Extended majorUndergraduate

COMPUSC07 Computational science

Faculty of Science

Computational science (COMPUSC07) is an extended major worth 72 credit points, listing 34 units, taught at Clayton. It is offered in 7 courses, including Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours).

Credit points
72
Units
34
Campus
Clayton
Offered in
7 courses

This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.

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Requisite map

Overview

Computational science is the construction and application of mathematical models, simulation, numerical methods and data analysis techniques to solve scientific problems using computers. It is highly relevant to all scientific study as computational techniques, algorithms and data visualisation are now deeply ingrained in aspects of all sciences. This scope ranges from understanding the interactions of sub-atomic particles through to our understanding of the processes that shape stars and galaxies, from the molecular basis of life, through to the processes that govern outbreaks of epidemics, the sustainability of ecosystems and the dynamics of the biosphere. No area of cutting edge science today is conducted without the assistance of computational science techniques. Computational science at Monash leads you from the theoretical and practical fundamentals of computer science and algorithmic problem solving, to advanced programming techniques, 3D computer graphics, visualisation and intelligent systems.

Monash is the only Group of Eight university with a dedicated IT faculty. In computer science and information systems, Monash is consistently ranked amongst the top universities worldwide by international rankings. You will 'learn by doing', using cutting-edge technology in collaborative studio environments. You will learn to think creatively and analytically, from some of the world's best academics in the field.

Computational science is now fundamental to all science disciplines. Gaining expertise in this field will enhance your job prospects and career potential in biological, physical, mathematical and biomedical science, and in the sciences related to the earth, atmosphere and environment. Computational science skills also have the potential to facilitate you moving into new discipline areas such as the humanities and creative arts where computational techniques are becoming increasingly relevant in fields such as social science, archaeology, architecture, music, and visual art.

Availability
Computational science is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major, extended major and minor.

The computational science minor, major and extended major are not available in the double degree course S2004 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Computer Science.

Structure

Mathematics requirement72 credit points
This extended major relies on the successful completion of MTH1030. Note that this unit has the following special enrolment rule:

MTH1030: You must have passed MTH1020 with a mark of at least 60 or VCE Specialist Mathematics units 3 and 4 with a raw study score of at least 30. Exceptions for students who passed MTH1020 with a mark in the range of 50 to 59 can be made with permission from the unit coordinator based on a diagnostic test.
Supporting studies in Mathematics
Computational science is an area of study that benefits from supporting studies in Mathematics. This entry lists the requirements of the extended major and the mathematics supporting studies required for progression in Computational science. You must complete the following mathematics units.
Core level 1 sequence12 credit points
You must complete one of the following sequences

Level 1 advanced computational science units

12 credit points
Core42 credit points
Advanced computational science units12 credit points
Additional computational science units with overall at least 24 points at level 36 credit points

Courses that offer it

Notes

Requirements for progressing to honours and other further studies
You must meet the entry requirements for S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours) or meet the progression requirements to the fourth year of S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours).

You must also complete prerequisite study as per the intended discipline. Refer to the honours prerequisites table.

Learning outcomes

In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of your course, and successfully completing this area of study, you will be able to:
  1. 1

    Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical basis of computer science and a knowledge of computational problem solving strategies

  2. 2

    Demonstrate the ability to systematically analyse scientific problems, then develop, design and analyse algorithms to solve them

  3. 3

    Implement substantial pieces of efficient software to solve computational problems

Common questions

Extended major details

Type
Extended major
Study level
Undergraduate
Credit points
72
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
Clayton School of Information Technology
Handbook years
2020202120222023202420252026