C3001 Bachelor of Computer Science Advanced (Honours)

The course develops through the themes of computer science foundation study, specialist discipline knowledge, research skills, and professional skills, which come together in applied practice.

Part A. Foundational computer science study

This study will develop your understanding of the role and theoretical basis of computer science and computational methods.

Part B. Professional skills

This study develops professional skills by providing an understanding and appreciation of the ethical and professional guidelines applicable to computer science practice and research; developing the ability to work as an effective team member and to communicate proficiently and appropriately in professional and research contexts.

Part C. Specialist discipline knowledge

This study will develop deep knowledge and advanced skills in advanced computer science or data science.

Part D. Research skills

This study develops the ability to critically evaluate IT research and to apply appropriate methodologies to conduct independent research in computer science or data science. It develops strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply analytical thinking.

Part E. Applied practice

The above knowledge and skills are integrated and consolidated in applied practice as demonstrated in a computer science or data science project, and in some cases in an industry-based learning placement.

Part F. Free elective study

These elective units will enable you to broaden and deepen your knowledge of computer science or data science, or to select units from across the University in which you are eligible to enrol.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

This course comprises 192 points, of which 144 points must be from computer science study and 48 points are used to provide additional depth or breadth through elective study.

The course develops through theme studies in: Part A. Foundational computer science (48 points); Part B. Professional skills (12 points), Part C. Specialist discipline knowledge (42 or 48 points) and Part D. Research skills (24 points); and Part E. Applied practice (12 or 18 points) ; and Part F. Free elective study (48 points).

Elective units may be at any level, however, no more than ten units (60 points) can be credited to the computer science advanced course at level 1 and a minimum of 36 points must be completed in computer science or data science at each of level 3 and 4 (or higher).

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundational computer science study (48 points)

You must complete:

• FIT1053 Algorithms and programming in python (advanced)
• FIT1054 Computer science (advanced)
• FIT1047 Introduction to computer systems, networks and security
• FIT1049 IT professional practice
• FIT2004 Algorithms and data structures
• FIT2014 Theory of computation
• MAT1830 Discrete mathematics for computer science*
• MAT1841 Continuous mathematics for computer science*

* If you require other mathematics for a non-computer science elective major or minor you may replace MAT1830/MAT1841, with approval.

Part C. Specialist discipline knowledge (42 or 48 points)

You must complete:

one of the following specialisations (30 or 36 points**); and two level 4 or level 5 elective units (12 points) as approved by the course director.

Advanced computer science

You must complete:

a. The following five units (30 points):

• FIT2099 Object-oriented design and implementation
• FIT2102 Programming paradigms
• FIT3143 Parallel computing
• FIT3155 Advanced data structures and algorithms
• FIT3171 Databases

b. one of the following level 3 elective units (6 points): 

• FIT3031 Network security
• FIT3077 Software engineering: architecture and design
• FIT3080 Intelligent systems
• FIT3081 Image processing
• FIT3088 Computer graphics
• FIT3094 Artificial life, artificial intelligence and virtual environments
• FIT3139 Computational modelling and simulation
• FIT3142 Distributed computing
• FIT3146 Maker lab 
• FIT3152 Data analytics
• FIT3159 Computer architecture
• FIT3165 Computer networks
• FIT3173 Software security
• FIT3175 Usability
• FIT3181 Deep learning
• FIT3182 Big data management and processing
• MTH3170 Network mathematics

Note: Not all elective units in this list will be offered each year.

Data science

You must complete:

a. The following four units (24 points):

• FIT1043 Introduction to data science
• FIT2086 Modelling for data analysis
• FIT2094 Databases
• FIT3179 Data visualisation

b. two of the following level 3 elective units (12 points):

• FIT3003 Business intelligence and data warehousing
• FIT3139 Computational modelling and simulation
• FIT3152 Data analytics
• FIT3154 Advanced data analysis
• FIT3181 Deep learning
• FIT3182 Big data management and processing

**depending on the option selected in Part E.

Parts B. Professional skills (12 points) and Part D. Research skills (24 points)

You must complete:

a. Two research development units (12 points):

• FIT2083 Innovation and research in computer science
• FIT2082 Computer science research project

b. an honours thesis (24 points):

• FIT4441 Honours thesis part 1
• FIT4442 Honours thesis part 2
• FIT4443 Honours thesis part 3
• FIT4444 Honours thesis final

Part E. Applied practice (12 or 18 points)

You must complete one of the following:

• FIT3153 Research-based learning^ (18 points)
• FIT3045 Industry-based learning^ (18 points)
• FIT3144 Advanced computer science research project (12 points)

^These options are available only if you are selected to participate in the IBL or RBL placement programs. It will require the use of one elective unit space from your discipline study (Advanced computer science or Data science level 3 elective). You must complete one unit over summer semester or overload in one semester by one unit in order to complete the degree within three years.

Part F. Free elective study (48 points)

Your elective units may be chosen from the Faculty of Information Technology, or from across the University as long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on enrolment in the units. In addition, you may choose to complete a major or minor from other courses, so long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units.

Free electives can be identified using the [[http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/search][browse units]] tool and [[http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/][indexes of units]] in the current edition of the Handbook. [[http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/index-bydomain_type-major.html][Majors]] and [[http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/index-bydomain_type-minor.html][minors]] can also be identified using the Handbook indexes. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties.