Global Utilities

La Trobe University
University Handbook 2012

Graduate Diploma in Computer Science

Course code/s: SGCS - Melbourne

This course provides a sound professional education in computing for graduates of disciplines other than computer science. Theoretical and applied studies prepare graduates to work as ICT professionals or to apply skills and knowledge in computing to their own professions.

This course is recommended, not only for those who wish to train for a career with computers, but also for anyone who would like to embark upon further studies which are relevant to their employment and to contemporary society. By making an appropriate choice of subjects, a student may pursue a course oriented towards theoretical, scientific, commercial or educational computing. Thus, the course is well suited to the prospective computer practitioner and to the teacher who wishes to become involved in the teaching and/or use of computing in schools. The Graduate Diploma in Computer Science provides an excellent springboard for further postgraduate study in computer science and it forms the first year of the Master of Information Technology course.

Upon completion of this course students should possess:

  • high level skills in developing software using high level languages;
  • skills in applying object-oriented approach to system analysis, design and implementation;
  • a comprehensive understanding of core areas of Information Technology in the ICT industry and
  • an appreciation of pertinent social, legal and ethical issues faced by today’s computing professional.

Admission requirements

Applicants are normally required to have obtained a pass degree in a discipline other than computer science. Consideration may be given to people with other tertiary qualifications, provided that they have relevant work experience. No previous knowledge of computer science is required or assumed. The course does, however, presume a level of mathematical knowledge and ability equivalent at least to VCE mathematics. Preference is given to applicants who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement and who have successfully completed at least year 12 mathematics.

Course structure

This is a one-year full-time course offered over two teaching periods. The course is also offered part-time and is normally completed over three years or six teaching periods. However, part-time students may complete the course over two years or may individually tailor their program of study to suit their own requirements.

Students complete subjects totalling 120 credit points (60 credit points of core subjects and 60 credit points of elective subjects).

Professional recognition

Satisfactory completion of the course meets the associated level requirements for membership of the Australian Computer Society.

Course structure

Core subjects (60 credit points)

 

Teaching period Subject name Subject code Credit points
TE-SEM-1 or
TE-SEM-2
Object-oriented Programming Fundamentals CSE1OOF 15
TE-SEM-1 Algorithms and Data Structures CSE2ALG 15
TE-SEM-1 Discrete Mathematics MAT1DM 15
TE-SEM-1 or
TE-SEM-2
Intermediate Object-oriented Programming CSE1IOO 15
Elective subjects (60 credit points)

Some subjects have prerequisites.

Students must choose four subjects from the following list of (level 1, 2, or 3) subjects:

 

Teaching period Subject name Subject code Credit points
TE-SEM-1 Artificial Intelligence – Logic and Reasoning CSE3ALR 15
TE-SEM-1 C Programming for Engineers and Scientists CSE1CES 15
TE-SEM-1 Computational Intelligence CSE3CI 15
TE-SEM-1 Computer System Architecture CSE2CSA 15
TE-SEM-1 Database Fundamentals CSE2DBF 15
TE-SEM-1 Database Management Systems CSE3DMS 15
TE-SEM-1 Visual Information Systems CSE3VIS 15
TE-SEM-1 Intermediate Network Engineering CSE3INE 15
TE-SEM-1 Internet Client Engineering CSE2ICE 15
TE-SEM-1 Network Engineering Fundamentals CSE2NEF 15
TE-SEM-1 System Design and Methodologies CSE3SDM 15
TE-SEM-1 System Testing and Quality CSE2STQ 15
TE-SEM-2 Artificial Intelligence – Fundamentals CSE2AIF 15
TE-SEM-2 Professional Environment CSE3PE 15
TE-SEM-2 Games Programming Technology CSE2GAM 15
TE-SEM-2 Metrics, Quality and Reliability CSE3MQR 15
TE-SEM-2 Networks Systems and Web Security CSE3NSW 15
TE-SEM-2 Object-oriented Programming using C++ CSE1CPP 15
TE-SEM-2 Operating Systems CSE3OSS 15
TE-SEM-2 System Design Engineering Fundamentals CSE2DES 15
TE-SEM-2 Web Applications Engineering CSE3WAE 15

Please note: Some of these subjects may not be offered in the current year. For a full description of subjects, including the subject name, subject code, credit points, campus/location, teaching period and availability, subject coordinator, class requirements, assessment, prerequisites and readings, please click on the appropriate Subject Code or refer to the Subject/Unit Database at www.latrobe.edu.au/udb_public.