Robotics and Mechatronics (A/T/M)
This course explores automation and physical computing through the engineering disciplines of robotics and mechatronics. The course introduces fundamental principles of both electronics and mechatronics before investigating microcontrollers that can be programmed to drive electrical circuits and mechanical systems.
Students apply their knowledge to the design and construction of real systems, examining how these solutions address problems, needs and challenges faced by individuals and societies. They design and program control software for autonomous and manual interfaces, correcting for noise and unexpected variations in data inputs and processing. Robotics and Mechatronics aims to build theoretical and practical knowledge to prepare students for technical pathways such as engineering, IT, electronics and science.
Digital Technologies (A/T)
Digital Technologies transform the way we communicate, learn, collaborate and work within our world. Students create new ways of doing things, generating their own ideas and creating digital solutions to problems of individual, community and global interest. They learn about computational thinking and the application of the design process to create and develop digital solutions using a variety of digital technologies.
Students develop and extend their understanding of designing and programming, including fundamental computer science principles such as algorithm selection and complexity, structuring data for processing and problem-solving. This course serves as a basis for further education and employment in the IT industry in a range of fields including programming, web development, robotics and games development.
Networking and Security (T)
Networking and Security focuses on network technologies and architecture, and the devices, media and services and operations in different types of networks. Understanding networks and the security implications of data transmission through networks is a critical part of developing digital solutions for a wide audience. The security of data and the implications of networked systems for data privacy are considered from many perspectives, including the technical implementation of secure protocols and the ethical challenges associated with providing encrypted communications and storage for all users.
Roles in industry where knowledge of networking is valued vary from system and network administrators through to site reliability engineers and cloud infrastructure developers that maintain complicated, distributed software and networks.
Data Science (A/T/)
Data science is the basis of recommendation algorithms, natural language processing, computer vision, artificial intelligence in games and embedded devices, and many other modern scientific applications. Students model and implement digital solutions, manipulating, visualising and presenting data to influence decision making and predict the consequences of the actions of individuals, groups and large-scale social change.
Understanding both the power of these analytical techniques and the risks, challenges and ethical dilemmas they present, provides students with a solid foundation for further study, research and employment in a broad range of industries.