COMP20007 Design of Algorithms
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1.
- Final exam 60%: exam-heavy
- About 4 class hours a week
Is COMP20007 hard?
COMP20007: About average. Makes it harder: Final exam 60%, You must pass the exam on its own, 2 other hurdle tasks.
What you learn
Common data structures and algorithms, why they work, how fast they are and when to use each.
After it you can
- Write graph, greedy and dynamic programming code
- Compare algorithms by how fast they run
- Build multi-file programs in C
What you need first
(COMP10002 and 25 points of MAST) or (ECON10005 and COMP10002 and 12.5 points of MAST)
What it leads to
- BMEN30011 Introduction to MedTech Innovation
- COMP30013 Advanced Studies in Computing
- COMP30019 Graphics and Interaction
- COMP30020 Declarative Programming
- COMP30023 Computer Systems
- COMP30024 Artificial Intelligence
- COMP30026 Models of Computation
- COMP90049 Introduction to Machine Learning
- SWEN30006 Software Modelling and Design
Can’t be taken together with
How it’s assessed
Projects 30%, Tests 10%, Final exam 60%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 9 students on StudentVIP (2017–2022)
- More theoretical than COMP20003; the exam is in pseudocode and C is only needed for the assignments.
- Opinions are split: some found the content interesting and the exam fair, others found lectures fast-paced and marking unclear.
- Tutorials and outside videos were what several reviewers relied on to understand the harder algorithms such as dynamic programming.
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 COMP20007
Quick answers
- When is COMP20007 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1.
- What do I need before taking COMP20007?
- Needs (COMP10002 and 25 points of MAST) or (ECON10005 and COMP10002 and 12.5 points of MAST).
- Does COMP20007 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 60% of the mark. You must pass the exam on its own. Assessment: Projects 30%, Tests 10%, Final exam 60%.
- Is COMP20007 hard?
- From 9 student reviews on StudentVIP: More theoretical than COMP20003; the exam is in pseudocode and C is only needed for the assignments.
- What do students say about COMP20007?
- More theoretical than COMP20003; the exam is in pseudocode and C is only needed for the assignments. Opinions are split: some found the content interesting and the exam fair, others found lectures fast-paced and marking unclear. Tutorials and outside videos were what several reviewers relied on to understand the harder algorithms such as dynamic programming.
- How many class hours a week does COMP20007 have?
- 4 h a week in class
- Can I take COMP20007 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 COMP20007?
- 9 subjects need it first, for example BMEN30011, COMP30013, COMP30019, COMP30020.
- Can I rate COMP20007?
- 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.
PickMySubjects is a free, unofficial planner made by a UniMelb graduate.