Curriculum Vitae

CONTACT INFORMATION

Name: Stuart William Coulson

Address:
Allenshields Cottage
Blanchland
Consett
County Durham
DH8 9PP

Phone: 01434 675 218

Mobile: 07788 593 014

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.stucoulson.com


EDUCATION

University of Abertay Dundee
, Dundee, Scotland (September 2007 ­ -- Present)
Masters of Science in Software Engineering (Computer Games Technology)

Result - Pending
Course expanded on previous knowledge, specialising in topics directly related to computer games development. Subjects covered include Game Physics, 3D mathematical techniques, Artificial Intelligence, DirectX programming, Console development and background on how the industry is structured and the issues it faces.
Research Project: Investigation into using online evolutionary techniques to dynamically control Artificial Intelligence difficulty in games
This work will involve researching various genetic algorithm techniques leading to implementation of one within an actual game environment to control non-playable character behaviour. Then through manipulation of how the fitness function of the GA is calculated it is hoped that experimentation will show that the NPC behaviour will adapt to match the skill level of any opponent.


University of York, York, England (October 2002 ­ -- June 2006)
Masters of Engineering in Computer Systems and Software Engineering
Result - 2:1 (Hons)
Course covered a wide variety of computing topics from a basic to an advanced level. Modules taken include Logic Programming and Artificial Intelligence, AI for Games, Adaptive and Learning Agents, Computer Graphics and Visualisation, Real-time systems, Algorithms and Data Structures and Mathematics for Computer Science. The course also involved a number of team-based projects that involved working in groups to solve engineering problems in collaboration with industry.
Research Project: Animation of Sorting Algorithms using the Lego Mindstorms System
Worked with the Mindstorms platform to physically demonstrate various sorting algorithms to A-Level pupils. This involved having to design and build robots that were capable of carrying out the task and then programming them to perform the algorithms.


Prudhoe Community High School, Northumberland, England (September 1997 ­ -- July 2002)
GCE Advanced Level
Mathematics (Grade A), Physics (Grade A), Geography (Grade A), Chemistry (Grade B)
GCSE Level
11 awards Grades A* - B including Mathematics, Statistics, Science and English


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Blanchland Community Development Organisation, Blanchland, Northumberland
Web developer & administrator (November 2006 ­ -- June 2008)
Solely responsible for developing and maintaining a website to promote the village of Blanchland and its surroundings. Had to perform consultation with local businesses and residents for what they wanted on the site and had fulfil these requirements. Following this was tasked with the upkeep of the site which involved answering queries from the public and businesses, updating the site when necessary and helping with general tourism work such as arranging a visit by a History professor from America to the village.

Prudhoe Community High School, England, Northumberland
Database application developer (June 2003)
Hired to build an application to record pupils behaviour and attendance. Had to discuss requirements, produce a specification and implement the system. Following this had to demonstrate and advise the staff how to use the product.


TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

Programming Languages:
C/C++, Java, Ada95, Prolog, XHTML, XML, PHP, ActionScript, JavaScript, Scheme, LATEX, NQC, Visual Basic, Assembly Language, Linux shell scripting, UML

Applications & SDKSs:
DirectX, OpenGL, Ageia PhysX, Ogre3D, Microsoft Visual Studio, GNU Compiler Collection, Adobe Dreamweaver, Fireworks & Flash, Microsoft Office, Nullsoft Scriptable Install System, Joomla! Content Management System

Operating Systems:
Microsoft Windows (2000, XP, Vista), Linux (Various distributions)

Platform experience:
PC, Playstation 2, XBox, Lego Mindstorm RCX, ZiLog Z80


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Qualifications & Awards

  • Association of Certified IT Professionals Diploma in Web Design (Distinction - Completed May 2007)
  • European Computer Driver License (2001)
  • UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge - 1998, Bronze; 1999, Bronze; 2000, Silver
  • UKMT Senior Maths Challenge - 2000, Bronze


Languages

German (GCSE Level Grade A)


PERSONAL DETAILS

Gender: Male
Date of birth:
28th January 1984
Place of birth:
Hexham, Northumberland, England
Nationality: British
Marital Status:
Single
Interests:
Computer Gaming, Cinema, Reading, Cycling


REFERENCES

Available on request