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Monash University

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Computer science - Faculty of Science

Contacts: Associate Professor Bernd Meyer (Clayton School of Information Technology)

The discipline

In our computerised society, no modern scientist should be without knowledge of computers. First-level computer science is a general introduction to computing and is suitable either for students whose major interest is in another science discipline, or students who wish to become computer scientists with an understanding of all the basic aspects of computing.

Units offered

Level one

Level two

Level three

  • FIT3014 Analysis and design of algorithms
  • FIT3036 Computer science project
  • FIT3042 System tools and programming languages
  • FIT3080 Artificial intelligence
  • FIT3081 Image processing
  • FIT3082 Programming languages and paradigms
  • FIT3084 Multimedia programming and the world wide web
  • FIT3085 Numerical computing
  • FIT3088 Computer graphics

Sequence requirements*

Minor sequence in computer science (24 points)

Major sequence in computer science (48 points)

Major and minor sequence in computer science (60 points)

Double major sequence in computer science (72 points)

In addition to these requirements, students completing a major sequence in computer science are required to have completed at least 12 points of approved mathematics units.

FIT2001 is also required as a prerequisite for FIT3036.

Graduates who have completed at least the 48-point major sequence in computer science are eligible for level-one membership of the Australian Computer Society.

    *Students who commenced the sequence prior to 2006 should follow the requirements published in the 2005 handbook.

Recommendations

The sequence of both FIT1002, which covers basic programming skills, and FIT1015, which extends those programming skills, is highly recommended for all students, whether or not they intend to become computer scientists.

Level one

The level-one units serve both as a general introduction to computer science and as a prerequisite for further studies. Thus they may be taken either by students wishing to major in computer science or by students whose major interest is in some other branch of science. FIT1002 covers basic programming skills for problem-solving. FIT1015 gives an introduction to computer science, developing an understanding of algorithms, data structures and computer systems.

Students who are considering completing a major sequence in computer science should also take at least 12 points of approved mathematics units at level one or equivalent.

Level two

The core level-two units aim to develop a firm foundation in the fundamental concepts of computer science, namely algorithm development and the theory of computation. In addition, the elective level-two units introduce new topics to broaden the student's view of computation and its applications.

It is recommended that students who intend to complete a 48-point major sequence in computer science, or who are considering proceeding to honours in computer science, should take FIT2022 in their second year of study. Those wanting to complete a 60-point major and minor sequence in computer science should take an additional level-two computer science elective.

FIT2001 is also required as a prerequisite for teh core unit FIT3036.

Level three

Students intending to complete a major sequence in computer science must take FIT3036 and FIT3014, which provides advanced study of algorithms, and at least 12 points of additional level-three computer science units (which may not include another project). Students intending to take a double major (72 points) of computer science should complete a major and minor in computer science (60 points) plus either:

(a) one level-two and one level-three Bachelor of Computer Science electives or

(b) two level-three Bachelor of Computer Science electives.

Students intending to proceed to honours should complete at least the 48-point computer science major sequence to ensure they have sufficient breadth to undertake the honours coursework units offered each year. It is recommended that in addition to the core project unit FIT3014, these students take at least four other level-three computer science units listed above.

Honours

Coordinator: Dr Jon McCormack, (Clayton School of Information Technology)

Honours in computer science is suitable for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of computer science. Students with honours are particularly sought after by employers and can choose from more interesting research and development positions because of their extra skills and proven abilities. An honours degree also leads on to postgraduate study, which is necessary for an academic career or a career in industrial research.

To be admitted to the honours year, students require an average of a distinction or better result in FIT3036, FIT3014 and at least two other third-level computer science units. Entry to the honours year may be subject to quota restrictions.

The honours program includes a substantial individual research project, supervised by an expert in the area, and coursework units worth 24 points from computer science honours units offered, including a compulsory research methods unit.