There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. However, it is assumed that students enrolling in VCE Data Analytics have sound design thinking skills. Students must undertake Unit 3 prior to undertaking Unit 4. Units 1 to 4 are designed to a standard equivalent to the final two years of secondary education. All VCE studies are benchmarked against comparable national and international curriculum.

Introduction

Note: In 2020 a new study design begins, see the Applied Computing study design for details.

VCE Computing focuses on the application of a problem-solving methodology, and strategies and techniques for managing information systems in a range of contexts, to create digital solutions that meet specific needs. The study examines the attributes of each component of an information system including people, processes, data and digital systems (hardware, software, networks), and how their interrelationships affect the types and quality of digital solutions.

VCE Computing is underpinned by four key concepts: approaches to problem solving, data and information, digital systems and interactions and impact. Together these form the conceptual framework of the study and the organising elements for its key knowledge.

An important component of the study is the opportunity for students to develop social capital, that is, the shared understanding in social networks that enable cooperation and a cooperative approach to problem solving.

VCE Computing provides students with opportunities to acquire and apply knowledge and skills to use digital systems efficiently and effectively when creating digital solutions both individually and as part of a network. Students investigate legal requirements and ethical responsibilities that individuals and organisations have with respect to the security and integrity of data. Through a structured approach to problem solving, incorporating computational, design and systems thinking, students are equipped to orient themselves towards the future, with an awareness of the technical and societal implications of digital systems.

At present, Diamond Valley College does not offer the Software Development course at Units 3 & 4, although this may be offered in the future if there is sufficient interest.

For more information, refer to the Study Design: VCE Applied Computing

Unit 1 Applied Computing

In this unit students are introduced to the stages of the problem-solving methodology. Students focus on how data can be used within software tools such as databases and spreadsheets to create data visualisations, and the use of programming languages to develop working software solutions.

Areas of Study:

1. Data Analysis
   

   In this area of study students use software tools to create data visualisations in response to teacher-provided requirements and designs. The software tools are used for the collection, interpretation and manipulation of data to draw conclusions and create data visualisations that represent their findings. Data visualisations could include charts, graphs, histograms, maps, network diagrams and spatial relationships diagrams. No restrictions are placed on the software tools used to create data visualisations.

2. Programming
   

   In this area of study students use a programming language to create a working software solution in response to teacher-provided solution requirements. Students apply the problem-solving stages of design, development and evaluation to develop the solution.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and designs, collect and manipulate data, analyse patterns and relationships, and develop data visualisations to present findings.
2. interpret teacher-provided solution requirements to design, develop and evaluate a software solution using a programming language.

Unit 2 Applied Computing

In this unit students focus on developing innovative solutions to needs or opportunities that they have identified, and propose strategies for reducing security risks to data and information in a networked environment.

Areas of Study:

1. Innovative Solutions
   

   In this area of study students work collaboratively to develop an innovative solution to an identified need or opportunity. They apply all stages of the problem-solving methodology to investigate the use of digital devices and emerging technologies and their applications.

   The innovative solution may take the form of a proof of concept, prototype or product. Students choose one of the following topics to explore in greater detail:

   • artificial intelligence, machine learning or neural networks
   • assistive and wearable technologies or Internet of Things (IoT)
   • creating with digital systems such as drones, microcontrollers, nanosatellites and robotic devices
   • games development, multimedia programming or web authoring
   • mixed realities such as augmented and virtual reality
   • investigation/research project on innovative uses for emerging technologies such as blockchain
   • any other innovative digital solution.
2. Network Security
   

   On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to a teacher-provided case study to examine the capabilities and vulnerabilities of a network, design a network solution, discuss the threats to data and information, and propose strategies to protect the security of data and information.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit, the student should be able to:

1. in collaboration with other students, analyse, design, develop and evaluate an innovative solution to an identified need or opportunity involving a digital system.
2. respond to a teacher-provided case study to examine the capabilities and vulnerabilities of a network, design a network solution, discuss the threats to data and information, and propose strategies to protect the security of data and information.

Unit 3 Data analytics

In this unit students apply the problem-solving methodology to identify and extract data through the use of software tools such as database, spreadsheet and data visualisation software to create data visualisations or infographics. Students develop an understanding of the analysis, design and development stages of the problem-solving methodology.

Areas of Study:

1. Data analytics
   

   In this area of study students access, select and extract authentic data from large repositories. They manipulate the data to present findings as data visualisations in response to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs. Students develop software solutions using database, spreadsheet and data visualisation software tools to undertake the problem-solving activities in the development stages of manipulation, validation and testing.

2. Data analytics: analysis and design
   

   In this area of study students, individually, determine and propose a research question and collect and analyse data. This is the first part of the School-assessed Task (SAT), involving analysis and design, with the second part undertaken in Unit 4, Area of Study 1.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. respond to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs to extract data from large repositories, manipulate and cleanse data and apply a range of functions to develop software solutions to present findings.
2. individually, determine and propose a research question and collect and analyse data.

Unit 4 Data Analytics

In this unit students focus on determining the findings of a research question by developing infographics or dynamic data visualisations based on large complex data sets and on the security strategies used by an organisation to protect data and information from threats.

Areas of Study

1. Data analytics: development and evaluation
   

   In this area of study students develop the design they prepared in Unit 3, Area of Study 2, into infographics or dynamic data visualisations that address a research topic or question by applying the problem-solving stages of development and evaluation.

2. Cybersecurity: data and information security
   

   In this area of study students focus on data and information security and its importance to an organisation. Students investigate security strategies used by an organisation to manage the storage, communication and disposal of data and information in their networked environment. They examine the threats to this data and information, and evaluate the methods an organisation uses to protect their data and information. Students consider the consequences for an organisation that fails to protect their data and information. They recommend strategies to reduce the threats to data and information, taking into account the key legal requirements and any ethical issues faced by the organisation.

   Students apply systems thinking skills when investigating data and information security strategies within an organisation, and when recommending strategies to reduce threats.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. develop and evaluate infographics or dynamic data visualisations that present findings in response to a research question, and assess the effectiveness of the project plan in monitoring progress.
2. respond to a teacher-provided case study to investigate the current data and information security strategies of an organisation, examine the threats to the security of data and information, and recommend strategies to improve current practices.

Unit 3 Software Development

In this unit students apply the problem-solving methodology to develop working software modules using a programming language. Students develop an understanding of the analysis, design and development stages of the problem-solving methodology.

Areas of Study

1. Programming
   

   In this area of study students examine the features and purposes of different design tools to accurately interpret the requirements and designs for developing working software modules. Students use a programming language and undertake the problem-solving activities of manipulation (coding), validation, testing and documentation in the development stage.

2. Analysis and design
   

   In this area of study students construct the framework for the development of a software solution that meets a student-identified need or opportunity. This is the first part of the School-assessed Task (SAT), involving analysis and design, with the second part undertaken in Unit 4, Area of Study 1.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and designs, and apply a range of functions and techniques using a programming language to develop and test working software modules.
2. analyse and document a need or opportunity, justify the use of an appropriate development model, formulate a project plan, generate alternative design ideas and represent the preferred solution design for creating a software solution.

Unit 4 Software Development

In this unit students focus on how the information needs of individuals and organisations are met through the creation of software solutions used in a networked environment. They continue to study the programming language used in Unit 3.

Areas of Study

1. Development and evaluation
   

   Area of Study 1 forms the second part of the SAT. Students develop the design they prepared in Unit 3, Area of Study 2, into a software solution that meets an identified need or opportunity by applying the problem-solving stages of development and evaluation. 

2. Cybersecurity: software security
   

   Organisations are increasingly dependent on the use of software to achieve their goals and objectives. In this area of study students focus on the security risks to software and data during the software development process and throughout the use of the software solution by an organisation

Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. develop and evaluate a software solution that meets requirements, evaluate the effectiveness of the development model and assess the effectiveness of the project plan.
2. respond to a teacher-provided case study to examine the current software development security strategies of an organisation, identify the risks and the consequences of ineffective strategies and recommend a risk management plan to improve current security practices.

Assessment

Contact Teacher - Richard Fox