Interactive Arts & Technology (SIAT)

• MATH 130Geometry for Computer Graphics3 credits

  An introductory course in the application of geometry and linear algebra principles to computer graphical representation. Vector and matrix algebra, two and three dimensional transformations, homogeneous coordinates, perspective geometry. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least C, or MATH 110 with a grade of at least C.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 201Human-Computer Interaction and Cognition3 credits

  Introduces topics in human perception, cognition and embodied action as a foundation of design for human use. It explores the practical application of techniques for analyzing diverse interactive situations and designing effective user interfaces. Students will engage in the analysis and design of a simple user interface, gaining detailed knowledge and experience with the standard basic techniques for interface specification, prototyping and evaluation. Prerequisite: Completion of at least one lower division "W" course.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 202Visual Storytelling for Content Creators3 credits

  Examines the principles of effective storytelling through visual media, with an emphasis on social media platforms and short-form content. Students will gain foundational skills in video production, including basic filming techniques, lighting, and the application of motion graphics and visual effects. The course provides a framework for content creators, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to produce visually-driven narratives. Prerequisite: IAT 100 with a minimum grade of C-. Breadth-Humanities.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 222Interactive Arts3 credits

  Introduces key concepts within contemporary digital art practices. Issues surrounding digital art will be explored through readings, the study of artworks, and the creation of their own artistic projects. Breadth-Humanities.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 233Spatial Design3 credits

  Designing and understanding spaces used by people. The iterative process of making and criticizing, experiencing and analyzing spatial form. Compositional ideas for form-making. Critical thinking applied to design. Computers are the principal medium used in this course for form-making and visualization. Prerequisite: IAT 102 and IAT 106 , both with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 235Information Design3 credits

  Introduces theory and practice of designing visual representations of information. Students will learn to visually translate textual, numerical and evidentiary information so that it can be communicated to diverse user communities and contexts. An emphasis will be on understanding how the meaning of images can change over time and across contexts and cultures. Beginning with photographic images, interactive charts, graphs, and maps, projects progress to more complex information in media forms ranging from advanced aspects of the web to interactive 3D visualizations. The relationship between visual display is explored in relation to its technology of creation, including code and information architecture. Prerequisite: IAT 102 with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 238Foundations for Designing Interactions3 credits

  The course integrates visual communication and interaction design alongside developing skills in design process such as prototyping, ideation and iteration. Emphasis is placed on seeking the right solution for the right problem and receiving feedback effectively. The course culminates in an intermediate-level design project that connects interactions to foundational concepts in designing. Prerequisite: IAT 102 with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 265Multimedia Programming for Art and Design3 credits

  Using cases from topics such as animation, cinema, music and design, this course introduces a variety of programming tools and techniques. Practical use of multimedia scripting languages and authoring environments is covered in the context of a series of composition and design projects. Code libraries and programming techniques for specific media will be introduced. Assessment will be based on both programming and the expressive use of programs in their case context. Prerequisite: IAT 167 with a minimum grade of C- and one of MATH 130 , MACM 101 , MATH 150 , MATH 151 , MATH 154 , or MATH 157 , with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 267Introduction to Technological Systems3 credits

  Introduction to the core technologies and systems used in media-rich interactive environments, including computer hardware, operating systems, input and output technologies, networking and media. The concepts will be examined by working in a high-level media programming environment. Prerequisite: IAT 167 with a minimum grade of C- and one of MACM 101 , MATH 130 , MATH 150 , MATH 151 , MATH 154 , or MATH 157 , with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 312Foundations of Game Design4 credits

  Examines the discipline of game design. Games are studied across three analytical frameworks: games as rules (formal system), games as play (experiential system), games as culture (social system). Includes analytical and practical exercises in game design. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 265 with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 313Narrative and New Media4 credits

  Explores the role of narrative in various media and New Media environments, from traditional linear environments and multi-linear and networked media environments. Examines the relationship of narrative elements in the light of the practice and the aesthetics of New Media. It will include an overview of New Media theorists. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 320Body as Interface4 credits

  Explores ideas of embodiment through physical computing supporting human relationships with technology. Students construct and analyze contemporary and historical models of bodily interaction through tangible, gestural and/or e-textile computational prototyping, understand physical practices of embodiment, and apply these concepts to representation, design, and the production of embodied interfaces through various critical lenses. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 334Interface Design4 credits

  Provides an introduction to the art and design of human-computer interfaces, design methods, prototyping and evaluation of user interfaces. Examines issues of interactivity and its relation to human contexts and technological systems. The role of aesthetic, symbolic, affective and cultural factors will be assessed in concert with scientific and technological issues. The class is primarily focused on visual interfaces on computer monitors and hand-held devices, but culminates with considerations of increasingly physical interactions in ubiquitous environments. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 235 with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 340Sound Design4 credits

  Introduction to theory and practice of sound design. Explores sound's relationship to moving images, installation, performance, video games, user interfaces and Web sites. Includes audio production, post-production, mixing and mastering, beginning programming for digital signal processing, sound synthesis and sound interaction. Prerequisite: Completion of 24 units. Recommended: IAT 202 New Media Images.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 343Animation4 credits

  An introduction to techniques for 3D computer animation such as keyframing, performance animation, procedural methods, motion capture, and simulation. The course also includes an overview of story-boarding, scene composition, lighting and sound track generation. The course will explore current research topics in computer animation such as facial animation, behavioral animation, artificial life and interactive systems. Prerequisite: Minimum of 24 units, including MATH 130 or MACM 101 or MATH 150 or MATH 151 or MATH 154 or MATH 157 , with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 344Moving Images4 credits

  Reviews and consolidates the fundamentals of digital video production, including camera and composition skills, the role of sound, lighting, and continuity and montage editing. Students will review and analyze works from traditional cinema and from contemporary digital video. The course will reinforce fundamental skills and extend the student's abilities to use a range of digital production, post-production, and presentation techniques. Prerequisite: Minimum of 48 units and IAT 202 with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 380Special Topics in Interactive Arts and Technology (Arts)3 credits

  Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to registration each semester. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Prerequisite: Completion of 45 units.

  Published variable-unit options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 386Directed Studies4 credits

  Independent reading and research topics selected in consultation with individual members of the SIAT faculty. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different. No more than two directed studies may be used towards the IAT major requirements. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prerequisite: Completion of 45 units, and permission of the instructor and of the school are required.

  Published variable-unit options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 431Speculative Design4 credits

  Provides students with the opportunity to experiment with designing in various non-normative frameworks provided by cultural studies, critical theory and phenomenology. Students will examine design's potential for cultural, social and ethical critique of emerging technologies and society. Rather than merely illustrating theoretical positions, this examination involves enacting and embodying differing theoretical positions, thereby rendering criticism productive. Individual design expertise and voice is emphasized. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units, including IAT 309W and IAT 333 , with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 438User Experience Design4 credits

  Advanced level course that examines design practice for Interaction and User Experience Designers. Students apply professional industry standards to related strategies from Graphic Design, Visual Design, Interaction Design, Content Strategy and User Interface Design, to develop a rich understanding of client-based product design and service design projects. Portfolio-quality projects will be grounded in design research, and cultural context, and evaluated in rigorous evidence-based design critiques. Prerequisite: Completion of 75 units, including IAT 309W and 333 , with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 443Senior Project in Creative Media4 credits

  A senior level investigation of skills and knowledge learned across creative media concentration. Examines recombinant, computational and compositional structures related to image, sound, video and/or motion capture. Students will explore emergent creative production areas to tackle meaningful problems and tell thoughtful stories. They will design, produce and critically appraise both their own work and the work of others. Students will produce a project of significant size and scope that helps to prepare students to be creative producers in our rapidly evolving computer-mediated world. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units, including IAT 313 , IAT 340 , or IAT 344 , with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 445Immersive Environments4 credits

  Introduces advanced 3D computer animation and virtual world building techniques. Integrates hands-on fundamentals with design praxis and theoretical and research concerns. Fundamentals are complemented with examples from current research and design praxis. The studio aspect of the course will include assignments focusing on specific animation and behaviour modeling techniques and a team-based design project. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units, including IAT 343 with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 480Special Topics in Interactive Arts and Technology (Arts)4 credits

  Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units.

  Published variable-unit options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 486Directed Studies4 credits

  Independent reading and research topics selected in consultation with individual members of the SIAT faculty. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different. No more than two directed studies may be used towards the IAT major requirements. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prerequisite: Completion of 69 units, and permission of the instructor and of the school are required.

  Published variable-unit options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 499Graduation Project6 credits

  Students will complete a project of significant size and scope that allows them to bring together skills and knowledge learned across a variety of courses in SIAT. They will produce a design, media, or interactive system artifact that is of a high caliber ("portfolio' quality) along with a detailed report of the project activities completed throughout the term, the methods or processes used, the knowledge learned, and a description of the final outcomes. Projects will be presented publicly at an end-of-the-term graduation showcase. Prerequisite: Completion of 90 units (ensuring a 4th year equivalent student), including 18 upper division IAT units plus IAT 309W with a minimum grade of C-. Enrollment is competitive - each term we will enroll a maximum of 20 students or team based on the strongest student project ideas and CGPA.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 333Interaction Design Methods4 credits

  Examines concepts of design practice and related design methods for interaction designers. Design methods include ethnography, personas, design games, role-playing, scenarios, participatory workshops, and prototyping. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 238 with a minimum grade of C- or IAT 235 with a minimum grade of C- completed before the Spring 2025 term.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 410Advanced Game Design4 credits

  Students will design and develop a variety of electronic games, culminating in an advanced game project. They will continue to analyze the experience of play within the game, and the connections between the game experience and broader cultural phenomena. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units, including IAT 265 and IAT 312 , with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 355Introduction to Visual Analytics4 credits

  Focuses on the design and implementation of interactive computer visualization techniques for the analysis, comprehension, and explanation of large collections of abstract information. The application of principles from perception, information visualization, interaction and visual analytics will be covered. Introduces tools for programming geometric information and displaying the results. Emphasizes development of practical skills in using graphics libraries and tools: students will develop programming experience with relevant examples and techniques. Prerequisite: IAT 201 and either IAT 265 or CMPT 225 , all with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 360Exploring Artificial Intelligence: Its Use, Concepts, and Impact4 credits

  Designed to provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the world of artificial intelligence that will empower the students to navigate the AI-driven future. Students will explore fundamental AI concepts, including machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision; discover real-world applications, ethical considerations, and the societal impact of AI. Prerequisite: IAT 265 or CMPT 225 , with a minimum grade of C-. CMPT 310 will be accepted in lieu of this course.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 460Generative AI and Computational Creativity4 credits

  Proposes an in-depth introduction to design and use of generative systems in the context of creative practices. It surveys the families of algorithms and interfaces used in generative artificial intelligence (Al) and computational creativity, to augment or automate creative tasks across domains. Prerequisite: IAT 360 . Students with credit for IAT 380 under the title "Generative Art and Computational Creativity", or received credit through Kadenze, may not take this course for further credit.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 461Data Science for Human-Centered Systems4 credits

  Analytical approaches examining user interaction data to understand how interactive systems meet their users' goals are covered. The data preprocessing techniques, feature engineering for summative and temporal characteristics, statistical, data mining and machine learning techniques used to derive insights are compared, focusing on their benefits and pitfalls. Prerequisite: IAT 355 and IAT 360 , both with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 339Web Design and Development4 credits

  Advanced theory and implementation of web media from a design perspective. Students will design and develop web media that focuses on communication and design issues for a variety of users. This course will address design methods and approaches for technical aspects such as content management, responsive design, and server-side support. Prerequisite: IAT 235 and IAT 265 , with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 359Mobile Computing4 credits

  An introduction to mobile computing and the development of applications for mobile environments. The three areas that will be covered in the course are mobile technologies, application development and user interaction in a mobile setting. Students will make use of mobile application frameworks and development environments to develop their own application and project, while reinforcing concepts covered in the lectures. Topics covered include mobile development environments, user interfaces, user experience and application development guidelines, gesture recognition, location, sensors, and graphics, and others, as will be outlined in the weekly schedule. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 265 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMPT 362 may not take this course for further credit.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 459Internet Computing Technologies4 credits

  Focuses on the server-side technologies for cross-platform applications. Students will design and implement relational databases to store and extract data to support the application. Server-client and service oriented architectures are examined from the perspective of building interactive systems. Technologies for the deployment of web applications on the internet are reviewed. Students apply conceptual knowledge by programming a web application using server-side scripting, AJAX, and a database, integrating it with the web or mobile front-end. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 339 and IAT 359 , with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for IAT 352 may not take this course for further credit.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 336Materials in Practice4 credits

  Introduces material properties and performance in the context of physical and digital interactive artifacts. Develops practices of material selection and use, including environmental effects, tactile properties, life cycle fabrication processes, compatibility and effects of particular forms of use. Students gain knowledge in physical properties and affordances of materials, 3D printing, digital fabrication methods, including sustainability and ethical implications. Students will work in SIAT Solidspace Lab and Surrey Library fabricommons Makerspace. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 102 and IAT 106 , both with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 420Critical Making Senior Project4 credits

  Focuses on advanced practices of digital fabrication emphasizing hands-on exploration of materials, artefacts, contexts of use and situated meanings. Applies critical practices ranging from traditional craft knowledge, e-textiles to integrating computational and physical materials. Working collaboratively, course-work utilizes iterative studio-based critique and reflection culminating in professional portfolio-worthy research-creation projects. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units, including IAT 320 or IAT 336 , with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 351Advanced Human-Computer Interaction4 credits

  Students will learn about and gain experience with a variety of research methods, models, and frameworks useful for the design of interactive systems for work, learning and leisure purposes. Topics include, but are not limited to, distributed and heterogenous interaction; and immersive, ubiquitous and responsive environments. Application topics include knowledge work, community and organizational collaboration, security, trust and privacy. Emphasis is on practical outcomes through a project that includes system analysis, design, and development plan. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 201 with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 432Design Evaluation4 credits

  Examines evaluation concepts and methods for designers. Introduces a range of evaluation approaches including informal usability studies, lab experiments, field studies, and analytically-based evaluations. Students will explore techniques for feedback including usability tests, observation, interviews, heuristic reviews, and discursive evaluations. Underlying concepts of evaluation including scientific experimentation, ethnography, phenomenology, and aesthetics will be discussed. Students will learn how to design and implement appropriate evaluation studies for a range of design projects. Prerequisite: IAT 334 with a minimum grade of C- and completion of 60 units. Recommended: IAT 201 and 235 .

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 452Developing Evidence-Based Interfaces4 credits

  Introduces methodological approaches to theory-informed and evidence-driven design of multimodal interactive interfaces for software systems to be employed in dynamic environments comprising people, other agents, and their interactions to the tasks to be performed. Synthesizes effective strategies to interaction and interface development to explore solutions for a given application domain problem by modern methods borrowed from HCI, software design, prototyping, and evaluation. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units, including IAT 351 with a minimum grade of C-.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• MACM 101Discrete Mathematics I3 credits

  Introduction to graph theory, trees, induction, automata theory, formal reasoning, modular arithmetic. Prerequisite: BC Pre-Calculus 12 or BC Calculus 12 (or equivalent), or any of MATH 100 , 150 , 151 , 154 , 157 .

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 381Special Topics in Interactive Arts and Technology (Science)3 credits

  Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to registration each semester. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Prerequisite: Completion of 45 units.

  Published variable-unit options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 387Directed Studies4 credits

  Independent reading and research topics selected in consultation with individual members of the SIAT faculty. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different. No more than two directed studies may be used towards the IAT major requirements. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prerequisite: Completion of 45 units, and permission of the school and the instructor are required.

  Published variable-unit options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 481Special Topics in Interactive Arts and Technology (Science)3 credits

  Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units.

  Published variable-unit options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description
• IAT 487Directed Studies4 credits

  Independent reading and research topics selected in consultation with individual members of the SIAT faculty. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different. No more than two directed studies may be used towards the IAT major requirements. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prerequisite: Completion of 69 units, and permission of the instructor and of the school are required.

  Published variable-unit options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

  SFU Fall 2026 official course description

Degree variants, engineering options, streams and concentrations on the selected current calendars.

• Interactive Arts and Technology Major
• Concentrations

Campus

SurreyInteractive Arts & Technology (SIAT) · official programme information

Locations of published Fall 2026 sections

Burnaby, Surrey. Locations are observed among the named courses’ Fall 2026 sections. This is a term-specific record, not every required class or a future timetable.SFU Fall 2026 exact degree calendar: published course sections