Single-unit study
You can study individual units for personal or professional development without having to apply for a full QUT course.
If you successfully complete a unit, you may be eligible for credit if you decide to apply for a degree course in the future.
Units anyone can study
These units don’t have any requirements for previous study or background knowledge.
But if your previous studies were not in English, or were completed in a country where English is not the first language, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English proficiency requirements when you apply.
Science
Biology and environmental science
BVB101 Foundations of Biology
Biology is the study of living things. Cells are considered the basic structural unit of life, existing in diverse forms from simple single-celled microbes to complex multicellular organisms such as plants and animals. Using collaborative approaches in workshops and the laboratory you will investigate the diverse nature of cells and consider how they are built and powered and how they interact and reproduce and form whole organisms. You will use the concepts developed in this unit to discuss more complex questions such as “are viruses alive” and “can we synthesise life”. This unit has a strong focus on development of practical skills and engagement in these activities is required to be able to undertake assessment that supports these learning outcomes.
BVB103 Evolution and the Diversity of Life
The famous biologist, Theodosius Dobzhansky (1973) stated that "nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution". Studying evolution and biodiversity provides you with the fundamental basis for understanding biological patterns and processes from data sources spanning research from genomes to ecology and fossils. This unit provides an overview of the nature of inheritance, biological variation, natural & sexual selection and adaptation as well as the diversity of life that these processes have generated. The unit aims to equip you to be able to (1) interpret any biological observation in an evolutionary framework in fields as diverse as conservation and medical genetics and (2) recognise and classify major groups of organisms. We will introduce some key elements of Australia’s largely unique flora and fauna. As a foundational unit, knowledge and skills that you gain will be built upon in subsequent units in the biology and environmental science majors.
EVB102 Ecosystems and the Environment
Like all other species on the planet, humans extract energy and materials from their surrounding environment and as a result of that activity, modify ecosystems. We are part of the earth's ecological systems, and our ability to understand and manage our impact on the environment must be based on a sound knowledge of ecosystems ecology. This first year unit provides an introduction to ecosystems science through a series of lectures, workshops and field work. The unit focuses on broad-scale factors that shape ecosystems, such as energy transfer, materials cycling, climate and soils and examines the ecological patterns that emerge as a result. This knowledge is then used to assess ecosystem change and human impact on the environment. This foundational unit is relevant to environmental science and biology students and those with an interest in understanding the natural science components of sustainability.
SEB123 Life and the Environment: Survival of the Fittest
This unit introduces you to the study of living things, how the environment shapes their survival and in turn how living things can then shape their environments. You will engage with biological and environmental scientists in workshops and practical activities to investigate how and why organisms have adapted to survive and reproduce in different environments and the positive and negative impacts that this can have (with particular focus on Australia). By undertaking introductory experiments and activities in the field and laboratory you will develop your understanding of scientific methodologies. You will experience how traditional and modern approaches and technologies are complementary for answering important questions and for biologists and environmental scientists to make an impact.
Chemistry and physics
CVB101 General Chemistry
This foundation chemistry unit covers the core concepts and laboratory practices that we use to define the nature of atoms and the different forms of matter, to quantify chemical reactions & chemical reaction processes through the application of thermochemistry, kinetics and chemical equilibria. The understanding of these chemical concepts is essential to knowing why matter in our universe exists in specific forms and how it transforms. This knowledge is the foundation upon which the other scientific disciplines and applied disciplines are based. The knowledge and skills developed in this introductory unit are relevant to both chemistry major students and non-majors alike.
CVB102 Chemical Structure and Reactivity
Chemistry relates to all aspects of our lives. An understanding of chemistry is necessary to make sense of our world and to address the global challenges faced by our society. Together with its companion unit, CVB101 General Chemistry, this unit provides you with a foundation in the science of Chemistry. It focuses on how atoms bond to form molecules, and the models chemists use to understand molecular structure. You will learn how to predict the reactivity and properties of molecules and will get a foundational introduction to organic and biological chemistry. You will develop your ability to apply theoretical knowledge and critical thinking to solving chemical problems. You will also complete a suite of laboratory practical experiments, where you will develop professional skills in chemical manipulation, analysis, safe laboratory practices, data recording and analysis. This unit is a foundation for higher-level courses in organic chemistry, materials science and biochemistry.
CVB210 Introduction to Analytical Science
The unit introduces students to the principles and methods of making quality measurements in the context of chemical analysis and calibration. Students will gain relevant 'hands-on' experience from the practical and workshop programs, which will enable them to understand the theory in the context of 'real world' examples. The practical component involves a representative examples of wet-chemical and instrumental exercises that provide an introduction to Analytical Chemistry and practical experience for students pursuing any area of Science, Health and Engineering that needs quantitative chemical measurements. Skills developed in the unit will be important for students aiming gain an understanding of the internationally-recognised quality framework for chemical testing and calibration, the ISO/IEC 17025.
PCB240 Optics 1
A unit in basic optics is an essential part of any course for optometrists. The eye is an optical instrument that collects and images light to provide our valuable sense of vision. It is important that we know how to quantify and measure light, and control it in lamp sources, instruments and in detector systems. This unit is specially designed to cover a range of topics relevant to optometrists exploring these aspects of light. You will solve a range of practical problems using the principles of geometrical optics, reflection and refraction from surfaces and thin lenses. The relationships between photometric quantities such as flux, intensity, illumination and luminance will be explored. How the eye perceives colour and its quantitative and qualitative determination through CIE chromaticity coordinates will be investigated. Physical optics will be used to examine monochromatic and chromatic aberrations, the wave nature of light and the occurrence of interference and diffraction.
PCN214 Radiation Protection
This unit covers radiation protection of humans, primarily aimed at radiation in the workplace. Topics include sources of radiation, effects of ionizing radiation on the human body, radiation protection in diagnostic radiology, and laser safety.
PVB105 Foundations of Physics
The fundamental concepts of physics seek to describe, predict and explain phenomena at all scales from the observable universe down to subatomic particles. They underpin all the sciences. This unit introduces you to those underlying physical processes that relate to the behaviour of the world: motion, forces, energy, gravity, electricity, and special relativity, and see how they help us to also understand thermal interactions, fluid dynamics, global warming, electric and magnetic fields, electrical currents, optical instruments, space travel, the motions of the planets and to theorise about the nature, history and future of the universe itself. You will learn how to think about scientific concepts, and solve problems like a physicist. These concepts are grounded in experimental verification, and you will develop technical and reporting skills in laboratory experiments which investigate the relationships between measurable physical phenomena both individually and in teams.
PVB220 Cosmology
Cosmology is the study of the origin and evolution of the universe, from the Big Bang to the present. Topics presented include special and general relativity, the physics and geometry of space-time, inflationary cosmology, cosmic microwave background, dark energy and dark matter, supermassive black holes, gravitational waves, and the status of Australian cosmology surveys.
SEB122 Physics in the Real World
Physics describes the world around us, from the tides in the ocean to the way that objects heat up in the sunshine. Understanding basic physics provides a fundamental foundation for all of the scientific disciplines, and by learning how to think like a physicist you will understand how to approach problems systematically and analytically. This unit will enable you to identify the core physical laws required to describe a variety of real-world processes, with a particular focus on those that are relevant to other scientific disciplines. You will learn about measurement and uncertainty, motion, forces and energy, basic concepts of thermodynamics, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation and waves, and the structure of atoms and molecules, incorporating conceptual, mathematical and practical approaches.
SEB124 Understanding Chemistry
Chemistry, the science of molecules, gives us the tools we need to make sense of the world around us. Chemistry underpins all aspects of the natural and physical world and appears in all science disciplines, including physics, biology, earth and environmental science. Therefore, this subject is designed to develop your understanding of the basic principles of chemistry and an opportunity to explore chemistry in the context of different science disciplines. This unit explores the structure of atoms, how atoms bond to form molecules, and the models chemists use to understand molecular structure, including an understanding of isomers. This knowledge is then applied to understand how chemical bonding and intermolecular forces work together to influence properties of macromolecules and materials. Through the practical aspects of this unit, you will develop professional skills in chemical manipulation, safe and sustainable laboratory practices, data recording and analysis.
Computer science
ENN524 Mobile Network Engineering
Wireless communications, mobile networks and Internet of Things have been widely deployed and integrated into various mobile platforms for value-added services. This unit highlights the recent advances in wireless local area and wireless wide area networks, vehicular networks and Internet of Things with focus on basic principles, selected standards and protocols. The unit also provides an overview for mobile satellite systems and navigation satellite systems and applications
IFB102 Introduction to Computer Systems
This is an introductory computer science unit concerning computer systems, in particular how modern computer systems work, how they are structured, and how they operate. Computer systems are ubiquitous and yet they are unlike any other man-made product or system; they appear magical and are notoriously difficult to work with and manage in projects. This unit’s goal is to demystify computer systems so you can appreciate, understand and utilise computer systems in their subsequent learning, and effectively participate in the IT industry. You will study computers, networks, operating systems and the Web. Raspberry Pi computers will be used throughout the unit and at the end you will build their own small computer system using a Raspberry Pi.
IFB104 Introduction to Programming
This unit provides a hands-on introduction to computer programming for students with no prior coding experience at all. It introduces the basic principles of programming in a typical imperative language, including expressions, assignment, functions, choice and iteration. It then shows how to use Application Programming Interfaces to complete common Information Technology tasks such as querying databases, creating user interfaces, and searching for patterns in large datasets. It finally connects the technical approaches to professional and entrepreneurial contexts. The emphasis is on developing skills through practice, so the unit includes numerous coding exercises and assignments, using a simple scripting language, a code development environment and a Generative AI tool. The unit establishes a foundation for later subjects that teach large-scale software development using industrial-strength programming languages.
IFB240 Cyber Security
Cyber security breaches, from database hacking to malware campaigns, are increasing. The interconnectedness of information systems means the actions of individuals impact many others. This unit is important in developing an understanding of the challenges involved in protecting information assets. Fundamental information security concepts are introduced. Security goals including confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication and non-repudiation are defined. Threats to information and vulnerabilities that could be exploited are identified. Technical and non-technical measures to provide security for information are discussed in areas including access control, cryptography, and network communications. Cyber security management standards and best practice implementation guidelines are reviewed. You can take this unit as a stand-alone course to raise your cyber security awareness, or as a pathway to cyber security units, including network security and cryptography.
IFN581 Programming Fundamentals
This unit provides a hands-on introduction to computer programming for students with no prior coding experience. It introduces the basic building blocks of algorithms: sequence, selection and iteration and how algorithmic thinking is used to decompose problems into simpler steps. The Python language is used for expressing these concepts in a programming language, which is widely used in the industry. The unit introduces an imperative style of programming in which a sequence of statements changes the program’s state using variables that contain data of various types. The unit introduces the processes for debugging and testing programs and the forms of professional communication associated with software development. The principles of object oriented programming is introduced to help overcome complexity when developing larger programs. The concepts of abstraction and encapsulation are introduced.by using classes, objects and methods.
IFN583 Computer Systems and Security
This unit addresses the core concepts of a computer system: how modern computer systems work, how they are structured, and how they operate. Additionally, the unit teaches you about modern computer environments including networks as well as introducing the fundamental concepts of cyber security in the context of computer systems. In particular, you will learn about controls and countermeasures to mitigate identified security risks, considering the threats, vulnerabilities and security goals of an organization. Understanding the fundamental concepts enables you to adapt with the evolution of computer systems in the future.
IFN584 Object-Oriented Design and Development
Object orientation is a program design principle applicable to software at various scales. In this unit you will extend your knowledge of small-scale object-oriented programming to large-scale systems in which the classes and objects mirror their real-world counterparts in the business-level processes the software supports (e.g., customers, orders, products, projects, etc). To do so you will learn about and apply several standard software design principles and patterns applicable to large-scale IT systems, and you will learn how such designs are communicated professionally and used as part of object-oriented software development processes. You will then implement those designs in an industry-standard object-oriented programming language, making use of its various library modules. Depending on the nature of the practical projects you complete this could require implementing user interfaces, executing concurrent threads, interacting with databases, and so on.
IFN649 Internet of Things
This unit is designed for graduate students in the Masters of IT. Students will learn the theory, architecture, hardware/software, and programming of networks, including network services, Internet-of-Things (IoT), as well the security, trust, and privacy considerations in these networks. You will learn the theory and practice of building, monitoring, and tailoring computer networks to applications, including core network functions and services such as routing. You will also learn about the theory and practice of IoT networks that underpin the 'fourth industrial revolution'. There are two main components of the unit: collaborative learning activities covering the principles involved, and practical assignments in which you will build your own miniature networks using free open source software on virtual servers and on IoT devices.
IFN658 Networks and Security
Networking allows us to connect all sorts of devices and gain access to a wide range of applications and services. However, our heavy reliance on networking technology means the security of our networks is critical for both enterprise and individuals to avoid disruption to services that are essential for day-to-day activities in a connected world. This unit introduces the core concepts of computer networks and the Internet, in particular layered network architecture and models, hardware and software, TCP/IP protocol stack, addressing and routing, wireless networks, network security, and network services and applications. It teaches you how modern computer networks and the Internet work, how they are structured, and how they operate. Additionally, we will explore the challenges associated with securing a network. We will consider attack scenarios along with security controls for addressing network security vulnerabilities.
Earth and atmospheric sciences
CLB100 Global Change
In CLB100, you will discover how the Earth has undergone natural global change and how this compares to anthropogenic change of the planet. The three key aims of the unit are: i) to focus on climatic and global change of the last 3 million years; ii) to then put this into the context of the Earth’s long planetary history; and finally, iii) to develop a sound appreciation of the close relationship between human evolution and global change. You will gain new appreciation of diverse perspectives and inclusion by learning about how different cultures have recorded past global change. In conclusion, the unit will let your discover how past planetary change can be used to inform models predicting future climate: the past is the key to the future.
CLB333 Dynamic Atmosphere
Building on the foundation of atmospheric science laid in PQB360, this unit will provide enhanced understanding of chemical and physical processes that are responsible for structure, composition and properties of the atmosphere. Students will gain deeper understanding of aerosol and cloud formation, their interaction with solar radiation and role in global climate, as well as chemical transformations that govern abundance of important atmospheric trace species in both gas and aerosol phase. This knowledge will provide students with the background to understand current issues, such as stratospheric ozone depletion, impact of volcanoes on climate, air pollution and photochemical smog, acid rain and climate change.
ERB110 Earth's Dynamic Systems
Earth Science impacts every aspect of modern life. The concepts of Earth Science are fundamental not only to the field of geology, but also to climate science, environmental science, natural resource management, water security, civil and geotechnical engineering and society at large. This introduction to Earth Science and its applications, includes earth cycles and materials (minerals and rocks), geospatial mapping, geological history, physical geography and landforms. Additionally, the unit provides accessible examples of the use of scientific reasoning for understanding complex natural systems. Earth's Dynamic Systems is a foundation unit for further studies in Earth Science, but more importantly, serves as a broad introduction to the very world we live on and to science in general. Such a background is highly desirable for any informed citizen for understanding complex issues around resources, climate, environment, and societal development.
ERB111 Earth and Planetary Evolution
In ERB111 Earth & Planetary Evolution, you will focus on key events in the history of our planet and the solar system – the formation of our planet, the concept of geologic time, the origin of the oceans and atmosphere, and the evolution of life. You will learn about the connections between the evolution of life and physical planetary processes and events, to appreciate the complexity of life that exists on Earth today. This provides a fundamental introduction to astrobiology and geological time and prepares you for a more in-depth exploration of Earth system connectivity, biodiversity, natural hazards, environmental management, and climate change.
SEB121 Earth in Motion
In this unit you will learn about the inter-connectivity of Earth and life and how our planet has changed through time, including the recent socio-economic issues around climate, biodiversity and future energy demands.
Information systems
DSB201 Advanced Databases
This unit introduces you to the technologies that can be used to address challenges in managing fast incoming, voluminous, and varied data that is increasingly being relied on to make decisions in today's business environment. You will develop practical skills in using advance database technologies that will prepare you to be a data analyst, business analyst, solution architect, as well as enterprise architect.
DSB202 Data Ethics and Society
In this unit you will explore ethical concerns associated with information and data, and develop a personal ethical stance which will help you approach data science tasks in an ethical way. The unit will investigate ethical problems that can arise in the use of information including issues associated with fairness and dignity, transparency and privacy, sovereignty and the law, governance and regulation, AI and emerging technologies, and balancing competing rights. The unit will use real examples from contemporary applications of data science and information technologies, analysing the practical effects of good versus poor ethical practices. You will use ethical theory to help identify your own personal stance on ethical issues, and in doing so shape your own ethical position and provide you with approaches that you can use in practice. Successful completion of this unit will prepare you to be able to face ethical issues in your future work and respond thoughtfully to them.
IAB201 Modelling Techniques for Information Systems
This is an introductory unit that will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge required for understanding, designing and analysing information systems. The unit aims to develop an ability to manage the complexity of contemporary and future information systems and the domains in which they are used. It will also provide you with the skills to design artefacts, fit for purpose and audience, that can be used to solve real-world problems related to information systems. Unit content will play an important role in future units and a wide variety of professional IT activities. This unit expands on knowledge acquired in IFB103: IT Systems Design by introducing conceptual modelling techniques that underpin most modern systems modelling languages. Subsequent units will build on the conceptual modelling skills learned in this unit, for example, by applying it to the techniques covered in IAB203: Business Process Modelling and IAB204: Business Requirements Analysis.
IAB203 Process Modelling
This unit introduces business process management concepts: how organisations improve their processes in terms of time, cost and quality. It introduces process identification and process discovery. Furthermore, it addresses the fundamentals of process modelling: model quality, correctness issues and modelling in BPMN's collaboration and choreography diagrams. After this unit, IAB320 continues with other business process improvement steps.
IAB353 Data Analytics for Enterprise Systems
This unit provides knowledge and skills for supporting Business Intelligence (BI) using enterprise systems. BI is a technology-driven process for analysing data and delivering actionable outcomes as part of planning and decision-making tasks undertaken by executives, managers, and workers. It involves data science and machine learning techniques and tools applied to key aspects of businesses including products, services, customers and resources. You will be exposed to the planning, modelling, reporting, and prediction structures underpinning business intelligence. To support this, you will learn, Data preparation, analysis and modelling, predictions, and visualization. In addition, you will be exposed to advanced data analytics capabilities including, real-time analytics and Internet of Things (IoT) analytics. This will be applied through a comprehensive framework that supports data Ops, data security, and governance. The unit provides a rich exposure to real-world BI platforms.
IAB410 Enterprise Data & AI Governance
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape with new data and artificial intelligence (AI) opportunities, effective and responsible governance is essential for organisational success, ethical integrity, and regulatory compliance. The Enterprise Data and AI Governance unit equips you with the strategic insight and practical expertise to navigate the complexities of governing digital assets confidently. You will do so by leveraging governance frameworks to create value for an organisation and its stakeholders, supported by a practical blend of theory and real-world insights. You will master good practices in corporate, data, and AI governance, ensuring alignment between organisational goals and technological capabilities. This unit uniquely equips you with the comprehensive skills needed to advance enterprises in a data-driven, AI-enabled world.
IFB103 IT Systems Design
The success of any IT system - whether a mobile, web app, or core platform - lies in the quality of its design. Design combines creative and technical skills to develop blueprints and prototypes that guide software development. Design covers frontend aspects where users access data and complete tasks, and backend aspects, including software components, databases, and platforms. This unit exposes you to these key design aspects. You will learn design principles and techniques alongside hands-on learning applied to real-world problems. This unit will fast-track your understanding by showing how applications like Google Maps and Facebook are designed. You will work individually and in teams, and learn to communicate design proposals using informal and formal diagrams to gain buy-in and support implementation. You will gain a coherent introduction to IT systems and the key professional roles involved in IT design work (e.g., systems/business analysts and solution architects).
IFB105 Database Management
This is an introductory unit on database addressing the core concepts, requirements and practices of databases. It introduces conceptual data modeling to address a key area of concern of modeling structured data to build a comprehensive understanding of the data aspect of a problem. You will learn how to transform such data model into a relational database design as well as how to effectively retrieve data through SQL queries. Normalization, database security/administration, other special topics and ethical aspects related to information systems are also covered. IAB207 Rapid Web App Development, IAB303 Data Analytics for Business Insights and the Capstone units IFB398 Capstone 1 and IFB399 Capstone 2 build on this unit for data storage/retrieval and business insights. IAB206 Modern Data Management extends this unit earning to unstructured data such as graphs and documents which are also gaining popularity in the real world.
IFB201 Introduction to Enterprise Computing
This unit provides an introduction to enterprise systems, the most widely used form of software technology in the business world. It will provide you with a background of the different aspects of businesses that they manage, such as resources, teams, products, services, customers and suppliers, and prominent types of enterprise systems in the market, including customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, supply chain management systems. Based on this background, you will learn how to design, develop and effectively utilise enterprise systems from three perspectives. These are: business processes through which activities are coordinated across an organisation; software applications which provide the programming code underpinning the processes; and decision-making in which data is combined and visualised for users to determine critical outcomes.
IFN515 Fundamentals of Business Process Management
This unit provides an in-depth introduction to the management of business processes. It takes you through the fundamental lifecycle phases of a typical business process improvement initiative, from process identification to process monitoring, covering process modelling, analysis, improvement, and automation. The techniques learned include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander process views and sustainable practices for waste management as defined by the UN (Goal 12 and Goal 8) in designing robust process solutions. The unit emphasises a practical approach, integrating real-world examples through case vignettes, detailed studies, and industry talks. Assessment is centred on a real-world case study, enabling the application of learned concepts to real-life scenarios. Additionally, we showcase the career journeys and successes of former students, illustrating how the unit aids career advancement and offers mentoring opportunities for your benefit.
IFN585 Systems Innovation and Design
Organisations are continuously transforming to leverage the potential of information systems. Effective transformation requires leadership to clearly define business problems that information systems can help address. This unit focuses on two key components that support such transformation: data analysis and visualisation, and systems innovation and design. The first component introduces you to data analysis and visualisation, enabling you to explore patterns, generate insights, and communicate findings that support evidence-based decision-making. The second component introduces system dynamics modelling, equipping you with tools to understand and design complex systems through feedback loops and scenario analysis. Together, these approaches enable you to analyse problems, model solutions, and support informed organisational decisions through the strategic use of information systems.
IFN635 Cyber Security and Governance
Cybersecurity is the practice of safeguarding an organisation's critical infrastructure from cyber threats, including ransomware, malware, and phishing. Critical infrastructure encompasses IT components (software, platforms, computing infrastructure, networks, devices) and physical spaces. Infrastructure attacks have increased the need for cyber risk management skills. This unit builds on Computer Systems and Security (IFN583) and offers a broad introduction to cybersecurity and governance frameworks, covering security practices across people, processes, and technology. Topics include threat assessment, risk management, incident response, security compliance, awareness initiatives, and cloud security. You will learn from real-world case studies to prepare for roles as cybersecurity professionals, gaining theoretical knowledge and practical skills to detect, investigate, and remediate cyberattacks. This unit also prepares you for advanced studies in the cybersecurity major.
IFN654 Lean Six Sigma
This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to Lean Six Sigma, a rigorous and disciplined methodology, widely used in practice, that uses organisational data and statistical analysis to measure and improve the performance of an organisation's business processes. As a specialisation unit of BPM, it aims to develop learners’ knowledge about different process improvement methodologies and develop specific intermediate skills in solving real-world business problems. The unit addresses the key concepts, methods and techniques in LSS including inclusive design, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on sustainability and waste. In particular, it focuses on introducing the Six Sigma approach known as DMAIC while incorporating the principles of Lean Management. The unit content is aligned with the universally accepted Lean Six Sigma Body of Knowledge for Green Belts, developed by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification.
IFN655 Advanced Business Intelligence Concepts for Enterprise Systems
This unit elevates the Business Intelligence (BI) expertise for enterprise systems by focusing on sophisticated use of data science and machine learning in enterprise settings. BI represents a process fuelled by technology, focusing on the analysis of data and the delivery of actionable insights, crucial for the planning and decision-making activities carried out by executives, managers, and staff. This unit involves AI-driven analytics, data science, machine learning techniques and tools, and advanced IoT analytics, thereby preparing students for high-level managerial decision-making. To support this, you will learn advanced predictive modelling, real-time analytics, and complex data visualization. The unit also covers data Ops, security, and governance. The unit provides a rich exposure to real-world BI platforms, integrating advanced BI skills from data analysis to strategic decision support, ensuring graduates are adept in both technology and its business applications.
Mathematical sciences
DSB102 Introduction to Machine Learning
This unit introduces you to foundational concepts in statistical machine learning, equipping them with essential skills to handle and analyse complex data. You will explore both supervised and unsupervised learning techniques, starting with linear regression and advancing to methods like decision trees, support vector regression, and introductory neural networks. Additionally, the unit covers essential clustering techniques and simple yet practical machine learning applications suitable for first-year data science students. Through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and both individual and group assignments, you will engage deeply with real-world problems, and have the opportunity to benefit from diverse perspectives and career supports to develop their employability. You will be prepared to apply these methods and use industry-relevant digital practices to a range of real-world data problems and lay the groundwork for advanced studies in data science.
DSB200 Applied Data Science
Thanks to information technology, data has become the life blood of human endeavour. Individually and collectively, we depend on digital data to live well and flourish. This is because (even though data are merely symbols that can carry or store information) we can turn data into information, knowledge and wisdom that we can preserve, share and apply. Data Science is all about making sense of the information that data may hold to help us understand our Universe and act wisely to deliver benefit and avoid harm. Applied data science is where we bring abstract concepts, theories, methods and algorithms to bear on real-world data to inform human decisions and actions.
MXB100 Introductory Calculus and Algebra
This unit builds on high school calculus by exploring derivatives, integrals and differential equations. It also introduces the basic theory of matrices, vectors and complex numbers. The ability to apply these concepts and techniques, and express real-world problems in mathematical language, is essential in quantitative fields such as science, business and technology. This is an introductory unit, which attempts to establish foundational skills that you will extend in subsequent discipline-specific units. This unit is particularly intended for students whose mathematics preparation does not include Queensland Senior Specialist Mathematics, Mathematics C or an equivalent.
MXB103 Introductory Computational Mathematics
Many real world phenomena are modelled by mathematical models whose solutions cannot be found analytically. To solve these problems in practice, it is necessary to develop computational methods, algorithms and computer code. This unit will introduce you to numerical methods for addressing foundational problems in computational mathematics such as solving nonlinear ordinary differential equations, finding roots of nonlinear functions, constructing interpolating polynomials of data sets, computing derivatives and integrals numerically and solving linear systems of equations. This is an introductory unit providing foundational skills in computational methods and their practical implementation using relevant computational software. This unit will be essential throughout the remaining parts of your degree. MXB226 Computational Mathematics builds on this unit by extending your computational and programming skills to more challenging problems and more sophisticated algorithms.
MXB105 Calculus and Differential Equations
Calculus and differential equations are used ubiquitously throughout mathematics, statistics and operations research. In this unit, you will build upon the foundations of calculus established in high school or in earlier university mathematics study, to greatly enhance your repertoire of theory and practice in these areas. The application of calculus and differential equations in the description and modelling of real-world problems will also be considered. This unit will extend your problem-solving skills, range of knowledge and use of techniques in differential and integral calculus. These theoretical concepts and their applications will be pursued further in MXB202 Advanced Calculus.
MXB106 Linear Algebra
This is a foundational unit in linear algebra which introduces core algebraic concepts, as well as theoretical and practical tools, that will be of central importance to solving real-world problems in science and engineering by mathematical methods. Linear algebra is fundamental to most branches of mathematics, finding widespread applications in mathematical modelling, statistics, machine learning, finance, economics, information technology, operations research, and computational mathematics. This unit aims to cultivate a deep understanding of the basic mathematical structures of linear algebra, including vector spaces and linear combinations, matrix transformations, invariant subspaces and eigenvalue problems.
MZB103 Introduction to Statistics
MZB103 is a foundational science unit for developing core skills in statistics that underpins all modern scientific practice and covers topics relevant to later science units. Thus this unit serves as a foundation and prerequisite for many subsequent units in the science degree. The applied approach in this unit develops topics through examples in science which are accessible to students from a range of disciplines.
MZB104 Quantitative Methods
MZB104 is a foundational science unit for developing core quantitative skills in foundational mathematics and introductory statistical modelling that underpins all modern scientific practice and covers topics relevant to later science units. The applied approach in this unit develops topics through examples in science which are accessible to students from a range of disciplines. The statistical modelling in MZB104 builds on MZB103 Introduction to Statistics.
MZB125 Introductory Engineering Mathematics
Professional engineers have a "conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline" (Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer). This unit will serve as the transition from high school mathematics to university, particularly if you have not studied Queensland Specialist Mathematics (formerly called Senior Mathematics C) or equivalent. You will learn about elementary functions, their derivatives and integrals, the algebra of complex numbers, and vectors and matrices. Mathematical techniques and problem solving skills are employed in a range of mathematical exercises and contextualised problems, illustrating how these concepts and techniques are used in engineering systems. In future units you will continue to apply the mathematical knowledge and skills you have learned in this unit to increasingly complex problems.
Units you need background knowledge to study
These units have requirements for previous study or background knowledge. Check the unit’s previous study requirements for details. If you have any questions, contact the unit coordinator for the semester you want to study.
If your previous studies were not in English, or were completed in a country where English is not the first language, you will also need to demonstrate that you meet our English proficiency requirements when you apply.
Science
Biology and environmental science
BVB201 Biological Processes
An understanding of processes which occur at the cellular level is fundamental to all aspects of biology. Using a combination of theoretical and laboratory-based approaches to enquiry you will explore the biochemical pathways and processes that facilitate biological function and the genetic mechanisms that control them. You will investigate how this information can be applied to solve current biological problems.
BVB204 Ecological Science
Ecology is the study of the living and non-living factors that influence the distribution and abundance of organisms. It is a key discipline of biological and environmental science, and is central to managing and conserving species, ecosystems and to the short and long-term sustainable management of natural resources. This unit examines the fundamental concepts of ecology such as population ecology, interactions between trophic levels in food webs, attributes of ecosystems such as biodiversity and nutrient cycling; and develops the conceptual foundation for later subjects in the biological and environmental science majors and minors.
BVB225 Ecosystems and Biodiversity
There are over one million species catalogued, and several million yet to be described. Familiarity with biological diversity and the role species play within ecosystems is central to biological and evolutionary research, and for developing solutions to sustain the environmental health of our planet. Australia has a largely unique flora and fauna, with a very high proportion of our plant and animal species found nowhere else. While it is impossible to cover every Australian plant and animal in a single unit, we will introduce some key elements of that diversity, with a focus on terrestrial ecosystems and the plants, insects and mammals which occur in them. For students enrolled in biology and environmental science majors this unit provides foundational knowledge to complement areas such as ecology and environmental monitoring; while for education majors the skills gained in creating collections forms a basis for teaching biology in both primary and secondary school.
BVB313 Molecular Ecology
Understanding the dispersal and movement of genes in populations is fundamental to the management of invasive species, the management of wild resources and the conservation of rare species. In this unit, you will synthesize scientific literature, develop and apply problem solving skills through genetic data analysis and critical evaluation of results in molecular ecological research, and communicate outcomes in written format. This unit will provide the theoretical and analytical training required for practicing ecologists to use genetic techniques in research and applied settings.
BVB321 Ecosystem Protection
Invasive species cause substantial and costly negative effects to native ecosystems. An understanding of the ecological processes by which they are introduced, establish and spread in new regions is essential for their control and to ensure the protection of ecosystems. Invasive species are now so widespread that they will be encountered in some way in a wide range of careers in ecology and environmental science. Invasive species can cause devastatiing effects in native ecosystemsand within agro-ecosystems. Managing invasive species populations in a sustainable manner requires science and sophistication. Integrating and extending work introduced in earlier units, you will learn the skills and concepts that are necessary to understand, analyse and manage invasive species, and the processes of biological invasion.
BVB330 Synthetic Biology
The field of Synthetic Biology has emerged from decades of advances in DNA sequencing and editing technologies. Thanks to the increasing information available describing DNA sequence-function relationships, scientists can design and build new biological parts (like enzymes), new genetic programs (connecting multiple biological parts), and even new organisms. These products of synthetic biology are used improve agricultural practices, reduce pollution, develop new therapeutics, and create new bio-based chemicals and materials. In this unit you will be introduced to bioinformatic tools for analysing DNA, and for designing new genetic circuits. You will apply this knowledge to design, edit and implement genetic programs in vitro and in live organisms, and develop data analysis skills.
BZB210 Biological Sciences
Cells are the basic structural unit of life. They exist in diverse forms from simple single-celled microbes to complex multicellular organisms such as plants and animals. In this unit you will investigate the diverse nature of cells and consider how they are built and powered and how they interact and reproduce. You will extend these foundation concepts to examine more complex problems involving molecular biology, plant and animal biology, and ecology. This unit has a strong focus on development of practical skills and engagement in these activities is required to be able to undertake assessment that supports these learning outcomes.
EVB206 Environmental Pollution
This unit deals with major sustainable development problems of pollution of water, the land surface and the atmosphere. It covers processes responsible for the occurrence and release of pollutants in the environment, dispersion mechanisms, the hazards associated with different types of pollutant, accumulation of toxic substances, and procedures for the reduction of emissions and remediation of contaminated environments. It applies your learning from the Experimental Design and Quantitative Methods unit, BVB202 to assess and report on environmental pollution.
EVB310 Groundwater Systems
This unit focuses on the origin, occurrence and movement of groundwater; aquifer properties; chemistry and quality of groundwater; exploration methods for groundwater; drilling methods and well testing equipment; assessment of groundwater problems, both supply and quality; and introduction to modelling of groundwater systems. Groundwater resources of Australia and current issues associated with these resources are covered. This unit builds on knowledge of soil and water chemistry from “Soils” and “Environmental pollution”. Through working on real world assessment tasks, you will learn how to collect, analyse and interpret groundwater data. These skills will prepare you for any role where groundwater may be encountered (including government, industry and consulting roles).
Chemistry and physics
CVB203 Physical Chemistry
This is a developmental unit that covers concepts that determine how chemical systems behave. It covers the discrete nature of atoms and molecules through spectroscopy, and develops understanding of the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical processes. Theoretical and practical-based approaches are to develop understanding of the nature of the physical properties and dynamic transformations of matter essential to all branches of chemistry and to other disciplines based on physical materials, or that use and rely on chemical reactions. This unit builds on knowledge and practical skills introduced in CVB101 General Chemistry, it expands on the concepts introduced in CVB101 and prepares for CVB302 Applied Physical Chemistry.
CVB204 Organic Structure and Mechanisms
This unit builds on the organic chemistry knowledge and laboratory skills gained in CVB101 and CVB102. The deeper understanding of reaction mechanisms, instrumental characterisation and stereochemistry are important in facets of all subsequent chemistry units. This unit aims to demonstrate how structure of organic molecules can influence chemical reactivity and the observed molecular spectroscopy. Perhaps most importantly, this unit will be used as the foundation for advanced studies in organic chemistry and potentially your capstone research project.
CVB303 Coordination Chemistry
Coordination chemistry - the chemistry of transition metal complexes - encompasses aspects of organic, physical and transition metal chemistry. Deep understanding of the electronic structure of these remarkable compounds is developed along with an exploration of fascinating topics of current international research interest including organometallic compounds, bioinorganic chemistry, coordination polymers, metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) and other metallo-supramolecular species. Synthesis and characterisation skills are honed through laboratory exercises drawing on knowledge developed throughout the chemistry major including magnetometry, thermogravimetric analysis and UV-visible, infrared and NMR spectroscopy.
CVB313 Environmental Analytical Chemistry
Environmental Analytical Chemistry provides the tools and techniques necessary to make quantitative measurements of the extent of environmental alteration by natural or man-made activities. Principal areas of study include the chemical evaluation of air quality; water quality; soil and sediment contamination; and pesticide residue contamination in agriculture. Students will gain an understanding of the relevant methods of analyses through the lectures and a complementary laboratory practical program. This will allow students to develop technical skills such as: sample collection and treatment; use of modern instruments, including receptor modelling, atomic spectrometric and IC instruments for inorganic elemental analysis, GC, GC-MS and HPLC instruments for organic components. Experience gained in the unit will be important for students seeking positions in environmental protection agencies, environmental laboratories and environmental consultancy.
PCB675 Radiation Safety and Biology
This unit covers radiation protection and the biological effects of radiation on the human body. It is aimed towards those who are likely to be working with ionizing radiation in the workplace.
PCN112 Medical Imaging Science
This unit offers an introduction to nuclear medicine, radioactive decay, radionuclide production, imaging systems and internal dosimetry. There is a strong emphasis on the application of new technologies in the clinical discipline of nuclear medicine. The second part offers an introduction to programming techniques and algorithms and digital image processing techniques that are important for the practicing medical physicist. The techniques will be authentically applied to different types of medical images preparing you for the workplace on graduation.
PCN212 Radiotherapy
This unit provides an overview of the application of physics to radiotherapy including theoretical and practical aspects of the major topics in radiotherapy physics. The unit builds on your previous knowledge of radiation physics and applies it to radiotherapy.
PCN520 Project (FT)
New and exciting technologies are playing an increasingly important role in everyday life. Modern healthcare is a good example of a field where technology has had a huge impact in the way patients are diagnosed and treated. Graduates are increasingly involved in the research and development of new technologies and also in its translation and implementation into clinical use. This unit aims to develop furthe your skills for carrying out such work in the form of a research project. The project may be carried out in collaboration with a hospital or industry. This unit aims to introduce and improve your skills in carrying out research work in the form of a short research project.
PCN540-1 Project (PT)
New and exciting technologies are playing an increasingly important role in everyday life. Modern healthcare is a good example of a field where technology has had a huge impact in the way patients are diagnosed and treated. Graduates are increasingly involved in the research and development of new technologies and also in its translation and implementation into clinical use. This unit aims to develop further the student's skills for carrying out such work in the form of a research project. The project may be carried out in collaboration with hospitals or industry. This unit aims to introduce and improve the students skills in carrying out research work in the form of a short research project. (48 credit points achieved at completion of PCN540-1 and PCN540-2.)
PCN540-2 Project (PT)
New and exciting technologies are playing an increasingly important role in everyday life. Modern healthcare is a good example of a field where technology has had a huge impact in the way patients are diagnosed and treated. Graduates are increasingly involved in the research and development of new technologies and also in its translation and implementation into clinical use. This unit aims to develop further the student's skills for carrying out such work in the form of a research project. The project may be carried out in collaboration with hospitals or industry. This unit aims to introduce and improve the students skills in carrying out research work in the form of a short research project. (48 credit points achieved at completion of PCN540-1 and PCN540-2.)
PVB207 Quantum Physics
This course provides an introduction to the principles of quantum physics, exploring the fundamental principles that govern the behavior of matter and energy at the microscopic level. Topics covered include wave-particle duality, black body radiation, quantization of energy, uncertainty principle, and Schrödinger equation. By using a theory - practice approach you will explore these new concepts and learn how to apply these principles to understand the behavior of electrons and the properties of quantum systems. The course will also cover the historical development of quantum physics, including the contributions of prominent scientists such as Max Planck and Albert Einstein, and its applications in modern technology and research.
PVB303 Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics
In this unit you will explore the microscopic universe from the atom down to the nucleus and the fundamental particles and forces from which matter is built. You will apply the concepts of Quantum Mechanics to understand the electronic structure of the atom and the interaction of atoms and molecules with electromagnetic radiation. You will also examine the development and the modern state of models of the nucleus, drawing on Quantum Mechanics to explain the stability and the properties of nuclei. Some of the current theories of particle physics and nuclear forces will be introduced. Throughout the unit you will explore applications of atomic and nuclear physics, e.g. molecular spectroscopy, the basis of chemical bonding and chemical reactions, nuclear reactions, nuclear power and nuclear medicine. Lectures will be complemented by experimental laboratory work, enabling you to advance your experimental, communication and scientific writing skills.
Computer science
CAB201 Object-Oriented Programming and Design
This unit builds on foundational programming skills introduced in IFB104, EGB103, or MZB126, where you learned to create algorithms using sequence, selection, and iteration and applied functions for code abstraction and reuse. In this unit, these core concepts are reinforced and extended with additional abstraction techniques that help manage complexity in larger software systems. You will also be introduced to object-oriented principles that organise solutions around classes - a real world representation of objects. This approach achieves a flexible architecture to evolve to changing user needs. This unit prepares you for more advanced programming units.
CAB210 User Experience Fundamentals
User experience (UX) means how a person feels when interacting with digital technology, like mobile applications, web services and games. This unit introduces user experience methods to study people’s needs in a real-world context, and to evaluate the usability and experience with technologies. This unit is important to inform the design and development of technologies that meet the needs of people who are going to use them and the context within which they will be used. A stronger understanding of user experience will provide you with an edge in the market place for jobs such as interaction designers, usability engineers, game designers, app developers, information architects, and user experience designers.
CAB222 Networks
Building on your digital systems knowledge, you will be introduced to practical and theoretical knowledge on a wide range of modern networking topics to be able to design, implement and maintain network-based applications. You will participate in practical networking exercises to provide hands-on experience with network-based computing. You will gain proficiency in using network tools commonly used by industry professionals for traffic capture and analysis, security analysis, and troubleshooting in production networks —essential skills required for network operations in the IT industry.
CAB302 Agile Software Engineering
This unit teaches you how to work effectively in a team to develop large-scale software systems. It includes principles of teamwork, modern software development methodologies, agile project management, and tools that are needed when working in a team on a large project. You will learn how to design and implement an accessible and usable application, testing the code quality through industry-relevant practices and methodologies. You will learn how to work and thrive in a diverse and interdisciplinary team, and will work on industry-inspired projects, receiving feedback and support to your learning throughout the project journey.
CAB330 Machine Learning for Decision Making
Machine Learning has become a popular technology for decision-making, transforming an organisation's large data collection into actionable insights about customers and business processes. It has direct applications in several fields, including social networks, business processes, search engines, e-commerce, digital libraries, bioinformatics and web information systems. This unit provides fundamental knowledge and skills in data analytics and machine learning to support data-driven decision-making in diverse and interdisciplinary applications. You will learn about machine learning and data mining techniques, including classification, clustering and association mining, and explore how these AI methods can be applied to text and web usage data. This is an introductory unit, and the knowledge and skills developed here are relevant to all IT professionals.
CAB340 Cryptography
The dependence of modern society on remote electronic data transmission and storage makes it an essential requirement that this data be secured, both against unwanted disclosure and malicious alterations. This unit provides a self-contained introduction to the field of cryptography, from historical roots and attacks, to the mathematical principles that underpin the workings of the modern ciphers most commonly in use for securing internet communications. The focus of this unit is on a grounded understanding of cryptographic designs and their limitations, which in turn inform how they are used in practice.
CAB401 High Performance and Parallel Computing
Building on your skills in "sequential" programming, this unit teaches you the tools and techniques needed to exploit multi-processor computer systems to achieve dramatic performance improvements for computationally intensive problems. This unit gives you both an understanding of why future computer hardware will be increasingly parallel, the challenges this poses for software development as well as a set of practical skills in creating high-performance programs using today's best tools and techniques.
CAB403 Systems Programming
Most of our other Computer Science units focus on high-level applications programming. Applications programmers are insulated from the low- level intricacies of the underlying hardware by making use of services provided by the operating system such as threads, virtual memory, file systems and device drivers. This unit focuses on Systems Programming, where the programmer can’t necessarily rely on high level services provided by the operating system and must interact directly with the underlying hardware. Systems software is either part of the operating system or software that operates at a similar level. This unit aims to give you practical programming skills for developing systems level applications and services.
CAB432 Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing is among the most important developments in the IT industry in recent years, and one which has received enormous attention. Cloud is a natural progression from earlier trends in service and infrastructure outsourcing and virtualisation, but is distinguished by its elasticity and scale: service and infrastructure provisioning may change rapidly in response to variations in demand, allowing clients to cater for unexpected spikes in load without tying up capital in expensive and potentially underutilised assets. Cloud services and technologies are becoming increasingly diverse and sophisticated, moving rapidly from the original 'bare metal' offerings and providing a rich set of options and APIs. This unit provides a technically oriented introduction to Cloud Computing, giving you experience in developing modern cloud applications and deploying them to the public clouds of the major vendors.
CAB443 Systems Security
Systems security focuses on the organisational practices that ensure the security requirements of systems, which are composed of interconnected components and connections and the networking software that supports those interconnections. More specifically, systems security requires a holistic design thinking approach to systems. This includes the importance of security policy models, as well as organised identification and authentication processes. Systems security also addresses system access control, system management, system control processes, system recovery and system security documentation.
CAB444 Secure Network Architectures
As a system administrator or information security professional, you are expected to have an in-depth understanding of various network security controls, principles, and analysis tools and their use in a wider cybersecurity context. In this unit, you will analyse real-world security incidents and learn to use tools and protection measures to design, build, test and maintain an organisation’s security infrastructure that can effectively withstand cyber threats and fortify defenses.
IFB320 Generative AI
Generative AI is one of the most significant developments in machine learning research in recent years, and one that has received enormous attention in industry, academia and among the general public. Many industries are being transformed by advancements in this space and it is the subject of significant media attention. This unit is a technically-focused jump into the world of large language models and other forms of Generative AI, through both theory and practical applications.
IFN509 Introduction to Data Science
This fundamental data science unit addresses the core concepts, techniques and practices in data science. In the information age, with large amounts of data produced and made available every minute, data exploration and mining have become necessary for individuals and organisations to unlock the power of data. This unit will introduce you to various data exploration and mining methods to manipulate, model and analyse data. You will explore the complete data science lifecycle and also the importance of data ethics and privacy, and issues of fairness and diversity in data collection, analysis, and algorithmic decision-making.This is an introductory unit and the knowledge and skills developed in this unit are relevant to both data science and non-data science majors. This unit also allows you to review your personal values, attitudes, and goals set for data science learning including consideration of sustainability concerns.
IFN645 Machine Learning at Scale
The data that modern data scientists have access to is larger and more complex than in previous generations. Dealing with these data requires specialised algorithms and the use of a higher performance or cloud computing environment. This unit outlines the challenges and opportunities associated with big data and introduces machine learning algorithms that scale to large datasets. This unit will expand on the material presented in earlier data science units and students will use their programming knowledge to implement machine learning algorithms to address real world problems.
IFN646 Biomedical Data Science
Biology and medicine are becoming data-intensive disciplines. From new sequencing technologies to electronic health records and wearable devices, it has never been easier or cheaper to generate biomedical data. This provides a great opportunity to study complex biological systems, to offer better patient care, etc., but working with this data is not trivial. This advanced unit will teach you how to handle and analyse biomedical data, as well as gain an appreciation of its strengths, limitations and complexities so that you can understand and critically interpret measurements and analyses. The unit aims to provide you with knowledge of modern biomedical technologies and the associated data science methodologies, building on what you have learned in IFN509.
IFN657 Software Security
A software system is secure if it satisfies a specified or implied security objective related to the confidentiality, integrity and availability requirements for the system’s data and functionality. A security failure is a scenario where the software system does not achieve its security objective. They can often be attributed to poor software design and implementation, including poor understanding of code-level security requirements, inadequate handling of exceptional cases, incomplete descriptions of the interface between components for secure interactions, and insufficient care in the use of programming languages. This Software Security unit provides a structured overview of known categories of software vulnerabilities, and of techniques that can be used to prevent or detect such vulnerabilities, or to mitigate their exploitation.
IFN692 Interaction Design for Human Centred AI
In IFN692 you will learn how to use Interaction Design to imagine, prototype, evaluate, and critique AI based services and applications such as conversational systems based on generative AI, autonomous transport, social robots, and more. Interaction Design and User Centred methods allow to look beyond the new technologies, to the new experiences, business practices, and forms of social interactions that these technologies will make possible, which is key to leading design innovation. IFN692 builds on the methods and principles encountered in IFN637 - Understanding the User Experience - and will add tools, methods, knowledge and critical skills that you will apply in the context of a design project, from exploring the social and cultural context of the design intervention, to envisioning possible futures for, with, and by users, up to prototyping and testing the interaction with artificial intelligence in a realistic setting.
Earth and atmospheric sciences
CLB224 Environmental Geochemistry
The interface between the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere is the most active and significant for element cycling. This the environment in which humans rely on for food, water, energy and raw materials. Environmental Geochemistry explores the behaviour and fate of chemical elements in this planetary interface. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles of geochemistry and how they relate to environmental issues, influence climate, and habitability for life. The unit covers a range of topics, including the chemical composition and properties of the Earth's surface, the cycling of elements in the environment, and the impacts of human activities on the geochemistry of the Earth's surface. It also covers the geochemical techniques used to study and monitor processes in Earth and environmental industry and academic applications, such as the use of stable isotopes to trace the movement of elements in the environment over different time scales.
ERB222 Igneous Petrology and Geochemistry
Igneous rocks comprise the bulk of the Earth's crust and are formed by geological processes, many of which cannot be directly observed as they occur at relatively high temperature and pressure within the Earth. The structure, texture, mineralogy and chemical composition of igneous rocks therefore provide fundamental clues from which the origin of these rocks can be interpreted. This information can then be used to address larger scale geologic issues, such as the hazard risk and future eruptive potential of volcanoes, constraining magma generating processes and source regions deep within the Earth that lead to a diverse spectrum of magma compositions generated and erupted at the Earth's surface, and the tectonic development of plate boundaries.
ERB333 Resourcing the Green Shift
Overwhelming consensus supports the shift to ‘green’ technologies to mitigate against global warming and ensure humans live more sustainably. This shift is dependent on our ability to discover enough of the critical minerals needed for these technologies. A mineral resource represents an enrichment of an element or mineral that can be mined for a profit, and Australia's wealth, economic growth, and contribution to the green transition depend largely on these resources. In this unit you will develop a theoretical background and understanding of the major aspects of mineral resource formation; apply practical skills to describe and interpret mineralised rocks and their host sequences; and plan and execute an exploration program for critical minerals. Students are assessed based on a group project and theoretical and practical exams.
Information systems
IAB207 Rapid Web Application Development
Web applications are widely in use both within enterprises and in consumer applications. Developing Web applications faces significant challenges, including faster delivery of new innovations, robustness for change, and performance scalability. The unit will address these challenges by using Model-View-Controller (MVC) frameworks to support rapid development of web applications. The knowledge and skills developed in this unit are valuable for all IT professional roles – software engineers, business analyst and architects, enabling an understanding of software systems design practices and development practices. This is an introductory unit and you will be exposed to web application development through a guided process of using well known frameworks such as CSS-Bootstrap, Python-Flask and JQuery. It builds on concepts learnt in IFB103 and IFB105 and recommends knowledge of Python programming.
IAB251 Software Engineering for Enterprise Systems
This unit provides knowledge and skills related to software engineering, applied to the design, development, configuration, and maintenance of Enterprise Systems. Enterprise Systems (ES) are large-scale software applications that serve as the operations of modern organizations, such as managing customers, controlling production, and connecting to suppliers, and more. You will learn how to analyse business needs, design software architectures, and develop, test and deploy software applications. To support this you will learn, key aspects of software engineering using a real-world ES Platform. This will include: software design patterns; multi-tier software components and rapid composition of solutions; testing; DevOps; and agile development. By the end of the unit, you will become proficient at these for real-world projects and software development.
IAB305 IT Strategy and Management
This unit provides the essential skills and knowledge for managing an information system across its lifecycle, spanning inception, design, implementation and production release. For systems inception, it covers the way an information system is proposed and justified, at the highest level, using a business model and business case analysis. Systems design encompasses the planning and management aspects of both business and systems architecture to support new design proposals. Systems implementation focusses on the different options and processes for purchasing off-the-shelf solutions in support of systems design. Production release covers the planning of IT infrastructure to host and run digital solutions as well as organisational change management. The unit expands on skills from IFB103 Systems Design and IAB201 Modelling Techniques for Information Systems. The skills learned in this unit will be utilised and further developed in IAB401 Enterprise Architecture.
IAB320 Process Improvement
This unit fosters the development of your process analysis, improvement, and design skills. These skills and capabilities will prepare you to undertake the digital transformation challenges of today’s organisations. You will understand and apply a variety of methods, tools, techniques, and approaches for organisational-wide process improvement initiatives. You will be exposed to a robust selection of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques as well as key process redesign paradigms used in the industry. This will involve developing your knowledge and expertise in different process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma and Process Reengineering using a hands-on teaching approach with real-life case studies to enable authentic learning outcomes.
IAB330 Applied Internet of Things
This unit equips you with the theoretical foundations and practical expertise needed to design and implement innovative IoT solutions for real-world challenges. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of IoT architectures, sensor integration, data processing workflows, and the application of machine learning in IoT contexts. Through a balanced approach of lectures and hands-on activities, the unit covers critical topics such as IoT system components, hardware-software integration, data collection, preprocessing, storage strategies, and machine learning techniques customised for IoT applications. By emphasising experiential learning, you will develop end-to-end IoT solutions, addressing practical problems and honing skills essential for careers in the dynamic and fast-growing IoT industry.
IAB401 Enterprise Architecture
This unit covers Enterprise Architecture (EA) theory and practice concerning how business and IT systems are planned and designed using modelling techniques. EA focuses on organisational capability maps, which reflect what companies do, independent of business. The techniques for capturing different artefacts relevant to systems planning at business and IT levels will include business services, processes, information and resources. You will be taught to develop a multi-layered EA using state-of-the-art techniques, such as TOGAF, Archimate, and UML modelling, based on industry-relevant digital practices and technologies. Significantly, this unit extends your knowledge and skills to model and design enterprise architecture solutions, enabling you to pursue careers in EA, modelling, design and solution architecture. The unit links to and extends learning from previous units in Data and Information Management and Process Modelling.
IFB220 Introduction to AI for IT Professionals
In this unit, you'll discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping our world and driving unprecedented innovation, poised to revolutionize how we live and work. We'll cover the fundamental concepts and applications of AI, with a special focus on Generative AI. You'll learn how AI systems function, how they differ from human intelligence, and how to critically evaluate AI-generated information. We'll explore practical methods for integrating AI into IT systems, examine AI's impact on various industries, and discuss ethical, social, and legal concerns. You'll investigate how businesses plan to use AI to add value and enhance productivity, and assess the impact on jobs and skills. Through a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, you'll learn to effectively apply AI for ongoing learning, writing, and professional tasks. By the end of this unit, you'll be equipped with the foundational skills necessary to leverage AI in your future IT career.
IFN561 Enterprise Systems Lifecycle Management
This is a transitionary unit, providing students with fundamental information systems skills relating to different practices in managing information systems in large, enterprise-level organisations. Information systems and enterprises are becoming inextricably interwoven. It has become nearly impossible to talk meaningfully about enterprises that are not dependent on information systems of one type or another. An important role of managers is to understand what type of information system they should use to achieve the business strategic objectives or to improve existing business capabilities. This unit provides students with fundamental skills that business analysts or IT managers are required to have in order to be able to analyse business strategies, evaluate how information systems may enable enterprises to achieve strategic objectives, and understand how such an information system can be developed and implemented within an enterprise.
IFN582 Rapid Web Development with Databases
This foundational unit covers both database management and web application development. It explores core concepts, principles, and skills essential for understanding, designing, and effectively managing databases. You will learn how to transform a conceptual model into a relational database design as well as how to use database querying techniques for data retrieval and manipulation. You will apply your data skills by designing and building an interactive dynamic web application using well-known frameworks such as Bootstrap, and Python-Flask while generating effective, ethical, and culturally sensitive solutions.
IFN623 Human Information Interaction
In contemporary societies, Humans often interact with information by means of technologically driven systems. As our information environment becomes ever more complex, these interactions are becoming more and more diverse. While much is understood about the systems side of this picture, much less is understood about how humans interact with technology-mediated information. Students will investigate cognitive, technological and theoretical perspectives of how humans interact with and process information when interacting with contemporary information technologies (e.g. conversational agents, generative AI, wearable technologies, and embedded environments). This understanding will be translated into conceptual frameworks and associated design principles for critiquing and curating effective interactions and exploring broader implications.
IFN631 IT Governance
This executive-focused Information Technology (IT) unit addresses the core concepts, frameworks and methods for IT leaders (e.g. CIOs, IT Managers) to support their organizations in creating and delivering business value with information and technology through business-IT alignment. Three main outcomes that can be expected after successfully adopting IT governance are benefits realization, risk optimization, and resource optimization. The unit takes an enterprise-wide, managerial perspective on how IT executives can facilitate the transition towards digital business and set the executive agenda for IT in larger organizations by addressing traditional IT governance topics such as the enterprise governance of IT, benefits management and risk management as well as contemporary digital governance topics such as digital transformation, big data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
IFN653 Business Process Automation
This unit provides a detailed technical and practical exposition of modern business process automation. In order to fully realise the benefits of Business Process Management, it is essential to have the ability to transform business process models into executable process instances. These processes can be designed, executed, monitored, analysed and improved using Business Process Management Systems. The application of these systems can lead to significant cost reductions to an organisation and provide it with the flexibility to rapidly adapt to an ever-changing environment. Major themes of the unit include the theoretical and operational underpinnings of process automation, a detailed discussion on workflow patterns, runtime process flexibility and exception handling, and the design, implementation and deployment of process specifications using a state-of-the-art business process automation environment.
IFN663 Enterprise and Security Architecture
This unit provides knowledge and skills for modelling IT systems, at the whole-of-enterprise level, using enterprise and security architecture. Enterprise architecture supports the capture of IT systems and how they align with business operations. Security architecture concerns systems and processes which protect IT systems from unauthorised access and cyberattacks. Both are critical for the planning, design, investment and governance of IT, given that cyberphysical landscapes, spanning organisations and IT, are now recognised as ‘critical infrastructure’. You will learn how to capture enterprise and security architecture using the multi-layered modelling method, Archimate, used in the widely framework, TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework). Based on this higher-level architectural context, you will learn how to provide architectures of individual software applications through components, interactions and secure communications. .
Mathematical sciences
MAB141 Mathematics and Statistics for Medical Science
This introductory unit is designed to meet the mathematical and statistical requirements of medical science students, particularly students enrolled in Vision Science (OP45). Approximately one quarter of the unit focuses on the mathematical foundations for techniques used in manipulating medical science laboratory data. The remainder of the unit considers a range of relevant statistical techniques, addressing concepts such as which analysis methods may be appropriate for testing a given research hypothesis, how the choice of analysis method is affected by the available data and how to interpret the outcome of the formal analysis. This unit will provide you with an essential foundation in the mathematical and statistical concepts and data analysis methods that will be used in later medical science units.
MXB109 Introductory Operations Research
Operations Research (OR) is a mathematics discipline focused on decision-making. Operations research provides foundation and methods to determine how best to design, operate, manage, and predict behaviour of complex systems. The cornerstone of operations research is formulating and solving mathematical and computational models to find optimal decisions. This unit is students' first opportunity to explore foundational operations research methods and techniques to solve management and optimisation problems. In this unit we provide the theoretical foundation for future studies in operations research, building upon students' growing knowledge of linear algebra. This unit aims to develop students’ ability to apply various operations research methods, algorithms, and techniques to tackle practical, real-world problems in contexts such as the environment, agriculture, industry, finance, and healthcare.
MXB161 Computational Explorations
This unit introduces you to techniques of computation and simulation across a range of application areas in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Computation and simulation are cornerstones of modern practice across STEM; practitioners skilled in these areas can explore behaviours of real-world systems that would be impractical or impossible to undertake using only theoretical or experimental means. In this introductory unit, you will develop your computation and simulation skills through individual and collaborative problem-solving activities. Depending on your course, further exploration may be available through a minor in this field.
MXB202 Advanced Calculus
Advanced calculus is fundamental to the study of applied mathematics and related quantitative disciplines such as physics, physical chemistry and engineering. This unit introduces you to new skills and methodologies in multivariable and vector calculus that are essential to the study of science, technology and engineering, and it also provides you with the necessary background to go on to more advanced study in applied mathematics, such as partial differential equations and advanced mathematical modelling. This unit builds on your introductory calculus and linear algebra skills developed in MXB105 Calculus and Differential Equations and MXB106 Linear Algebra, and will further develop your ability to decompose complex problems into smaller components, resolve these smaller components and hence solve the original problem.
MXB226 Computational Methods 1
This is a foundational unit for Computational Mathematics. It introduces the design and implementation of computational techniques for solving a range of problems in mathematics. These techniques will be analysed for important properties such as efficiency, stability, convergence and error. The main topics that will be covered include: finite difference methods for models of heat diffusion in two dimensions; direct and iterative methods for linear systems; efficient storage of data; norms; approximation; numerical integration; numerical methods for ordinary differential equations.
MXB241 Probability and Stochastic Modelling 2
It is important to develop skills and knowledge in both statistics and mathematics. Building on the methodology and skills developed in previous studies in probability and stochastic modelling, this unit provides you with formal statistical tools such as stochastic process models and statistical methods for theoretical and applied development. These methods are useful in a wide range of areas, from communication systems and networks to traffic to law to biology to financial analysis, and link with other modern areas of mathematics. This unit will provide opportunities to learn how to build statistical models of real world processes, acknowledging the assumptions inherent in selected models. The skills developed in this unit will be integral in the understanding of material throughout your studies in statistics and mathematical modelling.
MXB261 Game Theory and Simulation for Decision-Making
With the growing importance of strategic decision-making in business and data science, understanding game theory is essential for analyzing competitive and cooperative interactions. This unit introduces the mathematical foundations of game theory and its applications in these fields. You will explore concepts such as Nash equilibrium, cooperative games, Bayesian games, and mechanism design, with a focus on computational techniques. Through hands-on simulations, you will model and analyze strategic interactions in real-world scenarios, including pricing strategies, auctions, network games, and resource allocation. The unit emphasizes the use of computational tools to study equilibrium behavior, optimization, and decision-making under uncertainty. By combining mathematical theory with computational practice, this unit equips you with the skills to design and analyze strategic decision-making models in business and data science applications.
MXB325 Modelling with Differential Equations 2
Among the variety of differential equations encountered in applied mathematics, equations modelling the transport of quantities such as mass and energy are especially important. This unit significantly extends your repertoire by considering models with greater mathematical complexity than you have previously encountered, drawn from and representative of a variety of important real-world applications. Such complexity necessitates greater ingenuity in the analysis and solution of the governing equations, which will harness and extend your full knowledge of modelling with differential equations.
MXB328 Work Integrated Learning in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Throughout your course, you have been building your discipline skills and your understanding of contemporary industry practice. This capstone unit provides you with the opportunity to bring together the skills that you have developed throughout the applied and computational mathematics major, combining them in a coherent manner to solve a significant and relevant real-world problem from industry. Your experience will reflect the genuine practice of an applied mathematician in the workforce.
MXB334 Operations Research for Stochastic Processes
This unit provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in operations research to guide decision-making for complex real-world problems. Your previous learning in deriving and solving operations research problems was mostly dealing with a decision making in a deterministic setting. The focus here is to optimize decision making when there is uncertainty and stochastic variables. Combined with the operations research expertise you have acquired over your degree, you will be able to formulate and solve these complex decision problems using computational tools.
MXB338 Work Integrated Learning in Operations Research
Throughout your course, you have been building your discipline skills and your understanding of contemporary industry practice. This capstone unit provides you with the opportunity to bring together the skills that you have developed throughout the operations research major, combining them in a coherent manner to solve a significant and relevant real-world problem from industry. Your experience will reflect the genuine practice of an applied mathematician in the workforce.
MXB348 Work Integrated Learning in Statistics
Throughout your course, you have been building your discipline skills and your understanding of contemporary industry practice. This capstone unit provides you with the opportunity to bring together the skills that you have developed throughout the statistics major, combining them in a coherent manner to solve a significant and relevant real-world problem from industry. Your experience will reflect the genuine practice of a statistician in the workforce.