Bachelor of Computer Science Advanced (Honours)

The course is an advanced version of the Bachelor of Computer Science, designed for high-achieving students who wish to study computing in depth with a strong research component through the four years of study. Computer science is the theory and practice of applying computers and software to problem solving. Its practical applications span all disciplines including science, engineering, business and commerce, creative and performing arts and the humanities. You will learn how to think like a computer scientist about processes and their descriptions. This will enable you to design algorithms (instructions for computers) and data structures (ways to store information). You will also acquire practical programming skills to implement these in efficient software that solves real-world problems, as well as strong foundations in the theory of computation and its connection to mathematics.

This advanced course will prepare you for either postgraduate study or employment requiring research and advanced computer science skills. You will do a research project unit in both first and second year, supported by a research skills unit. In your third year, you will undertake either a 22-week placement in a research group or work unit of a participating organisation or a 22-week Industry Based Learning (IBL) placement, as part of the curriculum and supported by a generous scholarship. Through the research or IBL placement, you will apply and further develop your skills and knowledge in a professional organisation. Your studies will conclude with a full year honours-level research project in a specialist area of Advanced Computer Science. You will graduate with strong research, analysis, problem solving, communication and team work skills, deep knowledge of the field of computer science, and hands-on experience in IT research

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science Advanced (Honours) it is expected that you will be able to:

1. demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the role of computer science and computational methods, and recognise the importance of theoretical underpinning for practical work;
2. demonstrate understanding of ethical issues in professional and research practice and its historical, contemporary and likely future scientific, industrial and social context;
3. critically analyse problems, design algorithms to solve them, program efficient software solutions and demonstrate the ability to transform and apply computational solutions to new contexts;
4. apply problem-solving strategies to design, implement and critically evaluate substantial pieces of software using a range of programming paradigms, advanced data structures and algorithms;
5. communicate and coordinate proficiently by: listening, speaking, reading and writing English and utilising diagrams, graphics and interactive visualisations in a professional and research context; working as an effective member or leader of teams; and using basic tools and practices of formal project management.
6. plan and execute projects with some independence and take responsibility for your own learning and practice; manage your 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; behave in an ethical and professional manner, and be able to adapt readily to changing technologies.
7. critically evaluate IT research; be able to apply appropriate research methodologies to conduct significant independent research.

The course develops through the themes of computer science foundation study, specialist discipline knowledge, research skills, and professional skills, which come together in applied practice.

Part A. Computer science foundation study

This study will develop your understanding of the role and theoretical basis of computer science and computational methods.

Part B. Professional skills

This study develops professional skills by providing an understanding and appreciation of the ethical and professional guidelines applicable to computer science practice and research; developing the ability to work as an effective team member and to communicate proficiently and appropriately in professional and research contexts.

Part C. Specialist discipline knowledge

This study will develop deep knowledge and advanced skills in advanced computer science.

Part D. Research skills

This study develops the ability to critically evaluate IT research and to apply appropriate methodologies to conduct independent research in computer science. It develops strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply analytical thinking.

Part E. Applied practice

The above knowledge and skills are integrated and consolidated in applied practice as demonstrated in a computer or data science project, and in some cases in an industry-based learning placement.

Part F. Free elective study

These elective units will enable you to broaden and deepen your knowledge of computer science, or to select units from across the University in which you are eligible to enrol.

This course comprises 192 points, of which 144 points must be from Computer Science study and 48 points are used to provide additional depth or breadth through elective study.

The course develops through theme studies in: A. Foundational computer science, B. Specialist discipline knowledge, C. Problem solving and analytical skills, D. Research skills, and E. Applied practice.

Elective units may be at any level, however, no more than ten units (60 points) can be credited to the Computer Science Advanced course at level 1 and a minimum of 36 points must be completed in Computer Science at each of level 3 and 4.

To remain in the program you are required to maintain at least a distinction average (70 per cent) across 48 points of enrolment in Computer Science studies or the total of your FIT-coded unit enrolment if 48 credit points have not yet been completed. If you do not meet this standard you will be required to transfer to the Bachelor of Computer Science or the Bachelor of Information Technology.

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/maps/map-c3001.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are six credit points unless otherwise stated.

A. Foundational computer science study (42 points)

Students complete:

• FIT1045 Introduction to algorithms and programming
• FIT1047 Introduction to computer systems, networks and security
• FIT1008 Introduction to computer science
• FIT2004 Algorithms and data structures
• FIT2014 Theory of computation
• MAT1830 Discrete mathematics for computer science*
• MAT1841 Continuous mathematics for computer science*

*Students requiring other mathematics for a non-computer science elective major or minor may replace MAT1830/MAT1841 with approval.

C. Specialist discipline knowledge (42 points)

Students complete:

(a.) The following three units (18 points):

• FIT2102 Programming paradigms
• FIT3155 Advanced data structures and algorithms
• FIT3143 Parallel computing

(b.) Two of the following level 3 elective units (12 points):

• FIT3031 Information and network security
• FIT3077 Software engineering: architecture and design
• FIT3080 Intelligent systems
• FIT3081 Image processing
• FIT3088 Computer graphics
• FIT3094 Artificial life, artificial intelligence and virtual environments
• FIT3139 Computational science
• FIT3142 Distributed computing
• FIT3146 Emergent technologies and interfaces
• FIT3152 Data analytics
• FIT3154 Advanced data analysis
• FIT3159 Computer architecture
• FIT3165 Computer networks
• FIT3171 Databases
• FIT3173 Software security
• FIT3175 Usability

*Not all elective units in this list will be offered each year.

(c.) Two level 4/5 elective units (12 points) as approved by the course director.

Part B & D. Research skills and professional skills (42 points)

Students complete

(a.) Three research development units (18 points):

• FIT2083 Research skills in computer science
• FIT1041 Research project 1
• FIT2082 Research project 2

(b.) An honours thesis (24 points):

• FIT4441 Honours thesis part 1
• FIT4442 Honours thesis part 2
• FIT4443 Honours thesis part 3
• FIT4444 Honours thesis final

Part E. Applied practice (18 points)

Students complete one of the following:

• FIT3153 Research placement (18 points)
• FIT3045 Industry-based learning (18 points)

Part F. Free elective study (48 points)

Elective units may be chosen from list (b) in Part C above, from units in the data science specialisation of C2001 Bachelor of Computer Science, C2000 Bachelor of Information Technology or the software engineering specialisation in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), or across the University as long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on enrolment in the units. In addition, you may choose to complete a major or minor from another course, so long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units.