FIT2085 Fundamentals of algorithms for engineers
Faculty of Information Technology
FIT2085 Fundamentals of algorithms for engineers is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs (ENG1014 and ENG1013); or (FIT1045 or FIT1053) and unlocks 9 units, leading on to 36 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review FIT2085.
Requisites
Before FIT2085
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After FIT2085
9 units list FIT2085 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- FIT2004Algorithms and data structuresRated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 review
- FIT2014Theory of computationRated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 review
- FIT3139Computational modelling and simulationNo reviews yet
- FIT3159Computer architectureNo reviews yet
- FIT3175UsabilityNo reviews yet
- FIT3178iOS app developmentNo reviews yet
- FIT3179Data visualisationNo reviews yet
- FIT4042Industry-based learning placementNo reviews yet
Overview
This unit introduces you 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 fundamental algorithms and data structures, down to their efficient implementation as well as complexity. Topics include data types, data structures, algorithms, algorithmic complexity, recursion, and their practical applications.
Offerings in 2025
| 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
- Assignment 1Artefact35%
- Assignment 2Artefact35%
- Assignment 3Artefact15%
- Weekly QuizzesQuiz / Test15%
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
Determine appropriate basic abstract data types, including; stacks, queues, lists, binary trees, priority queues, heaps and hash tables; for specific contexts;
- 3
Theoretically and experimentally evaluate different implementations of basic abstract data types;
- 4
Analyse the efficiency of algorithms by determining their best-case and worst-case big-O time complexity;
- 5
Work in teams to analyse algorithms and write programs.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions24 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
This unit has a requirement of 1-2 hours per week of asynchronous 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 teaching activities.
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
- Thomas Cormen, Charles Leiserson, Ronald Rivest, and Clifford Stein - Introduction to Algorithms
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/
Where it fits
FIT2085 is part of 1 area of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Muhammad Fermi Pasha
- Tan Hui Xuan
- Yasmeen George
- Brendon Taylor
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Markus Wagner
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for FIT2085?
You need (ENG1014 and ENG1013); or (FIT1045 or FIT1053) before you enrol.
What can I take after FIT2085?
FIT2085 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 9 units, including FIT2004, FIT2014, FIT3139, FIT3159, FIT3175 and FIT3178. Those lead on to 36 units in all.
When is FIT2085 offered?
In 2025, 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?
No. FIT2085 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include FIT2085?
FIT2085 is part of Software engineering.