[OT] University degree decision

[Nanoprobe]

I have a feeling I might have mentioned this before the forum got wiped, but I might not have...

This year they reorganised the degree structure so that instead of having three degrees (Mulitimedia Computing (or programming), Multimedia (more general) and Multimedia Business and Computing) they replaced it with one degree that had four majors (Programming, Applications, Enterprise and Games Development).

Now my goal all along has been to try and get my foot into the gaming industry somehow. But when I was offered the choice, I chose the Programming major over Games Development.

My rationale at the time was simply the name of the degree - if I went looking for a job after university and couldn't find one immediately at a game company of some sort down here, I'd have to look elsewhere. And I thought that a lot of places looking for programmers that weren't gaming companies would take one look at "Games Development" on my resume and just assume that I didn't have the skills.

[A side note: according to my grades I do have some skills, my average at the moment being 79, which is one point off from being a high distinction average. I scored two 95s in my two Java programing subjects last year - top of the class. Evidently this was good enough for the Golden Key International Honour Society, who have invited me to join. :)]

Whilst I still intend to take a few game development subjects as electives (when I get them back - I lost a few from the transfer), I'm beginning to wonder if I've made a wrong decision - at the moment I'm horribly bored with the subjects I have to take - no, endure. I fall asleep in a few of them. Literally.

Funnily enough, the only programming I'm doing at the moment is in Lingo, and it's not the most wonderful 'language' in the world. Most of my time is spent drawing UML diagrams of some sort.

What would you guys have done in my shoes - gone for Programming or Game Development?

[GrandpaTrout]

So tell us more about what courses fall into which major. I can make some guesses about programming, but if Games Development is not programming... then what is it? Finance? Gameplay?

What courses are putting you to sleep? What have you really enjoyed doing?

[Dreadnaught]

I don't know enough about the system or the job market to make a proper judgement, but perhaps I would have gone Game Development and try to take programming on the side. Because there is really a glut of programmers out there-- having an edge on the creative side is more useful in both the game industry and in other industries (in case the game one doesn't work...).

[The corporate]

If they had called it 'Realtime 3D spatial programming or AI interrogation programming' Then you could have probably got away with it. Such as it is I think you made the right choice.

BTW much kudos for the stupidly high test scores.:)

[MajorTom]

I think you made the right decision!

Originally posted by Nanoprobe

- at the moment I'm horribly bored with the subjects I have to take - no, endure. I fall asleep in a few of them. Literally.

Funnily enough, the only programming I'm doing at the moment is in Lingo, and it's not the most wonderful 'language' in the world. Most of my time is spent drawing UML diagrams of some sort.


Stick with it, the basics you're learning now will soon become second nature and they'll save you a lot of pitfalls in the future (makes life as a programmer a lot easier)

[Nanoprobe]

Okay, my bad - more info about the degrees.

To a certain extent, Programming and Games Development are one and the same - in fact during the first year they don't deviate from each other.

But the second year is where it starts differing: Programming has "Object Oriented Systems Analysis and Design" (the subject I most loathe at the moment), whilst Games has "Game Implementation and Techniques".

Some more differences ( P -> GD ):
Internet Programming -> Interactive Programming Using C++
Commercial Programming Environments -> Creating Narrative in Multimedia
Programming for 3D Computer Graphics -> Commercial Experiences in Multimedia

So Games Development is basically programming with a games focus.

That last difference is a kicker - "Commercial Experiences in Multimedia" is a six-month placement with a game development company.

GrandpaTrout - OOSAD (see above) is my worst subject, followed by what is basically "Computers 101 for Dummies Who Have Been Hiding Under A Rock". Surprisingly Database Management is my most interesting subject, even though a bit overlaps from OO Design - it's more of a practical outlet for all those damn diagrams.

The corporate - thanks. :)

Oh, that was the other reason to stay with programming - I get to do 3D programming as a core subject in year 3 (if I had have gone with Games I could have taken it as an elective, however).

There's more info (http://www.multimedia.monash.edu/courses/bms.html) on my course (and all the others) if you want it.

[GrandpaTrout]

Hmmm. Your frustration might not be major related. I have noticed that programmers fall into two camps:

1. Those who like to dive in and code stuff. They tend to be fast. They seem to get a kick out of interacting with the computer. Not so good at long term planning.

2. Those who like abstract thinking. They invented the uml stuff. Tend to do lots of design, and perhaps never get around to coding it. They do long range planning. (I tend to fall into this camp).

Working together, these two types can do really great things.

I don't know you well enough to really say, but my guess is that you fall into the first camp. And so classes that let you work hands on are going to be your favorites. And the ones that are all abstract design without really doing anything, are going to drive you nuts.

That uncomfortable feeling is just the mismatch between your personal style and the course. I find once I realize it is just a style issue, I have an easier time being there, and making the most of the time.

Maybe this misses the mark totally, only you can know.

If you want to squeeze in a few extra courses, then I would just attend the lecture (without enrolling) and purchase the texts. An extra 3 hours of lecture a week is not much (most of the work in a course is reading, doing projects, and studying for tests). But it can still expose you to the main ideas in the topic. And that makes it way easier later in life to go back and research. You won't *know* the material inside and out, but you will know where to go to learn the material, should you need it.

And it's fun. I found most instructors did not care if I attended as long as I was quiet.

[Nanoprobe]

Actually, I'm a little of both - I get frustrated when I sit down, try to code, and realise that for it to work I'm going to need a plan. :) I've learnt a LOT more than you might think by doing it this way.

I'd attend the extra lectures, but my timetable might be a bit problematic in that department.