FIT2098 is a unit that forms part of the Multimedia Development Minor (alternatively, the Creative Computing Minor) for the BINFOTECH degree in the Faculty of Information Technology, following the2014 Undergraduate Course Architecture Review.

Introduced for course architecture programs. Effective semester 1, 2016

05/07/2017: This unit was originally proposed for the Multimedia Development extended major but has never been offered. This unit is being redeveloped to better reflect current trends and expertise. The proposal was approved at UGPC 3/17 and approved by the ADE. For implementation in 2018.

08/05/2019 Admin note: The student enrolment quota of 60 for implementation Semester 2, 2019 is no longer necessary. Confirmed by CE and DUGCP.

30/1/20: Admin - updating the on-campus workload activity types to meet University requirements. Also minor amendment to wording of workload.

01/10/2020 Admin: Update to include new assessment and teaching approach fields as per Handbook requirements.

21/07/2021 Barrett Ens: Updating the on-campus workload requirements from studio to tutorial to align with scheduled activity types. Also updated Faculty contact person to myself.

26/07/2021 Barrett Ens: Updated assessment mappings to learning outcomes.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies are expected to be the next big computing environment, and industries such as healthcare, tourism, advertising, gaming and education (to name but a few) have seen a rapid uptake of VR and AR applications in recent years.

To date, Monash is yet to field a specific unit offering in the VR and AR fields, though the Faculty of IT is now well positioned to do so. The Faculty's sensiLab and Immersive Analytics researchers have been testing a range of VR and AR hardware, software and interaction techniques since 2014. Additionally, several revised units in the undergraduate Games and Multimedia Development majors now teach units where students are introduced to the precursors of fully-fledged VR and AR environment creation.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate the use of software to create VR environments and AR objects
2. describe the principles of designing and deploying specific VR environments and AR applications
3. analyse the range of options and controls available through VR and AR software applications
4. explain VR and AR User Interactions, Hardware, Capabilities & Sensors
5. develop applications of VR environments and AR technologies
6. create VR environments and AR applications.

029999

This unit explores the design principles and content creation process for Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. Students will be given the opportunity to apply the interactive and cognitive functions of VR and AR systems, design and develop assets, and use VR and AR tools and platforms to deploy content.

Technological requirements

Specialised hardware - VR headsets, VR-ready laptops, and AR ready tablet computers - will be provided during tutorials and tests. However, assignments will require additional work outside of tutorials, either on campus lab computers or personal devices.

Students are required to use the following software packages this semester. Unity is compatible with PC and Mac, and as such we recommend installing them on a personal device so assignments can be completed off-campus. In order to maintain compatibility with the lab computers (and ensure tutors can mark your work), students are required to use the exact versions specified below for the duration of the unit, and refrain from installing newer versions.

• Unity 2018.3.0 will be provided on campus lab computers and students are encouraged to download the Unity free of charge for use at home. Please visit (and select the correct version) from https://unity3d.com/get-unity/download/archive
• Autodesk Maya 2019 is recommended for the creation of assets needed for completing the assignments. This will be provided on campus lab computers, and students are encouraged to register with the Autodesk Education Community for their own educational trial version under the company's terms and conditions. Please visit Autodesk Maya 2019

On-campus

Lectures and tutorials or problem classes

In-semester assessment: 100%

It is preferred to have the assessment based on assignment work rather than on an exam. As this unit focuses on content creation for VR environments and AR applications, the valuation of a student's knowledge and understanding in the areas covered must be based on being able to apply conceptual knowledge in working prototypes and digital projects in particular contexts. Additionally, there are three tutorial-based tests that will assess each student's application of this knowledge following assignment submissions 1 and 2 and preceding the submission of Assignment 3. Closely supervised project work (namely, assignments 1-3) will include weekly meetings with lecturer/tutor on progress and the submission of detailed documentation (detailing research, process, development and reflection) accompanying each of the three assignments.

1. Assignment 1: 20% - ULO 1, 2, 4, 6
2. Assignment 2: 20% - ULO 1, 2, 5, 6
3. Assignment 3: 30% - ULO 3, 4, 5, 6
4. Test 1: 10% - ULO 1, 2, 4, 6
5. Test 2: 10% - ULO 1, 2, 5, 6
6. Test 3: 10% - ULO 3, 4, 5, 6

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

(b.) Additional requirements (all students):

The lecture/seminar should be scheduled before the tutorial/lab.

FIT

FIT1033 or DIS1911