IT is driving major advances in many areas of science, which increasingly relies on computing in collecting, storing and analysing huge volumes of data such as computationally intensive simulations of new physical phenomena. So it's an exciting time to combine computer science with any of the emerging or traditional areas of science.
This double degree course will provide you with a highly transferable set of skills and knowledge. It develops your scientific thinking skills, including critical analysis and problem-solving ability, and adds computational and complex IT skills, maximising opportunities for employment related to information technology and science.
NOTE: For learning outcomes and other relevant information of this double degree, refer to the single degree entries:
The requirements below detail what you must study in order to complete this double degree course and receive the awards.
The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/maps/map-s2004.pdf) provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.
Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated. You must complete 192 points:
1. 96 points must be completed in Parts A and B as described below in Bachelor of Science component, of which:
- at least 30 points and no more than 36 points of level 1 units must be completed
- at least 60 points must be completed at levels 2 and 3
- at least 24 points must be completed at level 3
- you must complete the level one sequences at stage one before enrolling in level two science units
Note 1: You cannot complete a minor, major or extended major in Computational science under the Science component.
2. 96 points must be completed in Parts A, B, C, D and E as described below in Bachelor of Computer Science component, of which:
- no more than 36 points of level 1 units can be completed
- at least 36 points must be completed at level 3
Science component
Bachelor of Science is a comprehensive course and it will provide you with a broad, general science education, as well as specialist training in one or more science disciplines.
Part A. Science specified study (48 points)
This will provide you with the mathematical or statistical foundation for your study of science and address the nature of science and its communication. It will also expose you to different science disciplines contributing breadth to your understanding of science and giving you the opportunity to learn about several disciplines before finalising your choice of major.
Although the requirements in Part A appear to exceed 48 points, a level 1 sequence is typically counted towards your major (Part B) and not towards Part A.
Year one
You must complete:
Approved science sequences
a. At least two level 1 approved science sequencesapproved science sequences (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/undergrad/sci-level-1-sequences.html) (24 points)
Normally, the units in a level 1 sequence are required for the completion of a related minor or major. The choice of level 1 sequences will influence your choice of level 2 and level 3 units and will lay the foundation for your major.
Note 2: If you want to specialise in Mathematics then you complete MTH1030 in place of MAT1841 as part of the Computer Science component. If you also need to complete MTH1020 then this will count towards the Science component.
Mathematics and statistics unit
b. You are not required to complete the level one mathematics or statistics unit for the Science component as you complete a corresponding mathematics requirement in your partner course, MAT1841. You can still choose to complete a level one sequence in mathematics.
Additional level 1 units
c. Any additional level 1 units (usually one or two) required taking the total level 1 science listed units to 36 credit points. Level 1 science listed units are chosen from units listed under any major, extended major or minor offered in the Bachelor of Science or from the following:
- MTH1010 Functions and their applications
- SCI1200 Humans, evolution and modern society
- SCI1300 Climate change: From science to society
- SCI1800 The sustainable planet
Note 3: You can replace one level 1 science listed unit with a level 2 or level 3 science listed unit.
Years two and three
d. One unit (6 points) from:
- SCI2010 Scientific practice and communication
- SCI2015 Scientific practice and communication (advanced).
e. Any additional units required to make the total level 2 and 3 Bachelor of Science listed units to 60 points (inclusive of the unit in d. and the units in your major in Part B), with at least 24 points at level 3, chosen from:
- SCI2400 From Galileo to GPS: How astronomy shapes our lives
- SCI3910 Schools science project
- SCI3920 Science internship
- SCI3930 Career skills for scientists
- units listed under any major, extended major or minor offered in S2000 Bachelor of Science
Part B. Science listed major (48 points)
This will provide you with a focused program of study that will develop your expertise in one discipline area. You will learn to develop, apply and communicate an advanced level of understanding of the concepts and theoretical frameworks that constitute the knowledge base of the discipline.
Complete at least one science listed major from those listed below. A major requires eight units with no more than two units at level 1 (12 points) and at least three units (18 points) at level 3. You may replace the major with an extended major by using the elective units available in Part A.
It is recommended that you consider completing level 2 units in more than one area of science to maximise your choice of major at level 3.
If you intend to undertake an honours year you should ensure you complete the specific units required as a prerequisite for honours in your chosen major area of study.
Minors, majors and extended majors
Note 4: You cannot complete a minor, major or extended major in Computational science under the Science component.
Note: Psychology is taught by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.
Refer also to the table of minors and majors by campusminors and majors by campus (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/undergrad/sci-bsc-minor-major-extended-major.html) which details if an area of study is available as a minor, major or extended major.
Computer science component
Bachelor of Computer Science course is a specialist course that develops through the themes of computer science foundation study, professional skills study, specialist discipline knowledge, problem solving and analytic skills study, and professional skills study which come together in applied practice.
Part A. Foundational computer science study (42 points)
This study will develop your understanding of the role and theoretical basis of computer science and computational methods.
You must complete:
- FIT1045 Algorithms and programming fundamentals in python
- 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 or MTH1030 Techniques for modelling
Part B. Professional skills study (6 points)
This study develops professional skills by providing an understanding and appreciation of the ethical and professional guidelines applicable to computer science, developing the ability to work as an effective team member, developing the ability to communicate proficiently and appropriately for professional practice, and developing formal project management skills.
You must complete
Part C. Specialist discipline knowledge and Part D. Problem solving and analytical skills (36 points)
Part C will develop your in-depth knowledge of the specific computer science methods of your specialised field within computer science.
Part D will develop your ability to apply appropriate methodologies in computer science and develop efficient computational solutions. It develops strong problem solving skills and the ability to apply analytical thinking.
You must complete one of the following specialisations:
Part E. Applied practice (12 points)
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.
You complete a full-year project (12 points) relevant to your specialisation, or the industry-based learning units (18 points):
- FIT3161 Computer science project 1 and FIT3162 Computer science project 2
- FIT3163 Data science project 1 and FIT3164 Data science project 2
- FIT3045 Industry-based learning* (18 points)
You may be eligible to exit the double degree program and graduate with either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Computer Science named degree after three years, depending on the units studied.
If you wish to graduate with a Bachelor of Science prior to the completion of the double degree you must have completed at least 144 points of studies, including all of the requirements in Part A and Part B for the Bachelor of Science degree.
If you wish to graduate with a Bachelor of Computer Science named degree prior to the completion of the double degree you must have completed at least 144 points of studies, including all of the requirements in Parts A, B, C, D and E for the particular computer science specialisation.
Honours
You may be eligible to apply for a one-year honours course once you have successfully completed this double degree, or have completed all of the requirements for one of the single degrees including a total of 144 points. The following honours courses apply:
- S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- C3702 Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
You are usually eligible to apply for honours if you achieve a distinction grade average (70 percent) or above in 24 points of studies in relevant units at level 3. This sometimes also means you need to have completed specific units. If you are a Science student you should refer to the honours prerequisites table.
Graduate coursework
If you are successfully complete the Bachelor of Science you may proceed to:
- S5003 Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Malaysia only)
- S6000 Master of Science (from 2019)
- S6001 Master of Financial Mathematics*
- S6002 Master of Environment and Sustainability**
- S6003 Master of Mathematics (from 2019)
