COMP90038 Algorithms and Complexity
University of Melbourne · Level 9 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- Final exam 60%: exam-heavy
- About 3 class hours a week
Is COMP90038 hard?
COMP90038: About average. A graduate subject, so it isn't on the easy and hard lists; this is how it compares with Bachelor of Science's subjects. Makes it harder: Reviewers say it takes a lot of time, Final exam 60%, You must pass the exam on its own.
What you learn
How to design and analyse efficient algorithms: sorting, searching, graphs, dynamic programming and complexity.
After it you can
- Analyse running time with asymptotic notation
- Pick and use the right data structure for a problem
- Apply divide-and-conquer, greedy and dynamic programming
What you need first
the subject coordinator’s permission
What it leads to
- COMP30019 Graphics and Interaction
- COMP30020 Declarative Programming
- COMP30023 Computer Systems
- 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%, Quizzes 10%, Final exam 60%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 6 students on StudentVIP (2015–2026)
- Reviews are mostly very positive: the newest (2026) called it one of the best subjects they had taken, and many see it as key for tech jobs and interviews.
- The content is heavy and mostly theory, with little actual coding. A solid maths background helps a lot; without maths or CS it can be tough.
- Start assignments early and try tutorial problems yourself before checking answers. The exam is described as hard but fair; steady work beats cramming.
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 COMP90038
Quick answers
- When is COMP90038 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking COMP90038?
- Needs the subject coordinator’s permission.
- Does COMP90038 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 60% of the mark. You must pass the exam on its own. Assessment: Projects 30%, Quizzes 10%, Final exam 60%.
- Is COMP90038 hard?
- From 6 student reviews on StudentVIP: Reviews are mostly very positive: the newest (2026) called it one of the best subjects they had taken, and many see it as key for tech jobs and interviews.
- What do students say about COMP90038?
- Reviews are mostly very positive: the newest (2026) called it one of the best subjects they had taken, and many see it as key for tech jobs and interviews. The content is heavy and mostly theory, with little actual coding. A solid maths background helps a lot; without maths or CS it can be tough. Start assignments early and try tutorial problems yourself before checking answers. The exam is described as hard but fair; steady work beats cramming.
- How many class hours a week does COMP90038 have?
- 3 h a week in class
- Can I take COMP90038 as breadth?
- No, it isn’t listed as breadth for any course.
- What can I take after COMP90038?
- 6 subjects need it first, for example COMP30019, COMP30020, COMP30023, COMP30026.
- Can I rate COMP90038?
- 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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