<< >>

Bachelor of Digital Systems


Important information

Clayton campus

Course code: 0356

Course leader: Dr Simon Hill

Introduction

The course is designed to provide an integrated and practical study in computer hardware and software. The three major areas of emphasis are digital electronics, which involves the study of digital logic, circuit design and microprocessor systems; technical computing, which involves operating systems, assembler and higher level languages, and real-time software; and integrated applications, which involves control systems, computer communications, signal processing, robotics, graphics and artificial intelligence. These three areas are supported by studies in mathematics and electronics. During the course, students must undertake a project involving the development of integrated hardware and software.

The course is recommended for students seeking an in-depth study of computer hardware and related software with a view to applying their skills immediately in the design and development of digital devices and the building of integrated systems.

The course is at present available for full-time study over three years, with a fourth (honours) year also available.

Graduates meet the level 1 standard of knowledge for membership of the Australian Computer Society.

Entrance requirements

The prerequisites for entry are a grade average of D or above in VCE English and Mathematical Methods units 3 and 4. VCE Specialist Mathematics, Physics and Information Technology are strongly recommended. Students must also have VCE prerequisites appropriate for any first-year elective subject which they take.

Course structure

For course map details, please refer to Map 8 in the `Undergraduate course maps' section.

The course for the pass degree consists of subjects to a total value of 144 points, with:

(a) a core in digital systems subjects, totalling a minimum of seventy-two points (twenty-four in first year, sixteen in second year and thirty-two in third year);

(b) a sequence of approved software and computing subjects totalling a minimum of twenty-eight points (twelve in first year and sixteen in second year);

(c) a sequence of approved mathematics subjects totalling twenty points (twelve in first year and eight in second year);

(d) up to twenty-four points of other subjects as selected by the student. These may be additional electives in digital systems, computer science, information systems, or any other discipline.

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

First year

The first year will typically consist of:

plus either or plus either

Second year

plus either or

Third year

The project subjects cannot be commenced until all the core second-year subjects are completed.

Additional elective subjects may be taken to complete the points requirements for the degree. Alternatively, a second major in an approved field such as computer science may be taken, in which case the elective component of digital systems subjects will be reduced to eight points.

Honours program in digital systems

Coordinator: Dr Andrew Paplinski

Prerequisites

The normal entry requirement is completion of the three-year Bachelor of Digital Systems degree, or its equivalent, with a final-year average grade of credit or better in digital systems and related subjects.

The honours program will normally be available full-time; however the coordinator will be able to approve part-time study in exceptional circumstances, eg students with dependants. The honours program may not be repeated.

Structure

The honours program is arranged as a single subject of forty-eight points, DGS4000 (Digital systems honours). This subject comprises:

Coursework units

Coursework units may be selected from any of the fourth-year programs within the faculty, but the selection must be approved by the coordinator. At least four units must be drawn from those offered by the Department of Digital Systems. Approved third-year electives can also be taken. Selection of units is conducted during the first two weeks of a semester.

The DGS units supporting the honours year are drawn from graduate diploma subjects of suitable standard and from special units established for this program. Note that all units will not necessarily be run every year.

The following units have been offered in 1995-96 and are expected to be available in 1997:

In most cases the appropriate prerequisites must be completed before attempting honours units.

Project topics


<< >>
Handbook Contents | Faculty Handbooks | Monash University
Published by Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168
Copyright © Monash University 1996 - All Rights Reserved - Caution
Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996