, students must complete a sufficient number of assignments satisfactorily and on time, and also successfully complete any project work and theory exam if applicable.