Monash University: University Handbooks: Undergraduate Handbook 2003: Units indexed by faculty
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Bachelor of Digital Systems


General information

Course code: 2381 + Clayton campus + Course leader: Dr Andrew Paplinski

The course provides an integrated and practical study in computer hardware and software with emphasis on embedded digital/computing systems. The three major areas of emphasis are digital system design, which involves the study of digital logic, hardware design languages, integrated circuit design methods, microprocessor systems and computer architecture; technical computing, which involves operating systems, assembler and higher-level languages, and real-time software; and integrated applications, which involves computer communications, signal processing, robotics and control systems, graphics and image processing.

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 digital systems.
The course is at present available for full-time study over three years, with a fourth (honours) year also available.
Graduates meet the requirements for professional-level membership of the Australian Computer Society. Accreditation of the IEAust for the honours, four-year course is being sought.

Entry requirements

The prerequisites for entry are a study score of 20 or above in VCE English (any) and Mathematical Methods units 3 and 4. VCE Specialist Mathematics, Physics and Information Technology are strongly recommended. Students must also have VCE prerequisites appropriate for any first-year elective unit which they take.

Course structure

For course map details, refer to map 9 in the `Undergraduate course maps' section.

The course for the pass degree consists of units to a total value of 144 points, with:

(a) a core sequence, totalling of 114 points
(b) a sequence of approved mathematics units totalling 12 points in first year
(c) three elective units totalling 18 points.
The list of recommended electives is included. Students should obtain approval to select electives outside the recommended list. All units listed below are six points each unless indicated otherwise.

A full-time study program will consist of:

First year
Second year
Third year

The project cannot be commenced until the required core first and second- year units are completed.

Electives recommended for BDS

Honours program in digital systems

Course code: 1200 + Coordinator: Dr Andrew Paplinski

Prerequisites

The normal entry requirement is a completed three-year Bachelor of Digital Systems degree, or its equivalent, with a final-year average grade of credit or better in digital systems or related units.

The honours program will normally be available full-time; however the coordinator will be able to approve part-time study in exceptional circumstances. The honours program may not be repeated.

Structure

The honours program is arranged as a single unit, CSE4100 (Digital systems), of 48 points. This unit comprises:

Coursework units

Coursework units are to be selected from the honours units offered by the School of Computer Science and Software Engineering. Approved third- year electives can also be taken. Selection of units is conducted during the first two weeks of a semester. The selection must be approved by the coordinator.

Each year, 12 to 14 units are offered, depending on the research interests and teaching commitments of staff. Honours units from recent years include:

In most cases, the appropriate prerequisites must be completed before attempting honours units.

Project topics

Selection of a project is a very important issue from the point of view of both the research area and the prospective supervisor and students are advised to consider their selection carefully and in advance. The selection of projects is conducted during the first two weeks of the first semester. The following are some of the projects undertaken in the last two years:

Units offered - digital systems

Bachelor of Digital Systems, 1999 course structure

Course code: 0356

An outline of the 1999 course structure appears below. The course for the pass degree consists of units to a total value of 144 points, with:
(a) a core sequence, totalling a minimum of 96 points (42 in first year, 36 in second year and 18 in third year)
(b) a sequence of approved elective units totalling a minimum of 16 points
(c) a sequence of free electives totalling 24 points.
In general, at most 60 points of first-year units may be counted towards the degree. Students must complete at least 40 points of second-year units and at least 36 points of third-year units.

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