Undergraduate - Course2380 - Bachelor of Computer Science

The course is designed for students who wish to study computing in depth. It focuses on software development, computer architecture, and the underlying theory of computation. These areas are combined with the study of computational approaches in science and engineering and with information processing applications in commerce and industry.

In addition to the core studies undertaken by every student the course provides the opportunity to specialise in a field of choice, either within computer science itself or in another discipline. Specialisations are listed under 'Areas of study' or refer to a comprehensive list of specialisations in specific fields of other sciences at http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/current/index.html.

Eligible* students at Clayton campus can apply to participate in the Industry Based Learning (IBL) program, focusing on the applications of computer science in industry, and providing students with an understanding of computer science roles in business.

* Refer to Industry Based Learning Program information below.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes. For more information refer to http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to demonstrate:

• understanding of the role of computer science and computational methods
• understanding of ethical issues in the discipline of computing
• understanding of software design and development
• understanding of the theoretical basis of computer science
• understanding of hardware and software architectures and programming
• knowledge of computational problem solving strategies
• ability to evaluate complex computing systems
• ability to design and implement substantial pieces of software
• understanding of the importance of theoretical underpinnings for practical work
• ability to systematically analyse problems
• ability to develop, design and analyse algorithms and efficient computational solutions
• ability to communicate and coordinate proficiently by: listening, speaking, reading and writing English for professional practice
• ability to work as an effective member or leader of teams
• ability to apply the basic tools and practices of formal project management
• ability to manage own time and processes effectively by prioritising competing demands to achieve personal and team goals, with regular review of personal performance as a primary means of managing continuing professional development
• understanding and appreciation of ethical and professional codes and behaviour and the importance to adhere to them
• ability to adapt readily to changing technologies

Industry Based Learning (IBL) program (Clayton only)

Applicants who qualify for the Industry Based Learning program are awarded scholarships (currently valued at up to $19,000) 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 is available to Australian citizens and Australian permanent resident visa holders. There are a limited number of places available.

There are two intakes into the IBL program each year. Students can be admitted prior to the commencement of first year or at the end of their first year of study. Selection is based on academic performance and an interview process conducted by industry partners of the program. IBL students are required to be available during the normal vacation period in summer and winter for special units and IBL placements. For further information on IBL, including application deadlines, how to apply and selection criteria visit http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/ibl.

This course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) as meeting the standard of knowledge for professional-level membership.

This course consists of 14 compulsory (core) units in computer science and mathematics, two restricted electives chosen from an approved list of computer science topics, and eight free elective units. Free electives should normally be taken as a major (eight units) or minor (four units) sequence in a specific area of study. It is possible to select electives to complete two minor sequences. A capstone project taken during the third year concludes the studies.

Refer to http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/current/index.html for example course maps and electives.

• Computer science
• Computational science
• Decision support
• Mathematics
• Systems development

Students must complete:

(a.) six information technology core units (36 points):

• FIT1004 Data management
• FIT1031 Computers and networks
• FIT1040 Programming fundamentals
• FIT2001 Systems development
• FIT2002 Project management
• FIT2003 IT professional practice

(b.) six computer science core units (36 points):

• FIT1008 Introduction to computer science
• FIT1029 Algorithmic problem solving
• FIT2004 Algorithms and data structures
• FIT2014 Theory of computation
• FIT3036 Computer science project (6 points) or FIT3144 Advanced computer science project (12 points)*
• FIT3140 Advanced programming

* FIT3144 (Advanced computer science project) can only be taken in combination with one of the minors or majors listed in the areas of study. Students who complete this unit will only complete one approved computer science elective.

(c.) two mathematics units (12 points):*

• MAT1830 Discrete mathematics for computer science
• MAT2003 Continuous mathematics for computer science

* Students requiring other mathematics for a non-computer science elective stream (for example, an engineering stream) may replace MAT1830/MAT2003 with approval

(d.) two computer science-specified electives (12 points) chosen from a schedule published by the Faculty of Information Technology at http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/current/index.html

(e.) eight electives (48 points). These can be taken:

• as a major or minor (with additional electives) according to the requirements listed in the areas of study, or in a science area of study, e.g. biology, physics, chemistry, and biotechnology (refer to science areas of study at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/undergrad/sci.html).
• as units chosen from any faculty of the University

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/current/index.html

(f.) students selected to participate in the IBL placement program will replace:

• FIT3036 Computer science project and two approved computer science electives

with

• FIT3045 Industry-based learning (18 points)

IBL students must complete FIT2002 (Project management) over summer semester or overload in one semester by one unit in order to complete the degree within three years.

General requirements

In addition to the above unit requirements, students must meet the following general requirements in relation to the overall number of points at each year level:

• a maximum of 60 points is obtained at level one
• a minimum of 36 points is obtained at level three. This requirement is reduced to 24 points at level three if two named minors are taken.

Depending on the results achieved, students who complete this course may be eligible to apply for entry into honours in:

• 1608 The honours degree of Bachelor of Computer Science

Bachelor of Computer Science