Algorithms and techniques for physics, artificial intelligence, and sound processing / generation in the context of computer games or virtual reality.
Physics: rigid-body, particle, and articulated-body dynamics for modelling or animation.
AI: finite state machines (patterns, planning, path finding), fuzzy logic, fundamentals of genetic algorithms, artificial neural networks, intelligent agents.

ASSIGNMENT weighted at 50%. (Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 4)
EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS length 1.5 hours weighted at 50%. (Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3)

This module will be delivered through a combination of formal lectures and practical exercises. Emphasis in the lectures will be placed on presenting a broad overview of the subject area, while a single practical assignment will be used to give depth in the core principles, algorithms and techniques for generating believable computer game or virtual reality environments. You will be expected to read the relevant literature, think critically, discuss / consult with peers and tutors, and also develop and appraise models for believable computer game or virtual reality.
2 lectures and 1 practical per week; (1:n)2 (1:20)1.

Rabin (ed.), AI Game Programming Wisdom, Charles River Media, 2002.
Russell & Norvig, AI: A Modern Approach. 2nd. Ed. Prentice Hall. 2002.
Wooldridge, Introduction to Multiagent Systems. John Wiley. 2002.
David M. Bourg, Physics for game developers, O'Reilly, 2002.
David H. Eberly, Game Physics, Morgan Kaufmann, 2003.
Christopher D. Watkins, Applied Physics for Game Programmers: Creating Real-Time Simulations (Game Development Series), Charles River Media, 2004.

A personal computer or similar, a development environment or kit, an API or middleware suitable for programming physics, artificial intelligence, and sound processing / generation in computer games or virtual reality.

Prior study of Fundamentals of Software Development or equivalent.