Caulfield campus
* Full-time or part-time
Course leader, Bachelor of Computing: Ms Dianne Hagan
Course code: 0961
In first year , the Bachelor of Computing pass degree consists of a sequence of concurrent studies in computer technology, information systems and software development. In second year, 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. This discipline may be taught by a faculty other than the Faculty of Information Technology, or it may be from any school in the faculty except the one in which the student's major is taken.
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 regularly available in the evening at the Caulfield campus. Students should note that, where possible, blocks of hours are provided during the day to facilitate day release, ie to allow students in full-time employment to attend classes with the minimum time off work.
A double major requires a minimum of 124 points of computing studies. Students may choose majors in two of the areas of computer technology, information systems and software development. A twelve-point industrial experience project in one of the major areas is required (ie COT3500, SYS3500 or SFT3500), as well as another twelve points of second or third year study. In the second major area students undertake twenty-four points of second or third-year studies. Students undertaking a double major are required to complete a minor sequence consisting of twenty points rather than twenty-eight points. See also Map 4 in the `Undergraduate course maps' section.
Coordinator: Mr Chris Avram
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 optimise database designs (database administration), monitor strategic change in the organisation and model the data and hence hardware needs (data administration) and 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 Robert Redpath
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 at second-year level. Second-year subjects offered by the Computer Technology department include:
Third-year coordinator: Mr Bob Sier
The third-year subjects of the department prepare computing professionals for both employment in the commercial data processing industry and higher study in an honours program.
Not all of these subjects may 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.
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 core aspects of the information systems curriculum. For each of these aspects the subject explains the key concepts, discusses their relevance to the task of developing an information system and indicates some of the main areas for further study and research.
The second-semester subject, SYS1002, provides students with a detailed understanding of the information systems development process and the part which the systems analyst plays in it. The subject describes and contrasts four models of the systems development lifecycle. For each model it discusses the phases, activities and outputs of the development process, and the role, skills and characteristics required of the systems analyst.
Second year develops further information systems knowledge and skills. In second year there is an emphasis on the techniques of systems analysis and design which builds on to the basic concepts of systems development which were studied in first year.
SYS2168 provides students with a detailed understanding of some of the mainstream techniques of systems analysis and design. These techniques are described and evaluated within the context of the system development process. The subject emphasises the technical aspects of the techniques and examines their application in practice.
SYS2003 provides students with a detailed understanding of the role and responsibilities of the systems analyst in professional practice in modern organisations. The subject examines the changing nature of the tasks of the analyst and the skills required to carry them out. There is a strong emphasis on the use of case studies of professional practice to illustrate the concepts discussed.
BUS2174 provides students with a detailed understanding of the principles, methods and techniques of project management in contemporary organisations. The subject examines the people and tasks involved in project management and the tools and techniques required to support it. It gives students the skills needed to manage a project in a business environment.
Students wishing to major in information systems must take SYS3500 (Information systems project) and two other third-year information systems subjects, SYS3001 (Management support systems) and SYS3002 (Information systems strategy and management). 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.
SYS3001 provides students with an introduction to the development and usage of systems to support managerial decision-making. The subject outlines the theoretical basis for these systems and describes the techniques and technologies available to the system builder. There is a strong emphasis on practical work in the development of small prototype systems to illustrate the theoretical concepts.
SYS3002 provides students with an introduction to the key concepts and contemporary issues in information systems management, and the tasks involved in overseeing the development and application of information systems in modern organisations. It examines recent developments in the changing usage of information systems by organisations and discusses their impacts on the information systems management function.
In order to complete the Bachelor of Computing with a major in information systems the following corequisite studies must be completed:
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 combining the coursework and thesis grades.
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: Sylvia Tucker
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 using an object-oriented programming language.
To complete second year in a software development major, students may 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 (generally second-year electives are four points and third-year electives are six points). 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.
To complete the Bachelor of Computing with a major in software development, the following corequisite studies must be completed:
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. Honours students are able to undertake either a 50 per cent research project or a 25 per cent applied research project. For a research project worth 50 per cent, 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). For an applied research project worth 25 per cent, thirty-six points of coursework and an applied minor thesis of twelve points are required. 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: