The Bachelor of Computer Science (Simulation and Serious Games) (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) Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics or International Baccalaureate Mathematics (SL or HL) is normally required for entry to the Bachelor of Computer Science (Simulation and Serious Games) (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 (Simulation and Serious Games).
Course aims
The course has been designed to provide graduates with:
- a strong foundation in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of simulation, serious games and computer science more generally
- a strong, practical 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 complex information and solve problems
- an awareness of social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of simulation and serious games
- 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 simulation and/or serious games professional.
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 simulation and serious games has been designed to provide graduates with
- reinforcement of the theoretical and the practical aspects of computer science, simulation and serious games
- 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 simulation and serious games
- an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
- preparation for future professional roles as a simulation and serious games professional.
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
- apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner
- communicate effectively with other computer scientists, simulation and serious games professionals 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 simulation and serious games
- contribute successfully to project management.
On completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Simulation and Serious Games) (Honours), students will be eligible for professional membership of the Australian Computer Society.
Program of study
To qualify for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Simulation and Serious Games) (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 (Simulation and Serious Games). Students who do not meet the GPA requirement will exit with the Bachelor of Computer Science (Simulation and Serious Games) 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 (Simulation and Serious Games)
Core - Year 1 topics
36 units comprising:
COMP1001 Fundamentals of Computing (4.5 units)
COMP1102 Computer Programming 1 (4.5 units)
COMP1701 Simulation and Serious Game Design (4.5 units)
COMP1711 Database Modelling and Knowledge Engineering (4.5 units)
ENGR1401 Professional Skills (4.5 units)
MATH1121 Mathematics 1A (4.5 units)
MATH1122 Mathematics 1B (4.5 units)
Plus 4.5 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met.
Core - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising:
COMP2711 Computer Programming 2 (4.5 units)
COMP2812 Operating Systems (4.5 units)
COMP3752 Computer Game Development (4.5 units)
ENGR2881 Computer Networks (4.5 units)
MATH2702 Linear Algebra and Differential Calculus (4.5 units)
MATH2711 Several Variable Calculus (4.5 units)
Plus 9 units of topics taken from Table C
Core - Year 3 topics
36 units comprising:
COMP3712 Computer Programming 3 (4.5 units)
COMP3751 Interactive Computer Systems (4.5 units)
COMP3802 Serious Games (4.5 units)
COMP3811 Computer Graphics (4.5 units)
ENGR3704 Project Management for Engineering and Science (4.5 units)
SCME3005 Digital Games (4.5 units)
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)
Honours - Year 4 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)
STEM7xxx 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), Digital Media (Group D), Mathematics (Group M) or Software (Group S). With permission of the Director of Studies, one option topic may be chosen from upper-level topics selected from COMP, ENGR, MATH and STAT topics at 2000-level and above and additionally, one relevant upper-level topic from across the University may be selected.
^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 7000 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 (Simulation and Serious Games) (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.
