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. Applied practice

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

Part E. Research skills

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

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. Applied practice (12 or 18 points); and Part E. Research skills (24 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 Introduction to programming (Advanced)
• FIT1054 Fundamentals of algorithms (advanced)
• FIT1047 Introduction to computer systems, networks and security
• FIT1049 IT professional practice
• FIT1058 Foundations of computing
• FIT2004 Algorithms and data structures
• FIT2014 Theory of computation
• FIT2094 Databases

Parts B. Professional skills (12 points)

You must complete:

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

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.

Algorithms and software

You must complete:

a. The following five units (30 points):

• FIT2099 Object-oriented design and implementation
• FIT2102 Programming paradigms
• FIT2109 Computer science workshop
• FIT3143 Parallel computing
• FIT3155 Advanced data structures and algorithms

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

• FIT3080 Artificial intelligence
• FIT3139 Computational modelling and simulation
• FIT3146 Maker lab
• FIT3159 Computer architecture
• FIT3182 Big data management and processing
• MTH3170 Network mathematics
• MTH3175 Network mathematics (Advanced)

* If you are selected to participate in the IBL placement program you will replace this level 3 elective unit with 6 points of the 18 point IBL unit (FIT3045).

Cybersecurity

You must complete:

a. the following five units (30 points):

• FIT1057 Introduction to cybersecurity
• FIT1093 Cybersecurity tools and techniques
• FIT2173 Software security
• FIT3185 Privacy enhancing technologies
• FIT3186 Vulnerability analysis, response and mitigation

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

• FIT3168 IT forensics
• FIT3031 Network security

If you are selected to participate in the IBL placement program you will replace this Level 3 elective unit with 6 credit points of the 18 credit point IBL unit (FIT3045).

Data science and artificial intelligence

You must complete:

a. The following five units (30 points):

• FIT1043 Introduction to data science
• FIT2086 Modelling for data analysis
• FIT2179 Data visualisation
• FIT3080 Artificial intelligence
• FIT3152 Data analytics

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

• FIT3003 Business intelligence and data warehousing
• FIT3154 Advanced data analysis
• FIT3181 Deep learning
• FIT3182 Big data management and processing

* If you are selected to participate in the IBL placement program you will replace this level 3 elective unit with 6 points of the 18 point IBL unit (FIT3045).

**depending on the option selected in Part E.

Part D. Applied practice (12 or 18 points)

You must complete one of the following:

• FIT3161 Computer science project 1 and FIT3162 Computer science project 2
• FIT3163 Data science project 1 and FIT3164 Data science project 2
• FIT3188 Cybersecurity project 1 and FIT3189 Cybersecurity project 2
• FIT3045 Industry-based learning^ (18 points)

^The Industry based learning option is available only if you are selected to participate in the IBL placement program. You will replace the level 3 elective unit (6 points) from your specialisation: Advanced computer science or Data science, to make up the 18 points required. You must complete one unit over summer semester or overload in one semester by one unit in order to complete the degree within four years.

Part E. Research skills (24 points)#

You must complete an honours thesis (24 points):

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

#To progress to Honours you are required to maintain at least a distinction average (70%) throughout your course. If you do not meet this standard you will be required to transfer to C2001 Bachelor of Computer Science or C2000 Bachelor of Information Technology.

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 tool and indexes of units in the current edition of the Handbook. Majors and 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.