Melbourne Study Centre, Ultimo Study Centre, Hobart, Launceston
Introduction
Computers and mathematics are powerful tools for modelling and reasoning about the world around us. They are also powerful tools for reasoning about computation itself. This unit explores the fundamental topics of sets, logic, combinatorics and number theory as they apply to modelling real-world problems, as well as to thinking about the operation of computers and program code. Learn just how much can be accomplished with a single line of Python. During the semester students will assemble their personal toolkit of mathematical and programming techniques, forming the foundation of further study in mathematics, data science or software development.
Summary
| Unit name | Computational Science |
| Unit code | KIT103 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Information and Communication Technology |
| Discipline | Information & Communication Technology |
| Coordinator | Doctor James Montgomery |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Melbourne Study Centre | Semester 2 |
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| Ultimo Study Centre | Semester 2 |
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| Hobart | Semester 2 |
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| Launceston | Semester 2 |
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- Key:
- On-campus
Off-Campus- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 20/7/2025 | 18/8/2025 | 7/9/2025 | 25/10/2025 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- apply the tools of discrete mathematics to model real world problems within a scientific computing environment
- translate mathematical expressions involving discrete entities into valid program code
- select appropriate mathematical and programming structures to suit a given scenario
- solve abstract and real world problems using formal definitions and properties of fundamental mathematical structures without the use of a computer
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 020199 | $1,164.00 | $1,164.00 | not applicable | $2,780.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | On-campus Melbourne and Sydney may differ and will be advised by your teaching team. On-campus enrolments in Hobart and Launceston: Up to 1 hour/week introductory videos, 2 hours/week whole of class workshop, 2 hours/week tutorial |
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| Assessment | Assignment 1: Sets and Functions (15%)|Assignment 2: Boolean Algebra and Conditional Program Logic (15%)|Assignment 3: Combinatorics (15%)|Assignment 4: Fun with Numbers (15%)|Project & Portfolio (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | If you wish to extend your skills we recommend Fundamentals of Discrete Math for Computer Science: A Problem-Solving Primer by Tom Jenkyns and Ben Stephenson. Note that it covers a lot of advanced computer science topics that this unit does not. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.