Algorithmics (HESS)
Subject Guide
Tackling the future’s biggest problems such as curing cancer, expanding internet communications, and developing artificial intelligence involves understanding and learning computational algorithms. Writing algorithms for computers to solve Sudoku puzzles, for example, has a deep connection to having computers assist with medical breakthroughs, as well as many other areas.
Understanding and applying these algorithms means being at the forefront of innovation and discovery in science, technology and economics.
Algorithmics provides students with the opportunity to analyse and develop computational solutions to solve real-world problems in the domain of science, maths, business and technology. Students learn and apply core algorithms that power the technologies of the modern age, including self-driving cars, facial recognition, financial analysis, artificial intelligence and internet search engines. These skills prepare students in further studies within the science, mathematics and computing domains. Computing Science Department
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Pre-requisites Unit focus areas
Unit 3 – Algorithmic problem solving
This area of study focuses on how a variety of algorithms are used to solve complex real-world problems. Students learn to model information related to these problems and design algorithms for computers to solve them in an automated manner.
Unit 4 – Principles of algorithmics
This area of study focuses on students understanding the effectiveness and efficiency of algorithms. Students learn how to analyse, quantify and improve the performance of algorithms and their use of computational resources. Students also explore the principles of artificial intelligence (AI) and several models of machine learning, such as support vector machines and neural networks. Ethical issues around AI are also covered, as well as the ultimate limitations regarding what is solvable with algorithms.
Assessment
For Algorithmics Units 3 and 4, students complete School-Assessed Coursework (20%) subject to external moderation, a School-Assessed Task (20%) subject to external moderation, and an end-ofyear examination (60%).
Students are expected to be currently enrolled in or have successfully completed Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2.
It is preferred that students have successfully completed Applied Computing Units 1 and 2, and have significant programming experience with Python. Students who are relatively inexperienced or are still developing in their programming and algorithmic thinking skills should study Software Development Units 3 and 4 before studying Algorithmics.
Being a HESS subject, Algorithmics enables students who have completed it to be eligible for exemptions from some Computer Science subjects offered at selected Universities Additionally, it is countable as a top-four ATAR subject.
Note: VCE Algorithmics (HESS) is running in online mode only. It is also available to Pangea students, subject to numbers.