Lower-Division

Students participate in two exploratory reading groups on topics related to ongoing research activities. Students read a selection of 8-10 papers providing a general overview and introduction to active research areas within each topic. May be repeated for credit.  

Introduction to design thinking and the engineering design cycle via a design-build-evaluate-iterate process, resulting in a functional artifact. Students work in groups while learning discipline-specific standards of good engineering practice. Specific project details and disciplines explored vary with instructor. No prerequisites or prior learning required.

We live in a rapidly changing world with the climate crisis and interrelated global crises (“the polycrisis”). In this course, students gain invaluable personal and social resilience skills to navigate and build a meaningful future. The class aims to fill a critical gap in climate education, building on the science of personal and social resilience and climate change action, building a sense of belonging, and motivating empowerment and self-efficacy via actionable projects. Additional information about this multi-campus UC online course is available at www.climateresilience.online.

Introduces theory and techniques of 3D computer graphics. Topics include: capabilities of modern graphics hardware; 3D coordinate spaces; modeling with polygons; NURBS and subdivision surfaces; applying textures and materials; lighting; and simple effects. Students develop proficiency in 3D modeling via lectures and assignments focused on the use of a 3D modeling tool.

Introduces theories and techniques of 3D computer animation. Topics include: character animation; rigging; simulation of cloth, liquids, and fire; motion capture; rendering; and editing animated scenes. Students develop proficiency in 3D animation via lectures and assignments focused on the use of a 3D animation tool and use of motion-capture software.

Introduction to the development of physically based materials in Substance Designer and Substance Painter. These are then applied to a range of character and machine models within either the Blender or Maya 3D modeling applications.

Introduction to common data structures, algorithms that operate on them, and techniques for implementation. Uses digital authoring of interactive media as a frame to motivate asymptotic (big-O) analysis of design scalability. Students will program in a strongly typed language.

Overview of the physical, psychological, cultural, and psychosocial aspects of disability and how they impact game play. Discusses implications for universal and accessible game design.

As AI technologies start to integrate and permeate our everyday lives, we become aware of how they impact our lives and the biases inherent in these systems. Course introduces Human-Centered AI, investigating humanistic values and issues of a variety of current AI systems, including those in your car, on your phone (e.g., Siri), on public streets (delivery robots), and at different vendors. Introduces various societal, economic, and humanistic issues such as bias, trust, and accountability, and delves into methods that can be used to design more human-centered AI systems.

Introduces students to Human Computer Interaction (HCI) as a field, using their everyday experience with technology as a starting point. Students learn key HCI concepts and concerns in lectures, and try out HCI design techniques in sections.

Examines games as technical and cultural artifacts—shaped by society and, in turn, shaping it. Core topics are traced over time, including social, technical, and artistic topics (for example: conceptions of war, platform affordances, and genre evolution).

Explores how video games (and games broadly) shape experiences and express ideas. Students develop novel games, interpret games, and survey related topics. No programming experience is required. All offerings support students with required synchronous section meetings and optional synchronous events.

 

Provides a framework for leadership in entrepreneurial organizations. Topics include leading with authenticity, motivation and personality, storytelling, teamwork and management, organizational culture and processes. Learning is integrated with practice through deep engagement with entrepreneurial leaders and a time-intensive entrepreneurial project. (Formerly Technology and Information Management 80L.)

Provides a means for a small group of students to study a particular topic in consultation with a faculty sponsor. Students submit a petition to the sponsoring agency.

Provides a means for a small group of students to study a particular topic in consultation with a faculty sponsor. Students submit a petition to the sponsoring agency.