SimSubsea: A Game-based Learning Application for the Subsea Domain
Master’s Project Proposal
This master’s project proposal is linked to a newly established 2-year research and development and
project involving the department of computing, mathematics and physics (HiB), the centre for innovation
(HiB), and NCE Subsea. In addition, the project involves several subsea industry partners (e.g., FMC
Technologies, Statoil, and Stormfjord), and public organisations. The focus of the project is on developing a
game-based learning application called SimSubsea to be used in high-school education with the aim of
promoting interest in mathematics and science among school children, and in turn getting them interested
in pursuing an engineering career in the subsea industry.
The SimSubsea application to be developed is linked to the ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) exhibition at
the VilVite center. In the envisioned application, students are to apply their mathematical skills and
knowledge in order to configure a ROV underwater vehicle (e.g., with a sufficiently powerful engine) in
order to successfully complete a subsea mission. 3D graphics and simulation (see figures below) are to be
used for visual feedback on the effects and results of the mathematical input that the student provided.
The master’s project will contribute to the development of the SimSubsea application via the design and
implementation of software prototypes, and evaluation of candidate technologies for realizing the
SimSubsea application and evaluating it with end-users and subsea domain experts.
Potential themes/areas include:
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Visualisation techniques and technologies (e.g., Unity3D) based on 3D graphics and simulation;
Software engineering technology and frameworks for game-based learning applications;
Implementation and usability studies on platforms such as laptops, mobile phones, and tablets;
Conceptual models and software architecture for game-based learning applications.
The specific focus of the master’s project can be adapted and defined depending on the specific skills and
interest of potential master’s thesis students. It will be possible to define more than a single master’s
project linked to the development of the SimSubsea application (if required).
Project group and contact persons:
Harald Solheim, Jon-Eivind Vatne, Pål Trefall, Remy Monsen, Yngve Lamo, and Lars M. Kristensen.