Computational science is the construction and application of mathematical models, simulation, numerical methods and data analysis techniques to solve scientific problems using computers. It is highly relevant to all scientific study as computational techniques, algorithms and data visualisation are now deeply ingrained in aspects of all sciences. This scope ranges from understanding the interactions of sub-atomic particles through to our understanding of the processes that shape stars and galaxies, from the molecular basis of life, through to the processes that govern outbreaks of epidemics, the sustainability of ecosystems and the dynamics of the biosphere. No area of cutting edge science today is conducted without the assistance of computational science techniques. Computational science at Monash leads students from the theoretical and practical fundamentals of computer science and algorithmic problem solving, to advanced programming techniques, 3D computer graphics, visualisation and intelligent systems.
Monash is the only Group of Eight university with a dedicated IT faculty. In computer science and information systems, Monash is consistently ranked amongst the top universities worldwide by international rankings. You will 'learn by doing', using cutting-edge technology in collaborative studio environments. You will learn to think creatively and analytically, from some of the world's best academics in the field.
Computational science is now fundamental to all science disciplines. Gaining expertise in this field will enhance any student's job prospects and career potential in biological, physical, mathematical and biomedical science, and in the sciences related to the earth, atmosphere and environment. Computational science skills also have the potential to facilitate students moving into new discipline areas such as the humanities and creative arts where computational techniques are becoming increasingly relevant in fields such as social science, archaeology, architecture, music, and visual art.
Availability
Computational science is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major, extended major or minor.
The computational science minor, major and extended major are not available in the double degree course S2004 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Computer Science.
Outcomes
In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of their course, students successfully completing this major or extended major will be able to:
- demonstrate understanding of the theoretical basis of computer science and a knowledge of computational problem solving strategies
- demonstrate the ability to systematically analyse scientific problems, then develop, design and analyse algorithms to solve them
- implement substantial pieces of efficient software to solve computational problems.
Supporting studies
Students completing a major in computational science must complete, in addition to the requirements below, the mathematics sequence MTH1030 (Techniques for modelling) and MAT1830 (Discrete mathematics for computer science).
Note 1: Students who have not met the VCE entry requirements for MTH1030 must also complete MTH1020.
Note 2: Students in the double degree E3007 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science complete ENG1090 and/or ENG1005 instead of MTH1020 and/or MTH1030.
Minor requirements (24 points)
12 points at level 1, 6 points at level 2, and 6 points at level 3.
Students complete the following four units (24 points):
- FIT1045 Algorithms and programming fundamentals in python
- FIT1008 Introduction to computer science
- FIT2004 Algorithms and data structures
- FIT3139 Computational science
Major requirements (48 points)
12 points at level 1 and at least 18 points at level 3.
Students complete:
- The following six units (36 points):
- FIT1045 Algorithms and programming fundamentals in python
- FIT1008 Introduction to computer science
- FIT2004 Algorithms and data structures
- FIT2014 Theory of computation
- FIT3139 Computational science*
- FIT3179 Data visualisation
- One computer science sequence (12 points) chosen from the following:
- FIT2102 Programming paradigms and FIT3155 Advanced data structures and algorithms
- FIT2094 Databases and FIT3003 Business intelligence and data warehousing
- FIT2086 Modelling for data analysis and FIT3152 Data analytics
- FIT2086 Modelling for data analysis and FIT3154 Advanced data analysis
- MTH3170 Network mathematics and FIT3155 Advanced data structures and algorithms
Extended major requirements (72 points)
12 points at level one and at least 24 points at level 3.
Students complete:
- The requirements for the major in computational science (48 points)
- The following three units (18 points):
- FIT2099 Object oriented design and implementation
- FIT3161 Computer science project 1
- FIT3162 Computer science project 2
- One additional unit (6 points) from the elective list below
Elective list
All units are 6 points unless otherwise stated:
- FIT2086 Modelling for data analysis
- FIT2094 Databases
- FIT2102 Programming paradigms
- FIT3003 Business intelligence and data warehousing
- FIT3077 Software engineering: Architecture and design
- FIT3080 Intelligent systems
- FIT3081 Image processing
- FIT3088Not offered in 2019 Computer graphics
- FIT3094 Artificial life, artificial intelligence and virtual environments
- FIT3142 Distributed computing
- FIT3143 Parallel computing
- FIT3146 Emergent technologies and interfaces
- FIT3152 Data analytics
- FIT3154 Advanced data analysis
- FIT3155 Advanced data structures and algorithms
- FIT3165 Computer networks
- FIT3175 Usability
- FIT3176 Advanced database design
- MTH3170 Network mathematics
Requirements for progressing to honours and other further studies
Students must meet the entry requirements for S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours) or meet the progression requirements to the fourth year of S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours).
Students must also complete prerequisite study as per the intended discipline. Refer to the honours prerequisiteshonours prerequisites (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/undergrad/science-honours-prerequisites.pdf) table.
Bachelors
Single degrees
Successful completion of this area of study can be counted towards meeting the requirements for the following single degrees:*
- S2000 Bachelor of Science
- S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
- S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours)
Students in other single bachelor's degrees may be eligible to complete the minor or major by using 24 or 48 points of their free electives, however need to be aware that additional maths supporting units may also be required.
Double degrees
Successful completion of this area of study can be counted towards meeting the requirements for the Bachelor of Science component in the following double degrees:*
- B2023 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science
- B2016 Bachelor of Commerce Specialist and Bachelor of Science
- D3005 Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
- E3007 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
- C2003 Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Science
- L3007 Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
- S2006 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts
- S2007 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- S2003 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Global Studies
- S2005 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music
