computational-science/ug-sci-computational-science

aos

18 September 2017 25 April 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Area of study

Students who commenced study in 2015 should refer to this area of study entry for direction on the requirements; to check which units are currently available for enrolment, refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your area of study.

print version

This area of study entry applies to students commencing this course in 2015 and should be read in conjunction with the relevant course entry in the Handbook. Any units listed for this area of study relate only to the 'Requirements' outlined in the Faculty of Science component of any bachelors double degrees.

Managing facultyFaculty of Science
Offered byClayton School of Information Technology
Campus(es)Clayton, Malaysia
CoordinatorVisit http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/current/course-information/ (Clayton School of Information Technology); Dr Emily Goh Joo Kheng (Malaysia)

Notes

  • Unit codes that are not linked to their entry in the Handbook are not available for study in the current year.

  • At Malaysia campus only a minor is available in this area of study.

Description

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 computational 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.

Learning outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • demonstrate a broad understanding of the role of computer science and computational methods
  • demonstrate understanding of the theoretical basis of computer science
  • demonstrate knowledge of computational problem solving strategies
  • design and implement substantial pieces of software
  • demonstrate understanding of the importance of theoretical scientific underpinnings for practical work and methodology
  • demonstrate the ability to systematically analyse problems
  • develop, design and analyse algorithms
  • achieve efficient solutions to computational problems
  • communicate and coordinate proficiently - by listening, speaking, reading and writing in English - for professional practice
  • demonstrate the ability to work in both independent and collaborative ways with others that accommodate diverse abilities and perspectives
  • work as an effective team member or team leader.

Units

Level one

Level two

  • FIT2004 Algorithms and data structures
  • FIT2014 Theory of computation
  • FIT2085 Introduction to computer science

Level three

Sequence requirements

Minor in computational science (24 points)

Major in computational science (48 points)

Extended major in computational science (72 points)

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

* Note that this unit has a pre-requisite of MTH1030 or MTH1035.

Requirements for honours in computational 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 in computational science are eligible for membership of the Australian Computer Society.

Level one

The sequence of FIT1029, which covers algorithmic problem solving, and FIT1040, which covers basic problem solving and programming skills, 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 computational science or by students whose major interest is in some other branch of science.

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

Level two

The level-two unit FIT2085, which extends the programming and problem solving skills established at level-one, provides a more focused introduction to computer science. The other level-two units aim to develop a firm foundation in the fundamental concepts of computer science, namely algorithm development (FIT2004) and the theory of computation (FIT2014).

Level three

Students intending to complete a major in computational 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 computational science major 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:

  • S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours)
  • 0051 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
  • 2188 Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program) (Honours)

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

Relevant courses

Single degrees

  • S2000 Bachelor of Science
  • S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
  • S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours)

Double degrees

  • 4642 Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
  • 0530 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
  • 3528 Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Bachelor of Science
  • 1469 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science
  • D3005 Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
  • 4646 Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
  • 4069 Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Science
  • L3007 Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
  • 4638 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
  • S2003 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Global Studies

Honours degrees

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