Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Area of Study

A significant aspect of scientific enquiry in the 21st century is the use of computational approaches and computational thinking. No contemporary scientist should be without knowledge of the methods of computational science, their potential and their limitations. A minor in computer science provides a general introduction to computing for students whose major interest is in another science discipline. A major is appropriate for those whose main focus is another discipline, but who want to become fully qualified as computational scientists, while a double major is suitable for students who want to specialise in computer science itself.

Objectives

On completion of the major sequence in computer science students will:

(a.) have an understanding of:

• the breadth of computer science and its applications
• the underpinning of information technology by computer science
• the role of computational methods in 21st century science
• limitations of computational and algorithmic solutions

(b) have knowledge of:

• computational problem solving strategies and methods
• software design and programming
• methods in computational science
• the theoretical basis of computer science
• hardware and software architectures
• important application areas such as artificial intelligence, scientific computation, computer graphics, human-computer interaction, and decision support

(c.) have the ability to:

• systematically analyse problems and develop efficient computational solutions
• specify, design, and analyse algorithms
• design and implement substantial pieces of software
• participate in large-scale projects
• communicate effectively

(d.) have attitudes which enable them to:

• respect the social, ethical, and intellectual responsibilities of their work
• behave in an ethical and professional manner
• recognise the importance of theoretical underpinnings for practical work
• adapt readily to changing technologies
• and participate professionally in industrial research and development.

Level one

• FIT1002 Computer programming
• FIT1008 Introduction to computer science
• FIT1029 Algorithmic problem solving

Level two

• FIT2004 Algorithms and data structures
• FIT2014 Theory of computation

Level three

• FIT3036 Computer science project
• FIT3042 System tools and programming languages
• FIT3088 Computer graphics
• FIT3139 Computational science
• FIT3140 Advanced programming
• FIT3143 Parallel computing
• FIT3080 Intelligent systems
• FIT3144 Advanced computer science project
• MTH3051 Introduction to computational mathematics

Minor sequence in computer science (24 points)

• FIT1002, FIT1029 and FIT1008
• one of FIT2004, FIT2014, or FIT3139

Major sequence in computer science (48 points)

• FIT1002, FIT1029 and FIT1008
• FIT2004 and FIT2014
• FIT3139 and FIT3143
• one of FIT3036, FIT3042, FIT3080, FIT3088, FIT3140, or MTH3051

Double major sequence in computer science (72 points)

• FIT1002, FIT1008 and FIT1029
• FIT2004 and FIT2014
• FIT3139 and FIT3143
• five from FIT3036, FIT3042, FIT3080, FIT3088, FIT3140, and MTH3051

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.

Requirements for honours in computer science

• 24 points of level three units, with a minimum of 18 points from the level three units listed above.

Additional information

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.

Level one

The sequence of FIT1029, which covers algorithmic problem solving, FIT1002, which covers basic programming skills, and FIT1008, which extends these programming skills and provides a general introduction to computer science, is highly recommended for all students, whether or not they intend to become computer scientists.

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.

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

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.

Level three

Students intending to complete a major sequence in computer science must take FIT3139, which provides an introduction to computational science, and FIT3143 (Parallel computing), a topic highly relevant to computational science, plus one 6-point computer science elective.

FIT3139 (Computational science) is also recommended for all students of science, whether or not they intend to become computer scientists.

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.

Honours

Coordinator: Dr Alan Dorin, (Clayton School of Information Technology)

In addition to the requirements listed above, students must meet the entry requirements for the Science honours program relevant to their course of enrolment. See the entries for:

• 3520 Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours
• 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science
• 2188 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program)

Full details regarding the course structure for honours in this area of study are outlined in course 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science.

Single degrees

• 0050 Bachelor of Science
• 3520 Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours
• 1120 Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program)

Double degrees

• 0530 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
• 3537 Bachelor of Arts (Global) and Bachelor of Science
• 1469 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science
• 3711 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education
• 1633 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education
• 3278 Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor of Science
• 4609 Bachelor of Environmental Engineering and Bachelor of Science
• 3282 Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering and Bachelor of Science
• 0085 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering
• 0086 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws

Honours degrees

• 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science
• 2188 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program)