C3001 Bachelor of Computer Science Advanced (Honours)

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

Part A. Foundation studies

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

Part B. Professional practice studies

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 studies

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

Part D. Applied studies

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 studies

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 studies

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. Foundation studies (48 points); Part B. Professional practice studies (12 points), Part C. Specialist studies (42 or 48 points) and Part D. Applied studies (12 or 18 points); and Part E. Research studies (24 points); and Part F. Free elective studies (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. Foundation studies (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 practice studies (12 points)

You must complete:

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

Part C. Specialist studies (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
• FIT3196 Computer architecture and networks
• 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).

Artificial intelligence

You must complete:

a. The following five units (30 points):

• FIT1061 Introduction to artificial intelligence
• FIT2111 Symbolic artificial intelligence and machine learning
• FIT2112 Deep learning
• FIT3191 Generative artificial intelligence
• FIT3203 Intelligent agents

b. One of the following elective units (6 points)*:

• FIT3192 Emerging and advanced topics in artificial intelligence
• FIT3183 Malicious AI and dark side security

*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

You must complete:

a. The following four units (24 points):

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

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

• FIT3003 Business intelligence and data warehousing
• FIT3154 Advanced data analysis
• FIT3181 Deep learning
• FIT3182 Big data management and processing
• FIT3183 Malicious AI and dark side security

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

Part D. Applied studies (12 or 18 points)

You must complete a full-year project (12 points) relevant to your specialisation, or the industry-based learning placement (18 points).

Algorithms and software

• FIT3161 Computer science project 1
• FIT3162 Computer science project 2

Artificial intelligence

• FIT3193 Artificial intelligence project 1
• FIT3194 Artificial intelligence project 2

Cybersecurity

• FIT3188 Cybersecurity project 1
• FIT3189 Cybersecurity project 2

Data science

• FIT3163 Data science project 1
• FIT3164 Data science project 2

OR

Industry-based learning placement (18 points)

FIT3045 is available only if you are selected to participate in the IBL placement program.

If you are selected to participate in the IBL placement program you will complete FIT3045 Industry-based learning (18 credit points) and FIT2108 Industry-based learning (0 credit points); or FIT3045, FIT2108 and one of FIT3201 Industry-based learning onboarding (8 weeks) (0 credit points) or FIT3202 Industry-based learning onboarding (4 weeks) (0 credit points) (depending on the duration of your placement). This will replace the Applied studies project units and the Level 3 elective unit in your specialisation.

All students in the IBL program must complete a unit over summer semester or overload in one semester by one unit in order to complete the degree within four years (this is because you only complete 18 credit points of credit during the IBL placement semester). You must have completed at least three semesters of your course before starting your IBL placement.

• FIT3045 Industry-based learning (18 points)
• FIT2108 Industry based learning seminar (0 points)
• FIT3201 Industry-based learning onboarding (8 weeks) (0 points)
• FIT3202 Industry-based learning onboarding (4 weeks) (0 points)

Part E. Research studies (24 points)#

You must complete the following units.

Note: 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.

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

Part F. Free elective studies (48 points)

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

Note: If you are doing the Cybersecurity specialisation you cannot do the Cybersecurity minor.

To enhance your IT studies the Faculty recommends the following minors and elective units which can be taken as part of your free electives. Other IT minors are also available, check the Faculty Handbook pages.

Note: If you are doing the Cybersecurity specialisation you cannot do the Cybersecurity minor.

Discipline elective studies