Engineering Computation (COMP20005)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 1: Professor Alistair Moffat
email: ammoffat@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2: Dr Jianzhong Qi
email: jianzhong.qi@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2
Semester 1: Professor Alistair Moffat
email: ammoffat@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2: Dr Jianzhong Qi
email: jianzhong.qi@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
Many engineering disciplines make use of numerical solutions to computational problems. In this subject students will be introduced to the key elements of programming in a high level language, and will then use that skill to explore methods for solving numerical problems in a range of discipline areas.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Algorithmic problem solving
- Fundamental data types: numbers and characters
- Approximation and errors in numerical computation
- Fundamental program structures: sequencing, selection, repetition, functions
- Simple data storage structures, variables, arrays, and structures
- Roots of equations and of linear algebraic equations
- Curve fitting and splines
- Interpolation and extrapolation
- Numerical differentiation and integration.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Read, write and debug typical small-scale numerical programs in a high-level programming language such as C
- Test and debug such programs
- Argue for the correctness of such programs, from both a logical point of view and a numeric-soundness point of view
- Be aware of the range of tools available for creating computational solutions to engineering problems, and be able to evaluate and choose between alternative approaches
- Describe and employ the general concepts that apply when computers are used to solve mathematical problems
- Demonstrate familiarity with the underlying theory behind a range of numerical algorithms used in commercial engineering software packages
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following skills:
- The ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
- Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
- Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship
- An ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST10005 | Calculus 1 |
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MAST10006 | Calculus 2 |
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MAST10008 | Accelerated Mathematics 1 | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST10009 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST10021 | Calculus 2: Advanced | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST10019 - Calculus Extension Studies
AND
Note the following subjects can be taken concurrently (at the same time):
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST10007 | Linear Algebra |
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MAST10008 | Accelerated Mathematics 1 | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST10009 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST10022 | Linear Algebra: Advanced | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST10018 - Linear Algebra Extension Studies
OR
Admission into the MC-ENG Master of Engineering
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
COMP10002
Recommended background knowledge
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGR10003 | Engineering Systems Design 2 | No longer available |
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: 9 April 2025
Assessment
Semester 1
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Three Quizzes (30 minutes and 10% each).
| Week 5, Week 9, and Week 12 | 30% |
Two Programming Assignments (20% each).
| Due Week 8 and Week 11 | 40% |
Exam (60 minutes, 30%).
| During the examination period | 30% |
Semester 2
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Project work during semester, due in approximately Week 8 and Week 11
| From Week 8 to Week 11 | 30% |
One mid-semester test, held in Week 5 or Week 6 Hurdle requirement: Please see below | From Week 5 to Week 6 | 10% |
One examination.
| End of semester | 60% |
Additional details
Hurdle requirement: To pass the subject, students must obtain at least:
- 50% overall
- 12/30 in project work
- 28/70 in the mid-semester test and end-of-semester written examination combined.
Intended Learning Outcome (ILO) 1 is addressed in all components of assessment. ILO 2 is assessed in the programming assignments. ILO 3 is assessed in the programming assignments and in the examination. ILOs 4-6 are assessed in the examination.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Alistair Moffat Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 60 hours, comprising of three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour workshop per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021 Last self-enrol date 12 March 2021 Census date 31 March 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021 Assessment period ends 25 June 2021 Semester 1 contact information
Semester 1: Professor Alistair Moffat
email: ammoffat@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2: Dr Jianzhong Qi
email: jianzhong.qi@unimelb.edu.au
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Jianzhong Qi Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 60 hours, comprising of three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour workshop per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 July 2021 to 24 October 2021 Last self-enrol date 6 August 2021 Census date 31 August 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 24 September 2021 Assessment period ends 19 November 2021 Semester 2 contact information
Semester 1: Professor Alistair Moffat
email: ammoffat@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2: Dr Jianzhong Qi
email: jianzhong.qi@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures, programming workshops, and programming exercises. Students will also be expected to develop and submit for assessment programming assignments.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Students will have access to lecture notes and lecture slides, and will be expected to own a copy of the textbook, nominated by the coordinator. Other guidance will be provided via LMS.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
Programming competencies are a critical part of a range of engineering career pathways, especially electrical and mechanical engineering. Being familiar with computational thinking and problem solving techniques is important to the development of new devices and technologies in these disciplines.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) Informal specialisation Bachelor of Design Elective Subjects Specialisation (formal) Electrical with Business Specialisation (formal) Mechanical with Business Specialisation (formal) Software with Business Informal specialisation Environments Discipline subjects Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Elective subjects for B-BMED Specialisation (formal) Software Specialisation (formal) Mechanical Specialisation (formal) Spatial Major Spatial Systems Specialisation (formal) Mechatronics Specialisation (formal) Electrical - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 9 April 2025