COMP10002 Foundations of Algorithms
University of Melbourne · Level 1 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- Final exam 60%: exam-heavy
Is COMP10002 hard?
COMP10002: Harder. #5 on the hardest list for Bachelor of Science. Makes it easier: First-year subject. Makes it harder: Reviewers say it’s hard (10 reviews), Reviewers say it takes a lot of time, Final exam 60%, You must pass the exam on its own.
What you learn
Programming in C with control over memory, plus standard ways to sort, search and store data.
After it you can
- Write, test and debug small C programs
- Use linked lists, search trees and hash tables
- Pick an algorithm by comparing how fast it runs
What you need first
(COMP10001 or COMP10003) or a programming competency test
What it leads to
- COMP20003 Algorithms and Data Structures
- COMP20007 Design of Algorithms
- COMP20008 Elements of Data Processing
- COMP30027 Machine Learning
- COMP90041 Programming and Software Development
- ENGR30004 Numerical Algorithms in Engineering
- FNCE30010 Algorithmic Trading
- INFO20003 Database Systems
- INFO30006 Information Security and Privacy
- SWEN20003 Object Oriented Software Development
Can’t be taken together with
How it’s assessed
Tests 28%, Assignments 13%, Final exam 60%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 10 students on StudentVIP (2020–2026)
- Repeatedly described as a big step up from COMP10001: C, pointers, memory management and data structures.
- The first few weeks are gentle; the second half (linked lists, trees, sorting) is where most people struggle.
- Projects take a lot of time, especially the later questions; reviewers advise not falling behind on lectures and using the textbook's exercises.
- Opinions on the exam vary, but several say it mixes plenty of straightforward marks with a few very hard questions.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate COMP10002
Quick answers
- When is COMP10002 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking COMP10002?
- Needs (COMP10001 or COMP10003) or a programming competency test.
- Does COMP10002 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 60% of the mark. You must pass the exam on its own. Assessment: Tests 28%, Assignments 13%, Final exam 60%.
- Is COMP10002 hard?
- From 10 student reviews on StudentVIP: Repeatedly described as a big step up from COMP10001: C, pointers, memory management and data structures.
- What do students say about COMP10002?
- Repeatedly described as a big step up from COMP10001: C, pointers, memory management and data structures. The first few weeks are gentle; the second half (linked lists, trees, sorting) is where most people struggle. Projects take a lot of time, especially the later questions; reviewers advise not falling behind on lectures and using the textbook's exercises.
- Can I take COMP10002 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- What can I take after COMP10002?
- 10 subjects need it first, for example COMP20003, COMP20007, COMP20008, COMP30027.
- Can I rate COMP10002?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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