University of Sydney Handbooks - 2016 Archive

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Table 1: Computer Science

Table 1 lists units of study available to students in the Bachelor of Science and combined degrees. The units are available to students enrolled in other degrees in accordance with their degree resolutions.

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session

Computer Science

For a major in Computer Science the minimum requirement is 24 credit points chosen from the senior units of study listed for this subject area.
Junior units of study
ELEC1601
Foundations of Computer Systems
6    A HSC Mathematics extension 1 or 2
Semester 2
INFO1003
Foundations of Information Technology
6    N INFS1000, INFO1000, ISYS1003, INFO1903
Semester 1
Semester 2
INFO1103
Introduction to Programming
6      Semester 1
Semester 2
INFO1903
Informatics (Advanced)
6    P ATAR sufficient to enter BCST(Adv), BIT or BSc(Adv), or portfolio of work suitable for entry

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
INFO1105
Data Structures
6    P INFO1003 or INFO1103 or INFO1903 or INFS1000
Semester 2
Summer Main
INFO1905
Data Structures (Advanced)
6    A To enter this unit, students need to possess programming knowledge skills at the level of INFO1103 or INFO1903. Expected knowledge includes use of the Java collections APIs and recursion. Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 9 of the textbook provide review material on these topics. Students who have passed similar units at other universities should apply for special permission to enrol.
P Distinction-level performance in INFO1103 or INFO1903
N INFO1105
Semester 2
INFO1911
IT Special Project 1A
6    A Only by invitation from the School of IT.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
INFO1912
IT Special Project 1B
6    P UAI score of at least 98 AND 85% average in Junior IT units of study AND 75% average in non-IT junior units of study AND Special permission by the School of IT

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 2
Intermediate units of study
COMP2007
Algorithms and Complexity
6    A MATH1004 or MATH1904
P INFO1105 or INFO1905.
Semester 2
COMP2907
Algorithms and Complexity (Advanced)
6    A MATH1004
P Distinction level result in INFO1105 or INFO1905
Semester 2
COMP2022
Formal Languages and Logic
6    A MATH1004 or MATH2069 or MATH2969
P INFO1103 or INFO1903
Semester 1
COMP2121
Distributed Systems and Network Principles
6    A Introductory Java programming unit, Data Structures, Algorithms
P (INFO1103 or INFO1903) and (INFO1105 or INFO1905)
C (COMP2007 OR COMP2907)


The unit will provide the introductory platform for students interested in more advanced units in the area of distributed systems and networks, such as ELEC3506 (Data Communications and the Internet), COMP5116 (Internet Protocols), COMP5416 (Advanced Network Technologies), and COMP5426 (Parallel and Distributed Computing).
Semester 2
COMP2129
Operating Systems and Machine Principles
6    A INFO1105 OR INFO1905.
P INFO1103 or INFO1903.
Semester 1
INFO2110
Systems Analysis and Modelling
6    A Experience with a data model as in INFO1003 or INFO1103 or INFS1000
Semester 2
INFO2120
Database Systems 1
6    P INFO1003 OR INFO1103 OR INFO1903 OR INFS1000 OR DECO1012.
N INFO2905, COMP5138, INFO2820
Semester 1
INFO2820
Database Systems 1 (Advanced)
6    P Distinction-level result in INFO1003 or INFO1103 or INFO1903 or INFO1105 or INFO1905 or DECO1012.
N COMP5138, INFO2905, INFO2120
Semester 1
INFO2315
Introduction to IT Security
6    A In order to enter this unit, students should have at least one semester of tertiary study of IT. In particular, we assume familiarity with the value of information, and with the varied uses of IT in business and personal activities. We also assume an introductory level of skill in using a computer (for example, creating and moving files and folders, downloading and installing files, etc). The assumed background would be achieved by completing INFO1003 Foundations of IT. We also assume previous instruction in verbal presentations and teamwork.
Semester 2
INFO2911
IT Special Project 2A
6    P 85% average in IT units of study in previous year AND 75% average in other non-IT units of study in previous year AND Special permission by the School of IT.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
INFO2912
IT Special Project 2B
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 2
Senior units of study
COMP3109
Programming Languages and Paradigms
6    P COMP2007 or COMP2907
Semester 2
COMP3308
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
6    A COMP2007. Programing skills (e.g. Java, Python, C, C++, Matlab)
N COMP3608
Semester 1
COMP3608
Intro. to Artificial Intelligence (Adv)
6    A COMP2007 or COMP2907. Programming skills (e.g. Java, Python, C, C++, Matlab) are required to complete the assignment.
P Distinction-level results in some 2nd year COMP or MATH or SOFT units.
N COMP3308


COMP3308 and COMP3608 share the same lectures, but have different tutorials and assessment (the same type but more challenging).
Semester 1
COMP3419
Graphics and Multimedia
6    P (COMP2007 or COMP 2907), and 6 credit points of Junior Math
Semester 1
COMP3520
Operating Systems Internals
6    P COMP2129
Semester 1
COMP3530
Discrete Optimization
6    P COMP2007 or COMP2907
Semester 2
COMP3615
Software Development Project
6    P INFO3402 AND COMP2129 AND (COMP2007 OR COMP2907 OR COMP2121)
N INFO3600
Semester 2
INFO3220
Object Oriented Design
6    P INFO2110 and COMP2129
Semester 1
INFO3315
Human-Computer Interaction
6    A Background in programming and operating systems that is sufficient for the student to independently learn new programming tools from standard online technical materials. Ability to conduct a literature search. Ability to write reports of work done.
Semester 2
INFO3402
Management of IT Projects and Systems
6    A INFO2110 or INFO2810 or INFO2900
Semester 1
INFO3404
Database Systems 2
6    A This unit of study assumes that students have previous knowledge of database concepts including (1) ER modelling, (2) the relational data model and (3) SQL. The prerequisite material is covered in INFO 2120/2820. Familiarity with a programming language (e.g. Java or C) is also expected.
N INFO3504
Semester 2
INFO3504
Database Systems 2 (Adv)
6    A This unit of study assumes that students have previous knowledge of database concepts including (1) ER modelling, (2) the relational data model and (3) SQL. The prerequisite material is covered in INFO 2120/2820. Sound experience with the C programming language and the Unix software development environment is also expected.
P Distinction-level result in INFO2120 or INFO2820 or COMP2007 or COMP2907
N INFO3404
Semester 2
INFO3406
Introduction to Data Analytics
6    A Basic statistics and database management.
P (MATH1005 OR MATH1905) AND (INFO2120 OR INFO2820).
Semester 2
INFO3600
Major Development Project (Advanced)
12    P INFO3402
N COMP3615, ISYS3400

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Only available to students in BIT, BCST(Adv) or BSc(Adv).
Semester 2
INFO3911
IT Special Project 3A
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Enrolment by department permission for students with 85% average in School of IT units plus minimum 75% average in other units
Semester 1
INFO3912
IT Special Project 3B
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Enrolment by department permission for students with 85% average in School of IT units plus minimum 75% average in other units
Semester 2
ELEC3506
Data Communications and the Internet
6    N NETS2150
Semester 2
ELEC3609
Internet Software Platforms
6    P INFO1103, INFO2110, (INFO2120 or INFO2820)
N EBUS4001
Semester 2
ELEC3610
E-Business Analysis and Design
6    N EBUS3003
Semester 1

Students should note that applications for Special Consideration on the basis of illness, injury or misadventure for INFO, ISYS, COMP, ELEC units of study should be lodged with the Faculty of Engineering and IT.

Computer Science

For a major in Computer Science the minimum requirement is 24 credit points chosen from the senior units of study listed for this subject area.
Junior units of study
ELEC1601 Foundations of Computer Systems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Abelardo Pardo Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Laboratory 3 hrs/week; Tutorial 2 hrs/week. Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics extension 1 or 2 Assessment: Through semester assessment (60%) and Final Exam (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study introduces the fundamental digital concepts upon which the design and operation of modern digital computers are based. A prime aim of the unit is to develop a professional view of, and a capacity for inquiry into, the field of computing.
Topics covered include: data representation, basic computer organisation, the CPU, elementary gates and logic, peripheral devices, software organisation, machine language, assembly language, operating systems, data communications and computer networks.
INFO1003 Foundations of Information Technology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Josiah Poon, A/Prof Simon Poon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 3 hrs/week; Laboratory 2 hrs/week. Prohibitions: INFS1000, INFO1000, ISYS1003, INFO1903 Assessment: Through semester assessment (50%) and Final Exam (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Information technologies (IT) and systems have emerged as the primary platform to support communication, collaboration, research, decision making, and problem solving in contemporary organisations. The essential necessity for all university students to acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills for applying IT effectively for a wide range of tasks is widely recognised. It is an introductory unit of study which prepares students from any academic discipline to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to be competent in the use of information technology for solving a variety of problems. The main focus of this unit is on modelling and problem solving through the effective use of using IT. Students will learn how to navigate independently to solve their problems on their own, and to be capable of fully applying the power of IT tools in the service of their goals in their own domains while not losing sight of the fundamental concepts of computing.
Students are taught core skills related to general purpose computing involving a range of software tools such as spreadsheets, database management systems, internet search engine, HTML, and JavaScript. Students will undertake practical tasks including authoring an interactive website using HTML, JavaScript and AJAX and building a small scale application for managing information. In addition, the course will address the many social, ethical, and intellectual property issues arising from the wide-spread use of information technology in our society.
Textbooks
INFO1003 Foundations of Information Technology Reader//
INFO1103 Introduction to Programming

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Irena Koprinska Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 1 hr/week; Laboratory 2 hrs/week. Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Programming in a legible, maintainable, reusable way is essential to solve complex problems in the pervasive computing environments. This unit will equip students with foundation of programming concepts that are common to widely used programming languages. The "fundamentals-first and objects-later" strategy is used to progressively guide this introductory unit from necessary and important building blocks of programming to the object-oriented approach. Java, one of the most popular programming languages, is used in this unit. It provides interdisciplinary approaches, applications and examples to support students from broad backgrounds such as science, engineering, and mathematics.
Textbooks
Walter Savitch/Java: An Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming, 7th Edition/7/2014/9781292018331// Rober Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne/Introduction to Programming in JavaAn Interdisciplinary Approach/2007/978-0-321-49805-2//
INFO1903 Informatics (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Alan Fekete Session: Semester 1 Classes: Tutorial 3 hrs/week; Lecture 3 hrs/week. Prerequisites: ATAR sufficient to enter BCST(Adv), BIT or BSc(Adv), or portfolio of work suitable for entry Assessment: Through semester assessment (50%) and Final Exam (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit covers advanced data processing and management, integrating the use of existing productivity software, e.g. spreadsheets and databases, with the development of custom software using the powerful general-purpose Python scripting language. It will focus on skills directly applicable to research in any quantitative domain. The unit will also cover presentation of data through written publications and dynamically generated web pages, visual representations and oral presentation skills. The assessment, a semester long project, involves the demonstration of these skills and techniques for processing and presenting data in a choice of domains.
INFO1105 Data Structures

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Kalina Yacef Session: Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Laboratory 2 hrs/week. Prerequisites: INFO1003 or INFO1103 or INFO1903 or INFS1000 Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit will teach some powerful ideas that are central to quality software: data abstraction and recursion. It will also show how one can analyse the scalability of algorithms using mathematical tools of asymptotic notation. Contents include: both external "interface" view, and internal "implementation" details, for commonly used data structures, including lists, stacks, queues, priority queues, search trees, hash tables, and graphs; asymptotic analysis of algorithm scalability, including use of recurrence relations to analyse recursive code. This unit covers the way information is represented in each structure, algorithms for manipulating the structure, and analysis of asymptotic complexity of the operations. Outcomes include: ability to write code that recursively performs an operation on a data structure; experience designing an algorithmic solution to a problem using appropriate data structures, coding the solution, and analysing its complexity.
Textbooks
Michael Goodrich and Robert Tamassia/Data Structures and Algorithms in Java//
INFO1905 Data Structures (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Kalina Yacef Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Laboratory 2 hrs/week. Prerequisites: Distinction-level performance in INFO1103 or INFO1903 Prohibitions: INFO1105 Assumed knowledge: To enter this unit, students need to possess programming knowledge skills at the level of INFO1103 or INFO1903. Expected knowledge includes use of the Java collections APIs and recursion. Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 9 of the textbook provide review material on these topics. Students who have passed similar units at other universities should apply for special permission to enrol. Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit will teach some powerful ideas that are central to quality software: data abstraction and recursion. It will also show how one can analyse the scalability of algorithms using mathematical tools of asymptotic notation. Contents include: both external "interface" view, and internal "implementation" details, for commonly used data structures, including lists, stacks, queues, priority queues, search trees, hash tables, and graphs; asymptotic analysis of algorithm scalability, including use of recurrence relations to analyse recursive code. This unit covers the way information is represented in each structure, algorithms for manipulating the structure, and analysis of asymptotic complexity of the operations. Outcomes include: ability to write code that recursively performs an operation on a data structure; experience designing an algorithmic solution to a problem using appropriate data structures, coding the solution, and analysing its complexity.
Textbooks
Michael Goodrich and Robert Tamassia/Data Structures and Algorithms in Java//
INFO1911 IT Special Project 1A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Julian Mestre Session: Semester 1 Classes: Meeting 1 hr/week; Project Work - own time 8 hrs/week. Assumed knowledge: Only by invitation from the School of IT. Assessment: Through semester assessment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This is a unit of study for the junior student who is an academic high achiever as well as talented in IT areas. Students will be involved in advance projects (which may be research-oriented). They need to apply their problem solving and IT skills in the project. As a result, their horizon in computer science and information system is broadened.
INFO1912 IT Special Project 1B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Julian Mestre Session: Semester 2 Classes: Meeting 1 hr/week; Project Work - own time 8 hrs/week. Prerequisites: UAI score of at least 98 AND 85% average in Junior IT units of study AND 75% average in non-IT junior units of study AND Special permission by the School of IT Assessment: Through semester assessment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This is a unit of study for the junior students who is an academic high achiever and is talentd in IT areas. Students will involve in advance projects which have research components, so that they can further demonstrate their IT and problem solving capabilities.
Intermediate units of study
COMP2007 Algorithms and Complexity

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Anastasios Viglas Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 2 hrs/week. Prerequisites: INFO1105 or INFO1905. Assumed knowledge: MATH1004 or MATH1904 Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides an introduction to the design and analysis of algorithms. The main aims are (i) to learn how to develop algorithmic solutions to computational problem and (ii) to develop understanding of algorithm efficiency and the notion of computational hardness.
Textbooks
Jon Kleinberg and Eva Tardos/Algorithm Design//
COMP2907 Algorithms and Complexity (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Anastasios Viglas Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 3 hrs/week; Tutorial 2 hrs/week. Prerequisites: Distinction level result in INFO1105 or INFO1905 Assumed knowledge: MATH1004 Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
An advanced alternative to COMP2007; covers material at an advanced and challenging level.



This unit provides an introduction to the design and analysis of algorithms. The main aims are (i) to learn how to develop algorithmic solutions to computational problem and (ii) to develop understanding of algorithm efficiency and the notion of computational hardness.
Textbooks
J. Kleinberg and E. Tardos/Algorithm Design//
COMP2022 Formal Languages and Logic

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Kalina Yacef Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 1 hr/week. Prerequisites: INFO1103 or INFO1903 Assumed knowledge: MATH1004 or MATH2069 or MATH2969 Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit aims at providing a deeper understanding of computing systems and of what computation is in general. It covers two essential theoretical aspects of computer science and gives students the foundations to understand the power as well as the limitations of computers. It covers various abstract models for computation such as finite automata, grammars and regular expressions, and the different classes of formal languages that these models recognize such as regular and context-free languages. It also covers the concept of formal proofs in propositional and predicate logic. The course concludes with Turing machines, as well as the notions of computability and decidability.
COMP2121 Distributed Systems and Network Principles

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Guillaume Jourjon Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 2 hrs/week. Prerequisites: (INFO1103 or INFO1903) and (INFO1105 or INFO1905) Corequisites: (COMP2007 OR COMP2907) Assumed knowledge: Introductory Java programming unit, Data Structures, Algorithms Assessment: Through semester assessment (50%) and Final Exam (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: The unit will provide the introductory platform for students interested in more advanced units in the area of distributed systems and networks, such as ELEC3506 (Data Communications and the Internet), COMP5116 (Internet Protocols), COMP5416 (Advanced Network Technologies), and COMP5426 (Parallel and Distributed Computing).
The unit will provide a broad introduction to the principles of distributed systems and their design; provide students the fundamental knowledge required to analyse and construct various types of distributed systems; explain the common architectural principles and approaches used in the design of networks at different scales (e.g. shared medium access and routing); introduce the programming skills required for developing distributed applications, and will cover the use of Java class libraries and APIs; cover common approaches and techniques in distributed resource management (e.g. task scheduling).
Textbooks
Tanenbaum & van Steen/Distributed Systems Principles and Paradigms, 2nd edition/2007//
COMP2129 Operating Systems and Machine Principles

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr John Stavrakakis, Dr Masahiro Takatsuka Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Laboratory 2 hrs/week. Prerequisites: INFO1103 or INFO1903. Assumed knowledge: INFO1105 OR INFO1905. Assessment: Through semester assessment (60%) and Final Exam (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In this unit of study elementary methods for developing robust, efficient, and re-usable software will be covered. The unit is taught in C, in a Unix environment. Specific coding topics include memory management, the pragmatic aspects of implementing data structures such as lists and hash tables and managing concurrent threads. Debugging tools and techniques are discussed and common programming errors are considered along with defensive programming techniques to avoid such errors. Emphasis is placed on using common Unix tools to manage aspects of the software construction process, such as version control and regression testing. The subject is taught from a practical viewpoint and it includes a considerable amount of programming practice.
Textbooks
TBA during first lecture//
INFO2110 Systems Analysis and Modelling

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Vera Chung Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 2 hrs/week. Assumed knowledge: Experience with a data model as in INFO1003 or INFO1103 or INFS1000 Assessment: Through semester assessment (30%) and Final Exam (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to the analysis of complex systems. Key topics are the determination and expression of system requirements (both functional and on-functional), and the representation of structural and behavioural models of the system in UML notations. Students will be expected to evaluate requirements documents and models as well as producing them. This unit covers essential topics from the ACM/IEEE SE2004 curriculum, especially from MAA Software Modelling and Analysis.
Textbooks
Dennis, A., Wixom, B.H., and Tegarden, D./System Analysis & Design with UML Version 2/3rd/2009//
INFO2120 Database Systems 1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Uwe Roehm Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Laboratory 2 hrs/week; Project Work - own time 3 hrs/week. Prerequisites: INFO1003 OR INFO1103 OR INFO1903 OR INFS1000 OR DECO1012. Prohibitions: INFO2905, COMP5138, INFO2820 Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The ubiquitous use of information technology leaves us facing a tsunami of data produced by users, IT systems and mobile devices. The proper management of data is hence essential for all applications and for effective decision making within organizations.
This unit of study will introduce the basic concepts of database designs at the conceptual, logical and physical levels. We will place particular emphasis on introducing integrity constraints and the concept of data normalization which prevents data from being corrupted or duplicated in different parts of the database. This in turn helps in the data remaining consistent during its lifetime. Once a database design is in place, the emphasis shifts towards querying the data in order to extract useful information. The unit will introduce different query languages with a particular emphasis on SQL, which is industry standard. Other topics covered will include the important concept of transaction management, application development with a backend database, an overview of data warehousing and OLAP, and the use of XML as a data integration language.
INFO2820 Database Systems 1 (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Uwe Roehm Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lecture 3 hrs/week; Laboratory 2 hrs/week; Project Work - own time 3 hrs. Prerequisites: Distinction-level result in INFO1003 or INFO1103 or INFO1903 or INFO1105 or INFO1905 or DECO1012. Prohibitions: COMP5138, INFO2905, INFO2120 Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The ubiquitous use of information technology leaves us facing a tsunami of data produced by users, IT systems and mobile devices. The proper management of data is essential for all applications, especially new ones that want to make intelligent use of the data, and for effective decision making within organisations.
This unit of study is an advanced alternative to INFO2120 that will introduce the basic concepts of database designs at the conceptual, logical and physical levels. Particular emphasis will be placed on introducing integrity constraints and the concept of data normalization which prevents data from being corrupted or duplicated in different parts of the database. This in turn helps in the data remaining consistent during its lifetime. Once a database design is in place, the emphasis shifts towards querying the data in order to extract useful information. The unit will introduce different query languages with a particular emphasis on SQL and, in INFO2820, deductive databases and DATALOG, which are all industry standard. Other topics covered will include recursive SQL, graphs in databases, NoSQL databases, transaction management, application development with a backend database, an overview of data warehousing and OLAP, and the use of XML as a data integration language.
INFO2315 Introduction to IT Security

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr John Stavrakakis Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Laboratory 1 hr/week. Assumed knowledge: In order to enter this unit, students should have at least one semester of tertiary study of IT. In particular, we assume familiarity with the value of information, and with the varied uses of IT in business and personal activities. We also assume an introductory level of skill in using a computer (for example, creating and moving files and folders, downloading and installing files, etc). The assumed background would be achieved by completing INFO1003 Foundations of IT. We also assume previous instruction in verbal presentations and teamwork. Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides a broad introduction to the field of IT security. We examine secure and insecure programs, secure and insecure information, secure and insecure computers, and secure and insecure network infrastructure. Key content includes the main threats to security; how to analyse risks; the role in reducing risk that can be played by technical tools (such as encryption, signatures, access control, firewalls, etc); the limitations of technical defences; and the simple process and behavioural changes that can reduce risk.
Textbooks
Pfleeger, C. & Pfleeger, S./Security in Computing/4th/2006//
INFO2911 IT Special Project 2A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Julian Mestre Session: Semester 1 Classes: Meeting 1 hr/week; Project Work - own time 8 hrs/week. Prerequisites: 85% average in IT units of study in previous year AND 75% average in other non-IT units of study in previous year AND Special permission by the School of IT. Assessment: Through semester assessment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit enables talented students to apply their IT knowledge from the junior years to do more exciting projects. Students are provided with the opportunities to get involved in projects which are research intensive.
INFO2912 IT Special Project 2B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Julian Mestre Session: Semester 2 Classes: Meeting 1 hr/week; Project Work - own time 8 hrs/week. Assessment: Through semester assessment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit enables talented students to apply their It knowledge from their junior years to do more exciting projects. Students are provided with the opportunities to get involved in projects which are research intensive.
Senior units of study
COMP3109 Programming Languages and Paradigms

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ben Lippmeier, Dr Josiah Poon, Dr Bernhard Scholz Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 1 hr/week; Independent Study, Prerequisites: COMP2007 or COMP2907 Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides an introduction to the foundations of programming languages and their implementation. The main aims are to teach what are: grammars, parsers, semantics, programming paradigms and implementation of programming languages.
Textbooks
Michael Scott/Programming Language Pragmatics/Second Edition/2000//
COMP3308 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Irena Koprinska Session: Semester 1 Classes: Tutorial 1 hr/week; Lecture 2 hrs/week. Prohibitions: COMP3608 Assumed knowledge: COMP2007. Programing skills (e.g. Java, Python, C, C++, Matlab) Assessment: Through semester assessment (55%) and Final Exam (45%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all about programming computers to perform tasks normally associated with intelligent behaviour. Classical AI programs have played games, proved theorems, discovered patterns in data, planned complex assembly sequences and so on. This unit of study will introduce representations, techniques and architectures used to build intelligent systems. It will explore selected topics such as heuristic search, game playing, machine learning, and knowledge representation. Students who complete it will have an understanding of some of the fundamental methods and algorithms of AI, and an appreciation of how they can be applied to interesting problems. The unit will involve a practical component in which some simple problems are solved using AI techniques.
Textbooks
S. J. Russell and P. Norvig/Artificial Intelligence, A Modern Approach/Third/2010//
COMP3608 Intro. to Artificial Intelligence (Adv)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Irena Koprinska Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 1 hr/week. Prerequisites: Distinction-level results in some 2nd year COMP or MATH or SOFT units. Prohibitions: COMP3308 Assumed knowledge: COMP2007 or COMP2907. Programming skills (e.g. Java, Python, C, C++, Matlab) are required to complete the assignment. Assessment: Through semester assessment (55%) and Final Exam (45%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: COMP3308 and COMP3608 share the same lectures, but have different tutorials and assessment (the same type but more challenging).
An advanced alternative to COMP3308; covers material at an advanced and challenging level.
Textbooks
S. J. Russell and P. Norvig/Artificial Intelligence - A Modern Approach/Third/2010//
COMP3419 Graphics and Multimedia

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tom Cai Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 2 hrs/week. Prerequisites: (COMP2007 or COMP 2907), and 6 credit points of Junior Math Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides a broad introduction to the field of graphics and multimedia to meet the diverse requirements of application areas such as entertainment, industrial design, virtual reality, intelligent media management, medical imaging and remote sensing. It covers both the underpinning theories and the practices of computing and manipulating digital media including graphics / image, audio, animation, and video. Emphasis is placed on principles and cutting-edge techniques for multimedia data processing, content analysis, media retouching, media coding and compression.
COMP3520 Operating Systems Internals

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Bing Bing Zhou Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 2 hrs/week. Prerequisites: COMP2129 Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will provide a comprehensive dicsussion of relevant OS issues and principles and describe how those principles are put into practice in real operating systems. The contents include internal structure of OS; several ways each major aspect (process scheduling, inter-process communication, memory management, device management, file systems) can be implemented; the performance impact of design choices; case studies of common OS (Linux, MS Windows NT, etc.).
Textbooks
William Stallings/Operating Systems, Internals and Design Principles/Sixth Edition/2009//
COMP3530 Discrete Optimization

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Julian Mestre Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 1 hr/week. Prerequisites: COMP2007 or COMP2907 Assessment: Through semester assessment (50%) and Final Exam (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to the algorithmic theory and applications of discrete optimization. The main aims of this unit are: (i) learn how to model various practical problems as abstract optimization problems, (ii) learn the theory underlying efficient algorithms for solving these problems, (iii) learn how to use these tools in practice.
Specific topics include: Linear and integer programming, polyhedral theory, min-cost max-flow problems, approximation algorithms, and fixed parameter tractability.
COMP3615 Software Development Project

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Judy Kay Session: Semester 2 Classes: Project Work - in class 2 hrs/week; Site Visit 1 hr/week; Project Work - own time 8 hrs/week; Meeting 1 hr/week. Prerequisites: INFO3402 AND COMP2129 AND (COMP2007 OR COMP2907 OR COMP2121) Prohibitions: INFO3600 Assessment: Through semester assessment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will provide students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and practise the skills acquired in the prerequisite and qualifying units, in the context of designing and building a substantial software development system in diverse application domains including life sciences. Working in groups for an external client combined with academic supervision, students will need to carry out the full range of activities including requirements capture, analysis and design, coding, testing and documentation. Students will use the XP methodology and make use of professional tools for the management of their project.
INFO3220 Object Oriented Design

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Masahiro Takatsuka Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 2 hrs/week; Project Work - own time 2 hrs. Prerequisites: INFO2110 and COMP2129 Assessment: Through semester assessment (50%) and Final Exam (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit covers essential design methods and language mechanisms for successful object-oriented design and programming. C++ is used as the implementation language and a special emphasis is placed on those features of C++ that are important for solving real-world problems. Advanced software engineering features, including exceptions and name spaces are thoroughly covered.
Textbooks
Lippman, Lajoie, Moo/C++ Primer/5/2013/9780321714114// Gamma, Helm, Johnson, Vlissides/Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software/2004/9780201633610//
INFO3315 Human-Computer Interaction

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Judy Kay Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Laboratory 2 hrs/week. Assumed knowledge: Background in programming and operating systems that is sufficient for the student to independently learn new programming tools from standard online technical materials. Ability to conduct a literature search. Ability to write reports of work done. Assessment: Through semester assessment (50%) and Final Exam (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This is a course in HCI, Human Computer Interaction, with a focus on web-based Computing. It introduces the key aspects of HCI and web-based system design.
Textbooks
Hartson, Rex, and Pardha S. Pyla./The UX Book: Process and Guidelines for Ensuring a Quality User Experience./2012//
INFO3402 Management of IT Projects and Systems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Bernard Wong, A/Prof Simon Poon Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 1 hr/week; Project Work - own time 2 hrs. Assumed knowledge: INFO2110 or INFO2810 or INFO2900 Assessment: Through semester assessment (45%) and Final Exam (55%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This course introduces the basic processes and techniques for managing IT projects, systems and services, throughout the IT lifecycle. It addresses both the technical and behavioural aspects of IT management at the enterprise level. Major topics include: IT planning, project planning and scheduling, project tracking, resource estimation, team management, software testing, change and problem management, and quality assurance.
Textbooks
Schwalbe, K. (2014)/Information Technology Project Management,/7th /2014/1285847091//
INFO3404 Database Systems 2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Sanjay Chawla Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 1 hr/week; Practical assignment on database tuning. 6 hrs. Prohibitions: INFO3504 Assumed knowledge: This unit of study assumes that students have previous knowledge of database concepts including (1) ER modelling, (2) the relational data model and (3) SQL. The prerequisite material is covered in INFO 2120/2820. Familiarity with a programming language (e.g. Java or C) is also expected. Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides a comprehensive overview of the internal mechanisms and algorithms of Database Management Systems (DBMS) and other systems that manage large data collections. These skills are needed for successful performance tuning and to understand the scalability challenges faced by the information age. This unit builds upon the second- year INFO2120 - 'Database Systems 1' and correspondingly assumes a sound understanding of SQL, schema design and transactional programs.
The first part of this subject focuses on mechanisms for large-scale data management. It provides a deep understanding of the internal components of a database engine. Topics include: physical data organization and disk-based index structures, query processing and optimisation, locking and logging, and database tuning.
The second part focuses on the large-scale management of textual data such as by an information retrieval system or with web search engines. Topics include: distributed and replicated databases, information retrieval, document management, text index structures, and web-scale data processing.
The unit will be of interest to students seeking an introduction to database tuning, disk-based data structures and algorithms, and information retrieval. It will be valuable to those pursuing such careers as Software Engineers, Database Experts, Database Administrators, and e-Business Consultants.
INFO3504 Database Systems 2 (Adv)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Sanjay Chawla Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Advanced Seminar 1 hr/week; Tutorial/lab after advanced seminar 1 hr/week; Project Work - own time 6 hrs. Prerequisites: Distinction-level result in INFO2120 or INFO2820 or COMP2007 or COMP2907 Prohibitions: INFO3404 Assumed knowledge: This unit of study assumes that students have previous knowledge of database concepts including (1) ER modelling, (2) the relational data model and (3) SQL. The prerequisite material is covered in INFO 2120/2820. Sound experience with the C programming language and the Unix software development environment is also expected. Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides a comprehensive overview of the internal mechanisms and algorithms of Database Management Systems (DBMS) and other systems that manage large data collections. These skills are needed for successful performance tuning and to understand the scalability challenges faced by the information age. This unit builds upon the second- year INFO2820 - 'Database Systems 1 (Adv)' and correspondingly assumes a sound understanding of SQL, schema design and transactional programs.
The first part of this subject focuses on mechanisms for large-scale data management. It provides a deep understanding of the internal components of a database engine. Topics include: physical data organization and disk-based index structures, query processing and optimisation, locking and logging, and database tuning.
The second part focuses on the large-scale management of textual data such as by an information retrieval system or with web search engines. Topics include: distributed and replicated databases, information retrieval, document management, text index structures, and web-scale data management.
This is an advanced alternative to INFO3404; it covers material at an advanced and challenging level. In particular, students in this advanced stream will study an actual DBMS implementation on the source code level, and also gain practical experience in extending the DBMS code base.
INFO3406 Introduction to Data Analytics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Sanjay Chawla Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Laboratory 1 hr/week. Prerequisites: (MATH1005 OR MATH1905) AND (INFO2120 OR INFO2820). Assumed knowledge: Basic statistics and database management. Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Big Data refers to datasets that are massive, heterogenous, and dynamic that are beyond current approaches for the capture, storage, management, and analysis of the data. The focus of this unit is on understanding and applying relevant concepts, techniques, algorithms, and tools for the analysis, management and visualization of big data - with the goal of keeping abreast of the continual increase in the volume and complexity of data sets and enabling discovery of information and knowledge to guide effective decision making .
INFO3600 Major Development Project (Advanced)

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Judy Kay Session: Semester 2 Classes: Project Work - in class 2 hrs/week; Site Visit 1 hr/week; Project Work - own time 16 hrs/week; Meeting 1 hr/week. Prerequisites: INFO3402 Prohibitions: COMP3615, ISYS3400 Assessment: Through semester assessment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Only available to students in BIT, BCST(Adv) or BSc(Adv).
This unit will provide students an opportunity to carry out substantial aspects of a significant software development project. The project will be directed towards assisting a client group (from industry or with strong industry links). The student's contribution could cover one or more aspects such as requirements capture, system design, implementation, change management, upgrades, operation, and/or tuning. Assessment will be based on the quality of the delivered outputs, the effectiveness of the process followed, and the understanding of the way the work fits into the client's goals, as shown in a written report.
INFO3911 IT Special Project 3A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Julian Mestre Session: Semester 1 Classes: Meeting 1 hr/week; Project Work - own time 8 hrs/week. Assessment: Through semester assessment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Enrolment by department permission for students with 85% average in School of IT units plus minimum 75% average in other units
This unit enables talents students with maturing IT knowledge to integrate various IT skills and techniques to carry out projects. These projects are largely research intensive.
INFO3912 IT Special Project 3B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Julian Mestre Session: Semester 2 Classes: Meeting 1 hr/week; Project Work - own time 8 hrs/week. Assessment: Through semester assessment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Enrolment by department permission for students with 85% average in School of IT units plus minimum 75% average in other units
This unit enables talents students with maturing IT knowledge to integrate various IT skills and techniques to carry out projects. These projects are



largely research intensive.
ELEC3506 Data Communications and the Internet

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Zihuai Lin Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Laboratory 2 hrs/fortnight; Tutorial 2 hrs/week. Prohibitions: NETS2150 Assessment: Through semester assessment (50%) and Final Exam (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Students undertaking this unit should be familiar with fundamental digital technologies and representations such as bit complement and internal word representation. Students should also have a basic understanding of the physical properties of communication channels, techniques and limitations. Furthermore, students should be able to apply fundamental mathematical skills.
The unit will cover the following specific material: Communication reference models (TCP/IP and OSI). Circuit switched and packet switched communication. Network node functions and building blocks. LAN, MAN, WAN, WLAN technologies. Protocols fundamental mechanisms. The TCP/IP core protocols (IP, ICMP, DHCP, ARP, TCP, UDP etc.). Applications and protocols (FTP, Telnet, SMTP, HTTP etc.), Network Management and Security.
Textbooks
J. Kurose, K. Ross/Computer Networking/4/2007/9780321497703// B. Forouzan/Data Communications and Networking/2007/9780072967753//
ELEC3609 Internet Software Platforms

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Abelardo Pardo Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/week; Tutorial 2 hrs/week; Project Work - own time 4 hrs. Prerequisites: INFO1103, INFO2110, (INFO2120 or INFO2820) Prohibitions: EBUS4001 Assessment: Through semester assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will focus on the design, the architecture and the development of web applications using technologies currently popular in the marketplace including Java and .NET environments. There are three key themes examined in the unit: Presentation layer, Persistence layer, and Interoperability. The unit will examine practical technologies such as JSP and Servlets, the model-view-controller (MVC) architecture, database programming with ADO.NET and JDBC, advanced persistence using ORM, XML for interoperability, and XML-based SOAP services and Ajax, in support of the theoretical themes identified.
On completion the students should be able to:
- Compare Java/J2EE web application development with Microsoft .NET web application development.
- Exposure to relevant developer tools (e.g. Eclipse and VS.NET)
- Be able to develop a real application on one of those environments.
- Use XML to implement simple web services and AJAX applications.
ELEC3610 E-Business Analysis and Design

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Abelardo Pardo Session: Semester 1 Classes: Project Work - in class 2 hrs; Project Work - own time 4 hrs; Presentation 3 hrs; Tutorial 1 hr/week. Prohibitions: EBUS3003 Assessment: Through semester assessment (70%) and Final Exam (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines the essential pre-production stages of designing successful internet websites and services. It focuses on the aspects of analysis, project specification, design, and prototype that lead up to the actual build of a website or application. Topics include, B2C, B2B and B2E systems, business models, methodologies, modeling with use cases / UML and WebML, the Project Proposal and Project Specification Document, Information Architecture and User-Centred Design, legal issues, and standards-based web development. Students build a simple use-case based e-business website prototype with web standards. A final presentation of the analysis, design and prototype are presented in a role play environment where students try to win funding from a venture capitalist. An understanding of these pre-production fundamentals is critical for future IT and Software Engineering Consultants, Project Managers, Analysts and CTOs.
Textbooks
Gary P. Schneider/Electronic Commerce/10/2013/ISBN-10: 1133526829, ISBN-13: 9781133526827//