MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS

Computing & Information Technology Handbook 1996

Published by Monash University
Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia

Caution Copyright © Monash University 1996
ISBN 1320-6222

Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTSPart 1

CONTENTS

  1. Computing and careers
  2. Undergraduate courses
  3. Graduate programs

Computing and careers

The study of computing and information technology opens up a wide variety of challenging and interesting career opportunities. Computing and information technology plays an important role in most areas of commerce, industry and government where an extensive range of applications for computers is to be found. Computing experience, particularly that involving the use of computer-based systems for supporting the operation and management of organisations, provides a sound foundation for a career in management. Those with engineering-oriented computing skills are in demand in the telecommunications industry and in organisations that rely heavily on telecommunications, for example banks, large retail businesses, Telstra and similar organisations. There are many other interesting applications for computers which require a knowledge of both computing and another discipline such as graphic art and design, the analysis of geophysical data, the processing of satellite images and medical instrumentation. For this reason the computing courses offered by the university provide the opportunity for students to combine other relevant studies with the study of computing and information technology topics.

A shortage of trained computing professionals in Australia is predicted to last into the next century, so career opportunities should be good. Often the career path of a graduate is determined by the development of an interest in a specific aspect of computing or a particular area of commerce, industry, science or engineering during the course. There are also opportunities for good students to study for higher degrees and to pursue careers in teaching and research. The shortage of qualified academic staff in the field is expected to continue for some years.

In Australia, the largest proportion of graduates in computing is employed in commerce, industry and government in the analysis of the requirements of organisations for computer-based information processing systems, in the development of computer programs and in supporting the day-to-day operation of computer systems. Faculty staff can guide prospective students in choosing the right undergraduate program to meet their career aspirations.

Undergraduate courses

The Faculty of Computing and Information Technology offers a wide range of undergraduate degree courses covering different aspects of computing. The courses are designed to equip students to enter the computing profession in a variety of areas including the application of computer technology to information systems in commerce and industry, and the design, construction and programming of computer equipment.

Students who satisfy the academic requirements and who wish to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of their area of major study may choose to take a fourth or honours year. The normal qualification for admission to honours is a credit grade or better in the area of major study.

For information about how to apply for entry to one of the faculty's undergraduate courses, refer to the `Undergraduate studies' section. International students should refer to the section titled `For international students'.

Pass degrees

The degree courses offered by the faculty reflect the diversity of studies in computing and computing science, information management, and business and information systems that are available at the Monash campuses.

Table 1: The undergraduate degrees


Bachelors degrees                                    Campus

Generic degrees with a choice of discipline

Bachelor of Computing, with majors in:
+ computer technology, information systems,
  software development;                              Caulfield
+ applications development;                          Peninsula
+ system development.                                Gippsland,
                                                     Distance
                                                     Education

Specified discipline major degrees             

Bachelor of Business Systems                         Clayton
Bachelor of Computing (Computer Science)             Clayton
Bachelor of Digital Systems                          Clayton
Bachelor of Information Management, with majors in   
information management and information studies       Clayton
A Diploma in Computing by distance education is also available.

Computing subjects may also be studied by students enrolled for undergraduate degree courses in other faculties. For example, at Clayton it is possible to study computer science, business systems, information management, information systems and digital systems at first- and second-year level while studying another discipline as the major part of a course, and to study computing to third-year level in a degree involving two major disciplines. The extent to which this can be done can be determined by studying the regulations for the course concerned.

Honours degrees

Table 2: The honours degrees of the faculty


Honours degrees                                      Campus    

Bachelor of Business Systems (Honours)               Clayton
Bachelor of Computing (Honours)                      Caulfield
                                                     Gippsland
                                                     Peninsula
Bachelor of Digital Systems (Honours)                Clayton

Combined and double degrees

There are a number of double degrees offered in conjunction with the faculties of Arts and Business and Commerce, and a combined degree in conjunction with the Faculty of Engineering.

Table 3: Combined and double degrees


Degrees from this faculty                    Degrees from other faculties

Bachelor of Business Systems                 Bachelor of Commerce     
                              
Bachelor of Computing                        Bachelor of Arts
                                             Bachelor of Arts (Communication)
                                             Bachelor of Business
                                             Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
                                             Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance)
Bachelor of Computer Science*                Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor of Information Management           Bachelor of Arts
* The four-year Bachelor of Computer Science and Engineering (BCSE) combined degree.

Graduate programs

The faculty offers a wide range of graduate programs from graduate certificate to doctoral level studies in computing and computing science, information management, and business and information systems. These programs differ in their objectives, prerequisites, content and fees. They can be regarded as falling into one of two groups - programs that extend and develop knowledge in a particular discipline area and programs that have a professional orientation, providing cross-disciplinary access and training to develop professional expertise.

Specialist discipline knowledge courses

These courses build on a three-year bachelors degree with a major in the particular discipline or a fourth-year level course in the same discipline (honours, graduate diploma or masters preliminary). The focus is on the knowledge of the discipline methodology and its application.

Graduate diplomas

Courses with a prerequisite of a three-year bachelors degree with a major in the discipline. Applicants with relevant professional qualifications and significant experience may also be considered.

+ Clayton - Graduate Diploma in Digital Communications, Graduate Diploma in Robotics

+ Caulfield - Graduate Diploma in Information Systems, Graduate Diploma in Information Technology

Masters degrees

Courses with a prerequisite of a four-year degree or the equivalent (honours, masters preliminary) with a major in the discipline.

+ Clayton - Master of Business Systems, Master of Computing by coursework or by research, Master of Digital Communications, Master of Librarianship

+ Caulfield - Master of Computing by coursework or by research, Master of Information Systems

+ Gippsland - Master of Computing by research

+ Peninsula - Master of Computing by research

Doctor of Philosophy

A course with a prerequisite of a masters degree with a major in the discipline or equivalent.

+ Clayton, Caulfield, Gippsland and Peninsula

Professionally oriented and cross-disciplinary knowledge

These courses provide an opportunity for people with a qualification in another discipline area to gain a first qualification in computing, and to develop expertise in computing and computer sciences, information management, and business and information systems.

Graduate diplomas

Courses with a prerequisite of a three-year bachelors degree in any discipline and, usually, postgraduate commercial experience.

+ Clayton - Graduate Diploma in Archives and Records Management, Graduate Diploma in Business Systems, Graduate Diploma in Computer Science, Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies

+ Caulfield - Graduate Diploma in Business Technology, Graduate Diploma in Computing

+ Gippsland (by distance education) - Graduate Diploma in Business Systems, Graduate Diploma in Computing

+ Peninsula - Graduate Diploma in Computing

Masters degrees

Courses with a prerequisite of a four-year degree or the equivalent (honours, masters preliminary) with a major in any discipline.

+ Clayton - Master of Arts (Archives and Records), Master of Arts in Bibliographical and Textual Studies, Master of Arts (Librarianship)

Other

Prerequisite of a degree or diploma, or at least three years appropriate work experience involving constant contact with information systems in an organisation.

Graduate certificates

+ Caulfield - Graduate Certificate in Computing, Graduate Certificate in Information Technology

+ Gippsland (by distance education) - Graduate Certificate in Computing

Applications for entry

All graduate course applications should be made directly to the faculty office at the relevant campus. International students must apply through the Monash international office at the relevant campus. For further information, refer to the section titled `Postgraduate studies'.

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