Course code: 0961
Coordinator, Software Development: Ms Sylvia Tucker
Introduction
This course is designed to produce graduates who satisfy the computing needs of industry, government and commerce. Upon completion of the course, graduates should be well suited to employment in the fields of computer programming, systems analysis and design, database management and related areas.
Each of the majors in computer technology, information systems and software development can be studied as a discipline in its own right.
The course leads to level 1 professional accreditation by the Australian Computer Society.
Entrance requirements
The prerequisite is grade D or above in VCE English plus units 1 and 2 of any mathematics. Students must also have VCE prerequisites appropriate for any first-year subject which they take.
Part-time
Subjects are normally available in the evening at the Caulfield campus. Students should note that blocks of hours are provided during the day where possible to facilitate day release, ie to allow students to attend classes with the minimum time off work.
Course structure
For course map details, please refer to Map 3 in the `Undergraduate course maps' section.
The course for the pass degree consists of subjects to a total value of 144 points.
The pass degree, Bachelor of Computing, with a major in software development, consists of, at first level, the sequence SFT1101 and SFT1102, and concurrent studies in computer technology and information systems. At second level the sequence consists of SFT2201, eight points of subjects selected from other second-year software development subjects and a further sixteen points of concurrent studies in computer technology and information systems. It concludes at third level with SFT3500 and at least another sixteen points of elective third-year software development subjects.
Software development subjects occupy one-quarter of the first-year load, at least one-third of the second-year load, and at least one-half of the third-year load. Some students complete the other half of their third year with additional computing third-year subjects, giving them a full third year in computing. Other students complete the other half of their third year with a different discipline, giving them two majors, one in software development and one in the other discipline.
In addition, a minor of twenty-eight points (consisting of either a first-year sequence totalling twelve points and a second-year sequence totalling sixteen points, or a second-year sequence totalling sixteen points and a third-year sequence totalling at least twelve points) must be completed. All of the subjects for the minor sequence must be taken from the same discipline. The discipline is normally expected to be one from a faculty other than the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology.
Candidates for the Bachelor of Computing are free to take subjects from other faculties as allowed by the regulations. For example, software development with mathematics or banking and finance or accounting is popular.
The following sequences of studies have been approved: banking and finance, accounting, management, mathematics, psychology, and sociology. Students may, however, choose from the full range of disciplines of the university.
The major in software development requires a minimum of fifty-two credit points of study. The subjects have been grouped into three streams: Programming - Principles and Practice, Object-oriented Software Engineering, and Systems Implementation and Management.
The major sequence begins with a solid foundation of subjects from the Programming - Principles and Practice stream in first-year. The first year subjects and SFT2201 serve both as a general introduction to software development and as a prerequisite for further studies. Thus they may be taken either by students wishing to major in software development or by students whose major interest is in some other branch of business, science, arts or engineering.
The second year of study emphasises the twin processes of scientific abstractions and engineering methods from the Programming - Principles and Practice stream and Object-oriented Software Engineering stream. The second-year elective subjects include subjects from these two streams. The third-year elective subjects include subjects from the three streams.
The subjects available in each stream are outlined below.
Stream 1: Programming - principles and practice
First year
* SFT1101 Introduction to software development (6 points)
* SFT1102 Program design and data structures (6 points)
Second year
* SFT2202 Data structures in C (4 points)
* SFT2204 Fourth-generation systems (4 points)
* SFT2205 Commercial programming in COBOL (4 points)
* SFT2208 UNIX programming (4 points)
Third year
* SFT3307 Comparative languages (4 points)
* SFT3311 Reading subject (4 points)
* SFT3500 Industrial experience project (8 points)
Stream 2: Object-oriented software engineering
Second year
* SFT2201 Software engineering practice (8 points)
* SFT2203 Technical documentation for software engineers (4 points)
* SFT2207 Programming language paradigms (4 points)
Third year
* SFT3302 Software specification (4 points)
* SFT3305 Object-oriented programming systems (4 points)
* SFT3309 Software automation (4 points)
* SFT3310 Software quality management (4 points)
Stream 3: Systems implementation and management
Third year
* SFT3303 UNIX system call programming (4 points)
* SFT3308 Software systems management (4 points)
* SFT3312 Concurrent programming (4 points)
Corequisite studies
The following corequisite studies must be completed:
First year
* COT1130 Computer equipment (6 points)
* COT1140 Operating systems (6 points)
* SYS1001 Information systems (6 points)
* SYS1252 Systems analysis (6 points)
Second year
* COT2138 Relational database (8 points)
* SYS2168 Systems design and implementation (8 points)
Double major in computing
Students considering a computing double major should be aware that special arrangements may be required and should seek an appointment with the faculty registrar to discuss course options.
Students undertaking a double major in computer technology, information systems or software development are required to count a maximum of twelve points of projects, ie one of COT3500 or SYS3500 or SFT3500, towards both majors. The additional points to make up the second major must be made up from the third-year offerings of the second major study being undertaken.
Fourth year
Students achieving a credit or better in third-year software development may be offered the option of taking a fourth year in software development. This is called the honours degree and is suitable for outstanding students wishing to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of software development. It is essential for those who may wish to pursue a research career.
Honours program in software development
Coordinator: Ms Jan Miller
The Bachelor of Computing (Honours) study in software development is available in full-time and part-time modes.
The purpose of the honours year is to allow the students to study an area of software development in depth. This is achieved via applied research leading to a minor thesis. It prepares students for both a research and a professional career. Students are expected to conduct their research within one of the department's research groups.
The department sometimes offers scholarships sponsored by industry, Monash or government. Students may be employed on an established research project as a part-time research assistant or by the department as sessional tutor.
SFT4000 (Software development honours) requires the completion of twenty-four points of coursework at fourth-year level and a minor thesis (twenty-four points). Students select their program within the prerequisite structure as approved by the honours coordinator. Not all subjects will be offered in any one year. Students can also study up to twelve credit points from other departments of the university, subject to the approval of the head of department.
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