Clayton campus
Course code: 0356
Course leader: Dr B Qiu
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.
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.
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 seequence, totalling a minimum of seventy-eight points (thirty in first year, thirty-two in second year and sixteen in third year);
(b) a sequence of approved elective subjects totalling a minimum of sixteen points;
(c) a sequence of approved mathematics subjects totalling twenty points (twelve in first year and eight in second year);
(d) up to thirty 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.
The first year will typically consist of:
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. Note that this structure for third year may change in 1999.
Coordinator: Dr Andrew Paplinski
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, for example students with dependants. The honours program may not be repeated.
The honours program is arranged as a single subject of forty-eight points, DGS4000 (Digital systems honours). This subject comprises:
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 discipline 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 1996-97 and are expected to be available in 1998:
In selecting a project students need to take into account both the research area and the prospective supervisor. Students are advised to consider selection of projects carefully and in advance. The selection of projects is conducted during the first two weeks of the first semester. The following are some of the projects undertaken in 1996 and 1997: