Undergraduate - CourseBachelor of Computer Science

NOTE: This course has had one or more changes made to it since publication on 1 October 2014. For details of changes, please consult the Handbook change registerHandbook change register (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2015handbooks/2015-change-register.html).

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.

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 AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

(1.) understand the role of computer science and computational methods

(2.) understand ethical issues in the discipline of computing

(3.) understand software design and development

(4.) understand the theoretical basis of computer science

(5.) understand hardware and software architectures; and programming

(6.) demonstrate a knowledge of computational problem solving strategies

(7.) evaluate complex computing systems

(8.) design and implement substantial pieces of software

(9.) recognise the importance of theoretical underpinnings for practical work

(10.) systematically analyse problems

(11.) develop, design and analyse algorithms; and efficient computational solutions

(12.) communicate and coordinate proficiently by: listening, speaking, reading and writing English for professional practice

(13.) work as an effective member or leader of teams.

(14.) apply the basic tools and practices of formal project management

(15.) 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

(16.) behave in an ethical and professional manner

(17.) be able to adapt readily to changing technologies.

Industry Based Learning program (Clayton only)

Applicants who qualify for the Industry Based Learning (IBL) programIndustry Based Learning (IBL) program (http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/ibl) will undertake a 22-week industry placement with a participating company as directed by the University and receive a scholarship of $17,000. The student's work during the placement will be structured and assessed as part of the degree.

IBL students are required to be available during the normal vacation period in summer and winter for special units and IBL placements.

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. Students admitted prior to the commencement of first year will receive a scholarship of $5,000.

Selection is based on academic performance and an interview process conducted by industry partners of the program.

There are a limited number of places available in the program.

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
• eight free elective units
• a capstone project taken during the third year.

Free electives should normally be taken as a major (eight units) or two minor (four units) sequences in one of the available disciplines listed under 'Area of study'.

Refer to course mapscourse maps (http://infotech.monash.edu.au/current/course-information/) for guidance on how to plan your unit enrolment for each semester of study and approved elective information.

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 can only be taken in combination with a minor or major from those listed under 'Areas of study'. Students who complete this unit will only complete one approved computer science elective (as outlined in (d.) below).

(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 one or both of these units with approval.

(d.) two computer science-specified electives (12 points) chosen from those listed on the faculty's Bachelor of Computer Science minors and recommended and approved electivesBachelor of Computer Science minors and recommended and approved electives (http://infotech.monash.edu.au/current/course-information/2380-electives.html) webpage.

(e.) eight free electives** (48 points) as follows which may be chosen:

• from the available disciplines listed under 'Areas of study'
• from computer science electivescomputer science electives (http://infotech.monash.edu.au/current/course-information/2380-electives.html); non-core units identified as supporting the specific objectives of the course
• from other units offered by the Faculty of Information Technology
• from disciplines offered by another faculty
• to form minors or a major
• from individual units.

** Note: Students must be able to meet any prerequisites for elective units.

Elective units can be identified using the browse units toolbrowse units tool (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/search) in the current edition of the handbook. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3.

Majors and minors can be identified from the areas of study indexesareas of study indexes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/index.html) in the Handbook. Science areas of study are recommended, e.g. biology, physics, chemistry, biotechnology.

Students may select free elective units from any campus, but should be aware of the teaching location as this may require travel to another campus and have timetabling implications. Students may also select units offered in off-campus mode (Note: The number of off-campus units permitted for international students is limited).

(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.

Students cannot take additional units that exceed the 144 credit points required for the course. Students wishing to take additional units can only do so on a single unit basis (full-fee paying) with the approval of the faculty.

• Computational science
• Business analytics
• Mathematics
• Systems development

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

• 1608 Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)

Bachelor of Computer Science