S3003 Bachelor of Applied Data Science Advanced (Honours)

Structure

The course develops through theme studies in data challenges, techniques drawn from information technologies and mathematics, and applied studies. You will learn to apply the knowledge you gain in specialised information technology and mathematics studies to a series of projects. These will come together in the Honours research project unit in the fourth year of the course. You will also develop discipline specific skills in selected areas of study.

Part A. Data challenges  (36 credit points)
These studies will develop your analytical skills and advance your ability to apply key information technology and mathematical concepts and methods. These skills will be elaborated through studio-based learning using authentic case studies sourced from industry partners, and with examples drawn from STEM areas, business, law, the humanities and social sciences. Working in small teams or as individuals, you will realise the application of information technology and mathematical knowledge through authentic projects. Through designed experiences, you will learn to integrate a broad range of skills including collaborative work practices, communication, leadership and entrepreneurship to make you ready to approach the professions of the future.

Part B. Techniques for data science (72 credit points)
Through this theme you will gain the technical foundation that underpins this program. You will acquire knowledge and skills in mathematics and the capacity to tackle challenging problems in a variety of situations. Through core data science studies, you will also attain the skills needed to effectively use, develop and manage complex data. These two areas are critical for tackling the diverse problems encountered in Part A of the course.

Part C. Applied studies (24 credit points)
These studies will provide the foundation required to advance cross-disciplinary analytical thought. You will undertake a sequence of study in a discipline. The selection of studies available will ensure you can explore new and diverse areas and develop core strengths in studies that relate to data applications. In addition to the disciplinary expertise, you will develop an appreciation for the culture of your selected discipline, the development of ideas in a given subject area, and the contexts in which this is applied. Data applications relating to these subjects can then be incorporated through the learning experiences across Parts A and D.

Part D. Advanced practice (36 credit points)
This is the culmination of the course. You will synthesise the knowledge acquired during the program in an individual research project. You will be able to apply your skills to a real life project sourced from a variety of sectors. In addition, you will acquire valuable research skills and be able to demonstrate your capacity for research with some level of independence. The project will be supported by research training and you will expand your knowledge of data science by gaining exposure to cutting edge techniques through an advanced unit in data science.

Part E. Free elective (24 credit points)

This will enable you to further develop your technical skills or extend your knowledge in your selected applied studies. Alternatively you can select units from across the university in which you are eligible to enrol.

Course requirements

No more than 10 units (60 credit points) are to be completed at level 1 in the course.

Progression to fourth year

In order to progress to the fourth year, you must normally complete 144 credit points comprising 132 points as indicated in parts A, B and C and 12 credit points from Part E.  You must also achieve a minimum of a distinction average (70%) in 36 credit points of core level 3 units. If you do not meet the course requirements you will be awarded the Bachelor of Applied Data Science.

Course progression map

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

The course comprises 192 points of which 168 points are focussed on Applied Data Science.

The course develops through theme studies in: A. Data Challenges (36 points), B. Techniques for data science (72 points), C. Applied studies (24 points), D. Advanced Practice (36 points) and E. Free electives (24 points).

No more than 10 units (60 points) are to be completed at level 1 in the course.

In order to progress to the fourth year, you must normally complete 144 points comprising 132 points as indicated in parts A, B and C and 12 points from part E.  You must also achieve a minimum of a distinction average (70%) in 36 points of core level 3 units. If you do not meet the course requirements you will be awarded the Bachelor of Applied Data Science.

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Data challenges (36 points)

You complete:

• ADS1001 Data challenges 1 
• ADS1002 Data challenges 2
• ADS2001 Data challenges 3
• ADS2002 Data challenges 4
• ADS3001 Advanced data challenges (12 points)

Part B. Techniques for data science (72 points)

You complete

(i) Six Information Technology units (36 points) from the following:

• FIT1045 Algorithms and programming fundamentals in python
• FIT1008 Introduction to computer science
• MAT1830 Discrete mathematics for computer science
• FIT2086 Modelling for data analysis
• FIT3154 Advanced data analysis
• FIT3181 Deep learning

and

(ii) Six Mathematical Science units (36 points) from the following

• MTH1020 Analysis of change^
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling or MTH1035 Techniques for modelling (advanced)
• MTH2019 Multivariate mathematics for data science
• MTH2222 Maths of uncertainty or MTH2051 Introduction to computational mathematics
• MTH3241 Random processes in the sciences and engineering or MTH3320 Computational linear algebra
• MTH3330 Optimisation and operations research

* If you completed VCE Specialist mathematics and achieved a raw score of 30 or higher replace the first three units in the sequence with the following:

• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling or MTH1035 Techniques for modelling (advanced)
• MTH2010 Multivariable calculus or MTH2015 Multivariable calculus (advanced)
• MTH2021 Linear algebra with applications or MTH2025 Linear algebra (advanced)

Note 1: Students admitted into the course from Gaokao must complete MTH1010 Functions and their applications prior to MTH1020 Analysis of change. MTH1010 will count as an elective.

Part C. Applied studies (24 points)

You complete 24 points of complementary studies from a defined discipline area listed below. Normally, you complete:

• 2 units at level 1 (12 points)
• 2 units at level 2, 3 or 4 (12 points)

Anatomy and developmental biology

• BIO1011 Blueprints for life
• BIO1022 Life on earth or BIO1042 Life in the environment
• DEV2011 Early human development from cells to tissues
• DEV2022 Human anatomy and development: Tissues and body systems

Applied and statistical mathematics

• MTH2132 The nature and beauty of mathematics
• STA1010 Statistical methods for science

two of:

• MTH2222  Mathematics of uncertainty
• MTH2232 Mathematical statistics
• MTH2032 Differential equations 
• MTH2051 Introduction to computational mathematics

Astronomy

No more than one of

• ASP1010 Earth to cosmos - introductory astronomy
• ASP1022 Life in the universe – astrobiology

And one of

• PHS1011 Classical physics and relativity
• PHS1001 Foundations physics
• PHS1002 Physics for engineering

And

• ASP2011 Astronomy
• ASP2062 Introduction to astrophysics

Biochemical science

• BIO1011 Blueprints for life or CHM1011 Chemistry 1 or CHM1051 Chemistry 1 Advanced
• BIO1022 Life on earth or CHM1022 Chemistry 2 or CHM1052 Chemistry 2 Advanced
• BCH2011 Structure and functions of cellular biomolecules 
• BCH2022 Metabolic basis of human diseases

Biological science and genetics

• BIO1011 Blueprints for life 
• BIO1022 Life on earth or BIO1042 Life in the environment 

One of:

• BIO2011 Ecology and biodiversity and BIO2040 Conservation biology
• GEN2041 Foundations of genetics and GEN2052 Genomics and population genetics

Business analytics

• ETC1000 Business and economic statistics
• ETC1010 Data modelling and computing
• ETC2420 Statistical thinking
• ETC3550 Applied forecasting for business and economics

Business information systems

• FIT2001 Systems development
• FIT2094 Databases
• FIT3174 IT strategy and governance
• FIT3138 Real time enterprise systems

Chemical sciences

• CHM1011 Chemistry 1 or CHM1051 Chemistry 1 Advanced
• CHM1022 Chemistry 2 or CHM1052 Chemistry 2 Advanced
• CHM2911 Inorganic and organic chemistry
• CHM2922 Spectroscopy and analytical chemistry

Computer systems engineering

• ENG1002 Engineering design: cleaner, safer, smarter 
• ECE2072 Digital systems 
• ECE3141 Information and networks 
• ECE4076 Computer vision 

Crime and society

• ATS1421 The complexity of crime
• ATS1423 Punishment, courts and corrections

Two of:

• ATS2056 Crime and inequality
• ATS2456 Cybercrime
• ATS2457 Crime, media and culture
• ATS2458 Policing
• ATS2465/ATS3465 Human rights in the criminal justice sphere
• ATS2723 Social research methods

Cybersecurity

• FIT1047 Introduction to computer systems, networks and security
• FIT2093 Introduction to cyber security
• FIT3168 IT forensics
• FIT3173 Software security

Digital humanities

• ATS1208 Digital humanities: Concepts, tools and debates

One of:

• ATS1046 Composition and music technology 1: Introduction to composition genres
• FIT1033 Foundations of 3D
• FIT1052 Digital futures: IT shaping society

Two of:

• ATS2329 Project in applied digital humanities
• ATS2280 Video games: Industry and culture
• ATS2305 Digital humanities: Expanding research paradigms
• ATS2672 Exploring texts with computers
• ATS2931 Making history at the museum
• AHT2602 Art criticism and curatorship
• CDS2523 Creative visualisation

Discrete Mathematics

• MTH2132 The nature and beauty of mathematics
• STA1010 Statistical methods for science
• MTH2121 Algebra and number theory
• MTH3150 Algebra and number theory 2 or MTH3170 Network mathematics

Drugs and society: an introduction to pharmacology

• BIO1011 Blueprints for life
• BIO1022 Life on earth 
• PHY2011 Neuroscience of communication, sensory and control systems
• PHA2022 Drugs and society

Earth and atmospheric sciences

• ATS1310 Extreme earth! Natural hazards and human vulnerability or EAE1011 Earth, atmosphere and environment 1
• EAE1022 Earth, atmosphere and environment 2

Two of:

• EAE2111 Introduction to climate science
• EAE2122 Introduction to atmospheric physics and dynamics
• EAE2322 Environmental earth science
• EAE2511 Deep earth processes
• EAE2522 Sediments and basins

Geography and the environment

• ATS1309 The geography of global challenges
• ATS1310 Extreme earth! Natural hazards and human vulnerability

Two of:

• ATS2547 Cities and sustainability
• ATS2548 Environmental policy and management
• EAE2011 Environmental problem solving and visualisation
• EAE2322 Environmental earth science

Interactive media

• FIT1046 Interactive media foundations
• FIT2091 Interactive media studio 1
• FIT2092 Interactive media studio 2

One of:

• FIT1033 Foundations of 3D
• FIT2098 Virtual and augmented reality
• FIT3157 Advanced web design

Introduction to the microbial world

• BIO1011 Blueprints for life 
• BIO1022 Life on earth 
• MIC2011 Introduction to microbiology and microbial biotechnology
• MIC2022 Microbes in health and disease

Introduction to molecular and cell biology

• BIO1011 Blueprints for life 
• BIO1022 Life on earth 
• MCB2011 Molecular biology and the cell
• MCB2022 The dynamic cell

Introduction to physiology

• BIO1011 Blueprints for life or CHM1011 Chemistry 1 or CHM1051 Chemistry 1 Advanced or PHS1001 Foundations of physics or PHS1011 Classical physics and relativity 
• BIO1022 Life on earth or CHM1022 Chemistry 2 or CHM1052 Chemistry 2 Advanced or PHS1022 Fields and quantum physics or PHS1002 Physics for engineering
• PHY2011 Neuroscience of communication, sensory and control systems
• PHY2032 Endocrine control systems or PHY2042 Body systems physiology

Language and society

• ATS1338 Language and communication: Sounds and words
• ATS1339 Language and communication: Putting words together

Two of:

• ATS2271 Beowulf: An interdisciplinary approach
• ATS2667 Language across time
• ATS2668 Structure and the languages of the world
• ATS2671 Managing intercultural communication
• ATS2672 Exploring texts with computers
• ATS2676 Sociolinguistics
• ATS2681 Structure of English
• ATS3762 Digital discourse
• ATS2769 English as an international language
• ATS2770 English as an international language: Language and globalisation

Marketing science

• MKC1200 Principles of marketing
• MKC2130 Marketing decision analysis
• MKC2500 Marketing research analysis
• MKC3500 Survey data analysis

Mobile apps development

• FIT2081 Mobile application development
• FIT2095 e-Business software technologies
• FIT3175 Usability
• FIT3178 iOS app development

Physics 

• PHS1011 Classical physics and relativity or PHS1001 Foundations physics
• PHS1022 Fields and quantum physics or PHS1002 Physics for engineering

Two units:

• PHS2061 Quantum and thermal physics or PHS2062 Electromagnetism and optics or PHS2081 Atomic, nuclear and condensed matter physics

Social research

• ATS1365 Introduction to sociology
• ATS1366 Big ideas for better futures

Two of:

• ATS2560 Gender, theory and society
• ATS2561 Sex and the media
• ATS2716 Cultural diversity and identity
• ATS2718 Families, relationships and society
• ATS2720 Youth, culture and social change
• ATS2723 Social research methods
• ATS2727 Men, masculinity and society

Software development

• FIT1050 Web fundamentals
• FIT1051 Programming fundamentals in Java

Two of the following units:

• FIT2001 Systems development
• FIT2094 Databases
• FIT2104 Web database interface
• FIT2081 Mobile applications development

Part D. Advanced Practice (36 points)

You complete 36 points:

• ADS4001 Research methods
• ADS4010 Frontiers of data science
• ADS4100 Industry research project (24 points)