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Bachelor of Computer ScienceCourse code: 2380 ~ Course abbreviation: BCompSc ~ Total credit points required: 144 ~ 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Information Technology Study mode and course locationOn-campus (Clayton; Sunway) Course descriptionThe course is designed for students who wish to study computing in depth, focusing on the software, hardware and underlying theory of computing and its applications to scientific and technical problem solving and to information processing in commerce and industry. Computer science can be studied as a discipline in its own right or in combination with a wide variety of other units, some from other schools and other faculties. The course offers students the opportunity to combine their computing studies with additional material appropriate to their chosen career. High achieving local students will be given the option of participating in the Industry-based Learning program focusing on the applications of Computer Science in industry, and providing students with an understanding of Computer Science roles in business. Course objectivesGraduates from the course will have knowledge of: different programming language paradigms; the breadth of Computer Science applications; the software design and development process; problem solving and algorithm design strategies; the theoretical basis of Computer Science; and the cultural, legal and ethical issues in the discipline of computing. Graduates will have an understanding of: limitations of algorithmic solutions; the underpinning of information technology by Computer Science; levels of abstraction from hardware to high-level languages; computer system design; programming and debugging methods; user-interface design; and several important application areas such as databases, artificial intelligence and graphics. Graduates will have the ability to: design well-structured programs; implement substantial pieces of software; write technical documentation; develop efficient algorithmic solutions; analyse the complexity of algorithms; participate in large-scale programming projects; communicate effectively; and evaluate computing systems. Graduates will have attitudes which enable them to: behave in an ethical and professional manner; work in group projects; recognise the importance of theoretical underpinnings for practice; develop safe and reliable software; adapt readily to changing technologies; and participate professionally in industrial research and development. Course structureThe requirements for this degree changed in 2006; students who commenced the BCompSc prior to 2006 should refer to the handbook entry for the year in which they commenced their studies. The course includes compulsory (core) and optional (elective) units selected from the range of Faculty of Information Technology units, plus units chosen from those offered by other schools and departments. Areas of studyIndustry-based learning (IBL) programApplicants who qualify for the industry-based learning program are awarded a scholarship (currently valued at $15,000) and will undertake a 22-week industry placement with a participating company as directed by the university. The student's work during the placement will be structured and assessed as part of the degree. The IBL program will be available to Australian residents who commenced their studies in 2006. There will be a limited number of places available. The IBL program is not available to international students. Selection will be after the completion of second year and will be based on: an interview conducted by industry partners, academic performance, and performance in FIT1016 Advanced project level 1 and FIT2044 Advanced project level 2. IBL students are required to be available during the normal vacation period in summer and winter for special units and industry-based learning placements. Course requirementsAll units are 6 points, unless otherwise specified. (a) seven core units common to all Faculty of Information Technology undergraduate degrees:
(b) seven FIT units that are core to the BCompSc:
(c) two mathematics units from the Faculty of Science that are core to the BCompSc: (d) two computer science-specified electives (12 points) chosen from a schedule published by the Faculty of Information Technology (e) six electives (36 points) chosen from any faculty of the university. (f) students selected to participate in the IBL program will replace FIT3036 or FIT3038 and two approved computer science electives, with FIT3127 Industry-based learning (18 points) and FIT2043 Technical documentation for software engineers (6 points). Notes1. Approved variations of the BCompSc course structure are as follows: (a) students intending to complete a minor or major sequence in mathematics within the Faculty of Science should substitute another mathematics unit for MAT1841, with approval. (b) students requiring other mathematics for a non-computer science elective stream (for example, an engineering stream) may replace MAT1830/1841, with approval. (c) students transferring from other faculty programs and students entering with credit for prior studies will be permitted the following course variation:
(d) FIT2002 (IT project management) may be substituted for FIT3086 (IT project management) if taken in second year. One approved Computer Science elective must be at third-year level. (e) students selected to participate in the IBL program will replace FIT3036 or FIT3038 and two approved computer science electives, with FIT3127 Industry-based learning (18 points) and FIT2043 Technical documentation for software engineers (6 points). 2. The BCompSc degree is subject to the requirement that:
3. Computer science electives are non-core units identified as supporting the specific objectives of the course. A list of approved computer science electives can be found at http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/bcs. First yearThe first-year units serve as a general introduction to computer science and as prerequisites for further studies. Students must complete the FIT core units FIT1001 and FIT1003 as well as Bachelor of Computer Science core units FIT1002 and FIT1008 and MAT1841 (Mathematics for computer science I) and MAT1830 (Mathematics for computer science II). Two elective units which may form the basis of a sequence either in the computer science area or in another discipline from IT or any other faculty must also be undertaken. Second yearThe second-year core units aim to develop a firm foundation in the fundamental concepts of computer science. These include FIT2004, FIT2022 and FIT2014. Three faculty core units must also be undertaken: FIT2001, FIT2010 and FIT2008, as well as two elective units. Third yearStudents in computer science must take the core third-year unit FIT3086, plus FIT3077, FIT3014 and one of the projects FIT3036 or FIT3038, and 12 points of additional third-year computer science-approved elective units, as well as two elective units. Students in the IBL program will replace FIT3036 or FIT3038 and two approved computer science electives with FIT3127. These students are also required to complete FIT2043 as a core unit. Please refer to http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/bcs for specified computer science electives. Professional recognitionThis course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) as meeting the standard of knowledge for professional-level membership. Contact detailsClayton: Refer to http://ask.monash.edu.au/ or visit http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/bcs; Sunway: email inquiries@infotech.monash.edu.my or visit http://www.infotech.monash.edu.my Course leadersDr David Taniar (Clayton), Mr Loke Kar Seng (Sunway) |