UWS: B Computing

This unit will cover basic mathematical concepts, such as algebraic, graphical, trigonometric and arithmetic skills that are needed in a variety of contexts. In any one semester, six areas on content will be considered from the following - Basic Numerical Operations, Basic Algebraic Operations, Functions and Graphs, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations and Quadratic Functions, Basic Trigonometry, Financial Mathematics and Basic Statistics. In addition to the mathematical content, students will be exposed to strategies that will help them to learn to study mathematics effectively and also to lessen any mathematical anxiety problems that they may experience.

As a first unit in computer programming, Programming Fundamentals covers basic computer architecture, basic data and file structures, concept of algorithms, programming constructs, programming language features and functions, program design, test design, basic documentation. A high level programming language is employed to solve problems in a structured manner.

This unit provide students with an introductory understanding of a range of communication theories and practices necessary for academic work and professional success.

This unit provides an introduction to systems analysis and design. Incorporating systems concepts, theories and methodologies, this unit provides students with elementary problem solving experience in computerised information systems. Students will gain the ability to derive systems requirements from problem definitions and to produce system models using process, data, object and network modelling. Design and implementation issues include, (but may not be limited to), elementary database design, input, output and user interface design and prototyping. Students are also introduced to roles and responsibilities in information systems development, selection of packaged solutions and the principles of software quality.

This unit aims to give students the ability to recognise and expound about business information systems with regard to type, function, and purpose, and the frameworks within which these systems are used. Topics in this unit include computing fundamentals; computer hardware and software; computers and society; use of business application packages â€“ spreadsheets, word processing, database, graphics; organisational information systems; information systems development and acquisition; data and knowledge management; electronic commerce, internets, extranets; networking; enterprise-wide information systems; the internet and information systems security; privacy, ethics and computer crime.

This introductory unit in computer systems networking covers basic networking topologies, Ethernet fundamentals, ISO OSI layers, routing, switching and sub-nets, the Internet architecture, networking protocols including TCP/IP, important networking devices such as repeaters, hubs, bridges, routers and gateways, basic management and security issues. This unit is also the first of three units which will prepare students for industry based networking certification.

The main purpose of this unit is to provide students with an opportunity to gain a basic knowledge of database design and development including data modeling methods and techniques and database implementation using a database management system

Analysing and modeling requirements using the object-oriented (OO) approach is the core strength of this unit. The Unified Modifying Language (version 2.0) is used as a modeling standard for creating OO models in the problem space. This unit consolidates and extends the knowledge gained by students in Introduction to Analysis and Design unit and applies it to practical OO analysis work through a case study.

Building on material covered in Programming Fundamentals and Systems Analysis and Design, this unit introduces students to the basics of developing interactive and dynamic web applications. The unit covers web site design, web site development, user-centred design, web page accessibility, XHTML, CSS, client side and server side scripting, database interaction, web site promotion (SEO), legal issues and web security.

A key component to the discipline of Information Systems is the understanding and the advocacy of the user in the development of IT applications and systems. IT graduates must develop a mind-set that recognizes the importance of users and organizational contexts. They must employ user-centered methodologies in the development, evaluation, and deployment of IT applications and systems. This unit examines human-computer interaction in order to develop and evaluate software, websites and information systems that not only look professional but are usable, functional and accessible.

This unit builds on the programming foundations laid in Programming Fundamentals. Utilising an object-oriented language it continues the development of programming skills and methodologies required for professional programming and for further study in later computing units. Topics covered include object-oriented programming techniques of encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism, programming concepts including pointers, references, multi-dimensional arrays, strings, files, sorting and searching, and the fundamental abstract data types linked list, stack and queue.

This Level 1 unit introduces the basic concepts and techniques of statistics that are particularly relevant to problem solving in business. It also provides a sound base for more advanced study in statistics and forecasting in subsequent sessions. Topics include: presentation of data; descriptive statistics; the role of uncertainty in business decision making; hypothesis testing; and basic forecasting.

In this unit students will learn how to build a Web based information systems using programming, database, networking and web technologies that they have learned in other units. Students will learn about various web system architectures and development methodologies that can be used when developing web based information systems. Students will also learn about how to model, design and implement different aspects of Web based information systems.

This unit identifies and analyses various principles and technologies related to security and privacy and discusses practical application of those principles and technologies in securing computer systems. It is designed to provide basic computer security skills required by any discipline that uses computer systems and also lays a solid foundation for individuals who are keen to pursue a career in computer security. In particular, but not limited to, this unit aims at the implementation and management of security and privacy policies of organisations within the standards and legal framework that is also applicable to the Australian standards.

This unit provides a detailed overview of system implementation stages taking into the consideration steps necessary to place the newly developed system into production, educate consumers and system users, confirm accuracy of data needed for the systemâ€™s accurate functionality and assure that all business functions that interact with the system are performing properly. In addition, this unit aims to portray how project management skills are crucial in timely production and delivery of the final product. At the completion of the successful deployment system is usually transitioned to system support and maintenance therefore the overview of the transition process is also portrayed.

This unit builds on programming principles to develop commercial software applications based on commonly used off the shelf packages such as Word, Excel and Access. It covers the development of programs for these packages using macro programming techniques and programming language such as Visual Basic. It provides a solid understanding along with practical applications of macro and scripting language usage, development, debugging, security and the possible application interactions. It is a preparation and foundation for the scripting and macros as found in IS systems/packages from operating system shell scripts, web applications to database stored procedures.

This is a final year unit that builds on foundation and intermediate computing units by preparing students for professional experience. The unit covers ethics and professional code of practice, legal, social and environmental issues relating to computing, I.T. and communications technology, security, privacy and freedom of information, team dynamics, project scheduling and management, project cost/benefit analysis, and quality assurance for systems and applications. This unit is a pre-requisite to the capstone project, covered in Professional Experience.

This unit provides a means for students to explore the changing nature of information systems in organisations. Specifically, the role that emerging technologies play in both the design and development of information systems is critically examined. Students will be able to research and assess new technologies, as well as develop and implement effective strategies for achieving change in information systems based on the feasibility of the introduction of the technologies.

This unit acts as a single capstone unit and through the medium of a specific project, provides opportunities for students to experience the range of issues in requirements definition, analysis, design and implementation, relating to the development of a software product.