Topics in Computer Science: Math & Physics of Games
COSC.497.001 Fall, 2009
Wednesdays, 2:00-4:30 pm AC 219
Dates: 09/02/2009 - 12/16/2009
Web site: http://iat.ubalt.edu/courses/cosc497.001_Fa09/

Course Syllabus

-- Lessons--

1-Collision Detection

2-Geometry
in Games

3-Trigonometry
in Games

4-Vectors

5-Matrices

6-Measurement

7-Physics Engines

8-Transformations

9-Motion in 2D & 3D

10-Forces and Newton

-- Support Files --

Welcome Page

Course Syllabus

Instructor Bio

 Instructor:

Kathleen Austin
AC 200 L
410-837-5473
kaustin@ubalt.edu
iat.ubalt.edu/austin

Office Hours:

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12:00-2:00 PM
Thursdays 4:00-5:00 PM
and by appointment

Overview of course:

This course provides a review of academic mathematics and beginning physics with an application to computer games and simulations.
Students will apply these concepts to build a physics engine for XNA based games.

Materials for course:

The text for this course is Wendy Stahler's Beginning Math and Physics for Game Programmers, ISBN: 978-0-7357-1390-1

Other required items:
 Tablet of Graph paper
 Pencils, #2 and colored
 Ruler, with in. and cm markings

Academic Calendar:

   Classes Begin August 31
   Thanksgiving Recess November 25–29
   Last day to drop without a W September 8
   Last day to apply for Fall Graduation September 8
   Last day to drop with a W November 1
   Last Day of Classes December 13
   Last Day of Finals December 20

Deliverables:

  1. Weekly assignments
  2. Functions for XNA Physics Engine
  3. Midterm & Final Exams
    4.
Session Topics:
Revised 10/15/09
  1. 09/02 Linear Collision Detection
  2. 09/09 Geometric Collision Detection
  3. 09/16 Math Libraries in C#
  4. 09/23 Vector Operations
  5. 09/30 Matrix Operations
  6. 10/07 Measurement
  7. 10/14 Physics Engines
  8. 10/21 Transformations
  9. 10/28 Representing Motion
  10. 11/04 Newton's 3 Laws of Motion
  11. 11/11 Energy/Momentum
  12. 11/18 No class
    11/26 Thanksgiving Break
  13. 12/02 Rotations
  14. 12/09 Physics Engines Presentations
  15. 12/16 Final Examination
 Grading:
  1. 30% Weekly assignments
  2. 30% Midterm Exam
  3. 30% Final Exam
  4. 10% Class participation
Expectations:

All weekly lessons will be posted on the course Website. Students should attend class when they are well and use good judgment when they are not. Assignments may be delivered via email to instructor in the event of illness. Assignments are due the week after the date of assignment unless prior exceptions are granted by the instructor.

All personal noise emitting electronic devices are unwelcome in this class. Should you have a specific reason why you are awaiting an important call such as imminent offspring delivery, please advise instructor in advance of class.

Students are expected to conduct themselves with the civility, honesty, effort and attendance commensurate with upper division standing of a student at a university. For more expansion on this topic consult the UB student handbook.

University of Baltimore Logo