UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

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 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs (FIT1058 or MAT1830); and (FIT1045; FIT1053; or (ENG1013 and ENG1014)) and unlocks 11 units, leading on to 43 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 1, Semester 2
Clayton, Malaysia
Assessment
No exam
7 tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

The 2027 handbook has no page for FIT2085. This is its 2026 entry, the latest one.

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Requisites

Overview

Semester 2: Data structures and algorithms are the tools that allow programs to solve problems efficiently, reliably and at scale. This unit develops the core algorithmic thinking and implementation skills needed to move from a problem statement to a well-structured computational solution. You will learn to represent problems using appropriate data structures, design algorithms that use those structures effectively, and reason about how choices affect correctness, performance and maintainability. The unit covers recursion, introductory complexity analysis, and structures such as stacks, queues, trees, heaps and hash tables. You will evaluate algorithm behaviour both theoretically and experimentally, building a practical understanding of time, space and trade-offs. Through structured programming activities, you will strengthen your ability to design, implement, test and explain algorithmic solutions. The unit builds disciplined habits of precise reasoning, careful coding, performance awareness and reflection, preparing you for later study in advanced algorithms, software design, artificial intelligence, systems and computational problem solving.

Semester 1: 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 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus
First semesterMalaysiaOn campus
Second semesterClaytonOn campus
Second semesterMalaysiaOn campus

Assessment

  • Learning PortfolioPortfolioCompetency hurdle
    100%
  • Theory testQuiz / TestCompetency hurdle
    -
  • Coding Project 1Project
    30%
  • Theory Test 1Quiz / TestCompetency hurdle
    -
  • Coding Project 2Project
    40%
  • Theory Test 2Quiz / TestCompetency hurdle
    -
  • Weekly QuizQuiz / Test
    30%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Semester 2: Analyse computational problems to identify suitable algorithmic strategies, data representations and performance considerations.

    Semester 1: Translate problem statements into algorithms and implement them in a high level programming language;

  2. 2

    Semester 2: Demonstrate understanding of data structures and algorithms by implementing, using, and testing them in ways that support correctness, readability and maintainability.

    Semester 1: Determine appropriate basic abstract data types, including; stacks, queues, lists, binary trees, priority queues, heaps and hash tables; for specific contexts;

  3. 3

    Semester 2: Design modular algorithmic solutions using appropriate abstract data types, including lists, stacks, queues, trees, heaps and hash tables.

    Semester 1: Theoretically and experimentally evaluate different implementations of basic abstract data types;

  4. 4

    Semester 2: Demonstrate awareness and working knowledge of relevant tools and technologies, and use them effectively to increase productivity and improve quality, such as IDEs, AI, and Version Control Systems.

    Semester 1: Analyse the efficiency of algorithms by determining their best-case and worst-case big-O time complexity;

  5. 5

    Semester 2: Plan, monitor, and reflect on the development of your algorithmic thinking and implementation practice through focused problem solving, feedback and iterative improvement.

  6. 6

    Semester 2: Communicate algorithmic reasoning and correctness, implementation choices, performance trade-offs and testing evidence using appropriate technical terminology and representations.

Workload and teaching

  • Workshops24 hours
  • Applied sessions24 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

1. Programmer's Field Guide: https://programmers.guide for Learning to Program in C++ 2. Introduction to Algorithms by Thomas Cormen, Charles Leiserson, Ronald Rivest, and Clifford Stein as a reference book. 3. Visualisation of data structures and algorithms covered in the unit: https://www.cs.usfca.edu/~galles/visualization/Algorithms.html

Where it fits

FIT2085 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Ali Toosi
Allen Zhong
Unit Coordinators
Brendon Taylor
Dr Muhammad Fermi Pasha
Tien Tsin Wong

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for FIT2085?

You need (FIT1058 or MAT1830); and (FIT1045; FIT1053; or (ENG1013 and ENG1014)) before you enrol.

What can I take after FIT2085?

FIT2085 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 11 units, including FIT2004, FIT2014, FIT2102, FIT2109, FIT3139 and FIT3159. Those lead on to 43 units in all.

When is FIT2085 offered?

In 2026, 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 7 assessment tasks and no exam.

Which majors and minors include FIT2085?

FIT2085 is part of Software engineering.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
2
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Information Technology
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available
Handbook years
2020202120222023202420252026