Bachelor of Computer Science - University of Wollongong

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Fees    A$10,560 per session 

Overview

Computer scientists design and write programs for computer applications. These applications include computer systems to control machinery, the analysis of stock market trends, games design, visualisation of chemical reactions, neural network design, computational geometry for robot navigation, automatic teller machines and patient monitoring in hospitals.

Computer programming is the science of writing computer software to solve problems. Computer science is the study of algorithmic processes that describe and transform information: theory, analysis, design, efficiency, programming and application.

This degree includes a core of programming subjects as well as electives in database, languages, artificial intelligence, computer security, computer graphics, operating systems, real-time software and software engineering.

A high point of the degree is the third year project where students form teams to develop computer applications. High-achieving students may complete a fourth year Honours degree.

UOW's Computer Science degree allows you to specialise in software development, distributed systems or digital systems security, as well as study other disciplines including management, visual arts, languages, commerce and mathematics. You can take subjects from another discipline, study a second major or enrol in a double degree.

Course Requirements

Students who enrol in Bachelor of Computer Science shall accrue an aggregate of at least 144 credit points by satisfactory completion of:

1. The following core subjects:

Note: it is strongly recommended that STAT131 be taken in Year 2 of the degree.

2. An additional 24 credit points of 300-level subjects, of which 12 credit points must be CSCI subjects.

3. At least 24 credit points of CSCI 300-level subjects, including CSCI321, must be at pass grade or better.

4. No more than 60 credit points at 100-level.

5. At least 48 credit points of subjects chosen from the Computer Science Schedule and/or the General Schedule.

6. No more than 24 credit points (i.e. 1/6) of subjects at PC grade.

Areas of Major Study

Students enrolled in this degree can major in:

DIGITAL SYSTEMS SECURITY

Information security should be viewed as a critical aspect of every computer scientist's education. With the rapid evolution of security technology, this major provides knowledge and tools desirable in the industry. Students gain important knowledge and skills in up-to-date security technologies including computer security, system security, and computer network security.

ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS

Modern economic enterprises depend on the use of computer systems for their operation and to gain competitive advantage. Databases and enterprise computer applications are the key to the successful operation of most businesses. In this major, students focus on developing skills in database design,
implementation and performance tuning. Systems security, server technology and enterprise computing are covered along with object-oriented design and implementation using the java language.

MULTIMEDIA AND GAME DEVELOPMENT

This major has been created in response to the needs of the growing international game development industry, where employees require both traditional computer science skills and skills in creative arts. In addition to computer science subjects, students take the Creative Arts subject Graphic Design Fundamentals in first year; and in second year complete 3D Modelling & Animation and Multimedia Program Foundations. In the final year, Computer Graphics and Game Design & Programming complete the major.

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

This major explores software systems and their role in solving problems in specific application domains. Core subjects include databases, development methods and tools, software process management and software engineering methods.

DOUBLE MAJORS

A wide selection of second majors is available, including Electronic Commerce, Electronics, Management, Information Systems, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, English Language Studies, Geosciences, Marketing and Mathematics.

Computer Science Schedule

Honours

Candidates who achieve a credit average or better in the Bachelor of Computer Science, or a major in computer science in another degree, are eligible to enrol in an additional year of study towards a Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) (BCompSc(Hons)).

To qualify for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), candidates must complete CSCI400 and follow the rules listed below. The level of honours awarded at the completion of the course is determined in accordance with University General Course Rules.

The program of study for Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), is 48 credit points and will include:

1. CSCI400 Computer Science Honours Project, an 18 credit point project;

2. IACT441 Research Methodology;

3. 24 credit points of 400-/900-level Computer Science subjects;
With the permission of the Head of School, candidates may substitute up to 12 credit points of subjects with 300-level Computer Science subjects or 400-level subjects from another discipline;

4. Attendance at a series of seminars on research methodology in Autumn Session is compulsory (including quantitative and qualitative analysis). Seminars will cover the purpose of research, formulating a research question, conducting a literature review and writing a research proposal.Students will learn how to design an appropriate research plan; requirements for scholarly writing will also be discussed and the process of undertaking a research project will be analysed.

Set out below is a sample of subjects which may be taken as part of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours):

Topics in Software Engineering

Perception and Planning

Parallel Architectures and Algorithms

Multimedia Studies

Advanced Topics in Database Management

Advanced Computer Graphics

Neural Computing

Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Coding for Secure Communication

Complexity Theory

Network Security

Advanced Computer Security

Joint Honours with Computer Science

CSCI405 - Computer Science Joint Honours comprises one half of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) program and is available to students who wish to undertake a joint honours project. This is particularly suited to students who have undertaken a double major in the Bachelor of Computer Science degree. A thesis topic will be determined in consultation with both academic units.

Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Computer Science is accredited by the Australian Computer Society as meeting requirements for membership at a “Professional Level”.