FIT2085 Introduction to computer science for engineers
Faculty of Information Technology
FIT2085 Introduction to computer science for engineers is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2021 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs ENG1003 and ENG1060 and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 3 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2021
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.
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Requisites
Before FIT2085
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After FIT2085
2 units list FIT2085 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit introduces students to core problem-solving, analytical skills, and methodologies useful for developing flexible, robust, and maintainable software. In doing this it covers a range of conceptual levels, from high level algorithms and data-structures, down to the machine models and simple assembly language programming. Topics include data types; data structures; algorithms; algorithmic complexity; recursion; and translation to assembly language.
Offerings in 2021
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Interview PracsOtherThreshold hurdle26%
- Solo/Colab PracsOtherThreshold hurdle14%
- Scheduled final assessment (3 hours and 10 minutes)ExamThreshold hurdle60%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Translate problem statements into algorithms and implement them in a high level programming language;
- 2
Summarise and compare the properties of basic abstract data types such as stacks, queues, lists, trees, priority queues, heaps and hash tables;
- 3
Theoretically and experimentally evaluate different implementations of basic abstract data types;
- 4
Analyse algorithms by determining their best case and worst case big O time complexity;
- 5
Implement and evaluate different strategies for solving a given problem;
- 6
Recognise the limitations - both theoretical and practical - of algorithms;
- 7
De-construct simple high-level code into assembly code such as MIPS R20
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories24 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning and online engagement.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
For algorithms and data structures:
- B. Miller and D. Ranum - Problem solving with algorithms and data structures using Python.
- M.T. Goodrich, R. Tamassia, M.H. Goldwasser - Data Structures and Algorithms in Python
For MIPS
- R.L. Britton - MIPS Assembly Language Programming
For Python:
- Dive into Python 3: http://getpython3.com/diveintopython3/
- Python 3 tutorial: http://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/
- Interactive Python: http://interactivepython.org/runestone/static/thinkcspy/index.html
- Algorithms in Python: http://interactivepython.org/runestone/static/pythonds/index.html
Technology resources
Python 3: This will be our programming language. Please make sure you get at least version 3.3 https://www.python.org/downloads
PyCharm: A good Python IDE. http://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/
MARS (MIPS Assembler and Runtime Simulator): An IDE for MIPS Assembly Language Programming. http://courses.missouristate.edu/kenvollmar/mars/
Where it fits
FIT2085 is part of 1 area of study in the 2021 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Pierre Le Bodic
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Muhammad Fermi Pasha
Common questions
What can I take after FIT2085?
FIT2085 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including FIT3175 and FIT4042. Those lead on to 3 units in all.
When is FIT2085 offered?
In 2021, FIT2085 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is FIT2085?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does FIT2085 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include FIT2085?
FIT2085 is part of Software engineering.