Introduction to Level Design
Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 5SD550
- Code
- 5SD550
- Education cycle
- First cycle
- Grading system
- Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), Fail (U)
- Finalised by
- The Department Board, 3 November 2021
- Responsible department
- Department of Game Design
General provisions
The course is part of the minor field of study Expression in Convergent Media.
The course is part of the Bachelor's programme in Game Design, 180 Credits.
Entry requirements
General entry requirements and Mathematics 2a or 2b or 2c
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, students will be able to:
- Display a basic knowledge of game mechanics, pacing and storytelling as expressed through level design.
- Implement a designed level in a game engine using prefabricated assets and specific mechanics.
- Identify, analyse and describe level design concepts in existing digital games.
- Demonstrate an ability to use simple scripting to add additional elements to their level implementations.
Content
The course will introduce level design as a practice and how it relates to, and differs from game design. Students will analyse existing game levels and use theory to design levels on paper. Students will also use digital tools to create playable levels using prefabricated assets and their own scripts. This will culminate in a final project presentation.
Instruction
Instruction takes place through lectures and workshops and seminars.
Assessment
The course is assessed through the presentation of a level design project and written journals documenting the students weekly design activities.
If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.
Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.