VCE Applied Computing focuses on the strategies and techniques for creating digital solutions to meet specific needs and to manage the threats to data, information and software security. Students will develop an understanding of the roles and applications of cybersecurity, data analytics and programming and collaboratively investigate an innovative solution to a problem or need they identify.
Students focus on how data can be used within software tools such as databases and spreadsheets to identify trends and create data visualisations to communicate information, and the use of programming languages to develop working software solutions. For more information visit – here.
Area of Study 1 – Data analysis
In this area of study students use software tools to create data visualisations in response to solution needs. Software tools are used for the collection, interpretation and manipulation of data to draw conclusions and create data visualisations that represent their findings. Students will interpret given designs and create database, spreadsheet and data visualisations solutions using the data collected. Students focus on the appropriate functions and techniques to manipulate and validate data and to make use of suitable formats and conventions to present the information.
Area of Study 2 – Programming
In this area of study students use a programming language to create a working software solution in response to provided solution requirements. Students apply methods and techniques for creating a working software solution using a range of object orientated programming features using data types and structures. They apply testing and debugging techniques to ensure the software solution works as intended using an organised approach to problem solving.
In this unit students focus on developing innovative solutions to needs or opportunities that they have identified and then build an awareness of cyber security as they propose strategies for reducing cyber security risks to data and information in a networked environment.
Area of Study 1 – Innovative solutions
In Area of Study 1, students work collaboratively and select a topic of interest involving an emerging trend for further study to create an innovative solution. The innovative solution can be presented as a proof of concept, a prototype or a product. Students engage in all areas of the problem-solving methodology while developing this solution.
As the technological landscape continues to rapidly evolve, the potential topics that students can explore will change. For example, students could choose one of the following topics to explore in greater detail:
- artificial intelligence, machine learning or neural networks
- assistive and wearable technologies or Internet of Things (IoT)
- games development, multimedia programming or web authoring
- mixed realities such as augmented and virtual reality
- research project on innovative uses for emerging technologies such as blockchain
Students will collaboratively project manage the development of the solution to support an organised approach to problem solving.
Area of Study 2 – Cyber security
The awareness of cyber security incidents and how to be protected from them is more important than ever, especially with the proliferation of mobile devices and online services. In this area of study, students investigate emerging trends in cyber security and how networks enable data and information to be exchanged locally and globally. Students examine the hardware and software components and procedures required to connect, maintain and protect wired, wireless and mobile communications technologies. They apply this knowledge to develop an understanding of cyber security issues when investigating security threats to data and information on networks. Students examine network vulnerabilities and the strategies for reducing risks and mitigating threats to networks, considering key legal and ethical requirements. Frameworks such as Australia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics Principles and the Essential Eight enable students to follow current industry practice when considering the use of artificial intelligence and strategies for protecting the security of data and information within networks.
Area of Study 1: Data analytics
In the first Area of Study students’ access, select and extract authentic data from large repositories. They manipulate the data to present findings as data visualisations in response to solution requirements and designs.
Students develop software solutions using database, SQL, spreadsheet and data visualisation software tools. The software solutions involve importing data into database and spreadsheets to select and manipulate to identify patterns and relationships.
The analysed data findings are communicated effectively in data visualisations or infographics. Validation and testing techniques are applied to ensure the reasonableness and completeness of the data.
Area of Study 2: Analysis and design
In this area of study students independently determine and propose a research question and collect and analyse data from both primary and secondary sources. This is the first part of the school-assessed Task, involving analysis and design, with the second part undertaken in Unit 4, Area of Study 1.
A range of methods are used to collect data for analysis. Students generate design ideas for creating their database and/or spreadsheet solutions and create detailed designs for their infographics or dynamic data visualisations solution to communicate their findings effectively for their research question investigation.
Area of Study 1: Development and evaluation
In this area of study students manipulate their data with spreadsheets and databases and then develop the design they prepared in Unit 3, Area of Study 2, into infographics or dynamic data visualisations that address the student’s research question.
Effective designs and clarity of messages are key features of infographics and dynamic data visualisations, which are designed to communicate findings intended for a target audience. Students evaluate the quality of their solution and assess the effectiveness of their project management in the development of their project.
Area of Study 2: Cybersecurity – data and information security
Major data breaches involving large Australian companies and businesses have increased over the last few years. These have impacted millions of Australians. In this area of study, students investigate emerging trends in cyber security and focus on data and information security and its importance to organisations. Students investigate security strategies used by an organisation to manage the collection, communication and security of data and information in its networked environment. They examine the threats to this data and information and evaluate the methods an organisation uses to protect its data and information. Students consider the consequences for an organisation that fails to protect its data and information and recommend strategies to reduce the threats to data and information, considering the key legal requirements and any ethical issues faced by the organisation, including those posed using artificial intelligence.
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Units 3 and 4 Assessment
School-assessed coursework – 50 percent
and VCAA Written examination – 50 percent
Selection advice
What kind of learner is best suited to study this subject?
Organised, persistent, read criteria carefully
What key skills are required for success?
Attention to detail, consistent work
What are three most engaging topics studied?
Data visualisation, data security, student choice of research topic
What are the learning activities in this subject like?
Data bases. networks, spreadsheets, data visualisations
What advice would you give to a student about to embark on this subject?
It is important to be organised and to understand and be able to apply the assessment criteria
