Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit will further develop object-oriented programming skills, and introduce the C++ language to students. Streams, pointers and arrays, classes, inheritance and polymorphism, templates and the STL, along with the I/O class hierarchy will be discussed at length. Interactive programming techniques will be used to solve various programming exercises. This unit will build upon previous programming skills, and provide a strong grounding for further study in this area, especially related to games engine development. The unit will examine game creation using C++ and Microsoft Windows DirectX.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will have -
A knowledge and understanding of:

• the history and concepts of the C++ language;
• how C++ relates to other commercial languages, especially Java;
• the features and capabilities of C++, comprising:
• Streams
• Pointers and arrays
• Classes, inheritance and polymorphism
• Templates and the STL
• The I/O class hierarchy;
• the possible solutions/approaches when using C++ for interactive programming; and
• Microsoft DirectX (2D and 3D) and the role of the Windows API in game development.

• enthusiasm for interactive programming;
• motivation to develop further programming skills; and
• confidence to understand and explain existing C++ code.

• adapt Java code to C++;
• design, develop and debug software applications written in C++, with a focus on interaction;
• manipulate music and sound effects within a game via C++ ; and
• create a 3d interactive environment, using C++, that displays the techniques learnt during the unit.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Mr Matthew Butler

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 2 hrs laboratories/wk

Prerequisites

FIT2048 and one of FIT1007, FIT2034

Prohibitions

MMS2804

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit2049/