Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
What do video games and Ecology have in common? Well, in many instances, Individual Based Models (IBMs).
In many video games, IBMs are simple non-player character programs that apply local rules towards realistic global decisions. For example, IBMs have been used to simulate the flocking of birds, schooling of fish or even the swarming of insects - an example of this can be seen here. In Ecological studies, IBMs are also used to simulate populations of species and to formulate statistical models of their behaviour. Such models can then inform environmental management strategies for the protection and preservation of our important natural ecosystems.
The problem however, is that the increasing complexity of computer simulation models, brings increasing difficulty of communicating ecological management strategies to stakeholders. In this respect, video games that involve IBMs have a natural connection between the models that Ecologists may wish to communicate and a mode (via video games) by which stakeholders may easily come to understanding the model.
Therefore, the challenge in this project will be to create video games using IBM-based ecological models that effectively communicate Ecological processes and management strategies. Interested students should have good programming skills, a love for nature and knowledge of web-based game programming.
Notes:
- This project will involve collaboration with life science researchers in the Biogeosciences discipline of the Chemical, Earth and Life Sciences (CELS).
- Only 12cp or 24cp projects units or advanced reading units will be accepted for this topic.
- Study level
- Masters
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Keywords
- ecology, video games
- Contact
- Please contact the supervisor for enquiries.
Dr Rune Rasmussen
