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Foundations of Informatics (INFO20002)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Not available in 2019
Overview
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Aims
The ability to access, manipulate, organise, analyse and display data are fundamental skills for scientists, historians, managers, financiers, artists and many other professions. This subject explores various computational methods to represent, transform, and make sense of large, diverse sets of data such as share market prices, scientific data or demographic data. This subject is core within the Bachelor of Science for the Major of Informatics. Students completing the Diploma of Informatics can also take this subject.
Indicative Content
This subject serves as an introduction to Informatics. Its main focus is on representing and manipulating data using spreadsheet tools; basic web page construction using HTML and style-sheets; representing and manipulating information on the web using a scripting language. These skills form a useful basis for those looking at careers in which the manipulation and visualisation of information takes place.
Intended learning outcomes
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Apply the fundamental concepts of the Informatics discipline
- Manipulate large data sets in various domains
- Solve practical data management tasks using ICT tools
- Manipulate live web-based data
- Communicate information effectively using Informatics tools
- Appreciate the social implications of computing.
Generic skills
Upon completion of this subject you should have developed the following generic skills:
- The ability to analyse and solve real-world problems with computers
- Provide clear and constructive critique of other students’ work
- Synthesise information and communicate results effectively
- Work effectively as a member of a project team.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMP10001 | Foundations of Computing |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
OR
VCE Algorithmics units 3/4
OR
Achieving at least 75% in the programming competency test.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject and:
INFO10002
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMP20008 | Elements of Data Processing |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
600-152 Informatics-2: People, Data, and the Web
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- One three-stage project (40% total), comprising of:
Part 1 – Individual – Solving a practical data manipulation problem (10%) due in week 4, requiring 10-12 hours of work. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 5 are addressed in part 1 of the project.
Part 2 – Groups of 3 students – Design and analysis of data representation (10%) due in week 8, requiring 10-12 hours work per group member. ILOs 1 to 5 are addressed in part 2 of the project.
Part 3 – Groups of 3 students – Developing an application that enables the presentation, visualisation, and analysis of data (20%) due in week 8, requiring 20 to 30 hours work per group member. ILOs 1 to 5 are addressed in part 3 of the project.
- One written 2 hour closed book end of semester examination (60%). ILOs 1 to 6 are addressed in the examination. The examination is a hurdle and must be passed to pass the subject
Hurdle requirement: To pass the subject, students must obtain:
- at least 50% of the marks available for the non-examination based assessment
- at least 50% of the marks available for the examination.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2019
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
- Subject notes
Learning and Teaching Methods
The subject is delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops (combination of tutorial and individual/group work in a computer lab). Students will also complete a three stage project which will reinforce the material covered in class.
Indicative Key Learning Resources
Students have access to lecture notes, lecture slides, tutorial worksheets, and the IVLE system which houses a programming environment. The subject LMS site also contains links to recommended resources relating to basic programming, and advanced problems for students who want to extend their learning.
Careers / Industry Links
This subject builds a foundation of knowledge for those IT careers where data manipulation and management are required.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 11 April 2024