C++ Programming Foundations

Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology ICT30118

This course is designed to introduce students to the range of skills necessary to begin a pathway into a career in programming for the Electronic Games industries. C++ Programming Foundations is an introductory level online course that is extremely flexible allowing students to study at their own pace, in their own time and in their own place while still being fully supported in their learning.

The course contains detailed self paced tutorials, numerous exercises, an assessment task for each of its modules that develops a mini computer game over the duration of study. Course materials include a combination of text based (Adobe Acrobat) and flash based video tutorials, plus links to websites where appropriate.

AIE Course Content | Stage 2 Programming

C++ Programming foundation serves as a valuable bridge to further study in games programming and will build a portfolio for entry into AIE’s Advanced Diploma level courses.

Course Fees and Start Dates

Please see course start dates and associated fees below.
Please note: VET in School students should see their school’s VET Coordinator for fees.

Online

Commencing 1st Jul 2019

Course start dates are flexible beginning the 1st Monday of the month following enrolment.

4 Semesters (40 weeks)

Full Fee: $3800

Year 10, 11 and 12: $1900

Courses fees include a non-refundable enrolment fee ($65).

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This is a 100% online delivered course so there is a reasonable bandwidth speed required (512kbps minimum recommended) and downloads may vary from 60MB – 100MB per week for classes. An initial download of the software will be needed and this is around 9GB.

The minimum suggested computer specifications are:

Headset with microphone

Windows

Windows 10 64-bit
Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz or faster (recommended)
8 GB Ram
DirectX 11 Compatible Graphics Card

Mac

maxOS 10.13.5 High Sierra
Quad-core Intel, 2.5 GHz or faster (recommended)
8 GB Ram
Metal 1.2 Compatible Graphics Card

If your current computer meets these specifications, you will be able to install and run the software required for your course.

Online students will need the following software to successfully complete the course:

A web browser
Unreal Engine 4 and the Unreal Launcher available from https://www.unrealengine.com
Word processing software (MS Word, OpenOffice, etc)
Spreadsheet software (MS Excel, OpenOffice, etc)
Adobe Acrobat reader available from www.adobe.com
Android Studio 3.1 available from https://developer.android.com/studio
Virtual Box available from https://www.virtualbox.org
Blue Griffon Web Editor available from http://bluegriffon.org
Students will also need an internet connection, preferably broadband, though ADSL would be sufficient. Beware of the downloads required for each module and ensure your download limits allow for the amounts indicated.

The course contains a series of pdf files (averaging 25kb each, up to 40 – 50 per module ) with some video demonstrations ( averaging 50MB each – there are only a few through the course). There are additional downloads for software and resources used throughout the course and these total to approximately 900mb – split across modules.

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Units of Competency

CORE

BSBSUS401
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
BSBWHS304
Participate effectively in WHS communication and consultative processes
ICTICT202
Work and communicate effectively in an ICT environment
ICTICT301
Create user documentation
ICTICT302
Install and optimise operating system software
ICTSAS301
Run standard diagnostic tests

ELECTIVES

ICTICT203
Operate application software packages
ICTICT304
Implement system software changes
ICTICT307
Customise packaged software applications for clients
ICTICT308
Use advanced features of computer applications
ICTICT409
Develop macros and templates for clients using standard products
ICTICT305
Identify and use current industry specific technologies
ICTICT306
Migrate to new technology
ICTPRG301
Apply introductory programming techniques
ICTPRG406
Apply introductory object-oriented language skills
ICTPRG413
Use a library or pre-existing components
ICTPRG417
Apply mathematical techniques for software development

Areas of Study

C++ Programming Foundations is made up of three modules of study. These modules each contain various tutorials and exercises. The modules also contain one overall project, broken down into small assignments, that involves students developing a small game project from scratch over the duration of the course.

Module One (40 hrs):

Module One focuses on teaching students the basics of computer care, OH&S, navigation of their new programming environment plus fundamental data types used in C/C++ languages and how to manipulate them.

Module One's assignment starts off the easy parts of the game project using the techniques learned during the module.

Module Two (40 hrs):

The main focus of Module Two is developing underlying game project design skills that are valuable for creating team friendly code. This module also deals with some slightly more advanced programming techniques used for decisions and branching in a project.

Module Two's assignment adds a lot to the game project using these new techniques.

Module Three (40 hrs):

Module Three focuses on basic math skills that will give students an understanding of how objects move around in a game environment, but also covers user defined storage types and a detailed look at what a game loop should do.

Also covered are some essential sustainability, computer software and hardware skills needed by every programmer.

Module Three's assignment completes the project.

Each module will take approximately 8 weeks to complete, including the assignment.
This is calculated at someone spending about 5hrs a week on the course. Each tutorial set contains approximately 6 - 8 lessons covering all of the subject models.

For further information on C++ Programming Foundations please contact the Student Liaison, on 02 6162 5139 or email online@aie.edu.au.