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


UNDERGRADUATE COURSESPart 1

Undergraduate course maps appear in the Faculty of Computing & Information Technology printed handbook.

CONTENTS

  1. Diploma in Computing by distance education
  2. Bachelor of Business Systems

Diploma in Computing by distance education

Gippsland campus

Course code: CACODG

Course coordinator: Mr Ken Harris

Introduction

This course is designed to produce diplomates who satisfy the computing needs of industry, government and commerce. Upon completion of the course, diplomates should be well suited to employment in the fields of computer programming or systems analysis at the subprofessional level, both in commercial and technical application areas.

The Diploma in Computing is offered only in external (distance education) mode. Students normally take the course part-time over a four-year period.

The course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society at level 3.

Entrance requirements

Applicants should have obtained a pass in the VCE or equivalent, with a grade average of D in English and any mathematics in units 3 and 4. Students must also have VCE prerequisites appropriate for any first-year subject which they take.

Some places are available for mature-age applicants. In particular, persons with appropriate experience in the computing industry should not be deterred from applying. Admission to the diploma is normally only offered to joint DEET/industry sponsored students. Other students should apply in the first instance for admission to the Bachelor of Computing. It is possible to transfer to the degree course after completing twelve or more subjects.

Course structure

The course for the diploma consists of sixteen subjects to a total value of ninety-six points, with twelve compulsory or core subjects totalling seventy-two points and four elective subjects with a value of twenty-four points. The course is generally studied part-time over four years, and students take subjects worth twenty-four points in each year.

Subjects studied include programming, computer technology, systems analysis and design, computer organisation and database management.

The Diploma in Computing is based in part on the first two years of the Bachelor of Computing with a major in system development. Students complete a selection of first- and second-level system development subjects. On completion of the diploma students may qualify for the Bachelor of Computing with a major in systems development by studying a minimum of a further eight subjects.

Other compulsory studies in human communications, accounting and mathematics must be completed. The four approved electives will normally include at least one further computing subject.

The course of study is as follows. Note that individual student study programs may vary from this slightly, depending on the electives taken. Each subject is worth six points.

First year

+ GAS1612 Discrete mathematics

+ GCO1815 Computer technology

+ GCO1811 Computer programming I

+ GCO1812 Computer programming II

Second year

+ GCO1063 Human communications

+ GCO1813 Information systems I

+ GCO2812 Computer organisation

+ Elective

Third year

+ GBU1001 Introductory accounting

+ GCO2811 Commercial programming

+ GCO2813 Information systems II

+ GCO2815 Database management systems

Fourth year

+ GCO2819 Computing project

+ Three electives

Elective subjects

Students take four elective subjects, normally chosen from the following list:

+ GAS1030 Science and society

+ GAS2062 Scientific thought and methods

+ GBU1302 Management theory and functions

+ GCO2814 Operating systems

+ GCO2817 Computer programming III

+ GCO3812 Data communications

+ GCO3813 Systems programming

+ GCO3815 Artificial intelligence

+ GCO3816 Information systems III

+ GCO3817 Computer graphics

Students may be granted approval by the head of the school to take elective subjects other than those listed above.

Conversion from the Diploma in Computing to the Bachelor of Computing with a major in system development

On completion of the Diploma in Computing, students may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Computing. Students who choose their diploma electives appropriately may be able to satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Computing with a major in system development by completing a minimum of a further eight subjects. These will include the core subject GCO3811 (Software engineering) and at least three third-year computing electives from the system development major. Students must also complete (or have completed in the diploma) the core subjects GCO2814 (Operating systems) and GCO2817 (Computer programming III). Other elective subjects are usually selected from another discipline area such as accounting or management, although further third-level computing electives may be taken. The exact study program is dependent upon the subjects already studied in the diploma.


Bachelor of Business Systems

Clayton campus

Course code: 0102

Director of studies: Mr Ed Wilson

Introduction

The Bachelor of Business Systems is an integrated study of computer-based management systems. The curriculum has been developed in consultation with potential employers of graduates of the program. The Bachelor of Business Systems degree can be completed in three years of full-time study.

The course has two aims: to provide students with an understanding of information technology applications in business within the context of a general grounding in management education, and to prepare them for leadership roles. Students develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes in the broad areas of information technology, business and communication. In addition, graduates should be able to relate their university studies to the world of business and to offer employers a competitive advantage in business operations. Graduates are expected to obtain initial employment in a business or information systems area, before moving into more general management positions.

The subjects offered in the course are monitored by a committee made up of academic staff and business representatives. This monitoring process ensures that the subjects are current and challenging, and that the course develops graduates who have the knowledge, skills, required supervision levels, and business and personal attitudes that match employer expectations. The emphasis is on preparing graduates who are immediately productive and who have begun to develop their leadership skills.

Two streams are offered, a normal stream and an industry-based learning (IBL) stream.

Entrance requirements

The course prerequisites are units 1 and 2 of a VCE mathematics and a grade average of D in VCE English in units 3 and 4.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Business Systems degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society. Students taking the accounting specialisation may apply for membership of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Students interested in this specialisation should consult with the faculty concerning subject choices.

Industry-based learning program

The Bachelor of Business Systems course at Clayton offers the option of an industry-based learning program. The applicants who qualify for it are awarded a scholarship (currently valued at approximately $6000 pa for the first year and up to $8800 for subsequent years), and are required to undertake industrial placement for any of the participating companies as directed by the university. It is assumed that all applicants for the course will be prepared to sign a contract to undertake industrial placement where directed and to abide by the conditions of the scholarship which is awarded to Australian residents on enrolment.

A total of ten months will be spent in industry-based learning, for which there will be no stipend in addition to the scholarship. The students' work during the placement will be structured and assessed as part of the degree.

Quota

The number of scholarships awarded for those in the IBL stream is dependent on the number of sponsors available. In 1996, approximately twenty scholarships will be awarded to first-year students. Approximately ten additional scholarships will be awarded in 1996 to non-IBL students completing first year.

Scholarship selection

Selection in the IBL stream is based on a student's VCE results and an interview. Scholarships will be restricted to Australian resident school leavers.

Applicants should note that the granting of a scholarship does not create an employment obligation on the part of students or contributing sponsors.

Course structure

For course map details, please refer to Map 1 (Industry-based learning stream) and Map 2 (Normal stream) in the `Undergraduate course maps' section.

The pass degree course consists of subjects to a total value of 144 points and, if taken on a full-time basis, is of three years duration. The pass degree includes both compulsory and optional subjects selected from the range of business systems subjects, plus subjects chosen from those offered by other departments. Business systems subjects make up three-quarters (eighteen points) of first year, and approximately half of second and third year (twenty-four points in each year), except in the IBL stream where business systems subjects make up forty-two points of second and third years.

In general, a maximum of sixty points of first-year subjects may be counted towards the degree. Students must complete at least thirty-six points of second-year subjects and at least thirty-six points of third-year subjects.

All business systems subjects are worth six points, other than BUS2000 and BUS3000 which are worth eighteen points each.

Industry-based learning stream

The pass degree is normally taken full-time. The industry-based learning component of the degree is in two periods, the first from July to December of the second year and the second from January to June of the third year.

In addition to the core program, students may select electives from any faculty, provided they have the necessary prerequisites. One elective must be an economics subject. The total number of points that may be completed as electives in the IBL stream is twenty-four points or one-sixth of the degree.

First year

First semester

+ BUS1010 Introductory computing for business applications (6 points)

+ BUS1060 Computer programming for business A (6 points)

+ BUS1100 Quantitative methods for business systems (6 points)

+ One elective (6 points)

Second semester

+ BUS1021 Business information systems (6 points)

+ BUS1042 Computer programming for business B (6 points)

+ BUS1110 Computer models for business decisions (6 points)

+ One elective (6 points)

Second year

Summer school

+ BUS2030 Business communications (6 points)

First semester

+ BUS2112 Database systems and data management (6 points)

+ BUS2120 Computer concepts and software systems (6 points)

+ SYS2071 Systems analysis and design (6 points)

+ One elective (6 points)

Note that students who take SYS1252 (Systems analysis) as an elective in first year are prohibited from taking SYS2071; instead, those students should take SYS2168 (Systems design and implementation) in second year.

Second semester

+ BUS2000 Industry-based learning (18 points)

Third year

First semester

+ BUS3000 Industry-based learning (18 points)

Second semester

+ BUS2062 Data communications (6 points)

+ BUS2176 Project management (6 points)

+ BUS3150 Computer facilities and network management (6 points)

+ BUS3530 Operations management systems (6 points)

One elective from:

+ BUS3010 Advanced programming for database applications (6 points)

+ BUS3020 Trading systems and electronic commerce (6 points)

+ BUS3030 Financial modelling (6 points)

Students completing the accounting stream may substitute some subjects at the discretion of the course director.

Normal stream

The pass degree is normally taken full-time. Applicants should note that this stream does not include an industry-based component.

In addition to the core subjects, students may complete electives to a total value of sixty points or five-twelfths of the degree. Electives will normally be selected from accounting, computing, economics and management, but students may choose any elective from subjects offered within the faculty or by other faculties, provided they have the appropriate prerequisites.

First year

First semester

+ BUS1010 Introductory computing for business applications (6 points)

+ BUS1060 Computer programming for business A (6 points)

+ BUS1100 Quantitative methods for business systems (6 points)

+ One elective subject (6 points)

Second semester

+ BUS1021 Business information systems (6 points)

+ BUS1042 Computer programming for business B (6 points)

+ BUS1110 Computer models for business decisions (6 points)

+ One elective subject (6 points)

Second year

+ BUS2011 C programming for business applications (6 points)

+ BUS2062 Data communications (6 points)

+ BUS2120 Computer concepts and software systems (6 points)

+ BUS2176 Project management (6 points)

+ SYS2071 Systems analysis and design (6 points)

+ Elective subjects (totalling 18 points)

Note that students who take SYS1252 (Systems analysis) as an elective in first year are prohibited from taking SYS2071; instead, those students should take SYS2168 (Systems design and implementation) in second year.

Third year

+ BUS2112 Database systems and data management (6 points)

+ BUS3020 Trading systems and electronic commerce (6 points)

+ BUS3030 Financial modelling (6 points)

+ BUS3530 Operations management systems (6 points)

+ Elective subjects (totalling 24 points)

Elective streams

Individual students may choose an elective program that reflects their interests or career goals. Students should note that enrolment in first-year subjects may be limited to those who meet a particular faculty's entry requirements, eg have a sufficiently high entry score. The following programs show examples of elective streams in accounting, management and languages.

Accounting stream

Provided students have the appropriate prerequisites, the following course may be pursued.

First year

First semester

+ AAF1021/AAF1022 Accounting

+ BUS1010 Introductory computing for business applications

+ BUS1060 Computer programming for business A

+ BUS1100 Quantitative methods for business systems

+ ECO1000 Economics

Second semester

+ AAF1031/AAF1032 Accounting

+ BUS1021 Business information systems

+ BUS1042 Computer programming for business B

+ BUS1110 Computer models for business decisions

+ ECO1010 Economics

Second year

+ AAF2110 Business law

+ AAF2120 Financial accounting

+ AAF2140 Business finance

+ BUS2011 C programming for business applications

+ BUS2062 Data communications

+ BUS2120 Computer concepts and software systems

+ BUS2176 Project management

+ SYS2071 Systems analysis and design

Third year

+ AAF2130 Management accounting

+ AAF3110 Company law

+ AAF3120 Advanced accounting

+ AAF3150 Income tax law

+ AAF3160 Auditing and systems

+ BUS2112 Database systems and data management

+ BUS3020 Trading systems and electronic commerce

+ BUS3530 Operations management systems

Management stream

First year

First semester

+ BUS1010 Introductory computing for business applications

+ BUS1060 Computer programming for business A

+ BUS1100 Quantitative methods for business systems

+ MGC1020 Introduction to management: managing organisations

Second semester

+ BUS1021 Business information systems

+ BUS1042 Computer programming for business B

+ BUS1110 Computer models for business decisions

+ MGC1030 Introduction to management: people and organisations

Second year

+ BUS2011 C programming for business applications

+ BUS2120 Computer concepts and software systems

+ BUS2176 Project management

+ MGC2200 Marketing management I

+ MGC2230 Organisational behaviour

+ MGC2240 Organisation and management

+ MGC2410 Industrial relations

+ SYS2071 Systems analysis and design

Third year

+ BUS2062 Data communications

+ BUS2112 Database systems and data management

+ BUS3020 Trading systems and electronic commerce

+ BUS3030 Financial modelling

+ BUS3530 Operations management systems

+ MGC2310 Public management

+ MGC3100 Management ethics

+ One elective subject (6 points)

Language stream - specialising in Japanese

Students choosing this stream will need to overload in second and third years by two points in first and second semester, depending on the choice of electives. Completed electives must have a total value of at least ten points.

First year

First semester

+ BUS1010 Introductory computing for business applications

+ BUS1060 Computer programming for business A

+ BUS1100 Quantitative methods for business systems

+ JPL1110 Comprehensive Japanese I A part 1

Second semester

+ BUS1021 Business information systems

+ BUS1042 Computer programming for business B

+ BUS1110 Computer models for business decisions

+ JPL1120 Comprehensive Japanese I A part 2

Second year

First semester

+ BUS2011 C programming for business applications

+ BUS2120 Computer concepts and software systems

+ JPL2210 Comprehensive Japanese II B part 1

+ SYS2071 Systems analysis and design

Second semester

+ BUS2062 Data communications

+ BUS2176 Project management

+ JPL2220 Comprehensive Japanese II B part 2

+ One elective subject

Third year

First semester

+ BUS2112 Database systems and data management

+ BUS3020 Trading systems and electronic commerce

+ JPL3310 Comprehensive Japanese III C part 1

+ One elective subject

Second semester

+ BUS3030 Financial modelling

+ BUS3530 Operations management systems

+ JPL3320 Comprehensive Japanese III C part 2

+ One elective subject

Honours program in business systems

Coordinator: Ms Anne Parr

The aim of this course is to assist students to develop learning, research, analytical and writing skills.

The honours course is available to students with a pass in the Bachelor of Business Systems and an average of credit or above in all business systems subjects. Students with equivalent qualifications from the Bachelor of Computing degree may also be considered with the approval of the head of department. The course consists of the subject BUS4000. Normally students undertake:

+ BUS4530 Software systems design and development (compulsory)

+ BUS4580 Business systems project I

+ BUS4590 Business systems project II

The course also includes preparation of a thesis, presentation of a seminar on its content and the preparation of a working paper. The thesis represents 62.5 per cent of the year's work.

With the approval of the director of the honours program, students may substitute for BUS4580 and BUS4590 two subjects not previously studied and normally available to students in the third year of the Bachelor of Business Systems.


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