AREA OF STUDY 1 - Data Analytics

In this area of study students access, select and extract authentic data from large repositories. They manipulate the data to present findings as data visualisations in response to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs. Students develop software solutions using database, spreadsheet and data visualisation software tools to undertake the problem-solving activities in the development stages of manipulation, validation and testing.

The software solutions involve importing data from files to a database to identify patterns and relationships. Data is then imported into a spreadsheet for further refinement before presenting findings as data visualisations. This will prepare students for creating infographics or dynamic data visualisations in Unit 4, Area of Study 1. Validation and testing techniques are applied to ensure the reasonableness and completeness of the data used to develop data visualisations. Students justify the use of functions, formats and conventions in the development of their data visualisations.

Students apply computational thinking skills when interpreting solution requirements and designs, and when developing them into data visualisations.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs to extract data from large repositories, manipulate and cleanse data and apply a range of functions to develop software solutions to present findings.

AREA OF STUDY 2 - Data analytics: analysis and design

In this area of study students, individually, determine and propose a research question and collect and analyse data. This is the first part of the School-assessed Task (SAT), involving analysis and design, with the second part undertaken in Unit 4, Area of Study 1.

Students prepare a project plan, taking into account all stages of the problem-solving methodology covered in this outcome and in Unit 4, Area of Study 1. Students do not have to use dedicated project-management software. They determine the milestones of their project plans.

A range of methods is used to collect data for analysis. The analysis is stated in terms of requirements, data to support the research question, constraints and scope. Students generate design ideas for creating their database and/or spreadsheet solutions and infographics or dynamic data visualisations to present findings, which could include annotations to indicate key functions and layouts. Evaluation criteria are developed and applied to select the preferred design idea. These evaluation criteria will be used in Unit 4, Area of Study 1, to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the infographics or dynamic data visualisations.

Students apply computational thinking skills when analysing the data associated with a research question and apply design thinking skills when designing infographics or dynamic data visualisations.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to propose a research question, formulate a project plan, collect and analyse data, generate alternative design ideas and represent the preferred design for creating infographics or dynamic data visualisations.

AREA OF STUDY 1 - Data analytics: development and evaluation

In this area of study students develop the design they prepared in Unit 3, Area of Study 2, into infographics or dynamic data visualisations that address a research topic or question by applying the problem-solving stages of development and evaluation.

Effective designs and clarity of messages are key features of infographics and dynamic data visualisations, which are designed to communicate findings intended for a target audience. Students use software tools and functions of database and/or spreadsheet software and data visualisation software to support the types of data being manipulated to transform the designs into infographics or dynamic data visualisations.

Students evaluate the quality of their infographics or dynamic data visualisations using the evaluation criteria developed in Unit 3, Area of Study 2, and assess the effectiveness of their project plan in the development of their project.

Students apply computational thinking skills when developing their design ideas into infographics or dynamic data visualisations.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to develop and evaluate infographics or dynamic data visualisations that present findings in response to a research question, and assess the effectiveness of the project plan in monitoring progress.

AREA OF STUDY 2 - Cybersecurity: data and information security

In this area of study students focus on data and information security and its importance to an organisation. Students investigate security strategies used by an organisation to manage the storage, communication and disposal of data and information in their networked environment. They examine the threats to this data and information, and evaluate the methods an organisation uses to protect their data and information. Students consider the consequences for an organisation that fails to protect their data and information. They recommend strategies to reduce the threats to data and information, taking into account the key legal requirements and any ethical issues faced by the organisation.

Students apply systems thinking skills when investigating data and information security strategies within an organisation, and when recommending strategies to reduce threats.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to a teacher-provided case study to investigate the current data and information security strategies of an organisation, examine the threats to the security of data and information, and recommend strategies to improve current practices.