Course leader, Bachelor of Computing: Ms Dianne Hagan
Course code: 0961
For course map details, please refer to Map 3 in the `Undergraduate course maps' section.
At first level, the pass degree, Bachelor of Computing, consists of a sequence of concurrent studies in computer technology, information systems and software development. At second level, the sequence consists of a further twenty-four points of concurrent studies in these three areas, plus a further eight points of studies in the student's nominated major (either computer technology, information systems or software development). In third year, a minimum of twenty-four points of study must be completed in the nominated major area.
The major study occupies one-quarter of the first-year load (twelve points), at least one-third of the second-year load (sixteen points), and at least one-half of the third-year load (twenty-four points).
In addition, a minor sequence of at least twenty-eight points (consisting of either a first-year sequence totalling twelve points and a second-year sequence totalling sixteen points, or a second-year sequence totalling sixteen points and a third-year sequence of at least twelve points), must be completed. All of the subjects for the minor sequence must be taken from the same discipline. Normally this discipline is one taught by a faculty other than the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology.
Candidates for the Bachelor of Computing are free to take subjects from other faculties as allowed by the regulations. For example, computer technology with mathematics or banking and finance or accounting is popular.
Studies in banking and finance, accounting, management, mathematics, psychology and sociology have been specifically approved. Students may, however, choose from the full range of disciplines of the university.
Subjects are often available in the evening at the Caulfield campus. Students should note that blocks of hours are provided during the day where possible to facilitate day release, ie to allow students to attend classes with the minimum time off work.
For course map details, please refer to Map 4 in the `Undergraduate course maps' section.
A double major requires 124 points of computing studies. Students undertaking a double major in computer technology and/or information systems and/or software development are required to count a maximum of twelve points of projects, ie one of COT3500 or SYS3500 or SFT3500, towards both majors. The additional thirty-two points required to complete the second major must be made up from eight points at second-year level and twenty-four points of third-year offerings of the second major study being undertaken. Students undertaking a double major are required to complete a minor sequence consisting of twenty points rather than twenty-eight points.
Coordinator: Dr Arkady Zaslavsky
The computer technology major has the professional aim of preparing students for employment as computer systems officers. Students will learn about the operation of computer information systems including management of computer hardware, operating systems, database management systems, and data communication systems.
In a large organisation, a computer information system is built around a database on a computer system. The management of performance, security and continuous availability falls on what is often called the operations group. This group of computing professionals will optimise database designs (database administration), monitor strategic change in the organisation and model the data and hence hardware needs (data administration), formulate strategic plans for technologies including communications, computer hardware and operating systems and database management systems. The job titles for members of this group include database administrator, data administrator, performance specialist, systems programmer, operations manager, data communications specialist. A major in computer technology will prepare students for such jobs.
A major in computer technology requires a minimum of fifty-two credit points of study and is outlined below.
First-year coordinator: Ms Renee Gedge
The first-year subjects form part of the core of subjects required to be taken by all students of the Bachelor of Computing at Caulfield.
Second-year coordinator: Mr Christopher Avram
The second-year subjects fall into two categories. COT2138 is the last computer technology core subject. Database is seen to be so important for computing professionals that this advanced database subject has been included in the core. The remainder of the field of computer technology is taught in four four-point elective subjects in second year. Students who major in computer technology will choose at least one of those subjects. The sixteen points of the computer technology major at second year comprise:
Third-year coordinator: Mr Bob Sier
The third-year subjects of the department will prepare computing professionals for both employment in the commercial data processing industry and higher study in an honours program.
All of these subjects may not be offered in the same year. Please check with the department for the details of subjects offered in a particular year.
To complete a computer technology major the following six subjects must also be studied.
First year
Coordinator: Mr Peter Granville
Bachelor of Computing (Honours) study in computer technology is available on the Caulfield campus.
The honours year is designed to allow students to study an area of computer technology in depth. Central to honours study is applied research leading to the presentation of a minor thesis. This not only prepares students for a research or academic career but develops important analytical skills for professional practice. Students are expected, where possible, to conduct their research within one of the department's research groups.
There are no Monash or government-funded honours scholarships available, but students may be employed on an established research project as a part-time research assistant or by the department as a sessional tutor.
COT4000 (Computer technology honours) requires the completion of twenty-four points of coursework at fourth-year level and a minor thesis (twenty-four points). Students select their program within the prerequisite structure as approved by the honours coordinator. Not all subjects will be offered in any one year. Students can also study up to twelve credit points from other departments of the university subject to the approval of the head of department. The overall COT4000 grade of HI, HIIA, HIIB or HIII is determined by combining the coursework and thesis grades.
The computer technology subjects at fourth-year level are:
Coordinator: Mr Brett Hodgson
The major in information systems requires a minimum of fifty-two credit points of study. The subjects available at each level are outlined below.
The first-year subjects serve both as a general introduction to information systems and as a prerequisite for further studies. Thus they may be taken either by students wishing to major in information systems or by students whose major interest is in some other discipline, eg business, science, arts or another discipline area. Identifying user requirements is a major concern, and both first-year subjects emphasise the need for appropriate communication with the future end users of information systems.
The first-semester subject SYS1001 introduces students to the concept of an information system and to the process of systems analysis. The information systems perspective on common data processing tasks is investigated and techniques such as data flow diagrams are used to record and evaluate the system.
The second-semester subject SYS1252 explores the analysis of information systems in more depth using additional diagramming and other techniques. There is an emphasis on structuring data to support the development of appropriate data bases.
Second year develops further information systems knowledge and skills. In second year there is an emphasis on the design and implementation stages of system development which builds on the analysis stages studied in first year.
There is one compulsory second-year subject, namely SYS2168. This subject completes the introductory study of systems analysis and design by addressing the design and implementation stages of system development.
Students must select at least two subjects from the set of second-year electives to complete the second year requirements for a major in information systems. BUS2174 develops a knowledge of project planning and control essential to all systems development projects; SYS2194 enables students to explore the development of information systems using a prototyping approach; and SYS2204 extends students' understanding of the communication requirements of information systems development, while developing practical skills in communication with clients and end-users that will be highly desirable for future employment in this field. Employers of graduates from all disciplines are eager to employ staff with good communication skills so students are strongly encouraged to take SYS2204 as an elective.
Students wishing to major in information systems must take SYS3500 (Information systems project) and at least three other third-year information systems subjects. Some students may choose to complete the other half of their third year with additional information systems subjects giving them a full third year in information systems. Other students may complete the remaining half of their third year with a different discipline to give them two majors, one in information systems and one in the other discipline.
Information systems project (SYS3500) is an exercise in applying the skills and knowledge developed in the first two years of the course to a real-world problem where students can begin to appreciate the complexity of the system development process. Under the supervision of an academic staff member, students work in groups to build a system for a client who may be from within or outside the university. Successful completion of the project is a rewarding experience and one which prepares students well for employment as a computing professional.
In addition to the project, students have a choice of a wide range of electives in information systems. Elective units are offered at both the Caulfield and Clayton campuses. Students can choose to deepen their knowledge of analysis and design or broaden their knowledge of information systems topics by taking subjects in systems management, decision support systems or knowledge-based systems. SYS3184 (Information systems theory) is recommended for students intending to apply for the honours program but is not a prerequisite for honours.
In order to complete the Bachelor of Computing with a major in information systems the following corequisite studies must be completed:
First year
Coordinator: Ms Danielle Fowler
The honours year is designed to allow students to study an area of information systems in depth. Central to honours study is applied research leading to the presentation of a minor thesis. This not only prepares students for a research or academic career but develops important analytical skills for professional practice. Students are expected, where possible, to conduct their research within one of the department's research groups.
Students undertaking the honours program are enrolled in a single subject, namely SYS4000 (Information systems honours). This subject requires the completion of twenty-four points of coursework at fourth-year level and a minor thesis (twenty-four points). Students must take SYS4020 (Research methods) which teaches the overall principles and practice of academic research. They select the remainder of their program within the prerequisite structure as approved by the honours coordinator. Students can study up to twelve credit points of their coursework from other departments subject to the approval of the head of department.
Satisfactory results in the four coursework subjects is a hurdle requirement for completion of the honours year, but the overall SYS4000 grade of HI, HIIA, HIIB or HIII or N is determined by the thesis grade.
The information systems subjects at fourth-year level are:
Coordinator: Ms Sylvia Tucker
First-year coordinator: Dianne Hagan
The first-year subjects, SFT1101 and SFT1102 provide an introduction to problem solving, leading to the design of computer programs and their implementation using the industry-recognised computer language C++.
Second-year coordinator: Andy Cheng
There is one compulsory second-year subject of eight points, SFT2201. This subject looks at software engineeering principles and the methods and techniques involved in developing quality software within the scope of large software projects. Students develop a major piece of practical work in support of the theoretical concepts.
To complete second year in a software development major, students then choose two four-point software development second-year electives.
Third-year coordinator: Jan Miller
In third year, a major in software development requires students to take SFT3500 (Software development project - twelve points), then choose at least another twelve points of software development electives. In the software development project students design and develop a small computer application for a real-world client, applying the knowledge and skills they have learned, and gaining valuable experience in communicating with users and peers.
The majority of software development elective subjects are offered at both second and third year level, giving students maximum flexibility of choice. Students may choose only one subject from any subject `pair'. Subjects fall into two main categories, subjects which present programming for particular environments and subjects which support software paradigms and development processes.
Subjects which present programming for particular environments
To complete the Bachelor of Computing with a major in software development, the following corequisite studies must be completed:
First year
Coordinator: Ms Jan Miller
The Bachelor of Computing (Honours) study in software development is available in full-time (SFT4000) and part-time (SFT4001) modes on Caulfield campus.
The purpose of the honours year is to allow the students to study an area of software development in depth. This is achieved via applied research leading to a minor thesis. It prepares students for both a research and a professional career. Students are expected to conduct their research within one of the department's research groups. Assessment is based upon written and oral presentations throughout the year.
The department sometimes offers scholarships sponsored by industry, Monash or government. Students may be employed on an established research project as a part-time research assistant or by the department as a sessional tutor.
SFT4000 and SFT4001 (Software development honours) require the completion of twenty-four points of coursework at fourth-year level and a minor thesis (twenty-four points). Students select their program within the prerequisite structure as approved by the honours coordinator.
Honours students are expected to undertake one coursework unit from the broad research areas of the department, ie one of:
Honours students may then select from the software development subject offerings from the fourth and fifth year:
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