Staff/Student Meeting

Faculty of Information Technology

School of Computer Science and Software Engineering

Meeting 1/2000 of School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, student/staff meeting was held on Friday, 14 April 2000 at 1pm in the Seminar Room, Clayton campus.

Present
Student Representatives:

Computer Science First Year
Amanda Crawford, Min-Tze Chan, Stewart Smith

Computer Science Second Year
Harvey Lee, Dominique Law

Computer Science Third Year
Andy Gunawan, Shiao Peng Tenh

Digital First/Second Year
Edgar Kherlopian

Digital Third Year
Wayne Dollery

Software Engineering Second Year
Daniel Rowley

Honours Year
Daniel Willis, Glen Benjamin

Academics:
Professor David Abramson (Chair), Dr David Albrecht, Dr Lloyd Allison, Dr Peter Atkinson, Ms Nandita Bhattacharjee, Dr Damian Conway, Professor John Crossley, Dr David Dowe, Mr Charles Greif, Ms Jahan Hassan, Mr Gordon Lowe, Dr Andrew Paplinski, Ms Debbie Pickett, Dr Bin Qiu, Ms Sita Ramakrishnan, Dr Sid Ray, Professor Heinz Schmidt, Mr Joey Chua, Dr Peter Tischer

Administrative:
Ms Shranthi Ponniah, Ms Edwina Goh (Minute Secretary)

Apologies:
Ms Karen Fenwick, Ms Linda McIver, Associate Professor Trevor Dix

1
Welcome

The Head of School, Professor David Abramson opened the meeting with a welcome to everyone.

2
Report from Honours Year - Daniel Willis (Computer Science)

There were no complaints on the coursework. Overall, the students were happy with their course. Resources such as printer and computers in labs were working well. The students appreciated the help provided by the technical staff Jamie Scuglia and Glen Pringle.

Suggestions were put forward to improve facilities for the honours students.

To allow more table space. It was suggested that equipment currently in Room SG1 be moved to allow for more table space.

Provide photocopying facility. Introduce a card access system.

Install additional computers in common room, for terminal login.

Report from Honours Year - Glyn Benjamin (Digital Systems)

Suggestions were also put forward by Digital Systems Honours students to introduce Industry Based Project and provide resources such as photocopier and scanner.

3
Computer Science Third Year - Andy Gunawan

It was reported that students could not log into computers in the Computer Labs in Building 19 and the labs were always crowded.

Professor David Abramson assured the students that he is aware of the problems in Building 19, which are the Faculty labs, and everyone was trying to solve the problems as quickly as possible.

Digital Systems Third Year - Wayne Dollery

Students could not access Room 139 when the enquiry office is closed for morning tea and lunch.

The students were advised to see Mr Gordon Lowe if the general office is closed. Another alternative is to obtain the key before break times.

4
Computer Science Second Year - Harvey Lee

Students were concerned with the set-up, and the running of the CSSE Student Club. It was reported that no constitution has been written and that the Monash Student Union would not allow it to be run across both campuses. There was also a discussion that some students are planning to set up an IT Society.

Professor Abramson said that he is aware of the student union objections and the Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology is also aware of this.

Professor Abramson also said that the club is for the students and should be run by the students. He encouraged Mr Lee to take an active role in formulating the direction for the club.

Subject: CSE 2131 – Fundamentals of DSP

Students complained that consulting times were not stated clearly or the demonstrator could not be found during consulting times.

Professor Abramson suggested that Mr Charles Greif look into this matter.
Action: Mr Charles Greif

Subject: CSE 2304 – Algorithms and Data Structures

The algorithms web pages form a very useful resource for CSE 2304.

It was reported that the formatting of the program code was difficult, and the course requirements were not made clear to the students. The students have also found the lab sessions not relevant to the material taught at lectures.

Professor Abramson suggested Harvey, or anyone else, was very welcome to submit an alternative formatting of the program code in question.

The meeting was also informed that the students in Group B would like to have more challenging work. As an example, Group A students were working on Binary Search Tree in prac 3, Group B students would like to work on similar pracs.

CSE 2303 - Formal Methods I

The lecture materials were good. The problem that most students had was internal timetabling clashes, which made it difficult especially those taking electives from other schools or faculties.

The students suggested that all faculties should discuss the timetabling process and work out a solution.

Dean's Scholars Program

The Dean's Scholars' mentors program is up and running.

General feedback

Some 2nd year students reported problems installing Linux on their own computers.

Suggestions were put forward on how to overcome this problem.

Have a development environment at home to do pracs.

Bring home computers to Uni and help to be provided to set up Linux.

Have 4 hours lecture 2 hours tutes on "how to install Linux".

Introduce Linux Training as a new elective subject in 1^st year.

Computer Science Second Year - Dominique Law

The students would like to have more computers made available to work on after lectures.

Professor Abramson said that the school is considering introducing access card system for computer labs and the Faculty is planning on a new building.

5
Digital Systems Second Year - Edgar Kherlopian

CSE 2131 – Fundamentals of DSP

It was reported at the meeting that lectures do not correspond with tutorials. The students asked for more practical labs sessions.

6
Software Engineering Second Year - Daniel Rowley

CSE 2304 - Algorithms and Data Structures

Students who have no access to the Internet are unable to print out or view the course materials on the web.

The students enquired if it was possible for hardcopy of course materials to be made available to them.

Dr Lloyd Allison informed the meeting that well before the start of semester one, he enquired of the BCS coordinator (Dr Damian Conway) and of the general-office staff what was the normal practice concerning such material. Dr Conway advised him that it was a quite common practice to make material only available on the web at 2^nd year level, eg this being what he last did for 2^nd year OOP.

7
Computer Science First Year - Amanda Crawford

The students were concerned with the PC performance in Building 19. Sometimes it took 12 minutes or ½ to 1 hour to login.

There was a complaint that during lecture time, mobile phones and laser pointers were used during lectures and was a distraction to students.

Professor John Crossley suggested that the students inform the lecturer of this problem.

CSE 1301 – Computer Programming

The pracs times were good, however, the sessions were not long enough. The students would like to suggest utilising the tutorial times for some prac work as well.

Dr Damian Conway suggested that the students talk to their tutors about this.

MAT 1841 – Mathematics for Computer Science 1

The computer labs were not functioning well.

Professor John Crossley said he would inform Dr John Jeavons of the Maths Department about this matter.
Action: Professor John Crossley

Computer Science First Year - Stewart Smith

The students were very happy with the lecture presentations given by

Dr Damian Conway in CSE 1301. CSE 1401 taught by Professor Heinz Schmidt was also well taught and instructive.

CSE 1101 - Digital Technology 1

The meeting was informed that the students were having difficulty in the Digital Logic Trainer (DLT). The students said that 2 hours was not sufficient for pracs and requested longer prac sessions.

Dr Peter Atkinson said he has been considering this and would endeavour to do his best
Action: Dr Peter Atkinson

MATHS

Stewart Smith suggested that those who have sat for Specialist Maths in year 12 should be allowed to on to higher maths in their first year of university. He stated that the Maths currently done was not challenging.

Professor John Crossley would speak with Dr John Jeevons about the maths contents.
Action: Professor John Crossley

8
Any Other Business

Timetable Clashes or Absence at a Lecture

It was suggested at the meeting that lectures be taped recorded or put on the web to help students who miss lectures due to timetabling clashes.

Professor Abramson indicated that it was possible for lecturers to arrange for lectures to be taped in certain theatres automatically, and encourages staff to make use of this facility.

Handbook Year 2000

The students said they had heard that a commerce/computer science double degree was forthcoming. They were keen to know more about this.

The meeting closed at 2.20pm

Back to School Staff-Student Meetings page

Present	Student Representatives:
	Computer Science First Year Amanda Crawford, Min-Tze Chan, Stewart Smith
	Computer Science Second Year Harvey Lee, Dominique Law
	Computer Science Third Year Andy Gunawan, Shiao Peng Tenh
	Digital First/Second Year Edgar Kherlopian
	Digital Third Year Wayne Dollery
	Software Engineering Second Year Daniel Rowley
	Honours Year Daniel Willis, Glen Benjamin
	Academics: Professor David Abramson (Chair), Dr David Albrecht, Dr Lloyd Allison, Dr Peter Atkinson, Ms Nandita Bhattacharjee, Dr Damian Conway, Professor John Crossley, Dr David Dowe, Mr Charles Greif, Ms Jahan Hassan, Mr Gordon Lowe, Dr Andrew Paplinski, Ms Debbie Pickett, Dr Bin Qiu, Ms Sita Ramakrishnan, Dr Sid Ray, Professor Heinz Schmidt, Mr Joey Chua, Dr Peter Tischer
	Administrative: Ms Shranthi Ponniah, Ms Edwina Goh (Minute Secretary)
	Apologies: Ms Karen Fenwick, Ms Linda McIver, Associate Professor Trevor Dix

1	Welcome The Head of School, Professor David Abramson opened the meeting with a welcome to everyone.
2	Report from Honours Year - Daniel Willis (Computer Science) There were no complaints on the coursework. Overall, the students were happy with their course. Resources such as printer and computers in labs were working well. The students appreciated the help provided by the technical staff Jamie Scuglia and Glen Pringle. Suggestions were put forward to improve facilities for the honours students. To allow more table space. It was suggested that equipment currently in Room SG1 be moved to allow for more table space. Provide photocopying facility. Introduce a card access system. Install additional computers in common room, for terminal login.
	Report from Honours Year - Glyn Benjamin (Digital Systems) Suggestions were also put forward by Digital Systems Honours students to introduce Industry Based Project and provide resources such as photocopier and scanner.
3	Computer Science Third Year - Andy Gunawan It was reported that students could not log into computers in the Computer Labs in Building 19 and the labs were always crowded. Professor David Abramson assured the students that he is aware of the problems in Building 19, which are the Faculty labs, and everyone was trying to solve the problems as quickly as possible.
	Digital Systems Third Year - Wayne Dollery Students could not access Room 139 when the enquiry office is closed for morning tea and lunch. The students were advised to see Mr Gordon Lowe if the general office is closed. Another alternative is to obtain the key before break times.
4	Computer Science Second Year - Harvey Lee Students were concerned with the set-up, and the running of the CSSE Student Club. It was reported that no constitution has been written and that the Monash Student Union would not allow it to be run across both campuses. There was also a discussion that some students are planning to set up an IT Society. Professor Abramson said that he is aware of the student union objections and the Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology is also aware of this. Professor Abramson also said that the club is for the students and should be run by the students. He encouraged Mr Lee to take an active role in formulating the direction for the club.
	Subject: CSE 2131 – Fundamentals of DSP Students complained that consulting times were not stated clearly or the demonstrator could not be found during consulting times. Professor Abramson suggested that Mr Charles Greif look into this matter. Action: Mr Charles Greif
	Subject: CSE 2304 – Algorithms and Data Structures The algorithms web pages form a very useful resource for CSE 2304. It was reported that the formatting of the program code was difficult, and the course requirements were not made clear to the students. The students have also found the lab sessions not relevant to the material taught at lectures. Professor Abramson suggested Harvey, or anyone else, was very welcome to submit an alternative formatting of the program code in question. The meeting was also informed that the students in Group B would like to have more challenging work. As an example, Group A students were working on Binary Search Tree in prac 3, Group B students would like to work on similar pracs.
	CSE 2303 - Formal Methods I The lecture materials were good. The problem that most students had was internal timetabling clashes, which made it difficult especially those taking electives from other schools or faculties. The students suggested that all faculties should discuss the timetabling process and work out a solution.
	Dean's Scholars Program The Dean's Scholars' mentors program is up and running.
	General feedback Some 2nd year students reported problems installing Linux on their own computers. Suggestions were put forward on how to overcome this problem. Have a development environment at home to do pracs. Bring home computers to Uni and help to be provided to set up Linux. Have 4 hours lecture 2 hours tutes on "how to install Linux". Introduce Linux Training as a new elective subject in 1^st year.
	Computer Science Second Year - Dominique Law The students would like to have more computers made available to work on after lectures. Professor Abramson said that the school is considering introducing access card system for computer labs and the Faculty is planning on a new building.
5	Digital Systems Second Year - Edgar Kherlopian CSE 2131 – Fundamentals of DSP It was reported at the meeting that lectures do not correspond with tutorials. The students asked for more practical labs sessions.
6	Software Engineering Second Year - Daniel Rowley CSE 2304 - Algorithms and Data Structures Students who have no access to the Internet are unable to print out or view the course materials on the web. The students enquired if it was possible for hardcopy of course materials to be made available to them. Dr Lloyd Allison informed the meeting that well before the start of semester one, he enquired of the BCS coordinator (Dr Damian Conway) and of the general-office staff what was the normal practice concerning such material. Dr Conway advised him that it was a quite common practice to make material only available on the web at 2^nd year level, eg this being what he last did for 2^nd year OOP.
7	Computer Science First Year - Amanda Crawford The students were concerned with the PC performance in Building 19. Sometimes it took 12 minutes or ½ to 1 hour to login. There was a complaint that during lecture time, mobile phones and laser pointers were used during lectures and was a distraction to students. Professor John Crossley suggested that the students inform the lecturer of this problem.
	CSE 1301 – Computer Programming The pracs times were good, however, the sessions were not long enough. The students would like to suggest utilising the tutorial times for some prac work as well. Dr Damian Conway suggested that the students talk to their tutors about this.
	MAT 1841 – Mathematics for Computer Science 1 The computer labs were not functioning well. Professor John Crossley said he would inform Dr John Jeavons of the Maths Department about this matter. Action: Professor John Crossley
	Computer Science First Year - Stewart Smith The students were very happy with the lecture presentations given by Dr Damian Conway in CSE 1301. CSE 1401 taught by Professor Heinz Schmidt was also well taught and instructive.
	CSE 1101 - Digital Technology 1 The meeting was informed that the students were having difficulty in the Digital Logic Trainer (DLT). The students said that 2 hours was not sufficient for pracs and requested longer prac sessions. Dr Peter Atkinson said he has been considering this and would endeavour to do his best Action: Dr Peter Atkinson
	MATHS Stewart Smith suggested that those who have sat for Specialist Maths in year 12 should be allowed to on to higher maths in their first year of university. He stated that the Maths currently done was not challenging. Professor John Crossley would speak with Dr John Jeevons about the maths contents. Action: Professor John Crossley
8	Any Other Business Timetable Clashes or Absence at a Lecture It was suggested at the meeting that lectures be taped recorded or put on the web to help students who miss lectures due to timetabling clashes. Professor Abramson indicated that it was possible for lecturers to arrange for lectures to be taped in certain theatres automatically, and encourages staff to make use of this facility.
	Handbook Year 2000 The students said they had heard that a commerce/computer science double degree was forthcoming. They were keen to know more about this.