Clayton campus
Course code: 0356
Course leader: Dr Simon Hill
Introduction
The course is designed to provide an integrated and practical study in computer hardware and software. The three major areas of emphasis are digital electronics, which involves the study of digital logic, circuit design and microprocessor systems; technical computing, which involves operating systems, assembler and higher level languages, and real-time software; and integrated applications, which involves control systems, computer communications, signal processing, robotics, graphics and artificial intelligence. These three areas are supported by studies in mathematics and electronics. During the course, students must undertake a project involving the development of integrated hardware and software.
The course is recommended for students seeking an in-depth study of computer hardware and related software with a view to applying their skills immediately in the design and development of digital devices and the building of integrated systems.
Graduates meet the level 1 standard of knowledge for membership of the Australian Computer Society.
Entrance requirements
The prerequisites for entry are grade D or above in VCE Mathematical Methods 3 and 4. Specialist Mathematics, Physics and Information Technology are strongly recommended.
Course structure
For course map details, please refer to Map 7 in the `Undergraduate course maps' section.
The course for the pass degree consists of subjects to a total value of 144 points, with:
(a) a core in digital systems subjects, totalling a minimum of seventy-two points (twenty-four in the first-year, sixteen in second year and thirty-two in third year);
(b) a sequence of approved software and computing subjects totalling a minimum of twenty-eight points (twelve in first-year and sixteen in second year);
(c) a sequence of approved mathematics subjects totalling twenty points (twelve in first-year and eight in second year);
(d) up to twenty-four points of other subjects as selected by the student. These may be additional electives in digital systems, computer science, information systems etc, or any other discipline.
In general, at most sixty points of first-year subjects may be counted towards the degree. At least forty points of second-year subjects must be completed and at least thirty-six points of third-year subjects must be completed.
The course for the honours degree consists of the course for the pass degree, together with the subject RDT4000.
First year
The first-year will typically consist of:
* RDT1111 (Digital technology I) and RDT1210 (Digital technology II);
* either RDT1301 and RDT1400 (Software development) or CSC1011 and CSC1030/1062 (Computer science);
* RDT1120 and RDT1220 (Digital devices and circuits);
* either MAT1010 and MAT1020 (Mathematics 1 and II) (for students who completed VCE Specialist Mathematics and Mathematical methods 3 and 4), or MAT1050 (Mathematical Methods) and MAT1020 (Mathematics II) (for students who have completed VCE Mathematical Methods 3 and 4 alone).
Second year
* RDT2110 (Digital design 1), RDT2210 (Digital design 2), RDT2120 (Digital systems 1), RDT2220 (Digital systems 2);
* either RDT2131 (Software development), RDT2141 (Operating systems), RDT2231 (Software engineering), RDT2241 (Computer architecture), or
* CSC2040 (Science of programming), CSC2050 (Software engineering), CSC2010 (Computer architecture), CSC2020 (Operating systems);
* MAT2441 (Mathematics for transforms) and MAT2452 (Numerical methods);
* eight points of subjects chosen from digital systems or computer science electives, or from another discipline.
Third year
The final year consists of RDT3110 and RDT3210 (Digital technology project), RDT3120 (Embedded systems design) and RDT3130 (Real-time systems design) plus sixteen points of approved digital systems electives. The project subjects cannot be commenced until all the core second-year subjects are completed.
Additional elective subjects may be taken to complete the points requirements for the degree. Alternatively, a second major in an approved field such as computer science may be taken, in which case the elective component of digital systems subjects will be reduced to eight points.
Honours program in digital systems
Coordinator: Dr Andrew P Paplinski
Prerequisites
The normal entry requirement is completion of the three-year Bachelor of Digital Systems degree, or its equivalent, with a final-year average grade of credit or better.
The honours program will normally be available full-time, however the coordinator will be able to approve part-time study in exceptional circumstances, eg students with dependants. The honours program may not be repeated.
Structure
The honours program is arranged as a single subject of forty-eight points, RDT4000 Digital technology honours. This subject comprises:
* twenty-four points of coursework units (50 per cent of the assessment) selected from the fourth-year programs within the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology. Typically, three coursework units of four points each are selected in each semester;
* a substantial project (twenty points, approximately 40 per cent of the assessment);
* compulsory attendance and presentation at the departmental seminars (four points, approximately 10 per cent of the assessment).
Coursework units
Coursework units may be selected from any of the fourth-year programs within the Faculty, but the selection must be approved by the coordinator. At least four units must be drawn from those offered by the Department of Robotics and Digital Technology. Approved third-year electives can also be taken. Selection of units is conducted during the first two weeks of a semester.
The RDT units supporting the honours year are drawn from graduate diploma subjects of suitable standard and from special units established for this program. Note that all units will not necessarily be run every year.
The following units have been offered in 1994 and are expected to be available in 1995:
* Advanced computer graphics
* Neural network fundamentals
* Advanced digital signal processing
* Computer networks
* Digital communications technologies
* Information security
* Advanced robot programming
* Advanced robot applications
* Silicon compilation
* Advanced computer architecture
* Video coding and compression
* Public telecommunications networks
* Proprietary network architecture
* Network design and management
* Robotics II
In most cases the appropriate prerequisites must be completed before attempting honours units.
Project topics
In selecting a project students need to take into account both the research area and the prospective supervisor. Students are advised to consider selection of projects carefully and in advance. The selection of projects is conducted during the first two weeks of the first semester. The following is a list of projects undertaken in 1994:
* Implementation of CCITT ADPCM Speech Codec, a hybrid analog-digital neuroprocessor
* Visual system for mobile robots
* Active noise cancellation
* Fuzzy logic control of robotic manipulators, multi-casting on the Caroline network
* A voice-controlled manipulator
* Tracking of moving objects in motion pictures
* A neuroprocessor for speech recognition
* A packet analyser for the Caroline packet switching network