UC Unit Reviews

This unit provides an introduction and overview to computer systems, information technology and software technology from a technological point of view. The unit covers the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computer science, including Boolean logic, an overview of computer architecture as well as the fundamental concepts of modern programming languages. Students will learn basic web programming and will develop small event-driven applications using a Graphical User Interface. Those parts of the software engineering process, in particular testing and debugging, which are applicable to an introductory unit are incorporated. The unit also includes an introduction to graphics and relational databases. The unit finishes with an introduction to human-computer interaction.

This unit introduces object-oriented programming concepts, focusing on solving real-world problems using software coding techniques involving object-oriented paradigm. This allows creation of reusable, robust and reliable software applications and tools, due to the use of sound object-oriented programming constructs, such as objects and classes along with established procedural programming principles involving variable declarations and assignments, arithmetic and logic statements, conditional and repetition statements, use of functions, lists and collections. Further, the unit emphasises on conformance to best-practice object-oriented programming approaches for creating software applications, involving inheritance, polymorphism and encapsulation constructs, coupled with handling of events and exceptions, creation of component libraries, building user interaction with file input/output and database connectivity, console and graphical user interface development, and performing basic testing and validation for robust and reliable software creation. This unit is co-taught with unit 8995 Software Technology 1 G.

This unit introduces a practical approach to the development and design of database systems. The emphasis is placed on relational database management systems, their development and implementation in a modern organisational environment. The use of modern query languages for relational databases is discussed and experienced. Conceptual, logical and physical database design issues are also covered. Other topics include client-server database computing and database administration issues.

Students will be introduced to the Informatics discipline as the study of the components and use of information technology, particularly as applied through information systems, in conducting the work of government, business and other organisations. Students will gain a conceptual framework for understanding the nature and purpose of Informatics by examining typical kinds of information systems, the data, information and knowledge they embody, the technologies they deploy and the management and social issues they raise. The shape of the Information sector of the economy, the Skills Framework for the Information Age and careers is reviewed.

This unit provides the theory and practices needed to design and specify the user requirements for the HCI aspects of an information system. Emphasis is placed on user-centred design - designing for use and user experience. Foundation knowledge of human perception and cognition is matched to emerging technological facilities and devices for information collection and expression. Relevant sections of Australian and other Standards and guidelines dealing with software quality management, software ergonomics and software usability are deployed in design. Design patterns, Web Information Architecture and how HCI design is implemented in programming are examined.

This unit investigates topics from discrete mathematics in the broad areas of logic, sequences, and proofs; sets, relations, and probability; graphs and trees; and regular expressions and finite-state automata. Students will gain an understanding of the core elements in each of these areas and see how they build to important properties and/or theories. The treatment of these topics will cover both practical and theoretical aspects and will usually include at least one important application relevant to Information Technology.

In this unit, students learn how decision making in organisations can be supported by information systems such as decision support systems (DSS) and business intelligence systems (BIS) that draw their data from internal and external sources (databases, warehouses and environment scanning). Business intelligence technologies and visualisation tools comprising business analytics, data mining, text mining, neural networks, and business performance management are examined regarding their application in organisations. Each student is expected to design and construct a functional DSS/BIS prototype suitable for the information systems industry or to research a business intelligence topic and write it up in an academic essay.

This unit teaches the programming techniques needed to produce interactive 2D graphical applications like computer games. The topics covered include, game design, storyboarding, animation techniques, game construction tools, input devices, sound and real time graphics in 2D. During the unit students produce a simple interactive graphical project (eg a screen saver or game) in a contemporary 3rd generation programming language as a major work.

This is an advanced unit in artificial intelligence emphasizing the Soft Computing discipline. Each semester, coverage is of two or three topics from Artificial Neural Networks, Fuzzy Systems, Genetic Algorithms, Software Agents, Artificial Life, and Complex Adaptive Systems. The unit content covers Soft Computing theory, fusion of two or more Soft Computing techniques and their applicability to real world applications. The choices depend on the availability of lecturers, student interest and research activity in the School. The unit has a strong practical focus with the implementation of Soft Computing techniques in laboratory exercises and assignments.

The unit provides an in-depth study of the software construction process. Topics covered include the specification, modularisation and verification of abstract data types (ADTs); data structures including arrays, stacks, queues, lists, trees, sets, maps, hash tables and heaps; and algorithms including sort, search and recursion. For ADTs in general, the unit deals with operations, representation and algorithms, space and time efficiency, and appropriateness for different applications.

This unit builds foundational knowledge in IT project planning and management, focusing on different industry relevant methodologies and processes. Students will explore the benefits and challenges of these tools and learn to selectively apply strategies to maximise outcomes in case studies. Students will define project scope and success criteria, and develop estimations for timelines and costs. Interpersonal and group facilitation skills are an integral part of the unit, allowing students to build communication skills necessary for stakeholder engagement. Students will develop leadership skills through the change management process, including making ethical decisions and exploring the social impacts of IT.

This unit introduces students to the principles and application of real time 3D computer graphics, covering the following topics: OpenGL Programming; Display processors and GPUs (3D accelerators); 3D data structures; Techniques to maintain adequate frame rate in games and visualization; Texture Mapping; Modeling of 3d objectives using primitives; View transformations; Simple animation; and 3D lighting and materials.

This unit provides the principles and skills of web application development. It aims at providing both conceptual understanding and hand-on experiences for web design and programming technology and the skills for developing web oriented applications. Topics include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, web services, ASP.NET using C#, and PhP in the context of web development practices.

This unit introduces students to professionalism and develops their communication and independent scholarship skills, with a focus on their use in the information technology field. Topics covered include researching and making use of information resources; the nature of critical enquiry; communication and presentation techniques, both written and oral; group work; workplace ethics, professional practice, code of ethics and professional standards; and adapting to the diverse cultural practices and individual styles involved in and influencing workplace communication.

Recent times have seen a proliferation of digital devices and the subsequent concern for the security of information. This unit introduces students to the basic principles and practices of computer and information security. Focus will be on the software, operating system and network security techniques with detailed analysis of real-world examples. Topics include cryptography, authentication, software and operating system security, network security, mobile security, and legal and ethical issues. In addition, the unit promotes and strengthens important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.

This unit introduces the fields of digital electronics and robotics within the broad context of the engineering profession. It provides an introduction to digital electronics by addressing the areas of discrete mathematics, number systems and codes, and combinational logic circuits. Consideration is also given to flip-flops and related devices, counters and registers, and MSI logic circuits. An overview of robotics is introduced in the second half of the unit by having an overall understanding of the basic structure of a microcontroller. In addition, examples of some controlling platforms including their basic programming are analysed. The interfacing process via microcontroller is presented by looking at drivers and servos. A final discussion aims to provide a clear understanding of how combining all the pieces together within a digital system project leads to the completion of a servo-controlled system.

This unit provides a general introduction to the concepts, theories, principles, and practice of digital forensics. Topics include data acquisition and validation, forensic methodologies, file systems examination, graphics file investigation, network and email investigation, legal issues, professionalism and ethics, and also the current development in the field. This unit is self-contained. Therefore, it also covers the required basics of IT systems and forensic sciences. In addition, through the teaching, the unit promotes and strengthens important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.

This unit addresses the management issues arising with the organisational use of information systems and their associated technology. Some of the key topics include: strategic information systems planning, managing the applications portfolio, IT governance and the role of the CIO, IT service management, sourcing of systems activities, and financial management for IS services.

This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of cloud computing from an industry-centric and vendor-neutral point of view. Service delivery models, enabling technologies and mechanisms, cloud architectures, cloud security, privacy issues, virtualisation, quality, metrics, case studies, and current technologies for working with clouds will be studied.

The unit integrates the theory, knowledge, and skills learned in the individual units of the course, and it offers students the opportunity to apply them to solve industry standard projects. Through the projects, students will reflect, synthesize and apply the professional and the generic skills learned; in particular, students will reinforce and further develop their independent research skills, team working skills, project management skills, and critical thinking and problem solving skills. Through working on sizable industry standard projects, the unit is aiming at transforming the mindsets of the students from coursework study to performing professional tasks. The unit prepares students ready for jobs or further higher degree studies.

This unit aims towards developing a solid and high level understanding and appreciation of key contemporary issues and trends of ICT. Particular emphasis will be placed on ICT issues and trends that have a major impact on the organisation. Topics covered under this unit include: 1. Current status and trends of ICT, 2. Business value of ICT - ICT and business alignment, 3. ICT Governance, 4. P3M3 - Portfolio, Program and Project management, 5. Service delivery - issues and approaches, 6. Technological trends: Cloud computing, Big data, 7. Consumerisation of ICT - mobility device and applications, 8. Social media - impact and opportunities and the future of ICT organisations. Guest lectures and group projects with hands-on exercises will be used to enhance student-learning experience.

Managing technology is a powerful tool companies use to compete in an increasingly challenging global economy. This unit introduces students to management principles required to develop technologies into products. As industry becomes increasingly 'project-focused', employers are seeking engineers who possess strong project management knowledge, skills and capabilities in line with sustainable principles and ethical standards. The unit weaves contemporary theory with successful practices for an understandable, integrated presentation that focuses on the concepts, tools, and techniques that are most effective for today. Engineering ethics, leadership, globalization, risk analysis and quality assurance aspects of project management and engineering practice are presented to successfully transition students from formal education to professional practice.

This unit aims to provide students with the mathematical knowledge and skills that are needed to support their concurrent and subsequent engineering studies. The unit includes the following topics: matrices, functions, complex numbers, limits and continuity (including sequences and series), differentiation and integration. The unit provides students with a sound knowledge of mathematical principles and ideas in software engineering. It also provides the students with the mathematical skills for everyday engineering practice. In addition, the unit promotes and strengthens important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.

This unit is to render students with the SFIA skill for overall governance of how all types of information, are used to support decision making, business processes and digital services, which are required for accreditation by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). This unit is fundamental for students who wish to obtain a major in Business Informatics as it renders to the students an introduction to business processes, information flows, reporting, and data analytics in business. The enterprise systems unit covers competences that enable graduates to participate in planning, building, using, maintaining and evaluating the enterprise systems as a base to move forward in their Business Informatics Major. The concepts studied in this unit are new and evolving, not only when compared to the other units in the University but also when compared to the technology and business field, so a new unit is indeed required to address the skills gap in business informatics education.

Cloud Computing Architecture is a field of study focused on the design of architectural solutions for cloud computing-based environments, which are inherently distributed and service-based. Among others, cloud-based solutions must consider connectivity, latency and bandwidth constraints, quality attributes such as availability and performance, and non-technical aspects such as pricing and SLAs (Service-Level Agreements). This unit will focus on the practices and technologies required to architect and deploy secure and robust applications on cloud-provisioned environments, with the aim best leveraging the available cloud resources. Among others, students will learn how to design architectures to achieve high availability, scalability (including auto scaling), infrastructure automation (infrastructure as software), decoupling, and web-scale storage. The main pillars of Cloud Computing Architecture will also be addressed: security, reliability, performance efficiency and cost optimisation. The ultimate goal is to design cloud-based solutions using appropriate architectural design principles and best practices to address customer requirements and deliver quality cloud-based solutions. Students will have hands-on experience using computing, networking, storage, and database services provided by some of the top cloud providers worldwide, as well as hands-on experience with the deployment and management of cloud services.

As the technology matures, robots will become ubiquitous in the society playing a major role in shaping our everyday lives. With the advent of Industry 4.0, robotics is set to disrupt numerous industries and create new ones. This introductory unit exposes students to the exciting world of robotics through a series of hands on projects covering major themes in robotics. Students will gain an understanding of various sensors used in mobile robotics, actuation and technologies related to robot navigation. Key hardware and software tools used by researchers and the industry in robot development will also be introduced.

The aim of this research-led unit is to provide students with an overview of fundamental areas of computer vision and image analysis as well as in-depth knowledge of selected research topics, which will be explored in theory and practice. Through specific, applied examples, students will explore this highly topical field in the context of a widespread use of digital camera and image technology. These include examples from application areas such as digital photography, digital image enhancement, computer graphics, object recognition, object tracking, image segmentation, visual motion estimation, and multi-view camera systems. As computer vision and image analysis draw from other related fields, such as perceptual psychology, digital signal processing, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence and pattern recognition, students will be able to explore relevant theories and algorithms in these areas.

This unit introduces innovation and entrepreneurship concepts and skills in a technology-lead context. As innovation and entrepreneurship are now mainstream business concerns, this unit takes an agnostic approach, seeking instead to impart portable skills for students seeking to develop their respective careers in established or new venture organisations. For the purposes of this unit, innovation is defined as the process of introducing changes that create new value to an organisation. Entrepreneurship is explored as the willingness to take measured risks in systematically seeking opportunities resulting from innovation, and translating these opportunities into benefits for the organisation and broader communities. In doing so, students will have exposure to important innovation management skills such as conducting fieldwork in support of ideating innovation solutions, prototyping, valuing an innovation project, designing a business model for their technology solutions, and marketing their innovations. The unit will also give coverage to important ¿soft skills¿ topics such as leading innovation, empathy, team development, creativity, and innovation ethics. Industry case studies will be utilised in this unit, and this unit will have weekly recorded Q&As with guest speakers.

From self-driving cars to robots in space, from robots that collaborate with humans to robots that augment human capabilities, robotic applications are far and wide and ever evolving. This unit builds on the unit Foundations of Robotics and will introduce students to advanced topics in robotics using a series of lectures and studio work involving real-world case studies. Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of kinematics, control, and probabilistic techniques in robotics. Key algorithmic and mathematical concepts will be discussed through real world problems and students will have the opportunity to implement these ideas using simulations and on real robotic platforms. Students will gain a factual understanding of the current state of the art in robotics along with an exposure to emerging and future trends in robotics, including current research in Human Robot Interaction, robotics in the creative industries and robot ethics.

Workflows and processes form an integral part of organisations, defining business activities, operations, and information flows. Each organisation has different processes, with different customers, users, requirements, and constraints. This unit examines methodologies and techniques for business process management, including workflow modelling, process analysis, software systems for process management, and automation of business processes. Students will develop skills to communicate effectively with process workflow stakeholders, understand, describe, and improve process workflows, and design and implement automated process management systems.

Pattern recognition, machine learning and deep learning are closely related topics in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in robotics, computer vision, natural language processing, data science, and many others. This unit is an advanced unit in artificial intelligence that focuses on the core element of modelling and recognising patterns in data through learning. Application areas are in analysing data from images and video, healthcare, finance, sports, text documents, speech, human-machine interaction and many more. This unit covers selected topics from Bayesian Inference, Deep Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines/Regression, Graphical Models, and Mixture Models as well as ethical and privacy considerations around the use of AI. Students will gain both an understanding of the theoretical foundations as well as hands-on experience in implementing and using machine learning techniques in real-world applications.

This unit aims towards developing an understanding of the process of architecting computer and communication networks. This will be achieved through bridging the gap between theoretical and practical aspects and learning the step-by-step procedures of network analysis, architecture, and design. Students will learn about the fundamental relationships between major building blocks required in a successfully architected network. Case studies will include national networks (e.g. NBN) and enterprise networks (e.g. campus). Guest lectures and group projects with hands-on laboratories will be used for enhancing student-learning experience.

This unit will focus on the following items: - introduction to data communication and networks; - introduction to modern networking environments including Australia's National Broadband Network; - introduction to the fundamental building blocks of modern network including logical and physical topologies, networking technologies and principles software and hardware environments for modern network; - Networking technologies (including Dial-up, DSL, Cable, FTTH, Ethernet, WiFi, WiMax, ATM); - Networking standards; - Networking Core (Circuit switching, Packet Switching, ISP, and Delay Loss and Throughput); - ISO-OSI and Networking Protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, Layers and Service Models); - Networking Security; - Networking Management. This unit may be cotaught with 10088 Introduction to Network Engineering G.

This unit applies the theory of information systems analysis and modelling to the specification of IT-supported organisational systems. It explores how IT-supported systems are analysed and described in the context of IT projects. This unit explores the techniques that are used to gather and record requirements and stakeholder needs. These techniques are used to describe what information systems do and are used by business and systems analysts to construct system descriptions. The process of system modelling is considered from initial systems conceptualisation using soft systems techniques, then further refined using data-oriented and object-oriented approaches, including a Unified Modelling Language (UML) based specification for the system. It examines the role of analysis and modelling in various systems development life cycles.

This unit provides an introduction to the design and the implementation of modern general purpose operating systems. Centered on the concept of resource sharing, the unit explains how an operating system manages the hardware resources and software applications of a computer system. The unit covers the essential principles and theories of modern operating systems: processes, threads, mutual exclusion, scheduling, virtual memory systems, I/O and file systems, network, and security. The unit also teaches basic system administration skills for commonly used operating systems. In addition, through the teaching, the unit promotes and strengthens important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.

This unit explores the impact of informatics on society in areas such as e-government, e-leaning and e-law. Topics may deal with the social, cultural, philosophical, ethical, legal, public policy and economic issues relating to information technologies; the interaction of technological developments with social, economic, organisational and class issues; and the many implications of design choices made by information professionals including social control and privacy, computer crime, electronic communities, and risks of safety critical systems to people.

In this unit, the students will learn how to produce software architecture design from system requirements; The course covers terms, concepts and techniques used in the design of software architectures, including architectural requirements, architectural styles, architecture documentation and architecture evaluation. Students will learn about the role of architecture and architects in software engineering. Modern architectures such as service-oriented and cloud architecture and wireless systems architecture are also covered in detail.

This unit focuses on a range of mobile technologies, mobile devices, standards and services that enable interaction between people and businesses. This includes the modern software and operating systems that drive mobile devices. The students study the issues of performance, program development, system testing, re-usability, and maintenance in such systems via laboratory experimentation and current industry examples. Windows Phone, Android, iOS and appropriate emulators are used in experiments and projects to develop applications for mobile devices.

The growing collection of cyber-physical systems commonly known as the Internet of Things (IoT) is the future of the internet. This ubiquitous network of physical devices and other embedded systems integrating sensors, actuators and layers of software interconnected through various communication networks offer unparalleled opportunities of growth. From smart fridges, to intelligent surveillance systems to connected vehicles and smart infrastructure, the possibilities of this new technology are unbounded. In this unit, students will gain practical and theoretical understanding of the underlying technologies including Embedded Systems, Microcontrollers and Hardware programming.

IT infrastructure is broadly known as a collection of hardware, software, networks, data, security, and policies etc. to provide reliable, available, and confident IT services. It plays critical roles in modern society. In this unit, students will learn and apply the principles and basic techniques of system and network administration through setting up the IT infrastructure of an fictitious organisation from scratch and then maintaining the on-going operations of the IT infrastructure. Topics include system selection and installation, software configuration, network administration, security operation, user management, backup, interoperability among multiple platforms, performance tuning, and auditing etc. In addition, the unit also exposes students to the industry, professionalism, and professional ethics. The unit arms students with the knowledge and practical skills in system and network administration to be job-ready to work in the fields and also for future career development. Further, the unit promotes and strengthens important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility. This is a laboratory-based learning-by-doing unit.

This unit is made up of three interrelated components: 1. Project Management: considers the role of project management in the successful design and implementation of engineering projects that meet the desired outcomes of the project on time and within budget with an emphasis on effective teamwork as a means of achieving these goals. 2. Communication for engineers: considers oral, written and online communication skills, and the planning, preparation and delivery of presentations for diverse audiences via a range of media. 3. The Engineering Profession and Society: considers the nature of engineering, its social impact, professional conduct, responsibilities and ethics, sustainability, and a student¿s future as a professional engineer with particular reference to the development of a personal ePortfolio.

This unit examines the information security threats and vulnerabilities of IT-based information systems. A risk management approach is used to develop an understanding of the policies, practices and technologies needed to provide for an appropriate level of security. Information security policy is considered and the various security needs, from managerial to technical, are examined in the context of current and future information systems.

This unit teaches the principles and practice of IT system support and security management. Topics include desktop computer support, server computer support, helpdesk operation, cryptography and its application, software security, network security, operating system security, trusted computing and multilevel security, privacy issues, and professionalism and professional ethics. The unit provides students with a sound knowledge of IT infrastructure and security. It also provides students with the skills of daily operation, i.e., the support and management of these systems. In addition, the unit promotes and strengthens important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.

Recent times have seen a proliferation of digital devices and the subsequent concern for the security of information. This unit introduces students to the basic principles and practices of computer and information security. Focus will be on the software, operating system and network security techniques with detailed analysis of real-world examples. Topics include cryptography, authentication, software and operating system security, network security, mobile security, and legal and ethical issues. In addition, the unit promotes and strengthens important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.

This unit will focus on basic concepts on electronics systems as shown the following items: 1. analog DC electronics: charge, current, voltage, Ohm's law, Kirchoffs laws series and parallel etc., voltage divider, current divider, simplifying resistor networks, power and power transfer; 2. analog AC electronics: alternating current and voltage, frequency, period, phase, amplitude, P-P, Peak, RMS, capacitor circuit and reactance, inductor circuit and reactance, RC, RL circuits, phasor notation and its applications; 3. Ideal Opamp, such as open loop gain, inverting and non-inverting configuration; and 3. basic concepts about electromagnetism: electric and magnetic fields.

This unit covers fundamental theories and techniques for manipulating and analysing signals in the digital domain. Students learn about signal representations, sampling, filtering, modulation, and applications in audio, image, telecommunications, and biomedical engineering. Practical skills are developed using software tools like MATLAB/Python and hardware techniques.