Important notice regarding PACE Project Management and IT: VR/AR Programs

Due to the recent change in Canadian government policy, Algoma University has decided to prioritize our core programming when it comes to Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs). Core programming includes bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Senate-approved post-graduate certificate programming.

As a result, student intake for Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) project management and IT: VR and AR programs has been paused, effective immediately. This applies to all students who have applied to the September 2024 intake or who deferred from the May 2024 intake to the September 2024 intake.

In an effort to accommodate students impacted by this change, Algoma University has been proactive in reviewing student applications, and international admissions staff will work with each applicant to match them to another of Algoma University’s excellent academic programs.

All impacted applicants have received a letter. If you have any questions or have not received a letter, please email intl-admissions@algomau.ca

Graduate Certificate in Information Technology: VR and AR

Graduate Certificate in Information Technology, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Real-time 3D (RT3D) is one of the most in-demand tech skills and has one of the highest forecasted growth rates — over 70% in the next 10 years. Algoma University’s Graduate Certificate in Information Technology, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality is a two-year certificate comprehensively designed for professionals or learners with a desire to enter this growing field. Learners will learn the Unity and Unreal engine platforms, prevalent in the industry, as well as key VR and AR competencies. Through knowledge and application of these tools, one can bring the creative vision to life and build the next generation of digital experiences. There is global demand for VR/AR asset creators, modelers, and project managers.

Learners will acquire the necessary technical knowledge and skills to participate in tomorrow’s workforce through the design, development, and testing using Unity and Unreal engines. Learners will build on their own ideas through the development of assets and other VR/AR applications across multiple projects ending with a capstone project in their final term.

The graduate certificate in Information Technology, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, uniquely combines courses rich in theory along with industry informed, application courses that leverage the industry leading platforms. Learners will develop programming skills with C#, and gradually complete advanced VR/AR development projects culminating in a capstone project.

What graduates receive upon completion:

A Graduate Certificate in IT, VR and AR from PACE, Algoma University

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a degree or advanced college diploma (3 year) in any multimedia related discipline with a minimum of 60% average [C] for university learners. International applicants must provide documentation of language proficiency as per Algoma University’s current language requirements.

Multimedia Education Examples:

  • Diploma or Bachelor in Digital Media or Arts
  • Diploma or Bachelor in Film or Video
  • Diploma or Bachelor in Game Art, Design or Development
  • Bachelor of Computer Science
  • Diploma in IT related fields

This program is designed for applicants with experience in the following fields such as Game Artist, Development or Designing, Digital Media Creator, Web Design and Development, Film or Video Content Creator, IT Support, and Programmer.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum grade of 60% in required introductory courses and 60% overall average in all courses required for the certificate.

Technological Requirements

Laptops

• Processor: Intel Core i7, i9 or later generations for better performance. Focus on high-
performance models that balance thermal management.
• RAM: 16 GB (minimum) or 32GB (preferred for development flexibility).
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 3060 (or greater), considering thermal throttling and power
constraints in laptops.
• Storage: Minimum 512GB NVMe SSD, recommended 1TB for ample space for development
tools and projects.

Learn more about Technological Requirements here: https://pacealgomau.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TechReq_ITVR_031924.pdf

Certificate Potential Careers:

  • VR/AR asset creator
  • Junior Modeler for VR/AR
  • Junior Texturer for VR/AR
  • VR/AR Project Manager
  • Experience Designer
  • VR/AR Prototyper

Program Learning Outcomes:

  • Design immersive experiences using virtual and augmented reality solutions;
  • Assemble pipelines for the development of mixed reality experiences;
  • Create VR/AR assets and virtual environments using industry standard software packages such as Unity and Unreal;
  • Develop mixed reality narratives as solutions for multiple industries such as health, education, advertising and entertainment;
  • Manage development teams using proven methodologies and industry standard applications;

Term 1

Object Oriented Programming for Engines

Delivery: On Campus
Prerequisite(s): None

Course Description

This course is an introduction to object-oriented programming (OOP) for Game Engines. Learners will learn how to apply OOP concepts to build extended reality applications using C#. The course will cover C# scripting to create or modify VR/AR Unity components needed for the development of immersive experiences and applications.

Trends in VR/AR

Delivery: Online
Prerequisite(s): None

Course Description

VR/AR technologies are rapidly transforming how we interact with the world around us. This course will explore the latest trends in VR/AR technology, examining how these emerging technologies are being used in various industries and applications. Throughout the course, learners will examine the real-world impact of VR/AR technologies, including their potential to transform industries such as agriculture, entertainment, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. They will analyze case studies of successful VR/AR implementations and discuss potential future applications of XR development.

Principles of User Experience and Interface Design VR/AR

Delivery: Online
Prerequisite(s): None

Course Description

This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the principles of user experience (UX) and interface design with a focus on VR/AR technologies. The course will cover a wide range of topics, including the basics of UX and interface design, the differences between AR and VR, and the role of user research in VR/AR design. Learners will learn how to design interfaces that enable users to navigate, interact, and manipulate 3D objects in AR and VR environments, and how to create immersive experiences that make users feel present in the virtual world. Throughout the course, learners will examine and develop interface solutions to avoid or decrease the potential VR/AR motion sickness problem.

Thinking and Working Across Cultures

Delivery: On Campus
Prerequisite(s): None

Course Description

This course offers learners the opportunity to deepen their learning about cross-cultural interactions and understanding in their lives, their studies, and their work. What does it mean to think and to work across cultures? Cross-cultural learning invites learners to examine their knowledge of their own and other cultures, developing greater awareness of values and norms in their own and other cultures; they will deepen understanding and appreciation of different cultures and cultural differences, with particular attention to Indigenous cultures in Canada.

Term 2

Game Engines Unity

Delivery: Online
Prerequisite(s): Object Oriented Programming for Engines

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to creating VR/AR applications using the Unity game engine. Learner will learn how to create and deploy VR/AR applications using the Unity editor. The course will also cover topics such as game design principles, physics simulation, and performance optimization.

Asset Production for VR/AR

Delivery: On Campus
Prerequisite(s): None

Course Description

This course is designed to equip learners with the skills needed to create high-quality assets for use in VR/AR applications. The course will cover various aspects of asset production, including modeling, texturing, rigging, and animation. Learners will also learn about optimization techniques for real-time rendering, as well as best practices for asset integration in VR/AR environments. In the course, learners will work on a series of projects that will provide them with practical experience in asset production for VR/AR. These projects will cover a range of asset types, including characters, environments, and props.

Game Engines Unreal

Delivery: Online
Prerequisite(s): Object Oriented Programming for Engines

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to creating VR/AR applications using the Epics Unreal game engine. Learner will learn how to create and deploy applications using the Unreal Engine The course will also cover topics such as game design principles, physics simulation, and performance optimization.

Business Writing and Communication

Delivery: On Campus
Prerequisite(s): None

Course Description

Learners learn how to effectively communicate in a business setting characterized by rapidly changing technologies and an increasingly diverse workforce. The course emphasizes oral and written communication across a number of mediums and business applications. Learners develop skills in business writing and presentations; and learn how to effectively communicate in business settings including the following: delivering good and bad news, applying persuasive business writing and presentation techniques; preparing business reports; communicating for teamwork and meetings with cross-cultural considerations. In preparation for subsequent courses, learners will also receive an introduction to academic writing, distinguishing the difference between academic and business writing.

Term 3

Game Engines for VR/AR

Delivery: On Campus
Prerequisite(s): Game Engines Unity and Game Engines Unreal

Course Description

This course is designed to build upon the skills and knowledge gained previous game engine courses. Learners will learn advanced concepts and techniques for creating immersive VR/AR experiences using game engines. Throughout the course, learners will work on hands-on projects that will enable them to create more complex and interactive VR/AR experiences using game engines. They will learn how to use advanced 3D assets to create detailed and realistic environments, how to optimize their experiences for performance, how to add services such as analytics, and how to add animations and physics interactions to their projects.

Design and Prototyping for VR/AR

Delivery: On Campus
Prerequisite(s): Asset Production for VR/AR

Course Description

The course will provide a comprehensive overview of VR/AR design principles in a simulated studio environment. Learners will propose practical solutions based on an iterative cycle that includes client/stake holder specifications for the creation of an application. This course will cover considerations unique to VR/AR, such as spatial design, interaction design, visual design and technology limitations. Learners will also learn about prototyping techniques such as rapid prototyping and user testing aim to improve and refine design solutions based on feedback.

Turtle Island, Canada, and the World

Delivery: Online
Prerequisite(s): None

Course Description

This course provides learners with an introduction to the story of Turtle Island/Canada prior to and after first contact between Indigenous peoples and colonizers. Learners will explore the lifeways of Indigenous peoples, periods of European colonization and conflict, ongoing migrations to Canada to the present day, and Canada’s connections to and place in the world in the 21st century.

Social and Ethical Implications of VR/AR

Delivery: Online
Prerequisite(s): None

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the ethical and social implications that arise from the use VR/AR technologies. The course covers ethics topics such as privacy, data protection, and digital manipulation, as well as social implications such as creating new forms of social interaction and socialization. This course also explores the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the use of VR/AR, including intellectual property rights, consumer protection, and liability issues. Learners will learn about the potential health impacts and safety concerns associated with the use of VR/AR technologies and how ongoing research is the key to ensuring that these technologies benefit society without causing harm.

Term 4

Capstone Project in VR/AR

Delivery: On campus
Prerequisite(s): Game Engines for VR/AR and Designing and Prototyping VR/AR
Corequisite(s): Project Management for VR/AR

Course Description

The VR/AR Capstone Project is the culminating course of the VR/AR graduate certificate program. In this course, learners will apply the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout the program to design and develop an VR/AR project from start to finish. Throughout the course, learners will receive support and guidance from their instructor(s) to help them refine their ideas and ensure they are on track to deliver a successful project or work integrated learning experience. The course will conclude with a final project presentation and demonstration, where learners will showcase their VR/AR project or experience to their peers and instructors.

Project Management for VR/AR

Delivery: Online
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): Capstone Project in VR/AR

Course Description

This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of project management strategies in the application development industry. Learners will learn how to plan, execute, and manage projects using traditional and digital systems. The course will provide an overview of project management principles, including scope, time, cost, and customer satisfaction. Learners will learn how to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close a project effectively. The course will also cover the role of project managers, project teams, and stakeholders in the development process as well as introduce agile project management methodologies, such as Scrum and Kanban.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Delivery: On campus
Prerequisite(s): None

Course Description

This course offers learners the opportunity to learn about the values and principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and how they must inform and guide our interactions with others.

  • “Equity” means the removal of systemic barriers and biases, to enable all individuals to have equal opportunities.
  • “Diversity” means differences such as race, colour, place of origin, religion, immigrant and newcomer status, ethnic origin, ability, sexual orientation, age and gender identity, among others. A diversity of perspectives and experiences is essential to successful outcomes in any field.
  • “Inclusion” means ensuring that all individuals are valued and respected for their contributions and are equally supported.

Understanding and embracing these values allow everyone to engage with and respond to local, national and global challenges.