New VCE subject to fill gap in the market
John Monash Science School 17 September 2014 Monash University has joined forces with the University of Melbourne to create a new, advanced computational science VCE subject in...
Monash University has joined forces with the University of Melbourne to create a new, advanced computational science VCE subject in 2015.
The new subject, VCE Algorithmics, is a direct response to the increased demand for VCE students wishing to pursue computational studies beyond school. It will provide a solid foundation for tertiary IT studies and successful students will receive university credit for selected introductory computer science units. It will also be valuable for students primarily interested in other disciplines by introducing them to computational thinking as a conceptual tool for structured reasoning.
With a focus on algorithms and real-world problem solving, the new subject will fill a gap in the current Victorian curriculum. According to Professor Maria Garcia de la Banda, Deputy Dean, Faculty of IT at Monash University, the subject is already attracting strong interest from many of Victoria's leading schools. More than 30 schools in Victoria have expressed their interest to introduce the new study. ‘VCE Algorithmics will be a stepping stone towards the future development of advanced computational technologies in Australia,' says Professor Garcia de la Banda.
Algorithmics is the first Higher Education Scored Study (HESS) in the VCE. HESS studies are designed for Victoria's highest performing students and pitched at a conceptual demanding level. They provide early access to introductory tertiary material at school level and enable high performing students to fast track their education.
VCE Algorithmics thus goes significantly beyond existing secondary studies. It covers complex topics including information modelling, algorithm design and new computing paradigms - with exciting applications across cutting-edge fields such as climate science and modelling the human genome.
Monash University and the University of Melbourne are working together to create the tools and materials for the new subject. The two universities will also provide ongoing
support to ensure successful implementation at the classroom level.
VCE Algorithmics will be implemented in 2015, pending VCAA Board and VRQA approval.