Q 56. What is Eclipse and where can i find it?  Eclipse is an extensible programming IDE framework, generally used for Java Programming. Eclipse 3.0.1 is now available in the SCIS Labs. This package includes the EMF, SDO, GEF and VE plugins. VE, coupled with GEF and EMF, allows you to easily create GUI-based Java programs. In the future, we plan to add support for C#, UML2 and C++, amongst others. We're also open to suggestions on which plugins and features to add later.
You'll find the Eclipse icon under Start -> Programs -> Programming...
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Q 59. How do I obtain licenses for software to use on my home computer? ECU makes several software packages available to staff and/or students via its consolidated home user licensing scheme. More information and instructions on how to obtain this software are available from http://it.ecu.edu.au/staff/licensing/chul/.
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Q 105. Can I create Adobe PDF format documents in the SCIS labs? You certainly can, using CutePDF. You can print to CutePDF from most Windows applications, so to create a PDF file, select the CutePDF printer from the list of available printers. You will be prompted for a location for your new PDF document.
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Q 106. The front headphone jack in my machine isn't working. What's wrong? The default sound card in our IntelliStation labs (ML13.225 and JO19.107) is the SoundBlaster Audigy card, the headphone jack for which is on the back on the machine. You can change the default sound card by following these steps: - Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Sounds and Audio Devices
- Select the Audio tab
- From the Default device dropdown in the Sound playback section, select the SoundMAX Digital Audio device.
- Click OK
Restart any application you would like to use the new settings and you should be on your way.
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Q 123. Visual Studio won't stop at my breakpoint. What's wrong? You might have previously hit a breakpoint, then forcibly closed the application you were debugging. If you re-start Visual Studio, re-open your project and try again, the debugger should again be able to hit your breakpoints. The correct way to stop the debugging process (instead of simply hitting the 'x' button in the console app you're debugging) is to use the 'stop' button on the debugging toolbar in Visual Studio - this will ensure that the application is closed properly.
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Q 130. I can't write to my portable USB hard drive when I plug it into the SCIS lab machines, but it works fine at home. What's wrong? You are logged on to the labs with your ADS username. The disk is formatted using the NTFS filesystem and this user does not have permission to write to the disk. By default, the security on the disk will be configured to allow the Administrators group to write to the file system, and although it is likely that you are a member of this group on your computer at home, your ADS user is not a member of that group on the SCIS lab computers. There are two ways to solve this problem: - Take your disk home and grant the Everyone group permission to write to the disk.
- Re-format the disk using the FAT or FAT32 filesystem.
Either of these options will allow you to write to your portable disk.
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Q 140. How do I connect to MSDE using SQL Server Enterprise Manager in the SCIS Labs? - Open Enterprise Manager from the Programming\Microsoft SQL Server section of the Start menu.
- Expand the Microsoft SQL Servers node
- Right-click on SQL Server Group and select New SQL Server Registration...
- Click Next >. The Available servers: textbox already contains the name of the computer you are using. Simply append the text \VSSQLSERVER to the end of that name, so you end up with something like CS1234567890AB\VSSQLSERVER.
- Click Add >, then click Next >.
- Select the default, The Windows account information... and click Next >.
- Click Next > again and click Finish.
That's it. You should now be able to manage the local MSDE instance using SQL Server Enterprise Manager. You'll need to repeat this procedure for each new machine you log on to.
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Q 162. How do I move my favourites from my old computer to my new one? First export the favourites from your current computer by following these steps: - Start the "Import/Export Wizard" in Internet Explore by clicking "Import and Export" under the "File" menu.
- When the wizard appears, click "Next", on the following screen (Import/Export Selection) select "Export Favorites" and click "Next".
- Select if you want to export all favourites or just some of them by choosing the folder to export, to export all, select the top folder "Favorites" and click "Next".
- Save the export file with the favourites somewhere you can easily find it (by default it will be saved in "My Documents"), click "Next".
- Your favourites have now been exported, click "Finish".
Now to import them on the receiving computer, follow these steps: - Again start the "Import/Export Wizard" in Internet Explore by clicking "Import and Export" under the "File" menu.
- When the wizard appears, click "Next", on the following screen (Import/Export Selection) select "Import Favorites" and click "Next".
- Type the path or use "Browse" to select the file you just exported and click "Next".
- On the following screen choose the destination of the imported favourites (where they appear when you clik the "Favorites" dropdown menu in Internet Explorer), click "Next".
- Yor favourites have now been imported, click "Finish".
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Q 169. Why did the lab workstation I was using restart? SCIS lab workstations are configured to automatically restart at 3:00 AM if they have any Windows Updates pending installation. Updates generally tend to be released on a monthly schedule, but can be released at any time. You will be warned in advance and given a few minutes in which to save your work and log off.
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Q 114. How can I access the Student Development Server? There are currently two development servers available for student use, a Windows and a Linux server. Team project drives on the Windows machine are accessible internally via "V:\teamxxx" drive within all SCIS laboratories. Each student will have a strict disk quota limit of 500 MB to contribute data to their team network drive. Externally the drives can be accessed via: - http://win.dev.scis.ecu.edu.au/teamxxx (Windows)
- ftp://win.dev.scis.ecu.edu.au/teamxxx (Windows)
External use of the development server (outside SCIS laboratories) will require that you authenticate with your ADS username* and passord. *Remember to add the prefix "ads\" to your username.
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Q 115. What will access to the Student Development Server entitle me to? The server has been designed to service over 50 Projects and over 210 students as a SCIS website-development server. The scripting and programming languages available for student web development projects are HTML, ASP, PHP, Java. You can also gain access to MySQL and MSSQL databases. Students will also gain access to a subversion repository, to allow for version control of their work.
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Q 154. I heard that I can run my own Microsoft Virtual PCs in the Project labs. How do I set this up? You sure can, but you'll need to do a couple of things before you can use the system to run Virtual PCs. Here's an outline of the process you should follow: - Put together a proposal outlining why you need to use Virtual PCs for your project.
- Email a request together with your proposal to your project supervisor.
- Your supervisor will evaluate and hopefully approve your request.
- If your request is approved, your supervisor will ask SCIS technical support to increase your team's quota on the development server such that you have sufficient space on your team drive to run your own Virtual PCs.
- You can now create Virtual PCs to simulate a client/server environment in the SCIS SE labs.
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Q 155. I am having trouble with my Virtual PC setup in the SCIS SE labs. What can I do? You can request technical support for Virtual PC through your project supervisor. Our technical staff are able to help you (through your supervisor) for problems directly related to Virtual PC. However, once Virtual PC itself is working correctly, you're on your own - regretably, we are unable to provide support for anything related to the operating systems you install yourself within a virtual machine.
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Q 156. I would like to run a Microsoft Windows based client or server within my Virtual PC in the SCIS SE lab. Can I obtain a license from the School? Yes, through our MSDN Academic Alliance program, you are able to use Windows XP Professional and Windows Server 2003 in a development situation. You'll need to ask your project supervisor who will decide whether or not to approve your request, and who will, if your request is approved, request the software on your behalf.
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Q 82. What account do I use to log into eCourse? eCourse uses your Active Directory Services (ADS) account. This is the same account used by many other systems around the university. You can activate your ADS account by visiting https://www.ecu.edu.au/apps/mylogin/. Use your ADS username and password to log in, but do not include the ADS\ before your username.
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Q 83. I am enrolled in a unit that does not appear in my eCourse portal. Is something wrong? Firstly, you should check with your lecturer to see if the unit is available via eCourse. Generally, only SCIS units appear in your eCourse portal, and the SCIS units are usually not available until semester starts. Your lecturer should be able to confirm that the unit is available on eCourse.
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Q 84. How do I get access to the public forums on eCourse? From your logged in student portal page you will notice a "public forums" link on the right hand menu. If you click on this link it will take you to the list of public forums available on eCourse. Each forum will have an action button next to it. if you are already subscirbed to the forum, the action button will give you the option to unsubscribe. If you are not subscribed then the action button will let you subscribe. All public forums show up on the right hand side of your "my portal" page (the starting page for the portal) under the heading of "public forums".
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Q 116. Whenever I try to download eCourse unit material I get prompted for a "unit password". Where can I find this password? If you have navigated to the unit through the "browse units" or "guest access" links on eCourse then you will be prompted for a unit password. This password was used in the pre-portal days of eCourse, and it still exists to allow pre-approved external staff/students access to access unit material. Normal students should not be using the guest access system. If you log in to the eCourse student portal you will automatically be logged in to the units that you are enrolled in, negating the need for a unit password. If you have already logged in to the portal and are still being prompted for a unit password, it means that you do not have cookies enabled on your web browser. IE users can learn how to enable cookies by clicking here. Mozilla Firefox users can learn how to enable cookies by clicking here.
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Q 49. I'm having problems accessing my home drive. What can I do? If you are ever prompted for a username/password when logging in to your home drive through any method remember to put "ads\" on the front of your username. (Without the quotes)
This means that if your username is jbloggs then you would type "ads\jbloggs" into the username field.
Alternatively, if promped for username, password AND domain, enter ADS in the domain field. This removes the need to type "ADS\" in the username field.
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Q 111. How much space do I have on my home drive? When is it cleared out? Students are assigned a quota of 800Mb. Once the limit has been reached, some data will need to be removed before anything new can be added. Once you have completed your studies, your data may be held for a period of up to six (6) months, before being removed indefinitely. Also be aware, that any data not accessed for 9 months will be removed. This data is not retrievable.
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Q 112. How can I access my student home drive? There are 3 main methods for accessing the data on your home drive. - Read-only access is available on the web at http://stuhome.scis.ecu.edu.au/username/
- FTP access is enabled for read/write access. The FTP server is located at ftp://stuhome.scis.ecu.edu.au/, using your standard username (preceeded with ADS\) and password. This is the preferred method for uploading from home.
- When you log into the laboratory machines you will find a shotcut on the Desktop to your home drive, which you access in a similar fashion to accessing files and folders.
If ever asked for a username and password for any of these methods, enter your standard username (preceeded with ADS\) and your standard password.
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Q 241. How do I create my student home drive? Student home drives are now created automatically, so all you need to do is activate your computing account and you're away!
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Q 88. Can I keep work on my desktop? Students can work off their desktops in general purpose and teaching laboratories however there are automatic scripts that are run which remove files which are at least 7 days old. It is recommended that once you back your work up to remove these files off your desktop. Should your machine crash or you lose your backups, you may be able to retrieve your work from the same computer provided that it is within 7 days and that the machine has not been re-imaged.
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Q 103. What computing facilities are available to me? For a full list of facilities that are available to you as a SCIS student check here: http://www.scis.ecu.edu.au/current/facilities.aspx For facilities that don't have any teaching conducted in them and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week you can use either 13.201 or 13.202 at Mount Lawley or 19.113 at Joondalup.
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Q 104. What do I need to do to access the computing facilities on campus? Secondly you will need an access card. You can get an access card from Student Central once you paid a deposit. Access rights to computing facilities in SCIS are now automatically granted depending on your unit and course enrolments. Please note that it will take 2 working days before your access card will work once you paid your deposit. Finally you will need to have your student identification card on you. If you don't have both an access card and student ID card, you may be asked to leave the laboratory.
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Q 142. I plugged my laptop into a network port in the SCIS labs that was previously plugged into a lab computer. Why won't it work? Each network port is specifically configured so that it only operates on the lab machine to which it is assigned.
If you would like to use your laptop in the SCIS labs, please either use the 'SNAP' portsin the labs or connect to the ECU wireless network. SNAP ports are available in each of our labs and labeled with a Snap2ECU logo. These ports are available for general student use and are configured to allow any machine to connect; you'll need to open your web browser and provide your ADS username and password in order to gain access to the rest of the ECU network.
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Q 167. How do I request for a change in software in SCIS Laboratories? Any requests for a configuration change in software or additional software that is required for the unit that you are enrolled in should be directed to your lecturer/tutor who in turn will forward it to the unit co-ordinator for consideration. If the Unit Co-ordinator would like to proceed with the request, then it will need to be tabled in the IT & Services Committee. The helpdesk can not accept requests directly from students.
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Q 220. SCIS Computer Facilities - Guidelines for Use Computing facilities are provided to facilitate and enhance the academic programme of the University. The following conditions of use are designed to keep the computing equipment operating, the accommodation in good order, and generate a productive academic environment. These conditions apply to all University computer systems and all other computing systems that can be accessed via University networks. The authority to use University computing facilities normally expires at the end of each semester.
The University reserves the right to examine all computer data and software on its facilities, and to monitor usage, in order to ensure conformance with these conditions and to ensure that the facilities function in a secure, efficient and effective manner. Persons authorised to use University computing resources are: - students enrolled in the University.
- staff employed by the University.
- other persons having special authorisation from the Vice-Chancellor or nominee.
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Q 221. Student ID Card - Proof of Status Your University identification card is proof of your authorised status. Failure to produce the card when requested by security and ECU staff may result in your being requested to leave. Students are strongly advised to carry their University identification card at all times when they are using computer laboratory facilities.
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Q 223. SCIS Computer Facilities - Use of Facilities and Proper Conduct Students must observe the following conditions relating to the use of SCIS’s Computer Facilities: - You may use only those facilities for which you have been authorised.
- Facilities may only be used for the purposes for which they have been provided and not be used for other projects, games, 'hobby computing', private or consulting work..
- You must not attempt to tamper with any facility in any way which might alter or impede its use by others.
- You must not harass others, including using computing facilities to send obscene, abusive, fraudulent, threatening or unnecessarily repetitive messages.
- Protective footwear must be worn at all times in the SCIS Computer Facilities. If you are found to be in any ECU building with bare feet you will be asked to leave.
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Q 226. SCIS Computer Facilities - Breaches of Conditions of Use Failure to adhere to the conditions of use for university facilities will be considered an act of grave misconduct and cancellation of enrolment or access to facilities may result. Breaches which involve security and/or access violations may be referred to the Australian Federal Police. It is a criminal offence to: - Obtain access to data without permission (penalty: up to 2 years imprisonment)
- Damage, delete, alter or insert data without permission (penalty: up to 10 years imprisonment)
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Q 232. SCIS Computer Facilities - Student Responsibilities ECU students are responsible for ensuring that they work and act safely. Specific student responsibilities include: - complying with all legislation and all Edith Cowan University Occupational Health and Safety policies, procedures and instructions: http://www.ecu.edu.au/GPPS/policies_db/policies_view.php?rec_id=0000000188
- complying with all safety and health instructions provided by ECU staff, the instruction to use and wear personal protective equipment including safety footwear;
- not wilfully placing at risk the safety and health of themselves or any person in the computer facilities by their acts or omissions;
- taking action to avoid, eliminate or minimise hazards, while making proper use of all safety devices and personal protective equipment;
- seeking information or advice regarding hazards and procedures where necessary before carrying out new or unfamiliar activities;
- keeping themselves informed with emergency and evacuation procedures and the location of first aid kits, personnel and emergency equipment;
- reporting all hazards or potential hazards of which they are aware and to assist with the avoidance, elimination or minimisation of those hazards or potential hazards; and
- reporting all accidents and near misses to university staff.
For more information on the conditions of use for University Facilities: http://it.ecu.edu.au/assets/documents/conds_of_use.pdf
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Q 233. Information for dealing with Emergencies, OH S Issues and Security Issues Occupational Health and Safety: Emergencies and ECU Security
Students, staff and visitors to the University have the right to feel safe. Reporting of security incidents to the University Security Office and/or Facilities Management Office is vital. - LIFE THREATENING medical emergencies call 000 and ask for an ambulance. Be ready to give the operator your location, type of the emergency and contact phone number. Then contact Campus Security on 6304 3333 (3333 from internal phones) for assistance until emergency response arrives.
- NON LIFE THREATENING medical assistance call Campus Security on 6304 3333 (3333 from internal phones).
- FOR ALL OTHER EMERGENCIES on campus at any time call security on 6304 3333 (3333 from internal phones).
- ECU Security Services provides a professional and efficient security service to ensure a safe environment in which the educational vision of the university can be realised.
The ECU Security Service team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing the University community with the following services: - Provide security patrols of buildings and grounds.
- Respond to all emergencies on campus.
- Monitor after-hours access and respond to all alarms.
- Provide security escort for staff and students on request.
- Provide first aid assistance.
- Investigate security related incidences.
- Deliver security awareness programs.
- Provide security orientation to students.
- Respond to and manage conflict situations.
- Liaise with external emergency services.
- Provide consultation on security systems
- Event security
For more information, please refer here:
http://www.ecu.edu.au/fas/security/ - ECU Emergency Guidelines cover the following:
- EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
- Preparing For an Emergency
- Evacuation Procedures
- Medical Emergency
- Bomb Threat
- Chemical Spill
- Gas leaks or suspicious odors
- Civil Disturbance and Demonstrations
- Fire Emergency
- Earthquake
The ECU Emergency Guidelines are detailed in the maps and information booklets fixed on noticeboards around ECU Buildings. They can also be found here: http://www.ecu.edu.au/fas/security/emergency_guidelines.htm - Campus Security
Mount Lawley Campus 9370 6999
Joondalup Campus 6304 5999
When calling Security, provide the officer with the extension number the call is being made from (if available), the exact location or nearest landmark and the type of emergency.
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Q 107. I'm new to ECU is there anything to help new students? Yes there is, ECU Welcome Centres run throughout Orientation and are staffed by student volunteers. Here you can get assistance with general queries about orientation activities, book events, take a campus tour.
Welcome Centres operate throughout the official Orientation period (the week before semester commences).
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Q 170. School of Computer and Information Science Reception In the SCIS Reception, you’ll be able to: - Make an appointment to see your course coordinator.
- Get an extension form.
- Get information on SCIS courses and unit sets.
SCIS Reception ML Room: 13.105 (Enter from the pathway between Building 13 and Building 14) Ph: +61 8 9370 6569 SCIS Reception JO Room: 19.129G Ph: +61 8 6304 5424
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Q 172. Who is my course coordinator?
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Q 173. What is SCIS? SCIS stands for the School of Computer and Information Science
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Q 176. What is the difference between a Course Coordinator, a Unit Coordinator and the Student Support Officer? You should consider the Student Support Officer as your first point of contact—especially if you’re not sure who to contact about a particular query/situation. The Student Support Officer can assist you with questions on: - SCIS courses and unit sets
- Difficulties in re-enrolling
- Library Practicum placements
- Problems and events that may impact on your studies
- Resources available to you as an ECU student
The unit coordinator provides advice and information on unit related issues for units they coordinator. You’ll need to see your Unit Coordinator(s) about: - Getting an extension for an assignment
- The content of the unit
- Assignments
- Your progress in the unit
- Problems of events likely to affect your progress in the unit
You’ll need to see your Course Coordinator about: - Your choice of course
- Your choice of units
- Claiming advanced standing (i.e. exemptions)
- Your progress in the course
- Problems of events likely to affect your progress in the course
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Q 190. What is the difference between SCIS Support, Central IT and the Student Support Officer? The School of Computer and Information Science provides SCIS students with an IT Support Team—SCIS Support. SCIS Support provides IT Services and Support for all SCIS computer equipment and facilities. SCIS Support can assist SCIS students with issues relating to: - eCourse
- Access to the online resources for Gartner, iAPT, CISCO and Net-G
- Issues relating to SCIS Lab Logins
- Hardware and Software problems related to computers in SCIS Labs
- Research Support
Students are expected to troubleshoot their problems prior to contacting SCIS Support. SCIS Support’s website is located at: http://student.scis.ecu.edu.au Central IT is the IT Support Team responsible for IT facilities and services delivered via ECU’s central administration. These include: - Activating your student login
- Internet authentication
- Purchasing print credit
- The Megalabs (ML—Building 3 JO—Building 5)
- WAM Access
Central IT’s website is located here: http://it.ecu.edu.au/student/ Neither Central IT, nor SCIS Support can provide SCIS students with enrolment, re-enrolment, course, unit or student service related information—the Student Support Officer is your first point of contact for queries relating to these areas.
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Q 205. ECU Student Charter Edith Cowan University (ECU) is committed to providing a challenging education environment in which all members of its culturally and geographically diverse community can realise their potential. The needs of the students are our highest priority, and the University will seek continuously to improve the quality of its courses and services to students. In return, ECU invites students to honour their responsibilities to their studies and to contribute to the life of the University. Together, the University and the student body will strive to ensure that every graduate has been given the opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding learning experience which has promoted their academic, social and personal growth. The University is pledged to providing all students with equal opportunities, and embraces its statutory obligations to guarantee an environment free of racial, sexual, religious, cultural and physical discrimination. In addition, the University is committed to the values of service, professionalism and enterprise, and the Student Charter is informed by these values. It sets out the standards of provision which students are expected to assume as members of the University. The University aims to provide students with: - an institution which provides a fulfilling, collegial and developmental experience.
- an environment that facilitates social life, welfare, health and safety.
- a suitable and effective learning environment to meet diverse needs.
- a suitable student support network.
- full and accurate information as to how members of the University community can be involved in its decision making processes.
- encouragement for student representative organisations to contribute to the life of the University.
- appropriate facilities that meet student needs.
- access to adequate training and support in the new teaching and learning technologies.
- fair, accessible and efficient administrative procedures.
- full and accurate information about its activities, procedures and regulations.
- fair and efficient complaints and appeals procedures.
In addition to observing the Staff Code and Conduct, staff aim to provide for students: - delivery of effective university teaching and administration which focuses on student outcomes.
- responsible attitudes towards students at all times.
- all essential materials and support to enable students to succeed in their studies.
- availability for consultation with students on a regular basis.
- maintenance of knowledge within the discipline.
- completion of administrative tasks and assignment marking in a timely manner, and provision of constructive feedback to enable on-going improvement in the performance of all members of the University community.
- completion of final unit grading and distribution of results in line with published timelines.
In addition to observing the University Rules, By-Laws and Statutes, students should aim to: - engage with the academic, social and cultural life of the University.
- contribute to the reputation and development of the University by contributing where improvements can be made, and by participating in its decision-making processes where possible.
- participate actively and positively in the teaching-learning environment, and maintain steady progress in their academic studies.
- display responsible attitudes towards staff, fellow students and visitors to the University, and to treat University property with respect.
- be aware of, understand and comply with the University's Rules, By-Laws and Statutes relating to students.
- comply with workload expectations, and notify appropriate staff if difficulties are experienced.
- respond to reasonable requests from staff without undue delay.
- honour the Rules about cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or falsification of data, as well as the proper use of copyright material.
You can find a copy of the ECU Student Charter here: http://www.ecu.edu.au/prospectus/charter/
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Q 227. Uni Start - An introduction to being an Uni Student Congratulations you got into uni...now what? Transition to university life can be overwhelming, Unistart is aimed at reducing your levels of anxiety, improving confidence in your academic ability and increasing your general knowledge about the system of tertiary education of which you are about to become one important part. Uni Start covers: - Smart Start - Adjusting to university life, goal setting, problem solving, learning styles and stress management.
- Orientation Start - Useful general information about adapting to the rigours of academic life, understanding the culture of ECU and the university system in general. We discuss basic academic requirements and examine the structure of a degree, as well as explore common student expectations and some accepted academic obligations that exist for all students within their degree course.
- IT Start - Information technology - love it or hate it, it's an inevitable part of everyday academic life. This session is really not to be missed as we will uncover the many invaluable services provided by IT and explore the vast quantities of online information to be found on the ECU website which are available to all students. In our small group computer labs we'll learn about using the Megalabs and also check out:
- Our student e-mail system
- ECU discussion boards
- MyECU (our popular online learning system)
- SIMO (Student Information Management Online)
- Library Start - Provides "newbies" with an understanding of the skills required to access and utilise the resources provided within the ECU library system. A definite advantage in your new academic career.
- Study Start - An introduction to a range of study skills that are vital to your academic success at university. Learn about 'how to learn' in your new environment and maximise your chances of early success.
For more information, please refer here: http://oevents.student.ecu.edu.au/event_details.asp?id=12
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Q 228. ECU Arrivals Service The ECU Arrivals Services is available for all ECU's domestic and international commencing students relocating from regional Western Australia, interstate or from overseas. For more information, refer here:
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Q 229. What can the Student Support Officer do for me? If you have a question that you need answered then the SCIS Student Support Officer will be your first point of call. The Student Support Officer will either answer your question, or she will direct you to the person or service centre who can help you Natacha can help you with questions on: - SCIS Courses
- SCIS Unit sets: Majors, Second Majors, Supporting Majors and Minors
- Electives
- Unit Selection
- Re-enrolling
- Drawing up a course plan
- University forms and procedures
- Library Practicum Placements
- Who you need to see about problems and events which may impact on your studies
- Contact details for other School's Student Support Officers
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Q 230. Who is the SCIS Student Support Officer?
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Q 231. Welcome from the Head of School Congratulations and welcome to the School of Computer and Information Science@ECU! The School of Computer and Information Science, or SCIS as it is affectionately known, is ranked third in Australia for student satisfaction and we also have a very high graduate employment success rate. We do hope you enjoy your time with SCIS. Apart from offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the fields of information science, computing and information technology, we also conduct interesting and practical research in a wide range of fields, including: - Robots
- Computer and Information Security
- Software Engineering
- Programming
- Medical Computing Databases
- Intelligent Systems
- Mobile Computing
- Networking
- Real World Projects
This School represents opportunity—but you are responsible for taking those opportunities up. Our task is to assist you—not to do everything for you. As a student, you have obligations that you will need to fulfill in order to study successfully. You’ll need to ensure you are doing things like: - Taking notes during lectures
- Reading your texts for units
- Asking questions on points that you don’t understand
- Turning up for your classes
- Handing in your assignments on time
- Knowing how to use the electronic teaching materials provide for your use
We assist you by having well qualified and experienced staff who are able to advise you: - Your course coordinator
- Unit coordinators and teaching staff
- Your Student Support Officer.
We also provide you with the latest equipment—not more than two years old—and 24 hour access to SCIS student labs during semester time. Several SCIS students have won WAAITA Student Awards for the projects they completed in their third year of study with SCIS, and many SCIS students have been invited to join the Golden Key International Honour Society—you too can aspire to this! There are also extra-curricular activities that you can take part in as a SCIS student. SCIS students have formed a students association (SCiSSA) that you can join. SCiSSA promotes collegiality between students, and also between students and staff. The SCiSSA committee organises social, cultural, professional and sporting events for members throughout the year. So, once again, welcome to SCIS! We’re glad to have your company for the next three years and we hope that you enjoy your time with us as much as we’ll enjoy having you on board! Associate Professor Wojciech Kuczborski Head School of Computer and Information Science (SCIS)
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Q 237. Living in Perth The School of Computer and Information Science offers courses
at the Mt Lawley and Joondalup campuses – both of which are
located in Perth, Western Australia: - Attractive city of about one million people.
- Clean environment and safe suburbs
- Situated around a large river estuary
- Metropolitan beaches on Indian Ocean
- Mediterranean climate similar to Italy and Greece
- Friendly, multicultural community
- Tourist destination with regular flights
- Reasonable cost of living
- +8.00 hours GMT time-zone
There are many different services and resources available to local students and international students alike who need more information about living in Perth. For links and relevant information that may assist you, please refer here:
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Q 2. How do I gain access to the Masters Project facility (ML 18.224) You will need to discuss with the Masters Course Co-ordinator and supervisor your eligibility to this facility. Typically you will be in the project implementation stage of your course which should be the last semester. Like with all SCIS laboratories you will need an after-hours access card. Once your supervisor and Masters Course Co-ordinator are satisfied that you meet all requirements, they will provide you with a Masters Project Access form which will need to be signed by the supervisor, Masters Co-ordinator and you.
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Q 101. How do I access the Post Graduate Association Common Rooms? Through the support of the University, the PGA provides one Postgraduate Common Room on each metropolitan campus (Mount Lawley, Joondalup and Churchlands). The common rooms are equipped with comfortable leather lounges, tea and coffee making facilities, microwaves, fridges etc Churchlands has table tennis. All common rooms are now equipped with Foxtel satellite TV with 24 channels. The common rooms can be booked for meetings, social events, etc. Please contact pga@ecu.edu.au for further information. The common rooms are not work places; they are spaces where students can relax and meet colleagues over a cuppa. To access the common room door entry codes, students must register with the PGA by sending an email with their name, student number, home address, course details, student or staff email address and home campus (ML, JO, CH) to pga@ecu.edu.au. Students who receive the entry codes must not give these codes to any other students. Only those who are registered with the PGA are entitled to access the PGA postgraduate common rooms. We ask all postgraduates not to allow any non ECU postgraduate students access to the common room without making prior arrangements with the PGA. All common rooms now have hot and cold water available, along with tea, coffee, milk etc. We have room monitors that are available to replace the water bottles. Please refrain from using the drinking water for cleaning purposes.If you think the postgraduate common room on your campus needs new facilities, please let the PGA know by emailing pga@ecu.edu.au. The common rooms are located as follows:
Mt Lawley - 17.156; Joondalup - Demountable 2D (south-west of Building 2 behind Student Services); Churchlands - 13.117.
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Q 102. Who can access the Masters Coursework Facility (ML 13.231) Any student who is studying in a Masters Coursework course are able to access ML 13.231. You will need an access card and your access will be automatically assigned based on your course enrolment.
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Q 128. Where can I find more information about Post Graduate services and facilities
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Q 208. What is the difference between a coursework and research postgraduate course The main split in terms of types of postgraduate courses on offer is whether the course is a coursework or a research course.
Postgraduate Diplomas, Graduate Diplomas, Graduate Certificates, Masters courses are different types and levels of courses, covering different areas of study and with different course objectives - the description of the award and the entry requirements for each course should make the purpose of the course clear.
In terms of a rough outline of what differentiates a coursework course and a research course... Coursework postgraduate courses: there are a considerable range of choices for coursework postgraduate studies in SCIS. Many of these are described as "Professional Masters" degrees and are specifically designed for career transfer into a specific field. Other degrees are for further study in depth and the description of the award and the entry requirements for each course should make the purpose clear. Coursework postgraduate courses offered by SCIS can be found here: http://www.scis.ecu.edu.au/future/courses/Graduate/coursework.aspx Research postgraduate courses: will comprise of a thesis component. Generally the course is weighted with 67% or more of the marks available within the course being awarded in relation to the thesis. The thesis is an area of independent enquiry that the student undertakes which results in the development of new knowledge and understanding.
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Q 210. ECU Graduate School The ECU Graduate School provides services to Master by Research, PhD and Professional Doctorate students.
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Q 242. I am a Perth Metropolitan student, where will I be placed? Participation in the School of Computer and Information Science practicum programme is optional and voluntary on the part of Libraries and Information Services. Libraries and information services do have the option to refuse to take students for this and future semesters. We have to respect their participation and work around their availability and requirements.
Where you will be placed depends on the following: - Which hosts are willing to take students, and
- What level and/or specialisation of students hosts are willing to take, and
- What sorts of placements are required by students undertaking practicum placements (i.e. UG students must complete pracs in four different types of libraries, PG students two), and
- Which students got their form in the earliest, and
- Which students have special requirements i.e. transport difficulties.
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Q 243. How long is a practicum placement? Students must complete a minimum of two weeks full-time work, or 60 hours, on each practicum placement. The School of Computer and Information Science does have a specific practicum period when students are expected to be on practicum. The allocated period for practicum placement for our students is the two weeks prior to mid semester break in the ECU Academic Calendar. We understand that, due to work commitments and other difficulties, some students will be unable to complete a full-time placement at the allocated time. In these situations, students are required to discuss practicum dates with their unit coordinator. In this case, the commencement date and completion date you indicate on your practicum arrangement form should be based on days/time you have available each week to complete the placement and the amount of weeks it will take you to complete the required hours of placement.
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Q 244. Insurance while on practicum placement Students undertaking a practicum placement are covered by a University insurance policy. The School of Computer and Information Science sends out a copy of the certificate of currency with the confirmation letter sent to a hosts when they accept a student on placement. For any queries or requirements beyond that, you and/or your host library will need to contact ECU Management Services Centre - Risk Financing directly. Alan Wilson is the Risk Financing Manager. Contact email: a.wilson@ecu.edu.au, Ph: 6304 2409
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Q 245. What is a practicum placement? Library and Information Services students have practicum obligations requiring them to experience work in different types of library and information agency environments. Library environments they need to experience include public, academic, school and special information services. The University continues to rely heavily on the participation of local organisations to provide places for students, so that this component of the program remains an integral and effective part of their studies.
During their two-week practicum placement, students are expected to meet the same work conditions as a normal member of staff. However, they are not paid by participating organisations.
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Q 246. Students Responsibilities on Practicum Placement During their practicum placement, students are expected to meet the same work conditions (for example, in attire and in attendance) as a normal member of staff for their host organisation. However, the participating organisation does not pay them, since the practicum is a learning experience for them. As a student going on practicum placement, you should also ensure you do the following: - Contact your supervisor to arrange a meeting prior to the actual commencement of your practicum - to discuss practicum objectives, your roster and any special workplace conditions.
- Give a copy of the Practicum Handbook to your supervisor prior to the commencement of your practicum.
- Obtain any necessary clearances in time for the commencement of your prac (e.g Students completing a practicum placement in any Australian School need to obtain a Police Clearance.)
- Should you become sick during your practicum period, please note that for the duration of your practicum the supervising staff member at your placement is, for all intents and purposes, your employer. Therefore all normal procedures relating to notification of absence, sick leave, and medical certificates need to be followed. You will also need to ensure you still fulfil the complete amount of practicum time.
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Q 29. How Do I Print? Please refer to the printing page in the technical support section of the SCIS website, available at
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Q 30. How long does my print job stay on the queue? Any job submitted to the new print queues that has not been paid for within 2 hours will automatically be deleted from the print queue
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Q 32. How much does printing to the SCIS printers cost? Printing is 11 cents for a black and white page and 55 cents for a colour page.
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Q 33. I believe my balance is incorrect or that I was charged incorrectly for a printjob. How can I get this rectified? Central IT can be contacted to provide a print audit on your request. In order to do so, please contact Central IT. They can be contacted on Ext 6000 or in building 3 in the MegaLab on Mount Lawley campus. If you have encountered a problem with the SCIS printers which has caused this situation, please be sure to notify the SCIS Help Desk to have that problem rectified.
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Q 34. Can I print multiple print jobs at once? Yes, it is possible to print multiple print jobs at once. Simply send your print jobs to the print queue as usual. When you are ready to retrieve your print outs simply select each job you would like to print from the list of submitted print jobs on the "Print Release Station". If it has been more than 2 hours since you submitted a print job before you try to collect it you may find that it has been automatically deleted from the print queue. It is also possible to select mutilple jobs (more than 2) by using the mouse to highlight your print job selections
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Q 35. What do I do if I forget my printer card PIN? You can request that your PIN be reset. To do so, contact Central IT. Central IT can be contacted on Ext 6000 or in building 3 in the MegaLab on Mount Lawley campus.
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Q 45. Can I connect to the SCIS Printers using my own laptop? Unfortunately not. However, you can copy documents to your home drive from your laptop and can then print them to our printers using the computers in our laboratories.
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Q 153. When I try to print a web page, a blank page comes out, why is this? If a web page uses frames, Internet Explorer by default only prints the top frame, to print the whole page go File --> Print, choose the Options tab and in the Print Frames section, select As laid out on screen.
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Category Access Cards