Course Title: Introduction to AR and VR Development

Course Description:

This course offers an in-depth exploration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies, focusing on the principles, tools, and techniques used to develop immersive experiences. Students will learn about the fundamentals of AR and VR, including spatial mapping, tracking, rendering, and user interaction. The course covers development platforms, such as Unity and Unreal Engine, along with programming languages and frameworks commonly used in AR and VR development. Through hands-on projects and exercises, students will gain practical skills to create interactive and engaging AR and VR applications.

Course Syllabus:

Week 1: Introduction to AR and VR

• Overview of AR and VR technologies and their applications
• History and evolution of AR and VR
• Types of AR and VR systems (mobile, standalone, tethered)

Week 2: AR Development Platforms

• Introduction to AR development platforms (e.g., ARKit, ARCore)
• Setting up a development environment for AR
• Basics of AR scene creation and object placement

Week 3: VR Development Platforms

• Introduction to VR development platforms (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine)
• Setting up a development environment for VR
• Basics of VR scene creation and navigation

Week 4: 3D Modeling and Asset Creation

• Basics of 3D modeling and asset creation for AR and VR
• Using modeling software (e.g., Blender, Maya)
• Importing and optimizing 3D models for AR and VR applications

Week 5: User Interaction in AR and VR

• Designing user interfaces and interactions for AR and VR
• Implementing gestures, controls, and input methods
• User experience (UX) principles for AR and VR applications

Week 6: Spatial Mapping and Tracking

• Understanding spatial mapping and tracking technologies
• Implementing object recognition and tracking in AR
• Tracking techniques for VR headsets and controllers

Week 7: Rendering and Graphics

• Basics of rendering and graphics programming for AR and VR
• Optimizing rendering performance for immersive experiences
• Special effects and shaders for AR and VR applications

Week 8: Audio in AR and VR

• Importance of audio in creating immersive experiences
• Spatial audio techniques for AR and VR environments
• Implementing sound effects and music in AR and VR applications

Week 9: AR Cloud and Multiuser Experiences

• Introduction to AR Cloud platforms and services
• Building multiuser AR experiences
• Collaborative AR and VR applications

Week 10: Project Development

• Students will work on a final project applying the concepts and techniques learned throughout the course.
• This project will involve designing and developing an AR or VR application from concept to prototype.

Week 11: Project Presentations and Review

• Final project presentations and peer reviews
• Reflection on the learning experience and future directions in AR and VR development