Machine learning and Neural networks, the mathematics of pattern recognition.
Year 12 Algorithmics (HESS) Units 3 and 4
Overview
Algorithmics (HESS *) provides a conceptual framework for structured problem-solving in disciplines that involve formal reasoning. This includes the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and also mathematics.
This course fully contributes to ATAR scores.
It also provides credit for university studies in Computer Science at Monash University, Swinburne University, RMIT University, Deakin University and at other universities on request. (*Higher Education Scored Study).
Who is it for?
If you enjoy the challenge of solving problems and puzzles involving logic, reasoning and imagination, then this subject is for you. You will learn how to think about problems in an abstract way and explore the different ways solutions can be found and described as algorithms.
This subject imparts thinking skills that can be used in any field of study that interacts with digital technology. It is ideal for you if you are interested in studying mathematics, computer science, data science or software engineering at a tertiary level.
What do you do?
Activities and challenges include:
- representing information and analysing the possible relationships that exist, for example within a social network
- creating algorithms to solve problems and puzzles
- exploring artificial intelligence and machine learning
- learning about algorithms that are being used in our society within popular social apps and interfaces and the associated ethical issues that impact humans and society
What skills do you need?
You need to be an organised and independent learner who can stay on track in a disciplined way.
Good thinking and analysis skills are needed to meet all the challenges in this course, which is at first year University level.
A satisfactory completion of Year 11 Math Methods is a prerequisite.
Some basic programming skills in a block based coding languages such as Snap!, Scratch or the Python coding language is recommended but it is not essential. If you have no prior experience with coding it is strongly recommended you purchase the textbook and try the examples prior to commencing this course.
What skills do you develop?
This subject expands your high order thinking skills so that you can look at a real-world problem in an analytical way and be able to create an abstract model of the problem and create an algorithm to solve it.
You will learn how to construct algorithms consisting of information models together with unambiguous instructions for solving problems, and implement algorithms in the SnapApps/Edgy and/or Python3/Trinket coding languages.
You will learn how to evaluate the efficiency and correctness of algorithms for solving problems.
Requirements
A satisfactory completion of Units 1 and 2 Mathematics Methods is required to be able to understand the Mathematics within the course.
Good internet is needed to complete the required work in this course. All work will be completed and submitted online weekly.
The recommended textbook for this course is An Introduction to Algorithmic Thinking – Algorithmics (HESS) Student Guide which has been updated for the 2023-2026 VCAA Study Design and can be purchased online for $35 plus postage at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/algorithmics
Things to think about
You need good literacy and numeracy skills to complete the required reading and assessments for this course. The course requires about six hours per week, which is similar to the time commitment required by other Units 3 and 4 VCE subjects.
The online course is well-developed and is rich in study materials which include theory documents, worked examples, interactives, exercises, online quizzes and video tutorials.
Things you can do now
You can explore the SnapApps/Edgy block coding environment that is used for the implementation of algorithms in the course and see for yourself how real-world problems can be turned into models of networked information. The SnapApps/Edgy website features online tutorial resources and examples.
You can explore the Python3 text coding language that is used for implementation of algorithms in the course using the Trinket online coding environment https://trinket.io/python3 using Matplotlib and NetworkX libraries for creating network graphs as taught in the VSV course.
The recommended text for this course contains many examples of implementations of algorithms in SnapApps/Edgy and Python3/Trinket that you can study.
You can find out about pathways into university via the study of Algorithmics (HESS):
RMIT University (Apply for credit)
Deakin University (Recognition of Prior Learning)
Course details can be found at the VCAA website.
Things to have a look at
What is an Algorithm
An algorithm is a mathematical method of solving big and small problems.
Fast and slow Algorithms
What’s the fastest way to alphabetise your bookshelf?