The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) requires four years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the College of Science and Engineering.
Admission requirements
The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.
Successful completion of either SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Specialist Mathematics or Mathematical Methods or equivalent International Baccalaureate subjects is normally required for entry to the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours).
Students must achieve a credit level average or better at the end of third year in order to be eligible to continue to the fourth year Honours degree program in Computer Science.
Course aims
The course has been designed to provide graduates with:
- a strong foundation in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of computer science
- an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to them
- well developed written and oral communication skills
- an ability to critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems
- an awareness of social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of computer science
- the ability to work professionally as an individual and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams
- an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
- preparation for future management roles as a computer scientist.
The course provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study or for a career in a computing related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.
The final honours year in computer science has been designed to provide graduates with:
- reinforcement of the theoretical and the practical aspects of computer science
- a strong ability to critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems
- the ability to work professionally as an individual, particularly in terms of a large research project
- insight into advanced areas of computer science
- an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
- preparation for future professional roles as a computer scientist.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the award, students will be able to:
- proficiently use professional skills and knowledge in the systematic development of complex computer-based systems
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the computer science discipline
- apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner
- communicate effectively with other computer scientists and the wider global community using a wide range of communication technologies
- work professionally as an individual and in a team
- develop computer-based solutions appropriate to the social, political, international, economic and environmental contexts in which they are applied
- engage in the process of continuing learning needed to retain the necessary level of professional skills and knowledge in the area of computer science
- contribute successfully to project management
On completion of the honours year, students will also be able to:
- plan and execute a research project, applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
- demonstrate a deeper understanding of some areas of discipline-specific knowledge
- apply research skills appropriate to postgraduate research or advanced industrial investigation
On completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), students will be eligible for professional membership of the Australian Computer Society.
Program of study
To qualify for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), a student must complete 144 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.
Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.
Students achieving a credit level average or better at the end of third year will be eligible to continue to the fourth year honours degree program in Computer Science. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement will exit with the Bachelor of Computer Science on completion of 108 units.
Students who have completed 108 units according to the first three years of the program may choose to exit with the Bachelor of Computer Science.
Core - Year 1 topics
36 units comprising:
COMP1001 Fundamentals of Computing (4.5 units)
COMP1102 Computer Programming 1 (4.5 units)
COMP1711 Database Modelling and Knowledge Engineering (4.5 units)
COMP1712 Software Engineering Principles and Practice (4.5 units)
ENGR1401 Professional Skills (4.5 units)
ENGR1762 Networks and Cybersecurity (4.5 units)
MATH1121 Mathematics 1A (4.5 units)
Plus one of:
COMP1701 Simulation and Serious Game Design (4.5 units)
ENGR1201 Electronics (4.5 units)
STAT1121 Data Science (4.5 units)
Core - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising:
COMP2711 Computer Programming 2 (4.5 units)
COMP2772 Web-Based Systems Development (4.5 units)
COMP2781 Computer Mathematics (4.5 units)
COMP2812 Operating Systems (4.5 units)
ENGR2792 Software Engineering 2 (4.5 units)
ENGR2881 Computer Networks (4.5 units)
Plus 4.5 units selected from Table C:
Plus one of:
INNO1001 Innovative and Creative Thinking: Recognizing Opportunities (4.5 units)
or
4.5 units of topics taken from Table C
Core - Year 3 topics
36 units comprising:
COMP3712 Computer Programming 3 (4.5 units)
COMP3722 Theory and Practice of Computation (4.5 units)
COMP3751 Interactive Computer Systems (4.5 units)
COMP3771 Advanced Database (4.5 units)
ENGR3704 Project Management for Engineering and Science (4.5 units)
Plus 4.5 units selected from Table C
Plus either:
COMP3782 Information Technology Project (4.5 units) AND
4.5 units of topics taken from Table C:
OR
COMP3792 Information Technology Practicum* (9 units) AND
ENGR3750 Workplace Preparation (0 units)
Year 4 topics – Honours Year Topics^
36 units comprising^^:
COMP7700A Honours Thesis (4.5/22.5 units)
COMP7700B Honours Thesis (4.5/22.5 units)
COMP7700C Honours Thesis (4.5/22.5 units)
COMP7700D Honours Thesis (4.5/22.5 units)
COMP7700E Honours Thesis (4.5/22.5 units)
STEM7001 Honours Research Methods (4.5 units)
Plus 9 units of Table A option topics***
* With the permission of the Director of Studies and with the agreement of the industry partner, the practicum topics may be extended by six months by enrolling in the topic COMP3741Extended Industry Experience. COMP3741 Extended Industry Experience does not attract fees or HECS payments. International students, please be aware that your student visa conditions restrict you from undertaking the topic within Australia. Please see the topic coordinator for further details.
***Option topics must be selected from Table A, at least half of which will be chosen from those labelled as Computer Science / Information Technology (Group C) or Software (Group S).
^The honours grade awarded is determined in accordance with the University's Assessment Policy and Procedures and is calculated from the Weighted Average Mark of all topics at level 4000 and above taken as part of the degree as follows:
85 ≤ WAM - Honours First Class (H1)
75 ≤ WAM < 85 - Honours Second Class Division A (H2A)
65 ≤ WAM < 75 - Honours Second Class Division B (H2B)
50 ≤ WAM < 65 - Honours Third Class (H3)
Where a student has satisfied all requirements for the course but has achieved a WAM of less than 50, the WAM will be deemed 50 for the purposes of calculating the honours classification.
^^Students must undertake the Honours Thesis topics over a minimum of two semesters.
Combined degrees
The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) may also be studied in a combined degree program with another Bachelor degree in the College of Science and Engineering where the combination meets the requirements of the credit transfer policy.
