Rice Computer Game Design courses

ironmetal250 · 10-27-2008, 12:56 PM

I read on the Rice website about a 1-year program (COMP 160 and COMP 360) that involved video game design... even though I plan to major in Geology/Astrology, is there any possible way I could take this? About how many students enroll?

Dorian_Mode · 10-27-2008, 01:09 PM

You're going to major in astrology? I wasn't aware that was an option.

Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything about these COMP courses, but I'm sure you could find a way to take them if you wanted.

Tikimoof · 10-27-2008, 09:03 PM

I'm not sure about the class sizes, but COMP 160 requires only java knowledge, so you should be able to take it without being a comp sci major. COMP 360, however, seems to require about three other classes (2 if you know Scheme), so it might be a bit out of your way to take (this information came from the course listing in this year's General Announcements, by the way).

As far as astrology goes...I know there's an astronomy or astrophysics major that can branch off of physics, but I didn't know that astrology was an option too.

ironmetal250 · 10-28-2008, 05:08 AM

I meant astronomy, lol, sorry.

lauras50 · 10-28-2008, 11:00 AM

My son is a senor comp sci major and has taken both courses..
His answer:

He can, however I doubt he can handle COMP 360/460 without extensive prior programming experience. 360 is a very intensive graphics course, and 360 should be the prerequisite for COMP 460 which is a course on game programming and design. 160 should be fine to take, however

ironmetal250 · 10-28-2008, 12:05 PM

Thank you guys. I did take a C++ course my sophomore year in high school, but I doubt it qualifies as extensive programming experience.

bco09 · 10-28-2008, 06:21 PM

sorry, I don't mean to hijack this thread, but while we are on the topic of game programming... is it common for CS majors to head into the gaming industry after graduation? Or is the gaming industry dominated more by people who acquired their skills without a college education?

lauras50 · 10-28-2008, 06:39 PM

To get a great job in the gaming industry it is much better to get a degree and yes, from Rice you can get into the gaming industry. CS companies love Rice graduates. They always get great jobs.

ironmetal250 · 10-28-2008, 07:39 PM

That's awesome!
Anyway, I think that I just want to be able to make 2-dimensional/isometric games independently (as a hobby), so the first course is probably enough for me, from what I've read about it.