Computer Systems (COMP30023)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
Over the last half-century, computers have improved at a faster rate than almost any other technology on the planet, yet the principles on which they work have remained mostly constant. In this subject, students will learn how computer systems work "under the hood".
The specific aim of this subject is for the students to develop an understanding of the basic concepts underlying computer systems. A key focus of this subject is the introduction of operating systems principles and computer network protocols. This knowledge is essential for writing secure software, for writing high performance software, and for writing network-based services and applications.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered include:
- The role of the operating system
- The memory hierarchy (caches, virtual memory, and working sets)
- Interrupt handling, processes and scheduling
- File systems
- Introduction to multiprocessors and synchronization
- Introduction to network protocols (OSI model)
- Development of client-server applications
- Computer system security and cryptographic protocols
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students are expected to be able to:
- ILO 1 - Demonstrate their knowledge of operating systems from the programmer's perspective
- ILO 2 - Demonstrate their knowledge of networking technologies from the programmer's perspective
- ILO 3 - Apply this knowledge to select appropriate tools and technologies for a problem at hand
- ILO 4 - Build simple server applications
- ILO 5 - Recognise some common security vulnerabilities and the reason why they are present in a particular system
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following 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
- An expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, and the capacity to do so.
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMP20003 | Algorithms and Data Structures | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| COMP20007 | Design of Algorithms | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| COMP90038 | Algorithms and Complexity |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMP90007 | Internet Technologies |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
COMP30017
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
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Project work throughout the semester consists of two components. The first component is due roughly by week 5 while the second component is due roughly by week 11. Completed individually. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-5 are addressed.
| Throughout the teaching period | 30% |
Weekly tutorial participation activity. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-5 are addressed. Hurdle requirement: See under Additional Details. | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Written mid-semester test. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-5 are addressed.
| Mid semester | 10% |
Written end-of-semester exam. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-5 are addressed.
| During the examination period | 50% |
Additional details
Hurdle requirement on exam component: 30/60 for the mid-semester test and end-of-semester written examination combined. Hurdle requirement on non-exam component: 20/40 combined over non-exam components.
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Maria Read Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours, comprising of two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour workshop per week (a workshop is a 1-hour tutorial followed by a 1-hour computer lab per week) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
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
- Texts
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject is delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops (tutorial and individual/group work). Students get a hands-on introduction to advanced programming through a series of problem solving exercises. Tasks will encapsulate operating system fundamentals and computer network protocols and services. Students will then go on to complete project work. Students will also learn how to use basic cryptographic primitives to protect data privacy and integrity. Students will begin to gain an understanding of how to analyse cryptographic protocols and what degree of privacy and integrity they achieve.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Students have access to lecture notes, lecture slides, tutorial worksheets, a programming environment and the Department servers. The subject LMS site contains links to recommended resources relating to basic/advanced programming, and advanced problems resources relating to basic/advanced programming, and advanced problems for students who want to extend themselves.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
The IT industry is a large and steadily growing industry. Skills in operating systems and programming development that exploits the underlying computer system are essential for working in the IT industry, for example in software development companies, website development companies, telecommunication companies and game development companies. There is scope for a range of companies/organisations to be involved in the delivery of the subject (through guest lectures etc.) including AURIN (Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network: geomatics, distributed computing, web development), VLSCI (Victorian Life Sciences Computing distributed computing, big data).
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Software Major Computer Science Major Computing and Software Systems Specialisation (formal) Software with Business Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Computing and Software Systems - 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: 14 March 2025