FIT3161 Computer science project 1
Faculty of Information Technology
FIT3161 Computer science project 1 is a level 3, 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 FIT2004, FIT2099, (FIT1049 or FIT1055) and (FIT2094 or FIT3171) and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- No exam
- 7 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review FIT3161.
Requisites
Before FIT3161
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After FIT3161
1 unit list FIT3161 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prerequisite: Must have completed at least 72 credit points of study, including 60 credit points of FIT units.
Overview
This unit provides practical experience in researching, designing, developing and testing a substantial computer science project. Projects are generally software-based, although sometimes they may involve hardware development or investigation of theory. Projects cover the whole process of software (or hardware) development, from analysis through design to implementation and testing. Comprehensive written documentation on the project is required. You are assigned in groups to a project supervisor. You will be expected to meet weekly with your project supervisor during formal lab sessions, and attend 2-hour project management seminars during the first six weeks. Other workshops relevant to research and development of the project will be held in the latter six weeks.
The unit is the first part of a 12-credit point project sequence; the second part and exit point for the project is FIT3162.
Offerings in 2026
| 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
- Individual Vlog ReflectionsArtefact10%
- Group Project Meeting Minutes & VideosWritten15%
- Group Mid-Semester Project PitchPresentation25%
- Individual Critique of Other Final PresentationsDemonstration5%
- Individual Critique of Other Group PitchesDemonstration5%
- Group Final Proposal PresentationPresentation30%
- Project Proposal ReportWritten10%
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
Recognise the factors essential for professional management of software projects, including ethical conduct, teamwork and interpersonal communication
- 2
Construct a project proposal
- 3
Evaluate research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis to select those appropriate for a particular project
- 4
Identify and analyse relevant research literature as part of the process of developing solutions to problems
- 5
Develop effective collaboration skills to operate effectively as a member of a development and research team
- 6
Communicate the deliverables of a project in written and oral form to an appropriate audience
Workload and teaching
- Studio activities36 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based 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
Required resources
Learning resources, including project specifications and project reading material, will be provided by the lecturers on Moodle. In addition, any research papers pertaining to the project will be available from the Monash Library.
Technology resources
You must regularly check Moodle for announcements.
Software for coding and implementation of the project are freely available / downloadable in student labs.
Where it fits
FIT3161 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Abhinav Dhall
- Mr Soo Wooi King
- Associate Professor Hamid Rezatofighi
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Markus Wagner
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for FIT3161?
You need FIT2004, FIT2099, (FIT1049 or FIT1055) and (FIT2094 or FIT3171) before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after FIT3161?
FIT3161 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including FIT3162.
When is FIT3161 offered?
In 2026, FIT3161 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is FIT3161?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does FIT3161 have an exam?
No. FIT3161 has 7 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include FIT3161?
FIT3161 is part of Computational science.