Semester B
January 30, 2008
No exam results yet from Semester A, but we are already in Semester B.
Semester A was “soft” stuff: Maths, Games Theory, 3D and Media. Semester B is programming, more programming, and even more programming. I’m very happy about this.
We’ve had two of the three modules so far. Leastly we’re learning Macromedia Director (played via Shockwave). Quite frankly a monkey could use it, though it is powerful and interesting. There is a BASIC-type scripting language underneath, Lingo, which will be fun to investigate. Even so, it’s nice to get some time on a noddy language that can be used to knock up visual, web-friendly games and animations. We’ll be using the latest 3D version, and there are even packs for the Havoc physics engine. Unlike Dark Basic, which I used last year, Director/Lingo is very widely used, and there are many good tutorials for it.
The other two modules are both C++, much more serious, much more interesting. One module is Objects & Algorithms, the other is Object Orientated Structure & Design. I’m not entirely certain of the major differences between the two, but two coordinated modules spent on C++ is entirely welcome.
The change of timetable has brought some disappointment. Semester A I had Friday off, but didn’t need it. Aaaand the moment I get a girlfriend in Edinburgh, Friday is busy till 3pm. I’d have liked the option of spending a long weekend over in Edinburgh, but perhaps it’s for the best. I’ll concentrate on work if I’m here. The up-side is I have more options for the gym each week. Previously I could squeeze in 5 hours of classes, I can now fit in 7 hours per week, and that’s just Monday to Thursday. The killer day is today, Wednesday, with a sports class just after lunch, and a double-bill starting at 4. I just about managed to survive it, though it was a challenge. A good few hours of training per week, coupled with my highly non-student diet of salads and vegetables and fruit and beans (the dried stuff – not cans of baked), is getting me into good shape, both physically and mentally.
Semester A was good. I lost a substantial amount of weight, did my first ever Uni exams, and got a quite amazing girl at an end-of-the-year rave. Semester B looks like it’s going to be even much better.
