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


GRADUATE STUDIESPart 3

CONTENTS

  1. Graduate Diploma in Computer Science
  2. Graduate Diploma in Computing - Caulfield
  3. Graduate Diploma in Computing - Peninsula
  4. Graduate Diploma in Computing by distance education - Gippsland
  5. Graduate Diploma in Digital Communications

Graduate Diploma in Computer Science

Clayton campus

Course code: 0362

Coordinator: Professor John Crossley

Introduction

The Graduate Diploma in Computer Science has been developed in response to a steady stream of requests from potential students currently in industry for a diploma-level course in computer science to broaden and develop computing skills and knowledge for specific vocational and occupational outcomes.

This course is open to applicants with a first degree in any field other than computing, computer science, information science or equivalent. Intending students should note that the entry requirements require some prior knowledge in computer programming using C or C++ and assume applicants will have a knowledge of mathematics equivalent to at least two first-year subjects. Applicants without mathematics may be required to undertake bridging studies, the points of which will not be counted towards the award.

The aims of the course are:

1. To provide appropriately trained professionals in the field of computer science

2. To provide a conceptual framework for students to keep pace with developments in this area

3. To provide students with a practical knowledge of computer hardware and software which can be put to immediate use

4. To develop a professional approach to computing and an awareness of social implications

The course is offered both full-time and part-time. The duration of the full-time course is one year. The duration of the part-time course is two years.

Students completing the Graduate Diploma in Computer Science are eligible to apply to upgrade their knowledge and qualifications to honours (or Master of Computing preliminary) level.

Admission requirements

1. A recognised degree or diploma or equivalent

2. A knowledge of computer programming at the introductory level

3. Twelve points of first-year mathematics or equivalent

Fees for Australian residents

In 1996 the course fee is $8000 or pro rata per subject.

Course structure

The course consists of forty-eight points of second- and third-year computer science subjects and must include:

1. At least twenty-four points of third-year subjects

2. The following subjects:

+ CSC2040 Science of programming

+ CSC2050 Software engineering I

+ any two of CSC2010 (Computer architecture), CSC2020 (Operating systems) and CSC2030 (Foundations of computing)

+ CSC3010 (Project) or CSC3020 (Software engineering project).

It is strongly recommended that all three of CSC2010, CSC2020 and CSC2030 be taken.

For full details of subjects available, consult the entries under `Details of subjects' later in this handbook.

Suggested choice of subjects

Full-time students

+ CSC2010 Computer architecture

+ CSC2020 Operating systems

+ CSC2030 Foundations of computing

+ CSC2040 Science of programming

+ CSC2050 Software engineering I

+ CSC2061 (Digital logic) or CSC2070 (Numerical computing)

+ CSC3010 (Project) or CSC3020 (Software engineering project)

and twenty points of any other third-year computer science subjects.

Part-time students

Twenty-four points of second-year subjects during the first year of study and twenty-four points of third-year subjects during the second year of study.


Graduate Diploma in Computing - Caulfield

Course code: 0360

Course leader: Associate Professor John Daly

Introduction

The course is designed for those with tertiary qualifications in any discipline who wish to gain a first qualification in computing and is suitable as a career-change course. It is accredited at the highest level by the Australian Computer Society.

The course provides an education in computerised information systems techniques and technologies.

The aims of the course are:

1. To provide appropriately trained professionals in the field of commercial computing

2. To provide a conceptual framework for students to keep pace with developments in this area

3. To provide students with a practical knowledge of computer hardware and software which can be put to immediate use

4. To develop a professional approach to computing and an awareness of social implications.

The course is offered both full-time and part-time. The duration of the full-time course is one year (two semesters) with an average of sixteen hours per week of class contact.

The duration of the part-time course is two years (four semesters) with eight hours per week of class contact.

Admission requirements

The normal entry requirement is a recognised degree or diploma or equivalent. Those who do not have the formal prerequisites for entry to the course may be able to gain special entry if they satisfy the following criteria:

+ Academic qualifications, at least two years in total, of tertiary-level courses and/or industry courses assessed as being at tertiary level

+ At least two years relevant work experience

Fees for Australian residents

In 1996 the course fee is $8000 or $1000 per subject.

Course structure

The course consists of eight subjects which are designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of information technology. To successfully complete the course, a student must demonstrate ability in both practical work and theory in each subject.

Note that all subjects listed below require four hours of class contact per week.

Full-time

First semester

+ COT7700 Computer technology

+ COT7710 File organisation and database systems

+ SFT7600 Software development I

+ SYS7500 Systems analysis

+ SYS7510 Systems design and implementation

Second semester

+ COT6640 Case study

+ COT7760 Database implementation and fourth-generation systems

+ SFT7640 Software development II

Part-time

First year

+ COT7700 Computer technology

+ COT7710 File organisation and database systems

+ SFT7600 Software development I

+ SYS7500 Systems analysis

Second year

+ COT6640 Case study

+ COT7760 Database implementation and fourth-generation systems

+ SFT7640 Software development II

+ SYS7510 Systems design and implementation


Graduate Diploma in Computing - Peninsula

Course code: 0360

Course leader: Mr Peter Torokfalvy

Introduction

The course is designed for those with tertiary qualifications in any discipline who wish to gain a first qualification in computing. It provides an education in computerised information systems, techniques and technologies.

The course is offered as a one-year full-time course or as a part-time course taking a minimum of two years.

Admission requirements

The normal entry requirement is a recognised degree or diploma or equivalent. A small number of places are reserved for special entry to the course based on computing experience.

Those who do not have the formal prerequisites for entry to the course may be able to gain special entry if they satisfy the following criteria:

+ academic qualifications: at least two years, in total, of tertiary-level courses and/or industry courses assessed as being at tertiary level;

+ at least two years relevant work experience.

Fees for Australian residents

In 1996 the course fee is $8000, or $1000 per subject.

Course structure

The course consists of eight prescribed subjects designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of information technology. To complete the course successfully, students must demonstrate ability in both practical work and theory in each subject. The prescribed subjects are:

First year

+ CFR7101 Introduction to software development

+ CFR7103 Operating systems and databases

+ CFR7104 Systems analysis

+ CFR7109 Information systems

Second year

+ CFR7112 Relational database technology

+ CFR7212 Systems design and implementation

+ CFR7222 Industrial project

+ CFR7312 Programming with data structures


Graduate Diploma in Computing by distance education - Gippsland

Course code: CGCOP

Course leader: Mr Paul Anderson

Introduction

This course is designed for those with tertiary qualifications in any discipline who wish to gain a first qualification in computing. It is offered as a part-time course over two years of study.

The course provides students with recognised knowledge and skills in computer programming, information systems and information technology, and with a practical knowledge of computer hardware and software.

It aims to allow graduates who are working in the computing industry to enhance their knowledge and expertise, and keep pace with developments in this area.

Distance education students need to make extensive use of a personal computer and modem. Students intending to purchase a microcomputer and modem should consult with faculty staff beforehand, to ensure compatibility with software used in the course.

Admission requirements

The normal entry requirement is a recognised degree or diploma or equivalent. Applicants who do not have a tertiary qualification may be considered for the course if they have completed two years of tertiary studies (or equivalent formal courses) and have at least two years of relevant work experience. However, only a limited number of places are available.

Fees for Australian residents

In 1996, the course fee for distance education study is $9600 or $1200 per subject.

Course structure

The course consists of eight subjects covering computer programming, software design, information technology and information systems, with a project in the final year. The prescribed subjects are:

First year

+ GCO7821 Computer programming

+ GCO7822 Computer technology

+ GCO7823 Algorithms and data structures

+ GCO7825 Information systems I

Second year

+ GCO7831 Database management systems

+ GCO7832 Information systems II

+ GCO7839 Computing project

In addition, one approved subject is selected from the graduate programs of the university. Approved subjects offered by distance education include the following:

+ GCO7824 COBOL Programming

+ GCO7834 Data communications

+ GCO7835 Artificial intelligence

+ GCO7837 Object-oriented programming


Graduate Diploma in Digital Communications

Clayton Campus

Course code: 0361

Course leader: Professor J Breen

Introduction

Until recently, the two subjects of computing and communications have been largely independent of one another; those pursuing a career in one of these areas have rarely found it necessary to have expertise in the other area. Even within the general area of computing, only a small proportion of people have been proficient in both hardware and software.

Developments in microelectronics have profoundly altered this situation by providing complex digital components, such as microprocessors, at a very low cost. In computing, there is now a strong requirement for communications so that distributed computer systems can cooperate on common tasks. Furthermore the reduced cost of communications equipment has also accelerated the use of communications. In communications, it is now common for signals to be transmitted using digital encoding, and computers are widely used to control the communications process.

As a result, professionals in both areas are finding it increasingly necessary to be competent in computing, digital technology and communications. Unfortunately few people have had the opportunity to acquire this range of expertise, either through educational courses or through work experience.

The Graduate Diploma in Digital Communications is intended for professionals in either computing or communications who wish to undertake studies in computer communications. Its aims are to provide a thorough understanding of the central subject of the course, computer communications and to consolidate students' skills in the underlying foundation disciplines of computing, digital technology and communications.

The minimum entry requirement is a three-year degree or diploma in a discipline which provides a suitable background, eg computer science, data processing, electrical engineering, electronic engineering and communications engineering. Applicants without such a qualification may be admitted on the basis of suitable work experience in computing or communications. Normally four years relevant experience is required plus evidence of the ability to undertake study at a tertiary level.

The course is available either part-time taking a minimum of two years or full-time taking a minimum of one calendar year.

Admission requirements

The normal entry requirement is a three-year degree or diploma-level qualification in a discipline that provides a suitable basis for the course, eg computer science, data processing or electrical, electronic or communications engineering.

Applicants with a degree or diploma in a discipline not directly related to the course will be considered if they have relevant work experience in computers or communications.

Applicants without degree or diploma qualifications may also be admitted on the basis of work experience, subject to the approval of the faculty's admissions committee. The level of work experience required would be at least five years in a position carrying significant technical responsibility in an area relevant to the course. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate an ability to study at tertiary level. The number of places available to applicants in this category is limited.

Fees for Australian residents

In 1996 the course fee is $6000 or $750 per subject.

Course structure

In order to satisfy the course requirements, each student must pass a total of seven coursework subjects and complete a project. Subjects may be taken in any order, subject to the pre and corequisites defined for each subject. The subjects are grouped as follows.

Bridging subjects

Before proceeding with the core subjects in the course, students must have reached a minimum standard in programming in the C language, digital electronics, operating system principles and introductory data communications. Students with insufficient prior study in one or more of these topics must enrol in the bridging subject RDT6800 (Topics in digital technology), during which they will undertake an assessed program of reading and self-study.

Core subjects

There are six compulsory core subjects:

+ RDT6810 Computer networks

+ RDT6820 Digital communications technologies

+ RDT6830 Communications software

+ RDT6840 Network design and management

+ RDT6850 Communications practical

+ RDT6860 Project (digital communications)

Elective subjects

Students must complete two electives from the following:

+ RDT6900 Proprietary network architectures

+ RDT6910 Public telecommunication networks

+ RDT6920 Information security

+ One approved subject from another graduate diploma

Students interested in this program should also refer to the Master of Digital Communications entry in this section of the handbook.


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