This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

This unit is used by the faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

The unit will provide students with an introduction and broad overview of the application of IT to the management of information in organisations, and the role of the IT professional in developing and implementing IT-based solutions to information problems. The discussion of the organisational framework for IT and IT professional practice will be set within its broader social context. The opportunities, problems and risks associated with IT will be examined, together with their implications for the rights and responsibilities of IT professionals.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the basic concepts of information and information systems in relation to organisational structures;
2. describe the business and information management processes and functions for which IT is used in organisations and in which IT professionals are involved;
3. explain the processes of acquiring, developing and managing IT in organisations and the risks and liabilities arising from the usage and application of IT in organisations;
4. explain the importance of information to organisational processes and functions and the role and responsibilities of IT practitioners;
5. identify and describe the organisational and social impacts of IT and the ethical dimensions of IT related decisions;
6. describe the roles of IT practitioners in organisations and the range of ethical and professional rights and responsibilities associated with them and the importance of the inter-relationships between the IT staff and the stakeholders in organisations.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hour tutorial
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of contact time in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit is designed to give students an introduction to statistical and quantitative methods within a business-related framework and to provide students with a sound foundation for more advanced statistical and quantitative studies. The unit will provide opportunities for the student to gain skills in the presentation of business and economic data, the use of frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, principles of probability, use of probability distributions, sampling theory, estimation, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, the use of indices and forecasting methods.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. perform basic statistical analysis by hand, using spread sheets and statistical software;
2. communicate the results of descriptive statistical analysis in written form using appropriate graphical displays where relevant;
3. analyse the predictability of statistical models taking measures of uncertainty (such as standard deviation and Pearson's correlation coefficient) into account;
4. critically analyse sample selection and sampling methods;
5. perform hypothesis tests for the mean and proportion;
6. identify sources of data such as that provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as well as other public domain and private data, such as from market research and polling.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours tutorials
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Business information systems

IT for business

This unit introduces students to core problem-solving, analytical skills, and methodologies useful for developing flexible, robust, and maintainable software. In doing this it covers a range of conceptual levels, from high-level algorithms and data-structures, down to the machine models and simple assembly language programming. Topics include data types; data structures; algorithms; algorithmic complexity; recursion; and translation to assembly language.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. translate simple problem statements into algorithms, implement them in a high level programming language and test them;
2. summarise and compare the properties of basic abstract data types such as stacks, queues, lists, trees, priority queues, heaps and hash tables;
3. evaluate different algorithms and implementations of basic abstract data types;
4. analyse algorithms by determining their best case and worst case big O time complexity;
5. deconstruct simple high-level code into assembly code such as MIPS R2000.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Three hours of lectures
   • One 1-hour tutorial
   • One 3-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 5 hours of personal study per week in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Computer science

Computational science

Introduction to business application tools and introduction to basic computing concepts. Principles of spreadsheets and relational databases, covering their use for the generation of business plans, reports, financial statements, etc. Both the spreadsheet and database components incorporate an introduction to programming with visual basic for applications (VBA). The database component covers principles of database design. The business application software packages used in the unit are Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. use spreadsheets to report, analyse and model organisational data;
2. use relational databases to report and analyse organisational information;
3. construct applications using VBA as the language for enhancing the appearance and usability of spreadsheet and database systems.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour lecture
   • Two hour tutorial
   • One hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study in order to satisfy the reading, tutorial, laboratory and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

IT for business

This unit is an introduction to the techniques, frameworks and processes comprising 3D modelling and 3D imaging. Foundations of 3D aims to give students an understanding of 3D modelling by developing skills in 3D model creation for a variety of contexts, including 3D prototyping, 3D visualisation and 3D modelling for games and animation. Students will communicate their knowledge of 3D theory through the production of designs that demonstrate geometrical modelling, texture mapping, virtual lighting techniques, camera positioning, and rendering procedures.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. evaluate and assess techniques used in the 3D creation process;
2. research, evaluate and implement 3D geometry, 3D texturing and 3D rendering techniques;
3. develop and modify 3D models and 3D environments;
4. design, create and detail 3D models and 3D scenes for diverse media.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour of lectures
   • Three hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of contact time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Digital humanities

Games design

Games development

Interactive media

This unit looks at processes and case studies to understand the many facets of working with data, and the significant effort in Data Science over and above the core task of Data Analysis. Working with data as part of a business model and the lifecycle in an organisation is considered, as well as business processes and case studies. Data and its handling is also introduced: characteristic kinds of data and its collection, data storage and basic kinds of data preparation, data cleaning and data stream processing. Curation and management are reviewed: archival and architectural practice, policy, legal and ethical issues. Styles of data analysis and outcomes of successful data exploration and analysis are reviewed. Standards, tools and resources are also reviewed.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain the role of data in different styles of business;
2. demonstrate the size and scope of data storage and data processing, and classify the basic technologies in use;
3. identify tasks for data curation and management in an organisation;
4. classify participants in a data science project: such as statistician, archivist, analyst, and systems architect;
5. classify the kinds of data analysis and statistical methods available for a data science project;
6. locate suitable resources, software and tools for a data science project.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements:
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study per week in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Data science

This unit introduces the basic concepts and knowledge of mobile communication and mobile computing, and the principles of pervasive and ubiquitous computing. Mobiles in this unit does not only refer to phones, but to any connected artifact that is not fixed to a location. The Internet-of-Things is an important aspect. Themes covered include the evolution of wireless communication technology, and the nature and types of mobile devices and smart clients. Fundamental operational concepts of wireless communication, mobile data, mobile operating systems and mobile applications will be introduced. An overview of mobile standards and protocols will be covered, as well as an introduction to wireless languages.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. define and demonstrate the basic concepts of mobile communications;
2. identify and describe the implications and evolution of wireless communication and pervasive and ubiquitous computing;
3. identify, describe and illustrate the components and concepts of wireless communication technologies;
4. identify, define and differentiate the operation and processes of wireless communication;
5. differentiate, classify and distinguish between existing wireless network standards;
6. identify, classify and distinguish between different types of mobile devices;
7. identify, describe and illustrate the benefits and challenges of mobile communications e.g. propagation issues, interference, security etc;
8. define and explain the use of data in mobile communications I;
9. discriminate benefits and challenges relating to the storage of mobile data
10. appraise social aspects of mobile communication;
11. interpret and report on the impact of mobile communications.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours tutorials
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study in order to satisfy the reading, tutorial, practical and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit introduces programming fundamentals and the Python language to students. The unit provides a foundational understanding of program design and implementation of algorithms to solve simple problems. Fundamental programming control structures, built in and complex datatypes and mechanisms for modularity will be presented in Python.

Topics covered will include basic input and output, program control structures, basic data structures and modular program structure. Problem-solving strategies and techniques for algorithm development, iteration and recursion, algorithm efficiency and the limitations of algorithms will be introduced.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. recognise the relationship between a problem description and program design;
2. implement problem solving strategies;
3. demonstrate how basic data structures (list, graphs, trees, sets, tables) function;
4. investigate different strategies for algorithm development and evaluate these to select an appropriate solution to a given problem;
5. decompose problems into simpler problems;
6. determine the complexity of simple algorithms;
7. recognise the limitations of algorithms.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
   • Two hours tutorials
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Business analytics

Computer networks and security

Computer science

Computational science

Cybersecurity

Mobile apps development

Software engineering

Web development

This unit provides Interactive media students with foundation skills relevant to all other Interactive media major units. This unit covers the basics of information graphic, digital graphic and motion graphic editing and introduces the fundamentals of web production with CSS and HTML 5. The unit content will introduce students to some of the key conceptual, technical and craft issues related to digital media production, and give them the opportunity to create media products based on their own practice based research.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. research and evaluate established and emerging digital media technologies;
2. apply digital media production techniques for a range of formats (i.e. information graphic motion graphic, digital graphic, web and mobile);
3. analyse and assess digital media processes and technologies;
4. design and develop digital media content.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour lecture/seminar
   • Three hours tutorial/laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Interactive media

Web development

The unit introduces students to fundamentals of computer systems, networks and security. It provides basic knowledge of computer organisation and architecture, operating systems, networking architecture, technology and operation. It introduces the concepts of security goals for protecting common modern computer systems and communication networks from adversaries and the deployment of suitable countermeasures to achieve these goals.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. analyse simple logic circuits;
2. explain and analyse key computer structure and its operations;
3. analyse and evaluate various strategies used by an operating system in managing the system resources and running applications efficiently;
4. describe the operation of communication and networking models and develop simple solutions to network problems;
5. critically assess the security threats and risks to an organisation's information assets and propose suitable security control technologies that can be applied to reduce the security risks.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours tutorials/laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Computer networks and security

Cybersecurity

This unit introduces programming fundamentals and the C++ language to students. The unit provides a foundational understanding of program design and implementation of algorithms to solve simple problems. Fundamental programming control structures, built in and complex data-types and mechanisms for modularity will be presented in C++. This unit also places a focus on object-oriented design principles, using object-oriented design as a process for program design and problem solving. More advanced object-oriented programming topics such as inheritance and polymorphism will also be covered. Other C++ fundamentals such as pointers and the STL will be presented, as will implementations of algorithms and data structures used in problem solving.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. design, implement, compile, execute and debug programs using fundamental C++ constructs;
2. apply fundamental programming control structures, including conditional statements, iteration and recursion to solve programming problems;
3. apply object-oriented design principles, including inheritance and polymorphism, to solve programming problems;
4. create C++ programs using pointers to demonstrate an understanding of efficient memory use and management;
5. troubleshoot C++ program code using an Integrated Development Environment and its tools.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Games development

Mobile apps developments

Web development

This unit provides a practical and theoretical introduction to what it means to be an IT professional today. Students will encounter a range of issues relevant to professional practice in the workplace, as well as an understanding of the wider responsibilities that professionals are called upon to uphold in society. Topics addressed include: organisational and professional communication; mindfulness; teamwork; the nature of the IT professions; the role of professional associations; problem solving and information use; cross-cultural awareness; personal and professional ethics and codes of practice.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe a variety of roles for IT professional and the personal, social, ethical and legal impacts arising from their work;
2. analyse and describe how the ACS Code of Professional Conduct applies to IT professionals in a variety of scenarios. In this context discuss what professional associations are available to IT professionals and why they are important;
3. effectively participate in a range of two way oral and written communication forms using appropriate intrapersonal and interpersonal communication skills and technologies;
4. use a variety of techniques to enhance working co-operatively and managing conflict as part of a team;
5. gather information, critically evaluate the material and use correct citation techniques when writing the material into an appropriate format.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 40%, In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 2-hour lecture
   • One 2-hour tutorial
   • One 1-hour meeting (weeks 7-12)
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 7 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, practical and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Information and society

The world-wide web is one of the most widely-used platforms for building applications. Although all students can be assumed to be experienced users of the web, very few have any clear understanding of the technologies upon which the web is based, and the way in which these technologies affect web-based applications. This unit aims to give students a sound basic knowledge of the web and a range of issues which may be involved in web application development. It will take a strongly practical focus in examining the technology, design and implementation problems a developer needs to address in developing applications for real-world systems. The diversity of web applications means that there are a wide range of issues which may be relevant to the development of any given web site. The unit will aim to give breadth of coverage of these issues, rather than focusing in depth on any particular development task or any specific type of web application.

The unit will take a strongly practical focus in examining the technology issues involved, and highlight the key issues which a developer needs to address in developing applications of this kind for real-world systems.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. name and describe the key technologies upon which the world-wide and web-based applications are based;
2. describe the strengths and limitations of the technological capabilities associated with the worldwide web and recognise their impacts on different kinds of web-based applications;
3. explain and compare the range of technical knowledge and development skills required for the development of a variety of different types of web-based applications;
4. perform some of the basic tasks required in the development of a web-based application;
5. recognise the importance of a team-based approach to the development of web-based applications.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour seminar
   • Three hour studio
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Software development

Web development

This unit will provide students with an overview of the fundamental knowledge and skills required to code applications. The topics covered will include: the context of programming in an industrial SDLC, dealing with code 'plumbing', data, using API library classes, common business logic patterns and their implementation using control structures, methods and modularity, value and reference types, coding custom driver and concept classes, class inheritance, interfaces, multi-class applications.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the difference between large scale industrial programming and small scale or scientific programming;
2. identify common logic patterns in problem descriptions and implement code solutions to these problems using best practice Java coding patterns;
3. analyse and debug existing Java programs;
4. describe and use the Java Class Libraries;
5. code and test multi-class Java applications;
6. apply good programming practices in accordance with industry standards and professional ethics.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • One hours tutorials
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Business information systems

Computer networks and security

IT for business

Mobile apps development

Software development

Software engineering

Web development

From online entertainment to paying our bills with smartphones, computers are at the centre of our lives today. How did this change come about, and what has it meant for us as individuals, as well as for society more broadly? Starting with its origins in the world of government, the military and corporations, this unit explores the lasting impression that IT continues to make within the spheres of popular culture, work, politics, the law, and leisure.

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. describe the fundamental features that distinguish information technology (IT) from earlier forms of technology;
2. understand and explain how advances in IT have impacted society, its structures, and the way information is used by its members;
3. develop and demonstrate critical reading skills by interpreting primary and secondary sources relevant to the history of IT in society;
4. critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of common scholarly explanations of the emergence and diffusion of IT within society;
5. critically analyse the impact of IT in a range of social domains such as work, the family, government and leisure.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2 hour lecture
   • 2 hour studio
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Digital humanities

Information and society

This unit introduces programming fundamentals and the Python language to students. The unit provides a foundational understanding of program design and implementation of algorithms to solve simple problems. Fundamental programming control structures, built in and complex data types and mechanisms for modularity will be presented in Python.

Topics covered will include basic input and output, program control structures, basic data structures and modular program structure. Problem-solving strategies and techniques for algorithm development, iteration and recursion, algorithm efficiency and the limitations of algorithms will be introduced.

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. recognise the relationship between a problem description and program design;
2. implement problem solving strategies;
3. demonstrate how basic data structures (list, graphs, trees, sets, tables) function;
4. investigate different strategies for algorithm development and evaluate these to select an appropriate solution to a given problem;
5. decompose problems into simpler problems;
6. determine the complexity of simple algorithms;
7. demonstrate the correctness of algorithms;
8. design test strategies for algorithms;
9. recognise the limitations of algorithms.

Examination (2 hours): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:

   Two hours lectures

   Two hours laboratories

   Two hours tutorials

2. Additional requirements (all students):

   A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

This unit introduces students to core problem-solving, analytical skills, and methodologies useful for developing flexible, robust, and maintainable software. It covers a range of conceptual levels, from high-level algorithms and data-structures, down to the machine models and simple assembly language programming. Topics include data types; data structures; algorithms; algorithmic complexity; recursion and translation to assembly language.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. translate simple problem statements into algorithms, implement them in a high level programming language and test them.
2. summarise and compare the properties of basic abstract data types such as stacks, queues, lists, trees, priority queues, heaps and hash tables.
3. evaluate different algorithms and implementations of basic abstract data types.
4. analyse algorithms by determining their best case and worst case big O time complexity.
5. design efficient solutions combining basic abstract data types and applying the concepts of complexity while understanding its implications in practical situations.
6. describe the classic RISC pipeline and how machine architecture can affect processor performance.
7. deconstruct simple high-level code into assembly code such as MIPS R2000.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (3 hours and 10 minutes): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Three 1-hour lectures
   • One 1-hour tutorial
   • One 3-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 5 hours of personal study per week in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

This unit provides a practical and theoretical foundation in developing the skills required as a Professional IT graduate when entering the workplace. Topics addressed include: professional communication; teamwork; project meetings; professional computing societies code of conduct and ethics; research skills in a professional IT role; ethical reasoning theories; and critical thinking. During this unit, students will be provided with a range of contemporary ethical issues in Artificial Intelligence arising from the use and development of current and future computing, wearable and mobile App technologies.

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Comprehend a range of communication skills and modes that is effective for presentation, management and entrepreneurial.
2. Distinguish a variety of techniques to enhance working collaboratively and managing conflict as part of a team.
3. Demonstrate research process in gathering and management of information, critical evaluation and responsible dissemination of material into lifelong learning skills.
4. Conceptualise how various code of ethics - ACM, MNCC, ACS applies to IT professionals in a variety of coding and software development scenarios. In this context, discuss how the code of conducts affect their decision making.
5. Evaluate variety of ethical reasoning frameworks in making ethical decisions in the context of social, environment and legal aspects issues arriving from their work.
6. Describe how religious and cultural diversity contributes to solving future IT challenges in AI both locally and internationally.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes): 40%, In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 2 hour lecture
   • One 2 hour tutorial
   • One 2 hour career forum and workshop event
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study in order to satisfy the reading, tutorial, practical and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

The unit introduces students to systems analysis and design as a problem solving activity, within the framework of a selected methodology. It will focus on contemporary industry practice; investigating understanding and documenting system requirements; a range of design and implementation activities; and professional skills required for systems development.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe and analyse a range of system development methodologies and be able to assess when to use a particular approach;
2. describe key activities required for systems development;
3. apply problem solving techniques at different levels of abstraction;
4. select suitable techniques and methods to conduct analysis, design and implementation activities;
5. apply analysis and design techniques to a practical system development problem within a contemporary development methodology framework;
6. demonstrate an understanding of the professional skills required for effective systems development practice.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour tutorial
   • One 1-hour meeting
2. Study schedule for off-campus students:
   • Off-campus students generally do not attend lecture and tutorial sessions, however should plan to spend equivalent time working through the relevant resources and participating in discussion groups each week.
3. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 7 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Business information systems

Software development

This unit introduces students to the many concepts, tools and techniques for managing information technology projects. Exploring traditional and agile approaches for managing projects, topics include project lifecycles, project planning, project scheduling, team building, risk management, time and quality management. A case study approach will be used to provide learning opportunities, with an emphasis on the unique aspects of information technology projects.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain the ten knowledge areas of the Project Management Body of Knowledge;
2. identify the unique attributes and diverse nature of Information Technology projects;
3. select, justify and use project management techniques and tools for IT projects;
4. use the appropriate communication method for different types of stakeholders;
5. identify and apply the characteristics of a collaborative team member.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour workshop
   • One 2-hour tutorial
2. Study schedule for off-campus students:
   • Off-campus students generally do not attend lecture and tutorial sessions, however should plan to spend equivalent time working through the relevant resources and participating in discussion groups each week.
3. Additional requirements (all students):
   • Students will need to spend one hour prior to the workshop on a pre-class activity. The workshop will explore concepts introduced in the one hour pre-class activity.
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of contact time in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit introduces students to problem solving concepts and techniques fundamental to the science of programming. In doing this it covers problem specification, algorithmic design, analysis and implementation. Detailed topics include analysis of best, average and worst-case time and space complexity; introduction to numerical algorithms; recursion; advanced data structures such as heaps and B-trees; hashing; sorting algorithms; searching algorithms; graph algorithms; and numerical computing.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. analyse general problem solving strategies and algorithmic paradigms, and apply them to solving new problems;
2. prove correctness of programs, analyse their space and time complexities;
3. compare and contrast various abstract data types and use them appropriately;
4. develop and implement algorithms to solve computational problems.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%, In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 3-hour laboratory/tutorial
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 7 hours of independent study per week for lab preparation and reading.

See also Unit timetable information

Computer science

Computational science

Algorithm analysis. Application and implementation of some common data structures: stacks, queues, lists, priority queues, tables, sets and collections. Data representations including: arrays, linked lists, heaps, trees (including balanced trees) and hashing. Design of application programs making use of common data structures. Design and implementation of new data structures. Study of advanced algorithms in areas such as: graph theory, pattern searching and data compression. Access to the University's computer systems through an Internet service provider is compulsory for off-campus students.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. analyse simple algorithms to work out an order of magnitude estimate of running time and space;
2. describe and implement the most common data structures: stacks, queues, lists, priority queues, tables, sets, collections using various common data representations: arrays, linked lists, heaps, trees (including balanced trees), hashing;
3. evaluate which implementation would be most appropriate for a given data structure and application;
4. apply the same principles used in implementing the common data structures to implement other data structures and design and implement new data structures;
5. describe more advanced algorithms in areas such as: graph theory (shortest path etc), pattern searching, data compression (precise selection of advanced algorithms will vary from year to year);
6. design new algorithms to solve new problems.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 2-hour lecture
   • One 2-hour laboratory
2. Study schedule for off-campus students:
   • Off-campus students generally do not attend lecture and tutorial/laboratory sessions, however should plan to spend equivalent time working through the relevant resources and participating in discussion groups each week.
3. Additional requirements (all students):
   • a minimum of 8 hours of independent study in some weeks for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit introduces formal languages, models of computation, and computational complexity. It looks at what computers can and cannot compute. Topics include finite state automata, regular expressions, grammars, pushdown automata, computable functions, Turing machines, polynomial-time reductions, complexity classes P and NP, and NP-completeness. Skills at writing formal proofs will be developed.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. use propositional logic, predicates and quantifiers to represent and analyse problems in the theory of computation;
2. construct Finite Automata, Nondeterministic Finite Automata, Context-Free Grammars, and Turing Machines to describe languages;
3. convert Regular Expressions into Finite Automata and vice versa;
4. find a Regular Grammar for a Regular Language;
5. find a parse tree, leftmost derivation and rightmost derivation for a word in a Context Free Language;
6. use Turing Machines to represent computable functions;
7. demonstrate the limitations of the models of computation considered;
8. show a language is not regular, or not context-free, or not decidable;
9. show that a language is in P, or in NP, or NP-complete;
10. write rigorous formal proofs, including proofs by construction, cases, contradiction and induction.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two 1-hour lectures
   • One 2-hour tutorial
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of independent study per week for reading, working on exercises and assignment(s).

See also Unit timetable information

Computer science

Computational science

Students on placement participate full time in a defined, graduate level role during a 22-week placement period at established partners of the Faculty of Information Technology industry based learning program including major global companies, leading Australian companies and worldwide consultancies. The students on placement apply the knowledge, skills and practices of professional attitudes and behaviour developed in their academic units. They develop communication, time management and customer service skills in business situations, experience and participate professionally in the corporate environment and obtain feedback from experienced supervisors on their performance.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. set achievable and measurable goals;
2. develop and practice professional skills and attitudes including: initiative, communication, time-management and teamwork skills in a business environment;
3. develop solutions to business problems using information technology and other techniques;
4. prepare documentation and written reports of a professional standard;
5. address performance improvement opportunities identified by industry supervisors;
6. develop information technology skills (such as business process modelling, performance enhancement of installed software, updating current software and developing new software) in a complex, corporate business environment.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Students are on placement full-time for 22 weeks with the partners of the industry based learning program in a graduate level role within the company.

See also Unit timetable information

The emphasis in this unit is on the application of fundamental programming concepts using an object-oriented programming language. It also introduces more advanced object-oriented programming topics such as inheritance and polymorphism. It gives students a deeper understanding of programming and gives more practical skills in designing, building and testing larger computer programs, including ones having graphical user interfaces, and utilising file I/O.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. implement basic programming concepts through designing and constructing simple programs using Java as the implementation language;
2. explain object-oriented concepts such as inheritance, polymorphism, and abstract classes and interfaces and interpret how they are implemented in Java;
3. apply the object-oriented design principles to a multiple-class object-oriented program;
4. construct Java programs that include graphical user interface with event handling, collection classes, exception handling and files for persistent data storage;
5. identify a range of modern tools to support the process of programming complex software systems.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
2. Study schedule for off-campus students:
   • Off-campus students generally do not attend lecture and tutorial sessions, however should plan to spend equivalent time working through the relevant resources and participating in discussion groups each week.
3. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit provides a foundation in the theoretical and practical principles of game design and game narrative structures in the games development process. Utilising the principles taught in this unit, students will be given the opportunity to design innovative game applications and implement the consequences of their decisions as working game prototypes.

The combination of theory and practice in this unit is geared to equip students with the skills to not only design innovative games, but also to critique existing games and importantly new game ideas. The studio environment will facilitate considerable peer interaction, in particular in the design, communication, and critique of new game ideas. The unit provides knowledge and skills, which students can apply within their game development projects in the third year studio project/s (FIT3039/3040) and across all subsequent units.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. construct a game narrative that expresses effective structure and mapping of plotlines and characters into interactive structures;
2. design environments with clearly indicated game challenges (time and intrinsic stress involved) and game balancing;
3. formulate a theoretical game design to a specific brief, implementing effective game narrative and balancing;
4. constructively critique game designs based on understanding of good game design principles;
5. work collaboratively in a team environment.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • three hour studio
   • one hour seminar
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of contact time in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Games design

Games development

Interactive media

This unit extends the study from FIT1004 Data management. FIT2077 will introduce more advanced concepts in the areas of database design, SQL, query optimisation and the handling of unstructured data (XML) both externally and within a database. The issue of "Big Data" and the role played by BI technologies and data warehouses will be explored.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. design a database model from a given scenario, using the Extended Entity Relationship model;
2. demonstrate a fluency with relational algebra commands;
3. create triggers, procedures and functions to enhance the logic stored in a database;
4. analyse SQL query operations to optimise their performance;
5. create XML documents and schemas to represent a given scenario;
6. implement, and manipulate, XML structure in a database;
7. describe the role played by Data Warehouses and Business Intelligence (BI) with respect to "Big Data".

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit introduces an industrial strength programming language (with supporting software technologies and standards) and object-oriented application development in the context of mobile application development for smartphones and tablets. The approach is strictly application driven. Students will learn the syntax and semantics of the chosen language and its supporting technologies and standards and object oriented design and coding techniques by analysing a sequence of carefully graded, finished applications. Students will also design and build their own applications.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. perform object oriented design and coding to create, test and debug non-trivial, working mobile applications that are maintainable and use the best practices of the development platform;
2. upload these applications to an appropriate marketplace;
3. describe the current software technologies and standards used in mobile application development;
4. describe the current platform and ecosystem landscape in the mobile application space.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
   • One 1-hour tutorial
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 7 hours of personal study per week in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Business information systems

Computer networks and security

Cybersecurity

IT for business

Mobile apps development

Software development

This unit builds upon FIT1041 and FIT2083 or FIT2084 and allows students to conduct an independent research project. Students will be assigned to one of the Faculty of Information Technology's research groups, an academic supervisor and a research topic. Students may work on their project individually or in groups, as determined by their supervisor. During the semester, the student will be required to participate in research group events including seminars and presentations.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. participate as a member of a research group;
2. demonstrate how to conduct IT research;
3. critically analyse and assess previous approaches to solve a particular research problem;
4. formulate a research hypothesis and chose an appropriate methodology to evaluate that hypothesis;
5. conduct the experiment and/or implementation in order to evaluate the hypothesis;
6. demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate their research findings both orally and in writing.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 1-hour meeting with the project supervisor
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • As directed by project supervisor, the student may be required to attend seminars and other research group meetings and activities. The remainder of the time will be spent on individual study and completion of the project.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit equips students to be effective innovators and researchers in Computer Science. It introduces students to the issues, concepts, methods and techniques associated with IT research in general, but focuses on those most commonly used for research in Computer Science. It introduces students to professional practice and research ethics, the principles of research design, research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis appropriate to Computer Science. It covers oral and written communication skills.

Skills developed and knowledge acquired from this unit will prepare students to conduct and to communicate their own research, as well as to be knowledgeable consumers of others' research.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. review and critique Computer Science research literature, research design and reported findings;
2. communicate research findings, orally and in writing, in research settings;
3. explain the ethical and professional issues that may arise in research;
4. recognise the main research methodologies of Information Technology research generally;
5. describe the most common data collection and analysis methods used in Computer Science research;
6. select and justify an appropriate research methodology for tackling a specified Computer Science problem;
7. explain the technical, professional and socio-economic contexts that motivate research, and the implications of research outcomes;
8. plan, design and execute a simple research study.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two 2-hour workshops
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

This unit introduces students to core problem-solving, analytical skills, and methodologies useful for developing flexible, robust, and maintainable software. In doing this it covers a range of conceptual levels, from high level algorithms and data-structures, down to the machine models and simple assembly language programming. Topics include data types; data structures; algorithms; algorithmic complexity; recursion; and translation to assembly language.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. translate problem statements into algorithms and implement them in a high level programming language;
2. summarise and compare the properties of basic abstract data types such as stacks, queues, lists, trees, priority queues, heaps and hash tables;
3. theoretically and experimentally evaluate different implementations of basic abstract data types;
4. analyse algorithms by determining their best case and worst case big O time complexity;
5. implement and evaluate different strategies for solving a given problem;
6. recognise the limitations - both theoretical and practical - of algorithms;
7. de-construct simple high-level code into assembly code such as MIPS R2000.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Three 1-hour lectures
   • One 1-hour tutorial
   • One 3-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 5 hours of personal study per week in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Software engineering

This unit explores the statistical modelling foundations that underlie the analytic aspects of Data Science. It covers:

• Data: collection and sampling, data quality.
• Analytic tasks: statistical hypothesis testing, exploratory and confirmatory analysis.
• Probability distributions: dependence and independence, multivariate Gaussian, Poisson, Dirichlet, random number generation and simulation of distributions, simulation of samples (bootstrap).
• Predictive models: linear and logistic regression, and Bayesian classification.
• Estimation: parameter and function estimation, maximum likelihood and minimum cost estimators, Monte Carlo estimators, inverse probabilities and Bayes theorem, bias versus variance and sample size effects, cross validation, estimation of model performance.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. perform exploratory data analysis with descriptive statistics on given datasets;
2. construct models for inferential statistical analysis;
3. produce models for predictive statistical analysis;
4. perform fundamental random sampling, simulation and hypothesis testing for required scenarios;
5. implement a model for data analysis through programming and scripting;
6. interpret results for a variety of models.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours studio
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Data science

This unit builds upon the skills, techniques and theory introduced in FIT1033 Foundations of 3D and extends their research and skills in 3D character design and motion capture technologies for games and 3D animation. Students will be introduced to advanced techniques for character detailing (modelling and texturing) character animation (motion capture systems) and 3D environmental design. The theoretical and practical considerations contributing to the conceptualisation and preparation of 3D characters for animation sequences will constitute a key focus of this unit.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. research, evaluate and implement complex 3D geometry, 3D texturing and 3D animation techniques;
2. design and modify 3D characters for motion capture;
3. formulate and enact 3D motion capture sequences;
4. devise and create 3D animated sequences featuring 3D characters and environments.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hours lecture
   • Three hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Interactive media

This unit will cover wireless network standards relevant for mobile devices, as well as the ubiquitous integration between different network types. This includes network architectures, operational techniques and functions of the infrastructural components used in these networks. Attention will be given to the Internet of Things, with specific reference to implementations in different kinds of organisations.

At the completion of this unit, students should:

1. be able to explain the principles of wireless communication;
2. understand the role of standardisation bodies for wireless communication;
3. be able to explain how current wireless networking standards operate;
4. be able to give a functional description of the components of current wireless networking standards;
5. be able to describe the architecture and mechanism of current wireless networking standards;
6. be able to explain the Internet of Things;
7. appreciate and understand the relevance of each wireless network standard;
8. be able to design and demonstrate how a wireless network can be applied to solve a real-life problem.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours tutorials
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tutorial, practical and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Globalisation and increasing customer demands are challenges facing companies today. To remain competitive and effective in their offerings, companies cannot afford to harbour inefficiencies in their operations. A business process oriented approach is key to the success of modern organisations. A well-designed process will improve efficiency and deliver greater productivity. At the same time, business processes must be designed to ensure that they are effective and meet customer requirements. The internal processes of a business organisation are described with an emphasis on how they work together to achieve the goals of the organisation. A range of process modelling tools is presented in the unit.

Upon completion of this unit students should be able to: describe business processes in organisations, their structure and they fit into the overall organisation objectives; recommend a process modelling tool for modelling and analysing business processes with the aim of increasing efficiencies and effectiveness for businesses; analyse factors for managing in-house development or software outsourcing; discuss ethical issues related to the management and use of business information systems.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the role of business processes of a typical organisation;
2. select an appropriate process design and modelling methodology to create a business process model;
3. document and communicate a business process model for business process improvements;
4. analyse factors relating to managing small to medium sized projects for in-house development or software outsourcing;
5. discuss ethical issues related to the management and use of business information systems.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Business information systems

IT for business

Interactive media studio 1 builds upon the skills learnt in Interactive media foundations and introduces students to digital graphic and video technologies for the web. The basics of web design and production introduced in Interactive media foundations are extended in this unit. Students will undertake projects that integrate a range of multimedia resources to design and develop original digital images, motion graphic sequences and interactive webpages. In their final assignment, students will collaborate in groups of two or three to realise their multimedia creation.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. apply digital image and motion graphic editing techniques;
2. evaluate software procedures for digital design and visualisation;
3. create and organise multimedia resources;
4. design and develop digital graphics, video and audio content and display them in a web based context.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour lecture/seminar
   • Three hours tutorial/laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Interactive media

Interactive media studio 2 consolidates the digital media skills introduced in Interactive media foundations and extended in Interactive media studio 1. The focus on the development of high level digital media skills in graphic editing, digital image manipulation and JavaScript equips students undertaking this unit to enter higher-level units in the major, minor and extended major.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. design and code web pages using HTML5 and CSS;
2. optimize images, audio, and video assets for online delivery;
3. create scripted animated content using web technologies;
4. implement web-based user interactions with JavaScript.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour lecture/seminar
   • Three hours tutorial/laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Interactive media

This unit will provide students with knowledge of cyber security issues, and their relevance to the management of information systems in contemporary organisations. Students will learn about common cyber attacks and the techniques for identifying, detecting, and defending against cyber-security threats. Further students will have an understanding of the ethical and privacy issues relating to the security of information systems. Additionally students will be required to analyse and assess recent developments and future trends in cyber security technologies.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. critically assess cyber threats and risks to an organisation's information systems;
2. implement access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorised access;
3. apply cryptographic techniques to disguise information;
4. apply appropriate countermeasures to defend against cyber security threats;
5. describe the ethical and privacy issues relating to security of information systems.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Computer networks and security

Cybersecurity

This unit will provide an introduction to the concepts of database design and usage and the related issues of data management. Students will develop skills in planning, designing, and implementing a data model using an enterprise-scale relational database system (Oracle). Methods and techniques will also be presented to populate, retrieve, update and implement integrity features on data in the implemented database system.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain the motivations behind the development of database management systems;
2. describe the underlying theoretical basis of the relational database model and apply the theories into practice;
3. develop a sound database design;
4. develop a database based on a sound database design;
5. construct queries that meet user requirements;
6. develop a simple web-based interface for a database;
7. use data modelling and database development tools effectively.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Business analytics

Data science

Software development

Non-B2B e-Business applications are now mostly developed for Web and mobile platforms. With the advent of mobile Web apps a set of technologies and techniques has emerged that are shared by both Web and mobile application development. This unit introduces, explains and uses these technologies and techniques to build basic but industrial strength e-Business applications. The topics covered will be selected from the following: an overview of the current state-of-play in e-Business application development, HTML5 (the living standard), CSS3, object oriented JavaScript for large developments, JavaScript APIs, Ajax, JSON, XML and related W3C technologies, jQuery, jQuery Mobile, MVC, ASP.NET MVC, ECMAScript 2015 and beyond, Angular, TypeScript, React. The appropriateness of the selected technologies in different contexts, together with relevant best practice techniques for their use and integration will also be covered.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the current technological options with respect to e-business application development and the most likely trends going forward;
2. analyse and debug existing e-Business applications;
3. design, code and test basic e-Business applications using current industrial strength techniques;
4. describe and use some of the core APIs used in e-Business applications;
5. apply good programming practices in accordance with industry standards and professional ethics.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • One hour tutorials
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Business information systems

IT for business

Mobile apps development

Software development

Web development

This unit will further develop object-oriented programming skills with the C++ language, and place them into the Games Programming context. Fundamental games programming design principles will be covered, including formal game structures and the game program loop. A number of specific games programming techniques with C++ will be also covered. These include the use of DirectX, games physics, and advanced 3D rendering, expressing these concepts through game creation using C++ and Microsoft Windows DirectX. Underpinning this will be use of fundamental mathematical principles for working with computer graphics and game interactions. This provides a strong grounding for further study in this area, especially related to games engine development and artificial intelligence.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the geometric meaning behind vectors and matrices, and create code that demonstrates how these can be applied practically in game programming, including for object movement and collision;
2. create game programs that demonstrate an understanding of the programming game loop and how to set it up;
3. create game programs that demonstrate an understanding of DirectX, including textures, displaying sprites, animation, text, and rendering;
4. create game programs that demonstrate an understanding of physics in the games programming context, including basic movement and interaction;
5. create game programs that demonstrate an understanding of Direct 3D rendering, including geometry, models, cameras, textures and lighting.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Games development

This unit will further develop games development programming skills with the C++ language, and explore them further in the Games Programming context. Focus will be on advanced games programming techniques, including a focus on the content pipeline, advanced rendering and visual game effects. Principles will also be placed into the context of different libraries, such as OpenGL, and other platforms, such as mobile. This provides a strong grounding for further study in this area, especially related to games engine development and artificial intelligence.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the content pipeline as used in computer game development and why it is important;
2. create game programs that demonstrate an understanding and working knowledge of advanced rendering principles, such as shaders;
3. create game programs that demonstrate a working knowledge of advanced visual game effects, such as particle and physics systems;
4. describe how key game programming principles can be applied to games developed with other libraries (such as OpenGL) and for other platforms (such as mobile), and create game prototypes that demonstrate this;
5. describe key performance and optimisation principles of computer game programming and create game programs that demonstrate these principles.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Games development

This unit explores the design principles and content creation process for Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. Students will be given the opportunity to apply the interactive and cognitive functions of VR and AR systems, design and develop assets, and use VR and AR tools and platforms to deploy content.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate the use of software to create VR environments and AR objects
2. describe the principles of designing and deploying specific VR environments and AR applications
3. analyse the range of options and controls available through VR and AR software applications
4. explain VR and AR User Interactions, Hardware, Capabilities & Sensors
5. develop applications of VR environments and AR technologies
6. create VR environments and AR applications.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour lecture/seminar
   • Three hours tutorial + laboratory (3hr block)
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Interactive media

This unit introduces students to object-oriented design principles and their application to the construction of quality software. Students will learn the fundamental concepts that underlie modern object-oriented languages, and will learn how to implement their designs using at least one. Students will also learn how to use standard notation to illustrate their designs.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. iteratively construct object-oriented designs for small to medium-size software systems, and describe these designs using standard software engineering notations including UML class diagrams (in conceptual and concrete forms), UML interaction diagrams and, if applicable, UML state diagrams;
2. evaluate the quality of object-oriented software designs, both in terms of meeting user requirements and in terms of good design principles, using appropriate domain vocabulary to do so;
3. implement object-oriented designs in an object-oriented programming language such as Java, using object-oriented programming constructs such as classes, inheritance, abstract classes, and generics as appropriate;
4. use available language tools, such as debuggers and profilers, and good programming practice to debug their implementations systematically and efficiently;
5. use software engineering tools including UML drawing tools, integrated development environments, and revision control to create, edit, and manage artifacts created during the development process.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Computational science

Software development

Software engineering

This unit will provide students with the knowledge of how a multi-programming, multi-user operating systems operates and it manages and allocate resources to different applications. Students will be able to compare and contrast various resource management allocation strategies. Students will develop and implement code to understand and make use of operating system services.

The topics covered will include an introduction to C Programming which is heavily used in development of operating systems, operating system structure and services, multi-programming processes, CPU scheduling, memory management, device management, synchronisation, deadlocks, virtual memory and file systems.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. analyse and evaluate various strategies used by an operating system in managing the system resources and running applications efficiently;
2. analyse and identify parameters that can improve the performance of multi-programming operating systems;
3. apply synchronisation techniques in the development of applications, using operating system services; and
4. apply system calls in the design of applications, to improve application performance, robustness or functionality.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours and 10 mins): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Three hours laboratories (alternate weeks)
   • One hour tutorials (alternate weeks)
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Computer networks and security

Software development

Software engineering

A disciplined process is vital to the success of any major software development project. In this unit, students learn essential skills for managing software development efforts and for working within coordinated teams. Students will learn how to decide upon and document their team's structure and their process model. They will be expected to follow the process model they have documented, and to evaluate its effectiveness.

There are many factors that can potentially cause a software project to fail. This unit will equip students with techniques to identify and manage these risks, and will take a risk-focused approach to project organisation.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the nature and purpose of a software engineering process, including the historical evolution of the concept, and describe the major features of the most common process models;
2. document a software process in a project management plan, including process model, team organisation, risk management, and time management;
3. identify relevant risks for a small-to-medium size software project, analyse their impact and likelihood, identify appropriate mitigations, and document these in a risk matrix.;
4. elicit functional and non-functional requirements for a small-to-medium size software project from stakeholders through interview and/or document analysis techniques, capture these using appropriate methods for the given process model (including user stories and use cases), and analyse these requirements for completeness including test-ability;
5. apply a lightweight process to the development of a small software project in small groups, including the use of software engineering tools such as revision control and issue tracking systems, analyse their strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations for improving the process based on experience and observation.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour lecture
   • Three hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Software development

Software engineering

Ability to code in differently constructed programming languages is analogous to speaking in different natural languages with varying grammars. Similar to natural languages, programming languages from different paradigms (styles) vary in their expressiveness and efficiency. One programming language may require many screens-full of complex code to accomplish a task for which another requires but a few expressive lines of code. Therefore, understanding the design principles of programming languages enables computational problems to be implemented in drastically different and powerful ways; leading, in some cases, to solutions that are more elegant, correct, maintainable, efficient and/or extensible.

This unit examines a selection of programming languages and paradigms and explores the evolution of language design from low-level paradigms that are closer to the execution model of the machine, to more high-level declarative paradigms that allow programmers to model a problem precisely rather than specify its solution. The unit covers paradigms such as functional and logic programming, comparing and contrasting them to programming styles that students are already familiar with, including object-oriented, imperative and procedural programming paradigms. Topics include specification and data-modeling techniques (covering types and polymorphism, mutability-versus-purity, state management, and side-effects) and different models of execution such as strict-versus-lazy evaluation.

The unit provides practical experience with a variety of non-procedural, non-object-oriented programming languages and discusses the influence of programming language theory on the design of current main-stream computer languages, and how the theory translates to practice.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the major attributes used to describe programming languages;
2. describe the major features, strengths and weaknesses of important programming languages in the context of their historical development;
3. analyse and critique past, present and future programming languages;
4. evaluate the suitability of different paradigms for different problem types;
5. design and implement simple programs in several programming languages of different paradigms and demonstrate an ability to solve more complex problems in at least one non-procedural paradigm;
6. describe the theoretical aspects of modern programming paradigms and apply this theory to analysis and design of programs.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Computational science

This unit provides students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to analyse a business problems and develop a solution that uses a web interface to a back-end database. The unit assumes a sound basic knowledge of programming and database concepts and skills as developed in the introductory units in these areas. The emphasis in the unit is on mastery of the key concepts and the basic knowledge and skills required to build this kind of application. The unit will provide students with an awareness of the wide range of technologies that are used to support this kind of application, but will examine only a limited number of these technologies to demonstrate the key concepts and their application.

The unit will take a strongly practical focus in examining the technology issues involved, and highlight the key issues which a developer needs to address in developing applications of this kind for real-world systems.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain the need and importance for application developers to have skills in this area of IT applications;
2. describe and compare the key basic technologies which underly the development of web database applications;
3. evaluate and assess the key technological issues confronting developers when building applications of this type;
4. implement the key features of programming languages which are commonly used for developing web database applications;
5. analyse, design, develop and implement a web database application using a commonly used programming language;
6. evaluate and critique proposed web database solutions to a business problem.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Software development

Web development

This unit explores developments in art, science and technology, drawing on important periods in Italian history and culture as a background for understanding contemporary interdisciplinary practice. It will examine the nature and development of technology in science, engineering, the arts and architecture. Using the city of Prato and the museums, galleries, rural landscapes and built environments in the surrounding region, students will develop a team-based interdisciplinary project that draws on this rich historical, cultural and technological landscape.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. analyse the historical development of a technological innovation and its role in shaping science, art and culture;
2. observe, research and gather information in an unfamiliar cultural context;
3. identify and critically analyse technological, scientific and artistic innovations;
4. select appropriate contemporary technology for a problem or situation requiring an interdisciplinary response;
5. conceptualise, design, develop and apply creative computing techniques to a problem or situation requiring an interdisciplinary response;
6. participate in a team, communicating effectively to collaboratively solve complex problems.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 48 hours per week over a 3 week period comprising:

• 18 hrs lectures and discussions
• 48 hrs organised field trips and excursions
• 78 hrs of independent study

See also Unit timetable information

Computer science

Digital humanities

This unit focuses on quality assurance issues and techniques in software development projects. It defines software quality and introduces a number of quality assurance measures, including human review and inspection of code and non-code artifacts, as well as execution-based testing.

Students will apply systematic testing techniques in the context of individual modules and entire systems, using appropriate tools to automate the testing process where possible. Students will systematically document their testing plans and outcomes.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. identify appropriate quality goals for a moderately-sized software development project, select an appropriate quality assurance strategy to give confidence that these quality goals can be achieved, and document this strategy appropriately in the context of a software process model;
2. apply quality assurance techniques such as reviews to non-code development artifacts such as requirements specifications or design documents;
3. perform systematic, automated unit testing on source code modules, using both specification-based and code-based approaches, utilising automated testing frameworks, including faking and mocking tools;
4. perform integration and system testing on a moderately-sized software system, using continuous integration frameworks and tracing tests back to requirements;
5. select appropriate tools to collect metrics, including test coverage, reliability, and design quality metrics, to analyse the quality of a software development project, and make recommendations based on the results;
6. describe the major classes of formal methods used in software engineering, including model checking and theorem proving, and identify situations where their use is justified.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour lecture
   • Two hour workshop
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 4-5 hours of personal study per teaching week in order to satisfy the reading, workshop and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Software development

Software engineering

This undergraduate seminar unit is compulsory for undergraduate students who have been selected for the Industry Based Learning Program in the Faculty of Information Technology. It is a non-weighted unit and is taken in addition to any prescribed coursework.

The seminars are presented by the industry partners of the IBL program and are intended to provide the students with useful knowledge of current industry practise in IT. This seminar series should be attended prior to the commencement of an IBL placement.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. critique current knowledge of the breadth of IT;
2. assess current industry requirements in terms of skills and knowledge.

In-semester assessment: 100% (Pass Grade Only (PGO))

Minimum total expected workload equals 2 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hour seminar

See also Unit timetable information

Automation and the use of technological tools have resulted in the accumulation of vast volumes of data by modern business organisations. Data warehouses have been set up as repositories to store this data and improved techniques now result in the speedy collection and integration of such data. OLAP technology has resulted in the faster generation of reports and more flexible analysis based on the data repositories. This unit will explore the concepts of data warehousing and OLAP, covering the data processing technological requirements for data warehousing and OLAP and will provide hands on experience on designing data warehousing and OLAP systems.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. design multi-dimensional databases and data warehouses;
2. use fact and dimensional modelling;
3. implement online analytical processing (OLAP) queries;
4. explain query optimisation and its impact on multi-dimensional design;
5. create business intelligence reports using data warehouses and OLAP.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2 hours of personal study per one hour of contact time in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Business analytics

Business information systems

Computational science

Data science

This unit will provide students with an understanding of: OSI security architecture; common information risks and requirements; operation of encryption techniques; digital signatures; public key infrastructure; authentication and non-repudiation; intrusion detection and response; firewall defence; privacy and ethics issues; security configurations to PC-based applications; and design of information systems with security compliance and security standards and protocols.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe OSI security architecture and apply common security standards and protocols for network security applications e.g. electronic mail, IP, web and network management;
2. critically assess threats, vulnerabilities and risks to an organisations information assets and propose control technologies and techniques which can be applied to reduce the security risk;
3. apply cryptographic techniques to develop methods to disguise information to ensure its integrity, confidentiality and authenticity;
4. describe the ethical, legal and criminal issues relating to the security of information and computer networks both Wired and Wireless;
5. implement cryptographic algorithms and security protocols to provide security over networks and the Internet using Vitual Private Networks;
6. design system security against intruders and malicious software;
7. apply security configurations to computer and network based applications.
8. describe and apply firewall configurations to protect networks.
9. implement network management protocols and security requirements.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
2. Study schedule for off-campus students:
   • Off-campus students generally do not attend lecture and tutorial sessions, however should plan to spend equivalent time working through the relevant resources and participating in discussion groups each week.
3. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Computer networks and security

This unit is intended to provide practical experience in designing, developing and testing a non-trivial computer science project. Projects are generally software-based, although sometimes they may involve hardware development or investigation of theory. Projects cover the whole process of software (or hardware) development, from analysis through design to implementation and testing. Comprehensive written documentation on the project is required. Students are assigned in groups to a project supervisor. There are no lectures in this unit, although students will be expected to attend regular meetings with their project supervisor.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. evaluate and select research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis appropriate to a particular project and practice these ethically and professionally;
2. search, access and analyse research literature as part of the process of developing solutions to problems;
3. communicate in written and oral form the proposed deliverables of a project and reflect upon their value and the likelihood of success;
4. develop, demonstrate and explain a software prototype or model;
5. develop and test a substantial piece of software or hardware;
6. explain and reflect upon the purpose, operation, success and value of the developed project in writing and orally;
7. write a report explaining methodology, outlining their contributions and the contributions of others, and documenting the developed project from appropriate perspectives, for instance that of a user, researcher or developer.

Projects are assessed by individual project supervisors.

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 1-hour project meeting
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 11 hours independent study per week for completing project work and private study.

See also Unit timetable information

The principal development process focus of the unit will be on the social, legal and business context in which multimedia and games development companies must operate. Students will work actively in teams on the development of a multimedia or games application or exhibit. Project teams will use project planning/management skills, and design and build a prototype of the project using appropriate software processes and methodologies. Students will integrate multimedia, programming and technical knowledge in the development process. Requirements are fulfilled by the team producing an identified set of deliverables. The team must ensure that each deliverable is completed on schedule.

At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. develop a project management plan for delivering a multimedia/game application or product;
2. create a game/multimedia application or product OR create a working prototype of a game/multimedia application or product;
3. work collaboratively in a team environment;
4. communicate project progress to stakeholders;
5. document and report on project progress.

Practical assignments: 100%. Assignments will include group and individual components.

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 4-hour studio
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours additional study per week for team meetings, client meetings, product development, preparation of project deliverables and process journal upkeep.

See also Unit timetable information

Students will work actively in teams on the development of a multimedia or games application or exhibit. Using project planning/management skills along with other development procedures, students must then deliver a functional multimedia system or game, along with all requisite documentation, which integrates multimedia, programming, and technical knowledge in the development process. Requirements are fulfilled by the team producing an identified set of deliverables, usually a progress report, full system documentation, and functional project. The team must ensure that each deliverable is completed on schedule, with each member of the team demonstrating a significant contribution to the overall effort.

At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. develop a project management plan for delivering a multimedia/game application or product;
2. create a game/multimedia application or product OR create a working prototype of a game/multimedia application or product;
3. work collaboratively in a team environment;
4. communicate project progress to stakeholders;
5. document and report on project progress.

Practical Assignments: 100%. Assignments will include group and individual components.

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 4-hour studio
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours additional study per week for team meetings, client meetings, product development, preparation of project deliverables and process journal upkeep.

See also Unit timetable information

Students on placement participate full time in a defined, graduate level role during a 22-week placement period at established partners of the Faculty of IT industry based learning program including major global companies, leading Australian companies and worldwide consultancies. The students on placement apply the knowledge, skills and practices of professional attitudes and behaviour developed in their academic units. They develop communication, time management, self-reflection and customer service skills in business situations, experience and participate professionally in the corporate environment and obtain feedback from experienced supervisors on their performance.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. set achievable and measurable goals;
2. identify useful theoretical knowledge that has been covered in prior coursework and knowledge that has not yet been covered;
3. develop and practice professional skills and attitudes including: initiative, communication, time-management and teamwork skills in a business environment;
4. develop solutions to business problems using information technology and other techniques;
5. prepare documentation and written reports of a professional standard;
6. address performance improvement opportunities identified by industry supervisors and self-assess opportunities for personal development;
7. develop information technology skills (such as business process modelling, performance enhancement of installed software, updating current software and developing new software) in a complex, corporate business environment.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Students on placement are deployed full-time for 22 weeks with the industry partners of the Faculty of IT industry-based learning program in a graduate level role within the company.

See also Unit timetable information

Processes and threads: interprocess communication, scheduling. Deadlock: detection, prevention, avoidance. Memory management: allocation, swapping, virtual memory. Input/output principles and examples: disks, graphical user interfaces, network terminals. File systems: files, directories, disk space management. Security: authentication, cryptography, common attacks, principles of secure system administration. Case studies: Characteristics of major PC operating systems such as Linux and Windows.

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe the purpose, components and functions of operating systems;
2. Describe and distinguish between various strategies used by different operating systems for efficiently managing system resources and running applications;
3. Apply a range of algorithms used by operating systems for scheduling of processes and allocation of system resources;
4. Apply strategies for inter-process communication and synchronization in multi-programming systems;
5. Describe the use of various techniques for implementing security and protection of systems, resources, and users;
6. Identify the principal differences between common major operating systems such as Windows and Linux.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

In their final year of study, students are given the opportunity to develop new skills and apply the knowledge and skills they have gained, in the development of an IT application for a real world client. In teams, students design, develop and deliver an IT applications for a client, manage the project through all its development stages, communicate effectively with all project stakeholders and develop project documentation to a professional standard. Students also present their project work to academics and other groups, attend unit seminars, and contribute in a professional and committed manner to the work of their team.

FIT3047 is the first of two industry experience units for most majors in the Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems and Bachelor of Information Technology, and in the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences and Bachelor of Business Information Systems. After successful completion of this unit, students must enrol in and pass FIT3048 to complete their industry experience project requirements.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain how IT applications are developed, including all aspects of the development process;
2. explain the roles and responsibilities of clients, system users, management and developers in a development project;
3. apply, in a practical setting, aspects of the theoretical work covered in their course;
4. develop an IT application using a prescribed methodology, conducting all activities associated with the development methodology;
5. work with clients or client representatives, communicating effectively with them to meet their requirements;
6. operate effectively as a member of a development team;
7. evaluate, assess and communicate both personal and team progress and learning, thus engaging in meaningful reflective practice.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 4-5 hours of seminars, studios, laboratories or supervisor meetings (depending on campus location)
2. Study schedule for off-campus students:
   • Off-campus students generally do not attend seminar and lab sessions, however should plan to spend equivalent time working through the relevant resources and participating in discussion groups each week.
3. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study and team work per week for completing a range of systems development activities.

See also Unit timetable information

In their final year of study, students are given the opportunity to develop new skills and apply the knowledge and skills they have gained, in the development of an IT application for a real world client. In teams, students design, develop and deliver an IT applications for a client, manage the project through all its development stages, communicate effectively with all project stakeholders and develop project documentation to a professional standard. Students also present their project work to academics and other groups, attend unit seminars, and contribute in a professional and committed manner to the work of their team.

FIT3048 is the second of two industry experience units for most majors in the Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems, Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences, Bachelor of Business Information Systems and Bachelor of Information Technology. Students must enrol in and pass FIT3048 after successful completion of FIT3047 to complete their industry experience project requirements.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. apply, in a practical setting, aspects of the theoretical work covered in their course;
2. develop an IT application using a prescribed methodology, conducting all activities associated with the development methodology;
3. work with clients or client representatives, communicating effectively with them to meet their requirements;
4. operate effectively as a member of a development team;
5. evaluate, assess and communicate both personal and team progress and learning, thus engaging in meaningful reflective practice;
6. explain the roles and responsibilities of clients, system users, service providers, management and developers in the implementation phase of an IT project;
7. develop documentation and processes that can be used to implement and maintain an IT system.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 4-5 hours of seminars, studios, laboratories or supervisor meetings (depending on campus location)
2. Study schedule for off-campus students:
   • Off-campus students generally do not attend seminar and lab sessions, however should plan to spend equivalent time working through the relevant resources and participating in discussion groups each week.
3. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study and team work per week for completing a range of systems development activities.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit builds on introductory units to analysis and design. It provides the professional software engineer with advanced knowledge and skills in high-level architectural design, its theoretical foundations, industrial best practice, and relevant application context. In the software life-cycle, software architecture sits between analysis/specification and design/implementation. The field of software architecture has come of age with a thriving research community and numerous high-level models, methods, tools and practices widely used in industry.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. model and design flexible software at the architectural level using various tools and techniques;
2. analyse and design software systems taking into consideration various quality attributes and requirements;
3. take requirements for simple systems and develop software architectures and designs at a high level;
4. use configuration management tools effectively;
5. apply a variety of design patterns, frameworks and architectures in designing software;
6. locate and use off-the-shelf components in the construction of software.

Examination (3 hours): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 1-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Software development

Software engineering

This unit includes history of artificial intelligence; intelligent agents; problem solving and search (problem representation, heuristic search, iterative improvement, game playing); knowledge representation and reasoning (extension of material on propositional and first-order logic for artificial intelligence applications, planning, frames and semantic networks); reasoning under uncertainty (belief networks); machine learning (decision trees, Naive Bayes, neural nets and genetic algorithms); language technology.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the historical and conceptual development of AI; foundational issues for AI, including the frame problem and the Turing test;
2. explain, apply and evaluate the goals of AI and the main paradigms for achieving them including logical inference, search, machine learning and Bayesian inference;
3. explain the social and economic roles of AI;
4. describe, analyse, apply and evaluate heuristic AI for problem solving;
5. describe, analyse and apply basic knowledge representation and reasoning mechanisms;
6. describe, analyse and apply probabilistic inference mechanisms for reasoning under uncertainty;
7. describe, analyse, apply and evaluate machine learning techniques;
8. describe, analyse, apply and evaluate the use of the above techniques in different domain, specifically language technology.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 9 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

This unit introduces fundamental image processing techniques for the digital manipulation of 2D image data. Algorithms explored include those for edge detection, image enhancement, feature and shape extraction, segmentation and noise removal. The unit provides students an opportunity to develop theoretical understanding of these algorithms, and practical skills in implementing and applying them to real image data.

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. explain the processes of image formation, acquisition, processing and analysis;
2. explain the type of algorithm required for a particular image processing task among a wide range of available methodologies;
3. develop programs for manipulating grey level and colour images using standard image processing algorithms;
4. develop and analyse software for image segmentation, image classification, image data mining, and computer vision;
5. develop algorithms to extract and analyse features in medical, document, and other images;
6. participate in a team as an image processing specialist communicating with other team members to develop image processing software.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two x 2-hour workshops
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Computer graphics is concerned with the creation of synthetic images and virtual worlds. This unit introduces the essential algorithms, theory and programming concepts necessary to generate interactive 2D and 3D graphics. Students will gain practical experience using the industry standard OpenGL API to develop their own interactive graphics applications. The topics covered form the basis of core knowledge necessary for developing applications in scientific visualisation, virtual reality, visual special effects and computer games.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate the mathematical foundations for modelling 2D and 3D primitives such as points, lines, polygons and polyhedral, and explain how these primitives can be transformed using affine transformations;
2. compose and apply basic graphics transformations using homogeneous coordinates;
3. explain how a 2D view of a 3D scene can be produced using hidden surface elimination algorithms and parallel and perspective projections;
4. describe techniques for producing realistic depictions of scenes using techniques like textures and texture mapping, shadows and BRDF shading models such as Lambert, Phong, Blinns Phong, Torrance-Sparrow-Blinn-Cook-Beckmann, Oren-Nayar, radiosity and ray-tracing;
5. decompose the problem of producing graphics output into modelling and rendering components and apply this decomposition to produce well-structured graphics programs;
6. write simple programs using graphics software based on standards like OpenGL for producing 2D and 3D scenes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of contact time in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

This unit introduces topics in Artificial Intelligence (AI) suited to real-time simulation and computer games development. Using a practice-based and programming-led approach, the unit explores a number of fundamental concepts, techniques and algorithms that can be used to build real-time, interactive games, virtual environments and simulations. Starting with basic concepts in 2D discrete simulation, the unit progresses to continuous, 3D models, agent simulation, bio-inspired intelligence models and search algorithms. Programs are developed using the Processing environment in Java or C++.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. select, evaluate and apply AI software techniques to model simple intelligent behaviour in 2D discrete simulations and games;
2. select, evaluate and apply AI software techniques to model simple intelligent behaviour in 3D continuous simulations and games;
3. apply evolutionary algorithms to devise novel agents and understand their application, and that of other search algorithms, to problems requiring the search of a solution space;
4. apply methods of embodied intelligence and physicality to the development of intelligent behaviour in physical artefacts;
5. apply - through practice-based learning - design, development, execution and validation of real-time interactive software using AI techniques.

Examination (2 hours): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour studio
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Games development

This unit introduces students to a critical understanding of the impact of information and communications technology (ICT) within contemporary social relations. In particular, the unit explores the ways in which the diffusion of ICT has reshaped thinking and practice within the workplace, communities, and society more broadly. Particular emphasis is placed upon the relationship between human activity and technology, the various ways in which the latter might replace or augment the former, and the consequences that might follow from such changes.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain the social impact of information and communications technology (ICT) upon activities in the workplace, communities, and society;
2. recognise the contemporary debates concerning the changing role of ICT within the workplace, communities, and society;
3. identify social informatics as a problem-oriented discipline;
4. analyse and critique discussions of the social impact of ICT.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 3-hour studio
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 3-4 hours of personal study per one hour of contact time in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Digital humanities

Information and society

As the world of complex technology expands with innovation requiring global foundations, the need for dynamic entrepreneurs grows. The framework of this unit will provide students with the practical knowledge, skills and tools to utilise entrepreneurship to quickly and efficiently evaluate entrepreneurial ideas to provide solutions for a market opportunity. This unit will empower students to become the business leaders of the future utilizing practical and logical approaches to bring together entrepreneurship and innovation within a global context.

At the successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain the concepts of innovation and entrepreneurship
2. demonstrate entrepreneurial creativity
3. apply the concepts of intellectual property & venture funding to projects
4. conduct basic market research, and analyse the results
5. create and evaluate a value proposition
6. formulate, review and defend a business case
7. devise a pitch and demonstrate pitching competency.

In-semester assessment: 100%

The unit requires a two hour timetabled workshop. Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 12 hours per week typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

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This unit provides both a theoretical and practical overview of real time enterprise systems. Real time enterprise systems are configurable information systems packages, implemented on-line that integrate people, technology and information processing. The three integrated processes within and across functional areas are seamlessly interconnected and almost time-lag free in an organisation. Topics include systems and technology background, ES evolution, ES lifecycle, implementation and configuration, ES and electronic commerce and ES success and failure factors. The theoretical component will be augmented by detailed case studies which focus on problems faced by real-life companies. For the practical component, laboratory exercises using a well-known enterprise system will be used to deepen student understanding.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. critically analyse the characteristics, features and functionality of real time enterprise systems and their role in the modern and fast-paced business environment;
2. demonstrate a capacity to describe and perform navigation functions and create master data objects in a real-time enterprise system;
3. describe system-wide concepts such as workflow, reporting, and the exchange of information between business partners and employees;
4. critically evaluate the benefits of enterprise systems in terms of integration, world-wide flexibility, interactive processing, client-server platform, cloud computing, SOA, open systems, and the capacity to be configured for all business types;
5. critically discuss the major factors that impact on stakeholders during an enterprise system implementation that can influence the project triple constraints and business success identified from both theoretical knowledge and actual business cases;
6. demonstrate the capability to project manage a real-time enterprise endeavour by developing clear communication, and team management skills supported by examples from actual business cases.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours) 60%; In-semester assessment 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study per week in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Business information systems

This unit provides an overview of computational science and an introduction to its central methods. It covers the role of computational tools and methods in 21st century science, emphasising modelling and simulation. It introduces a variety of models, providing contrasting studies on: continuous versus discrete models; analytical versus numerical models; deterministic versus stochastic models; and static versus dynamic models. Other topics include: Monte-Carlo methods; epistemology of simulations; visualisation; high-dimensional data analysis; optimisation; limitations of numerical methods; high-performance computing and data-intensive research.

A general overview is provided for each main topic, followed by a detailed technical exploration of one or a few methods selected from the area. These are applied in tutorials and laboratories which also acquaint students with standard scientific computing software (e.g., Mathematica, Matlab, Maple, Sage). Applications are drawn from disciplines including Physics, Biology, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Social Science.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain and apply the process of computational scientific model building, verification and interpretation;
2. analyse the differences between core classes of modelling approaches (Numerical versus Analytical; Linear versus Non-linear; Continuous versus Discrete; Deterministic versus Stochastic);
3. evaluate the implications of choosing different modelling approaches;
4. rationalise the role of simulation and data visualisation in science;
5. apply all of the above to solving idealisations of real-world problems across various scientific disciplines.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%, In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 2-hour workshop
   • One 2-hour laboratory
   • One 2-hour tutorial
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 6 hours independent study per week for completing lab and assignment work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Computational science

Data science

Modern computer systems rely increasingly on distributed computing mechanisms, implemented often as clusters, web services, grids and clouds. Distributed computing systems can provide seamless (or web-like) access to a variety of networked resources, e.g. processing cores, large data stores and information repositories, expensive instruments, high-speed links, sensor networks, and multimedia services for a wide range of applications. This unit provides foundation knowledge and understanding of the basic mechanisms required to implement distributed computing systems, especially clouds, grids, web services and clusters. Topics covered include: Introduction to parallel and distributed computing mechanisms, concurrency and synchronisation, monitors, deadlocks, concurrent program analysis, computational and service-oriented grids, clusters and clouds. Distributed applications, and their performance and reliability in relation to processor and network performance constraints.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. analyse and evaluate interprocess communications in networks, and associated programming interfaces;
2. analyse and evaluate remote procedure call and remote object request broker mechanisms in distributed systems;
3. analyse and model basic problems in distributed computing, especially in relation to concurrency, parallelism, synchronisation, deadlocks, and safety properties;
4. analyse and evaluate differences between various distributed computing models and widely used distributed computing schemes;
5. analyse, evaluate and model basic functional and performance concepts in distributed systems and identify frequent causes of performance problems in distributed applications;
6. analyse and model basic software and hardware reliability problems in distributed systems and identify frequent causes of reliability problems in distributed applications;
7. analyse and evaluate some of the enabling technologies e.g. high-speed links, for building computer clusters, distributed storage systems, grids and clouds;
8. analyse and evaluate the operating principles of the cloud computing, grid computing, clustering, and web services middleware used to implement large distributed systems, including basic security mechanisms;
9. analyse and model in application scalability in distributed systems, and criteria for porting applications to distributed systems;
10. implement programs using common distributed computing programming interfaces, including sockets, and some higher level APIs.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
   • One 1-hour tutorial
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 7 hours independent study per week for completing lab and assignment work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Computer networks and security

Modern computer systems contain parallelism in both hardware and software. This unit covers parallelism in both general purpose and application specific computer architectures and the programming paradigms that allow parallelism to be exploited in software. The unit examines shared memory and message passing paradigms in hardware and software; concurrency, multithreading and synchronicity; parallel, clustered and distributed supercomputing models, languages and software tools and development environments. Students will program in these paradigms.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain and analyse parallel computing models;
2. explain and analyse IPC schemes in parallel systems;
3. explain and analyse concurrency schemes in parallel;
4. explain and analyse parallel / vector / GPU architectures;
5. program socket and MPI applications.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
   • One 1-hour tutorial
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

This unit exposes students to a variety of industry standard games engine environments and development techniques. Students will develop an appreciation and basic working knowledge of a number of different platforms used in contemporary games development. The unit aims to provide students with a practical insight into contemporary, industry standard, games development process and games engines. The studio environment will facilitate considerable peer interaction, in particular in the critique of game engines and the development of game prototypes.

The unit provides knowledge and skills, which students can apply within their game development projects in the third year studio project/s (FIT3039/FIT3040) and across all subsequent units.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the games development pipeline as used in industry, including roles and development life cycles, and place into practice in the context of a game development project;
2. critically analyse and research a game engine, then structure and present your findings to an audience;
3. evaluate the appropriateness of a game engine to a specific game design brief;
4. construct a basic game, using programming with a contemporary game engine;
5. work collaboratively in a team environment.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 3-hour studio
   • One hour seminar
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Games development

This unit will enable students to create new artefacts which utilise developments in information technology. The unit will combine the theoretical and technical skills gained in other units into a problem solving context and allow the students to gain the skills needed to create solutions of problems using technology. Students will learn valuable research and communication skills as they explore and create using a variety of technologies that support the making process. Student will have the opportunity to explore new technologies and undertake the prototyping and refinement process in an environment that supports independent learning. Students will have the opportunity to use technology to solve a problem which is of interest.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Methodically locate and use new technologies to solve a specific problem in a variety of contexts
2. Use a variety of techniques to learn new technologies at different levels of depth of understanding and be able to communicate this to others
3. Undertake an iterative prototyping process to create a viable solution for a user and be able to demonstrate and communicate the reasons for decisions in the creation of a working prototype
4. Reflect effectively on the making process and the value of trial and error
5. Be able to articulate how emerging technologies are used in different contexts including social good, HCI, creativity, and ethics

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 3-hour studio
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 9 hours independent study per week for completing studio and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Games development

Interactive media

Software development

In recent years the world has seen an explosion in the quantity and variety of data routinely recorded and analyzed by research and industry, prompting some social commentators to refer to this phenomenon as the rise of "big data," and the analysts and practitioners who investigate the data as "data scientists."

The data may come from a variety of sources, including scientific experiments and measurements, or may be recorded from human interactions such as browsing data or social networks on the Internet, mobile phone usage or financial transactions. Many companies too, are realising the value of their data for analysing customer behavior and preferences, recognising patterns of behaviour such as credit card usage or insurance claims to detect fraud, as well as more accurately evaluating risk and increasing profit.

In order to obtain insights from big data new analytical techniques are required by practitioners. These include computationally intensive and interactive approaches such as visualisation, clustering and data mining. The management and processing of large data sets requires the development of enhanced computational resources and new algorithms to work across distributed computers.

This unit will introduce students to the analysis and management of big data using current techniques and open source and proprietary software tools. Data and case studies will be drawn from diverse sources including health and informatics, life sciences, web traffic and social networking, business data including transactions, customer traffic, scientific research and experimental data. The general principles of analysis, investigation and reporting will be covered. Students will be encouraged to critically reflect on the data analysis process within their own domain of interest.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate the ability to transform real world problems into ones that can then be solved using data analytics techniques;
2. cleanse and prepare data for analysis;
3. analyse large data sets using a range of statistical, graphical and machine-learning techniques;
4. validate and critically assess the results of analysis;
5. interpret the results of analysis and communicate these to a broad audience.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 2-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Business information systems

Computational science

Data science

IT for business

Students participate full time in a research and development placement over a 22-week period. Students are required to apply their knowledge, skills, professional attitudes and ethical behaviour in a research context. They develop their communication, time management, self-reflection and teamwork skills, experience a professional research and development environment and obtain feedback from supervisors on their performance.

Students will be supervised by a supervisor and will be visited by the CE or academic nominees.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. participate as an interested, active member of a possibly multi-disciplinary research team;
2. design, organise and conduct innovative information technology research projects;
3. communicate research findings orally and in writing;
4. demonstrate ethical behaviour, professional practice and initiative in research;
5. critically analyse and assess information technology literature.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Students are deployed full-time for 22 weeks in a research and development placement.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit introduces the problem of machine learning and the major kinds of statistical learning used in data analysis. Learning and the different kinds of learning will be covered and their usage discussed. Evaluation techniques and typical application contexts will presented. A series of different models and algorithms will be presented in an exploratory way: looking at typical data, the basic models and algorithms and their use: linear and logistic regression, support vector machines, Bayesian networks, decision trees, random forests, k-means and clustering, neural-networks, deep learning, and others. Finally, two specialist topics will be covered briefly, statistical learning theory and working with big data.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe what machine learning is;
2. differentiate kinds of statistical learning models and algorithms;
3. evaluate a machine learning algorithm in typical contexts;
4. describe and apply the major models and algorithms for statistical learning;
5. identify the most competitive algorithms for typical contexts;
6. compare and contrast the differences between big data applications and regular applications of algorithms;
7. describe the theoretical limits of learning.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study per week for completing lab/tutorial activities, assignments, private study time and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Business analytics

Computational science

Data science

This unit builds on the concepts learnt in introductory algorithms and data structures study. It covers advanced algorithmic paradigms and problem-solving techniques required to address real-world programming challenges. It explores, in depth, the design and analysis of space-efficient data structures and time-efficient problem solving strategies to be used with them. Topics include amortized analysis, advanced sorting and searching algorithms, new tree/string/graph data structures and algorithms, and number-theoretic algorithms amongst others.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. analyse efficient data structures and effective algorithmic paradigms;
2. design and implement efficient algorithms and data structures for use on large data sets;
3. apply advanced algorithms and data structures to tackle complex computational problems;
4. prove the correctness of programs and reason about their space and time complexities.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures weekly
   • Three hours laboratories/tutorial weekly
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 7 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Computational science

Advanced visual effects builds upon the skills learnt in Creative computing foundations, Creative computing studio 1 and Foundations of 3D, developing an understanding of the multimedia development process, tools and techniques as applied to advanced time based media manipulation in multimedia content production. It introduces students to a range of techniques by which video can be manipulated and enhanced after the original material has been recorded by combining it with 2D and 3D CGI elements.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. use sound and video recording hardware and software to create a video based product that incorporates digital compositing and manipulation of live action and visual effects;
2. implement workflows that seamlessly integrate multiple media elements in a project;
3. create digital content that incorporates motion tracking and match moving techniques;
4. design and develop virtual environments that incorporate digital texturing and lighting.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour lecture/seminar
   • Three hours tutorial/laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Interactive media

Building upon the skills learned in the Interactive media major core units (Interactive media foundations and Interactive media studios 1 & 2), FIT3157 introduces students to the design and development of mobile online media using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript and WordPress. This unit is broadly divided into three parts, with groups of four weeks comprising each part. The first and second part of the unit, students will learn the principles and practicalities of responsive web design, touch based interaction and the programming of mobile functionality and animated visual effects. The final four weeks of the unit will cover WordPress content management and theme development, the managing of custom content in WordPress and the building of dynamic WordPress sites.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. analyse, evaluate and design responsive web layouts for touch screen and mobile devices;
2. implement mobile functionality for web applications;
3. design and develop dynamic webpages using animation and visual effects;
4. implement web sites with content management by applying an understanding of server-side concepts and client-server interactions.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour lecture/seminar
   • Three hours tutorial/laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Interactive media

Software development

Web development

The objective of this unit is to introduce students to quantitative modelling techniques commonly used for business decision making. This includes the analytical methods used to understand, model and design business processes, and the application of IT tools to real-world decision making situations. Techniques covered include decision making under uncertainty, linear and nonlinear programming, sequential decision making, forecasting, and simulation.

On completion of this unit, the students are expected to recognise a complex decision making situation and to build a corresponding quantitative model. They are also expected to solve the model by applying techniques covered in this unit, to interpret results and finally, to provide 'analyst-type' recommendations. The unit includes extensive use of advanced modelling tools available in Microsoft Excel as well as some VBA programming. Students will also gain hands-on experience in using simulation software as a tool for analysing business processes.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. develop interactive decision models for business analysis and business process improvements;
2. design and implement and analyse spreadsheet-based simulations and mathematical optimisation models;
3. interpret the results of mathematical decision models and conduct sensitivity analyses;
4. critically assess the accuracy and applicability of modelling techniques;
5. communicate the results of model-based decision analysis.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours tutorials
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Business information systems

This unit covers the internal mechanism of computers and how they are organised and programmed. Topics include combinatorial and sequential logic, Boolean Algebra, counters, ripple adders, tree adders, memory/addressing, busses, speed, DMA, data representation, machine arithmetic, microprogramming, caches and cache architectures, virtual memory and translation look-aside buffers, vectored interrupts, polled interrupts, pipelined architecture, superscalar architecture, data dependency, hazards, CISC, RISC, VLIW machine architectures.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. analyse simple logic circuits;
2. explain and analyse key processor components;
3. explain and analyse computer organisation;
4. write and debug simple assembly language programs;
5. use simulator programs to model computer system components.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • One 3-hour laboratory or one 2-hour tutorial (alternating weeks)
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 7-8 hours independent study per week for preparing for and completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Computer networks and security

This unit focuses on the implementation and management of content for mobile devices. Persistent and client-side data management, storage mechanisms, as well as data synchronization from different sources, data dissemination, data caching and invalidation are covered, particularly data consistency and integrity, location based querying, query optimisation and transaction processing. Push, pull and broadcast techniques are covered. The unit's emphasis is on mobile data as opposed to the traditional stationery databases.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Differentiate between mobile data and traditional stationery databases;
2. Explain the concepts required for efficient persistent and client-side data management;
3. Design and implement mobile databases that apply the principles of mobile storage mechanisms, mobile transaction management, and recovery;
4. Demonstrate the use and impact of multi-source data synchronisation, data caching and invalidation, and data consistency and integrity in mobile data management;
5. Apply push, pull and broadcast data techniques to the design and evaluation of mobile databases.

Examination (2 hours): 50%, In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements: A minimum of 8 hours of independent study per week for completing lab/tutorial activities, assignments, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Mobile systems

This unit provides practical experience in researching, designing, developing and testing a substantial computer science project. Projects are generally software-based, although sometimes they may involve hardware development or investigation of theory. Projects cover the whole process of software (or hardware) development, from analysis through design to implementation and testing. Comprehensive written documentation on the project is required. Students are assigned in groups to a project supervisor. Students will be expected to meet weekly with their project supervisor during formal lab sessions, and attend 2-hour project management seminars during the first six weeks. Other workshops relevant to research and development of the project will be held in the latter six weeks.

The unit is the first part of a 12-credit point project sequence; the second part and exit point for the project is FIT3162.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. recognize and execute the factors essential for successful systems development projects, including teamwork and interpersonal communication;
2. construct a project proposal;
3. evaluate and select research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis appropriate to a particular project;
4. search, access, and analyse research literature as part of the process of developing solutions to problems;
5. operate effectively both as a developer and researcher, both individually and in a collaborative pair-programming context;
6. communicate the deliverables of the project in written and oral form;
7. develop a collaborative project report explaining methodology, outlining their contributions and the contributions of other team members, and documenting the developed project from appropriate perspectives, for instance that of a user, researcher or developer.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours over 12 weeks comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2-hour project meeting and peer-learning session per week in a lab environment
   • 2-hour project management seminars (for 6 weeks)
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • The remaining 108 hours is for personal study in order to complete the objectives and implementation of the project.

See also Unit timetable information

Computer science

This unit provides practical experience in researching, designing, developing and testing a non-trivial computer science project. Projects are generally software-based, although sometimes they may involve hardware development or investigation of theory. Projects cover the whole process of software (or hardware) development, from analysis through design to implementation and testing. Comprehensive written documentation on the project is required. Students are assigned in groups to a project supervisor. There are no lectures in this unit, although students will be expected to attend regular meetings with their project supervisor.

The unit is the second part of a 12-credit point project sequence; the first part and entry point for the project is FIT3161.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. evaluate and select research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis appropriate to a particular project;
2. search, access, and analyse research literature as part of the process of developing solutions to problems;
3. work effectively in collaborative teams;
4. develop and test a substantial piece of software or hardware;
5. explain and reflect upon the purpose, operation, success and value of the developed project in writing and orally;
6. write a report explaining methodology, outlining their contributions and the contributions of others, and documenting the developed project from appropriate perspectives, for instance that of a user, researcher or developer.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2-hour project meeting and peer-learning session per week in a lab environment.
   • 2-hour guest lectures and peer presentations in seminars.
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study in order to complete the research and implementation of the project.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit provides practical experience in researching, designing, developing and evaluating a non-trivial data science project. Projects involve whole or part of the data science process (visualisation, analysis, algorithms, etc.) but can also be software-based, or they may involve investigation of theory. Projects if software-based should cover analysis through design to implementation and sting. Comprehensive written documentation on the project is required. Students are assigned in groups to a project supervisor. There are no lectures in this unit, although students will be expected to attend regular meetings with their project supervisor. The unit is the first part of a 12-credit point project sequence; the second part and exit point for the project is FIT3164.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. recognise and execute the factors essential for successful management of systems development projects, including teamwork and interpersonal communication;
2. evaluate and select research methods and techniques of data preparation and analysis appropriate to a particular project, and practice these ethically and professionally;
3. search, access and analyse research literature as part of the process of developing solutions to problems;
4. operate effectively as a member of a development team;
5. communicate in written and oral form the proposed deliverables of a project and reflect upon their value and the likelihood of success;
6. develop, demonstrate and explain results of analysis, a software prototype or model.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours over 12 weeks comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 1-hour project meeting
   • 2-hour project management seminars (for 6 weeks)
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • The remaining 120 hours is for personal study in order to complete the research and implementation of the project.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit provides practical experience in researching, designing, developing and testing a non-trivial data science project. Projects involve whole or part of the data science process (visualisation, analysis, algorithms, etc.) but can also be software-based, or they may involve investigation of theory. Projects if software-based should cover analysis through design to implementation and testing. Comprehensive written documentation on the project is required. Students are assigned in groups to a project supervisor. There are no lectures in this unit, although students will be expected to attend regular meetings with their project supervisor. The unit is the second part of a 12-credit point project sequence; the first part and entry point for the project is FIT3163.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. evaluate and select research methods and techniques of data preparation and analysis appropriate to a particular project;
2. search, access, and analyse research literature as part of the process of developing solutions to problems;
3. work effectively in collaborative teams;
4. develop and test a substantial piece of software or perform a substantial analysis of data using software;
5. explain and reflect upon the purpose, operation, success and value of the developed project in writing and orally;
6. write a report explaining methodology, outlining their contributions and the contributions of others, and documenting the developed project from appropriate perspectives, for instance that of a user, researcher or developer.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2-hour project meeting and peer-learning session per week in a lab environment.
   • 2-hour guest lectures and peer presentations in seminars.
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study in order to complete the research and implementation of the project.

See also Unit timetable information

The unit introduces computer networks with an explicit software and system-centric focus. It provides foundation skills in data communications, networks, and associated software interfaces, and introduces basic principles in network design, configuration, management and security.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain the network architecture standards for open systems;
2. describe and apply the ISO reference and Internet models;
3. implement programs using internetworking concepts, IP addressing, IPC and socket-level interface;
4. analyse the fundamentals and technologies of cabled and wireless physical layer;
5. analyse the fundamentals and technologies of cabled and wireless data-link layer;
6. apply and implement the fundamentals and technologies of the network layer, including packet-switching and queueing concepts;
7. analyse designs based on the functions and architectures of cabled and wireless LAN and WAN, including ALOHA and CSMA/CD models;
8. implement system level designs based on LAN architecture for organisational requirements.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • One hour laboratories
   • One hour tutorials
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Computer networks and security

This unit consolidates concepts of the field and covers topics in more depth. The unit's main focus is on the latest developments of pervasive and ubiquitous computing that make possible the Internet of Things, and how humans interface with this new world. The challenges of wireless communications, such as mobility, security, quality of service, resource allocation, interference, inter-operability, spectrum management will be covered. The following themes will be addressed: application architectures, user applications, enterprise integration, markup languages. More advanced mobile database concepts and advanced network concepts will be covered. The changing landscape of input and output devices and techniques (such as gestures and projected screens) will also be covered.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Explain and apply advanced concepts related to mobile data, content storage, management, networking and interfaces to mobile systems
2. Integrate knowledge and skills related to mobile standards, networks, data management, and pervasive and ubiquitous computing in designing mobile system solutions
3. Demonstrate solutions and selection of appropriate tools to solve various challenges of wireless communications, such as mobility, security, quality of service, resource allocation, interference, inter-operability, spectrum management
4. Explain advanced concepts of the Internet of Things
5. Propose applications and design mobile systems that implement concepts of the Internet of Things

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%, In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements: A minimum of 8 hours of independent study per week for completing lab/tutorial activities, assignments, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Mobile systems

This unit provides a broad coverage of digital ICT forensics. Students will examine definitions of evidence as they apply to investigations involving the seizure and examination of information technology devices. The unit will introduce students to various tools, techniques and algorithms that may be employed by investigators for acquisition, preservation and analysis of evidence. Disk-based (local) and network (remote) forensic environments will be explored. Students will also learn of the impediments and complicating factors that can threaten forensic investigations.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain the motivations and landscape of forensic investigations in an IT context;
2. explain the relevant legal definitions and frameworks that apply to digital forensic investigations;
3. select appropriate tools and algorithms to perform forensic investigations and acquire relevant evidence;
4. apply and evaluate forensic techniques in local media-based an network-based environments;
5. report on forensic findings in a clear and concise manner.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Cybersecurity

Computer networks and security

FIT3169 introduces students to immersive environment design and production principles using game engine prototyping software. Building upon the 3D creation and editing skills in the prerequisite unit FIT1033 Foundations of 3D, students will learn how to create game levels, import assets (models, sounds, animations), extend supplied code (JavaScript) to visualise interactive virtual environments for a range of applications and devices.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. analyse and evaluate game asset production techniques;
2. implement game design principles in working interactive environments;
3. construct and create virtual environments;
4. design and develop immersive 3D or 2D game prototypes.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour lecture/seminar
   • Three hours tutorial/laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Digital humanities

Games design

Interactive media

In this unit, students will undertake a full-year software development project in a self-managing team. Students will apply the skills they learned in prerequisite and co-requisite units to a larger project than any they have encountered to date. Through attempting larger-scale software development they will learn how the techniques they have encountered in isolation work together as an integrated methodology to make such complex projects feasible.

The project will be managed through a heavyweight process model such as the Spiral Model, to ensure students are exposed to a representative example of both heavyweight and lightweight processes (which are covered in FIT2101) through the BSE core.

For the first time in their degrees, students will solicit and document requirements from client proxies who are not IT professionals. This builds their communication skills with other stakeholders in preparation for the industry-based project or IBL.

At the completion of this unit; students should be able to:

1. develop a software application using a prescribed team-based methodology, conducting all activities associated with the development methodology;
2. plan and manage the full range of activities in a software engineering project in accordance with the development methodology;
3. determine and articulate the functional and non-functional requirements of a software system based on interaction with stakeholders;
4. identify aspects of quality that are important in the context of the project, and devise and implement strategies for ensuring quality goals are met;
5. use appropriate technologies to support the development and ongoing maintenance of a software system, such as issue tracking, project management, continuous integration, and revision control;
6. apply industry-standard technologies to allow different computer systems to interact with each other;
7. analyse professional issues occurring within the development and deployment of software applications, and identify appropriate actions based on relevant law and industry codes of ethical behaviour.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Three hour facilitated workshop
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • Approximately 9 hours of personal study and group work in order to satisfy the reading, project and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Software engineering

This unit will provide an introduction to the concepts of database design and usage and the related issues of data management. Students will develop skills in planning, designing, and implementing a data model using an enterprise-scale relational database system (Oracle). Methods and techniques will also be presented to populate, retrieve, update and implement integrity features on data in the implemented database system.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain the motivations behind the development of database management systems;
2. describe the underlying theoretical basis of the relational database model and apply the theories into practice;
3. critically compared the design constructs of object oriented model and relational model design;
4. develop a sound database design;
5. implement a database based on a sound database design;
6. construct queries that meet user requirements;
7. develop an application with a database backend;
8. use data modelling and database development tools effectively.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Software engineering

This unit focuses on the capture, editing and creation/generation of digital sounds and soundscapes for virtual reality environments and games. Students will gain an understanding of the physical and acoustic properties of digital sounds, their communicative capacities, and learn how to layer, manipulate, synthesise and adaptively code digital sound waveforms. In their assignments, students will apply this understanding in the design and creative production of a soundscapes, soundtracks and the sound design of immersive environments.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain digital representations of sound and its physical and acoustic properties;
2. implement sound design principles in digital sound recording, editing and synthesis;
3. construct and create soundscapes and sound tracks;
4. design and develop immersive, dynamic and adaptive soundscapes.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One hour lecture/seminar
   • Three hours tutorial/laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Games design

Interactive media

This unit aims to introduce secure software development issues from the design stage, through to implementation, testing and deployment. Topics studied include the secure software development life cycle, secure software design principles, threat evaluation models, secure coding and development practices, software security testing, deployment and maintenance. Students are provided with a range of practical exercises and tasks to reinforce their skills including: identification of security bugs in programs written in different programming languages, design, implementation, and testing of secure concurrent and networked applications and identification of vulnerabilities in networked and mobile/wireless applications.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. model the possible vulnerabilities and threats for a given application system;
2. apply appropriate methods for the design and realisation of secure software;
3. analyse and evaluate security properties of concurrent and networked applications.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Computer networks and security

Cybersecurity

Software development

This unit provides students with an understanding of how to manage and govern the IT function in business organisations. It builds on themes relating to managing IT as an organisational resource and discusses IT function from strategy and governance perspectives. The unit also emphasises the relationship between theoretical knowledge and its practical application using cases and real examples.

Core concepts discussed in this unit include the strategic context of IT management, alignment between business strategy and IT strategy, IT governance processes, various types of IT processes, organising and managing the IT function (including the role of the CIO), legal and ethical concerns of IT, evaluating IT portfolio management, IT provisioning issues, including outsourcing.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate the capability to develop an appropriate type of IT strategy which is consistent with the corporate strategy of business organisations;
2. demonstrate a capacity to describe how IT governance can be applied to improve IT function and its performance;
3. critically evaluate the benefits associated with various IT outsourcing options suitable for business organisations;
4. demonstrate the capability to avoid IT systems failure using IT governance;
5. critically discuss the major legal issues that may affect IT systems and operations;
6. demonstrate an ability to prepare IT budgets for business.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hour tutorial
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Business information systems

This unit explores the underpinning theories, principles and practices of interface design to achieve usable computer-based systems. It examines issues in the design of system interfaces from a number of perspectives: user, programmer, designer. It explores the application of the relevant theories in practice. The unit will cover topics such as methods and tools for developing effective user interfaces, evaluation methods such as the conduct of usability and heuristic evaluations, design of appropriate interface elements including the design of menus and other interaction styles. The unit will also focus on designing for a diverse range of users and environments.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. explain the theories and principles of usability as applied to interface and interaction design;
2. apply usability principles to the design of interfaces for Web, small screen and mobile devices;
3. design an interface for user diversity and accessibility;
4. employ user-centred design;
5. evaluate an interface and interaction design.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • One 2-hour tutorial
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tutorial and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Advanced computer science

Mobile apps development

Software development

Web development

This unit will introduce advanced concepts in the areas of database design, including extended E/R and it's implementation using procedures and packages; data design of unstructured and semi-structured data, like XML and JSON, and it's implementations in database systems.

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. design a database model from a given scenario, using the Extended Entity Relationship model;
2. create triggers, procedures and functions to enhance the logic stored in a database;
3. create XML documents and schemas to represent a given scenario;
4. implement, and manipulate, XML structure in a database;
5. investigate the use of other semi-structure data, like JSON, in a database.

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours lectures
   • Two hours laboratories
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 2-3 hours of personal study per one hour of lecture time in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Software development

This unit focuses on the design, development and deployment of mobile apps for iOS using the Swift programming language. Students will learn best practices for iOS development using native frameworks and common design patterns. The unit will explore areas such as mobile UI design, data storage, web services and networking, mobile sensors, use of media, and mobile interface testing. The unit will emphasise hands-on, practical experience with the Xcode development environment and iOS simulator. Students will design and build their own app.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the feasibility and technical challenges of creating iOS apps using UIKit and associated technologies;
2. analyse mobile interface guidelines and technical constraints to design effective navigation and user interfaces for mobile apps;
3. apply common object-oriented design patterns such as Model-View-Controller and Delegation; and
4. follow iOS best practices to design, construct and test non-trivial iOS apps with a web service component.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hour workshop
   • Three hour studio
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 7 hours of personal study in order to satisfy the reading, tute, prac and assignment expectations.

See also Unit timetable information

Mobile apps development

Software development

Data visualisation is a powerful technique that allows us to use our visual system to understand data. Interactive data visualisation is now common in business, engineering and design and the social and physical sciences. This unit introduces the main kinds of information graphics and interactive visualisation systems and their areas of application. It investigates the reasons why visualisation can be effective and based on this students will gain experience in critically assessing data visualisations and in designing their own visualisations. Students will learn how to create visualisations with representative computer tools and gain experience in creating a data visualisation for an application domain of their choice.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. critically analyse data visualisations;
2. create effective data visualisations;
3. describe the main applications of data visualisation in business, engineering and design, and the social and physical sciences;
4. describe the advantages, drawbacks and pitfalls of the visual presentation of data as compared to its presentation using other media.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • Two hour studio session
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Business analytics

Computational science

Data science

Digital humanities