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March 29, 2024, 03:17:34 am

Author Topic: Is Algorithmics a good idea?  (Read 2499 times)

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somebody8442

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Is Algorithmics a good idea?
« on: January 20, 2022, 11:48:00 am »
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Hello.

So I'm going to year 10 and I am unsure on whether I want to take algo 3/4 in year 12. My other subjects are methods, eng lang, spesh, chem, eco and soft dev. I am planning to drop applied computing (soft dev) for algo 3/4 but I hear that it's a hard subject, it's hard to do well in (since only 200-ish people do it), and that the difficulty is similar to that of specialist maths. I'm not too great at coding (sort of a beginner in web development but I can do quite a bit in python) but I picked algorithmics as one of my electives this year. Do you think I should do it and could someone please clarify whether it's actually that hard?

Aaron

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Re: Is Algorithmics a good idea?
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2022, 01:23:47 pm »
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Algorithmics is technically a HESS (higher education scored study) subject which is modelled based on 1st year level computer science at university. It is primarily mathematical hence the pre-requisite of methods 1/2 so provided you have a good mathematical base and a desire to do well, don't see why you couldn't do well. Having knowledge of Python is a fantastic start.

Not a lot of people do it because it isn't offered (as of 2021) in many schools. I did a quick search on VCAA's site and there are only 13 schools registered to deliver Algorithmics statewide. It's a relatively new study in comparison to other VCE subjects.

My advice to you would be to look at the study design for Algorithmics (specifically the Unit 3 and Unit 4 sections with Areas of Study) to get an idea of what it will involve.

I think the rationale of Algorithmics is fantastic and more people who are keen to do Computer Science or IT should explore this subject as an option. The problem is perceived difficulty as well as availability. I believe you can do the subject through VSV if your school doesn't offer it.

In Computer Science, while having that programming understanding is important, there is a heavy emphasis on the mathematics behind it. More so than IT which focuses on information systems and business applications.

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/algorithmics/AlgorithmicsSD-2017.pdf
« Last Edit: January 20, 2022, 01:27:48 pm by Aaron »
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somebody8442

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Re: Is Algorithmics a good idea?
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2022, 03:48:03 pm »
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Algorithmics is technically a HESS (higher education scored study) subject which is modelled based on 1st year level computer science at university. It is primarily mathematical hence the pre-requisite of methods 1/2 so provided you have a good mathematical base and a desire to do well, don't see why you couldn't do well. Having knowledge of Python is a fantastic start.

Not a lot of people do it because it isn't offered (as of 2021) in many schools. I did a quick search on VCAA's site and there are only 13 schools registered to deliver Algorithmics statewide. It's a relatively new study in comparison to other VCE subjects.

My advice to you would be to look at the study design for Algorithmics (specifically the Unit 3 and Unit 4 sections with Areas of Study) to get an idea of what it will involve.

I think the rationale of Algorithmics is fantastic and more people who are keen to do Computer Science or IT should explore this subject as an option. The problem is perceived difficulty as well as availability. I believe you can do the subject through VSV if your school doesn't offer it.

In Computer Science, while having that programming understanding is important, there is a heavy emphasis on the mathematics behind it. More so than IT which focuses on information systems and business applications.

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/algorithmics/AlgorithmicsSD-2017.pdf

When I go to year 11, my school will have some higher education centre which will accommodate Algorithmics so I probably won't have to do it virtually (phew!). Thank you for the info

Chessnutter

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Re: Is Algorithmics a good idea?
« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2022, 05:46:55 pm »
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Based on your background, you'll be fine. If you like computer science (which is not just about coding, its also about maths) I'd highly recommend it.
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