VCE Algorithmics Questions and Discussion

[Aaron]

VCE Algorithmics (HESS)
Questions and Discussion Thread

Welcome to VCE Algorithmics (HESS), a new(..ish) VCE study in the domains of mathematics and computing that is classified as a Higher Education Scored Study (HESS). It has been developed by the University of Melbourne and Monash University, and administered by the VCAA.

Please post your questions and discussion in this thread. All the best for a wonderful year.

[sammmarc]

I am currently a Year 11 Student looking to do Algorithmic's instead of Biology next year as I find Biology quite a medial subject and would like a challenge, my current subjects are:
Psych 3+4
Methods 1+2
Japanese (SL) 1+2
History: Global Empires 1+2
Biology: 1+2 - Thinking of swapping for Algorithmic's.
Would I be jepordising my ATAR if I decide to change to Algorithmic's next year or is it best to stick with a subject that bores me but I know I can pull of a good study score with? Is VCE Computing, Software development or Programming necessary to do alright in the subject? Even though I have the extra subject of Psych 3+4.
All of my Methods Scores have been above 90% for the current semester.
Thanks for reading 

[Aaron]

I am currently a Year 11 Student looking to do Algorithmic's instead of Biology next year as I find Biology quite a medial subject and would like a challenge, my current subjects are:
Psych 3+4
Methods 1+2
Japanese (SL) 1+2
History: Global Empires 1+2
Biology: 1+2 - Thinking of swapping for Algorithmic's.
Would I be jepordising my ATAR if I decide to change to Algorithmic's next year or is it best to stick with a subject that bores me but I know I can pull of a good study score with? Is VCE Computing, Software development or Programming necessary to do alright in the subject? Even though I have the extra subject of Psych 3+4.
All of my Methods Scores have been above 90% for the current semester.
Thanks for reading 

Hello

I think that Methods and Algorithmics go very well together. Algorithmics is classified as a mathematics subject, but incorporates both computing and mathematics. Basically the curriculum has been designed by Melb & Monash universities, so you and your teacher work off a repository of content (with instructional videos, theory and practical tasks).

You do not need VCE Computing/Informatics/Softdev to do well in Algorithmics, however an interest in IT/Computer Science would be beneficial. While there is a tiny bit of programming, majority of Algorithmics is understanding how (the maths behind it).

Algorithmics scales up around the same as Methods. The difficulty is probably on par with Methods, if not higher. It is essentially the same level as a first year computer science subject at university.

You are able to claim some credit at university level if you're eligible as well (for example: here)

You'll definitely have a challenge on your hands with this subject Especially if you do it via distance ed.

[mattct2000]

So, I've been thinking about taking up Algorithmics next year to replace Chemistry, as I would like to challenge myself in the IT/Computer Science field. Here are my current subjects:
- English Language Units 1 + 2
- Maths Methods Units 1 + 2
- Specialist Maths Units 1 + 2
- Physics Units 1 + 2
- Software Development Units 3 + 4
- Chemistry Units 1 + 2 - thinking about swapping for Algorithmics.

I would have to take Algorithmics via Distance Ed, as my school does not offer this subject. I am acing Maths Methods with consistent scores over 90%  in Semester 1, and achieving As and Bs for my other subjects. Should I take Algorithmics next year, or do I stick with Chemistry instead?

[VanillaRice]

So, I've been thinking about taking up Algorithmics next year to replace Chemistry, as I would like to challenge myself in the IT/Computer Science field. Here are my current subjects:
- English Language Units 1 + 2
- Maths Methods Units 1 + 2
- Specialist Maths Units 1 + 2
- Physics Units 1 + 2
- Software Development Units 3 + 4
- Chemistry Units 1 + 2 - thinking about swapping for Algorithmics.

I would have to take Algorithmics via Distance Ed, as my school does not offer this subject. I am acing Maths Methods with consistent scores over 90%  in Semester 1, and achieving As and Bs for my other subjects. Should I take Algorithmics next year, or do I stick with Chemistry instead?

I suppose the main things you need to consider are whether you would be suited to learning in a Distance Ed environment; and if you are intending on studying at university after high school - whether or not Chemistry is a prerequisite for any particular course you are interested in (although I'm not the biggest expert on this).

But other than that, if you enjoy both mathematics and computing, I don't see why you shouldn't go ahead  . I guess it's your personal opinion as to whether you think you will enjoy Chemistry or Algorithmics more as well, which I believe is pretty important.

I think Aaron's post above summarises the subject well, and would also be applicable here. And as stated above, you also may be able to use your Algorithmics as credit towards a course in the future.

[Desmond]

Hi,

I am one of those people who should never had taken this subject but did and now is slowly dying with less than a week till the exam. How do we study for it?? We have very limited practice exams and my knowledge on everything is very bad.


Please help!!!!!

[calliope]

there are lots of resources on algorithmics and computer science available for revision of most topics in Algorithmics (HESS), for example:

• http://csunplugged.org/
  http://www.snap-apps.org/edgy.html
  https://www.alexandriarepository.org/syllabus/programming-with-edgy/

Also lots of youtube videos with explanations and examples:

• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhQjrBD2T381k8ul4WQ8SQ165XqY149WW
  https://youtu.be/z-OxzIC6pic

[calliope]

CSUnplugged links
http://csunplugged.org/curriculum-links/#Great_Principles_of_Computer_Science

[4See]

Hi,
So i'm currently a year 10 student selecting my year 11 subjects. I want to do Algorithmics in year 12 but I was thinking of doing Specialist mathematics and not methods. Do you think they would let me to Algorithmics without methods and just specialist? The school said I can do just specialist mathematics because usually you would have to do both. I don't really want to pick up method maths but if its a requirement then I can drop specialist mathematics for methods as I am really keen to doing algorithmics. Here are the subjects I'm considering to do for year 11 next year.
English 1 and 2
Physics 1 and 2
Computing - Software Development 3 and 4
Economics 3 and 4
Specialist mathematics 1 and 2