Firas Khatib, PhD

Science, technology, and art involved in the creation of computer games. A variety of software technologies relevant to games including programming languages, scripting languages, networks, simulation engines, and multimedia design systems are discussed along with underlying scientific concepts from computer science and related fields including simulation and modeling, graphics, artificial intelligence, real-time processing, and game theory. The art and design principles for developing usable and engaging games including software engineering, human computer interaction, thematic structure, graphic design, choreography, music and sound effects, and game aesthetics are introduced and compared.

Part II of two-semester sequence of team development of a software product for a specific customer. This capstone project utilizes and integrates knowledge and skills acquired through study of computer science. Provides hands-on experience with large-scale problem from conception to implementation of the solution. Is conducted in a framework of well-defined low-ceremony software process. The lecture covers advanced software process issues including software process improvement, and total quality management at the team and enterprise levels

Prerequisites: Completion of three core courses.   Development of a detailed, significant project in computer science under the close supervision of a faculty member, perhaps as one member of a student team. This project may be a software implementation, a design effort, or a theoretical or practical written analysis. Project report with optional oral presentation must be evaluated by three faculty members including the project supervisor.  

Prerequisite: Completion of three core courses. Research leading to submission of a formal thesis. This course provides a thesis experience, which offers a student the opportunity to work on a comprehensive research topic in the area of computer science in a scientific manner. Topic to be agreed in consultation with a supervisor. A written thesis must be completed in accordance with the rules of the Graduate School and the College of Engineering. Graded A-F.

Prerequisite: Completion of three core courses. Research leading to submission of a formal thesis. This course provides a thesis experience, which offers a student the opportunity to work on a comprehensive research topic in the area of computer science in a scientific manner. Topic to be agreed in consultation with a supervisor. A written thesis must be completed in accordance with the rules of the Graduate School and the College of Engineering. Graded A-F.