Faculty of Information Technology

School of Computer Science and Software Engineering

1	Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of meeting 1/000 were accepted as a correct record of the meeting.
2	Action Items Arising from the Previous Minutes of Meeting 1/00
2.1	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 taken: Mr Greif reported to the meeting that he has discussed the matter with Associate Professor Henry Wu.
	Subject: 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. 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 content. Action taken: Professor John Crossley reported that as a result of the students' comments the Maths offerings were reviewed and there is now a new syllabus for MAT 1841 whose content has been dramatically revised. (About two thirds of the syllabus has been changed.) The revised syllabus was approved at Meeting No. 4/00 of the Faculty Education Committee.
3	Computer Science Second Year – Dominique Law CSE2316 – Database management systems Dominique Law raised the possibility of having tutorial or practical classes for CSE2316. Currently students with problems would communicate with their lecturer via emails, if they missed the allocated consulting times. If practical or tutorial becomes optional then there is the issue of whether it would be well-attended. This matter to be discussed offline. The student representative commended that the lecturer was entertaining. CSE2302 – Operating systems The students found the subject difficult because they have to learn a new language and were not examinable hence not motivated. It is perceived that the computer language program taught was not relevant to the computer science course. Dominique Law also raised the question why was the program "Python" taught and not C++ as in other core subjects. Another question raised was the possibility of introducing vacation employment opportunities in industry. Professor David Abramson informed the meeting that the school did try to locate industries that would like to play hosts, however, only 1 company responded. He said the school would be happy to look into it again if there are demands.
4	Computer Science Second Year – Harvey Lee Harvey Lee advised the meeting that the students found the Algorithms and data structures (CSE2304) exams difficult. The 6-part exams are equivalent to prac work of 3 hours. Harvey asked if the subject could be made easier and not to add to the students’ stress. He also suggested that an anonymous feedback page be established. Java programming for 2nd year subject is advanced for the student. The students also felt that Perl Programming (CSE2395) which is currently a 3-points subject, warrants it to be changed to 6-points because of the workload involved. Harvey also raised the possibility of introducing a "Career Night" and inviting industry people in as guest speakers. He also informed the meeting that there is the problem of students missing lectures and, the availability of downloading audio tapes of only certain subjects. Professor David Abramson assured the meeting that the school would investigate further of the possibility of having more lectures audio-taped. The Trivia Night organised by the Students Club was very successful. The Monash IT club has received approval to be established as a club. Harvey hoped that the students’ representatives would not only be seen as coming to the meeting with problems but also involved in finding solutions to the problems raised.
5	Digital Systems Third Year - Wayne Dollery Wayne Dollery advised the meeting that there is no notice on the roller door of the reception office to advise students of the operating hours of the general office. He also asked about the relationship with the Faculty of Engineering, and the hardware support for future projects. This matter will be discussed offline. Wayne also raised the questions of what options are available for those who decide to further their studies, or employment options. No information could be found anywhere. Dr Andrew Paplinski suggested that the handbook could incorporate some of this information. Dr Ann Nicholson informed the meeting that information on honours studies could be found on the Honours Noticeboard.
	Software Engineering First Year – Dima Bensky Dima Bensky reported that CSE1402 practical time work is not related to the lectures. Students perceived that if they do not attend the Language and Learning Services seminar as requested by the lecturer, they would receive a fail or just a pass for this subject. Students received feedback from demonstrators only. Lecturer advised that he has allocated 2 hours for counselling, however, nobody attends them. Professor Abramson assured the students that because this is the first time the subject is taught, there may be so teething problems, however, next year it would be better.
6	Software Engineering Second Year – Daniel Rowley Daniel Rowley reported to the meeting that no lecture notes on Artificial Intelligence were made available to students. The students commended Ms Sita Ramakrishnan’s on her homepage, which provided lots of information. She is also very concerned and motivated. Some of the machines did not have linux installed.
7	Honours – BCSE – Daniel Willis Daniel Willis commented that better communication with other honours students were required. He also asked about budget for resources such as photocopying. Daniel reported that NT software has been installed and there was no problem. Honours students have very heavy workload and, students perceived that the lecturers were not aware of the heavy workload. Students were not happy to go to Caulfield for classes vice versa . Dr Ann Nicholson informed the meeting that a survey would be carried out at the end of the year Action: Prompt Ms Sita Ramakrishnan re honours year options.
8	Any Other Business Professor John Crossley raised the question of whether Communication Skills should be added into the courses. Should it be a unit by itself or distributed into other subjects? Currently computer science core subjects do not have communication elements incorporated in. It was suggested that lecturer interview students to assess their communication skills as what is currently done in the software engineering projects It was also reported to the meeting that students are cheating in their tests. It was suggested that confidential reports be made to the Head of School.

The meeting closed at 2.30pm

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