Media Computation (COMP10003)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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AIMS

Computing programming can be used to solve problems in many diverse areas, such as business, science, humanities, and design. Many tasks in these areas require manipulating, analysing, and visualising data and media using computer programs. This subject teaches students with little or no background in computer programming how to design and write basic programs using a high-level procedural programming language, and to solve simple problems using these skills, with a specific focus on media computation, such as manipulating images and dynamic web content.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Fundamental programming constructs; fundamental data structures; abstraction; basic program structures; algorithmic problem solving; introduction to the media computation and introduction to web development, algorithms for programming visual design, programming user interfaces, iterative design. 

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Develop programs that can manipulate static, structured data using a high-level language such as Python
  • Apply an iterative and agile approach to solve problems using programming
  • Evaluate proposed solutions using techniques such as digital and paper prototypes
  • Use programming to effectively communicate data to non-technical people
  • Collaborate effectively in small groups to jointly solve computational problems

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • An ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
  • An ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
  • The capacity to solve problems, including the collection and evaluation of information
  • The capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection
  • Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship
  • An expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, and the capacity to do so

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

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: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A three-stage individual programming assignment, due at the end of each third of the semester, approximately weeks 4,8 and 12

  • 30-35 hours (of work required)
Hurdle requirement: Please see below		From Week 4 to Week 1230%

One test

  • 1 hours
Hurdle requirement: Please see below		Mid semester15%

A workshop assignment to demonstrate programming competency, due due two thirds of the way through semester

  • 10-13 hours (of work required)
Hurdle requirement: Please see below		Second half of the teaching period10%

One examination

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: Please see below		End of semester45%

Additional details

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-3 are addressed in the projects, the mid-semester test, and the workshop assignment and the final exam. ILOs 4-5 are addressed in the projects and the workshop assignment.

Hurdle requirement: To pass the subject, students must obtain:

  • at least 50% overall, 20/40 for the project and assignment work
  • at least 30/60 for the mid-semester test and end-of-semester written examination combined.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorGeorge Buchanan
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours60 hours, comprised of three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour workshop per week
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2023
    Census date31 March 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023
    Assessment period ends23 June 2023

    Semester 1 contact information

    Dr George Buchanan

    george.buchanan@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025