Applied Computing

Purpose and Structure

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. The study examines the attributes of each component of an information system including people, processes, data and digital systems (hardware, software, networks), and how their interrelationships affect the types and quality of digital solutions.

Unit 1 and Unit 2: Applied Computing

In Unit 1, students are introduced to the stages of the problem-solving methodology. Students focus on how data can be used within software tools such as databases and spreadsheets to create data visualisations, and the use of programming languages to develop working software solutions. 

In Unit 2, students focus on developing innovative solutions to needs or opportunities that they have identified and propose strategies for reducing security risks to data and information in a networked environment. Students work collaboratively and select a topic for further study to create an innovative solution in an area of interest. The innovative solution can be presented as proof of concept, a prototype or a product. Students engage in all areas of the problem-solving methodology. Then, as an introduction to cybersecurity, students investigate networks and the threats, vulnerabilities and risks to data and information. They propose strategies to protect the data accessed using a network.