COMP20005 Intro. to Numerical Computation in C
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- Final exam 60%: exam-heavy
Is COMP20005 hard?
COMP20005: Harder. Makes it harder: Reviewers say it takes a lot of time, Final exam 60%, You must pass the exam on its own, 1 other hurdle task.
What you learn
Learning to program in C, then using it to solve number-based problems from science and engineering.
After it you can
- Write and test small numerical programs
- Solve equations, fit curves and integrate numerically
- Explain rounding errors in computer arithmetic
What you need first
None
Take in the same semester or earlier
(MAST10005 or MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022 or MAST10018)
What it leads to
- BMEN30006 Circuits and Systems
- BMEN30008 Biosystems Design
- BMEN30010 Mechanics for Bioengineering
- COMP20003 Algorithms and Data Structures
- COMP90041 Programming and Software Development
- ENGR30004 Numerical Algorithms in Engineering
- GEOM30012 Digital Infrastructure Systems Capstone
- INFO20003 Database Systems
- INFO30006 Information Security and Privacy
- MAST30028 Numerical Methods & Scientific Computing
- MAST30032 Biological Modelling and Simulation
- 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 4 students on StudentVIP (2017–2021)
- Highly rated for teaching the fundamentals of programming in C, with strong lecturing and support.
- Reviewers recommend buying the textbook, which closely follows the subject content.
- Assignments are engaging but take a lot of time. The timed quizzes and the exam can be stressful.
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 COMP20005
Quick answers
- When is COMP20005 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking COMP20005?
- No prerequisites. Must be taken before or alongside it: (MAST10005 or MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022 or MAST10018).
- Does COMP20005 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 COMP20005 hard?
- From 4 student reviews on StudentVIP: Highly rated for teaching the fundamentals of programming in C, with strong lecturing and support.
- What do students say about COMP20005?
- Highly rated for teaching the fundamentals of programming in C, with strong lecturing and support. Reviewers recommend buying the textbook, which closely follows the subject content. Assignments are engaging but take a lot of time. The timed quizzes and the exam can be stressful.
- Can I take COMP20005 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 COMP20005?
- 12 subjects need it first, for example BMEN30006, BMEN30008, BMEN30010, COMP20003.
- Can I rate COMP20005?
- 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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