The Bachelor of Information Technology (Network and Cybersecurity Systems) (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 Studies or Specialist Mathematics or International Baccalaureate Mathematics (SL or HL) is assumed for entry to the Bachelor of Information Technology (Network and Cybersecurity Systems) (Honours).
In order to progress into the Honours year of this program, a student must complete at least 103.5 units of the Bachelor of Information Technology (Network and Cybersecurity Systems) achieving an academic standard of a GPA greater than or equal to 5 in the last 36 units of upper level study.
Course aims
The course has been designed to provide graduates with:
- a strong foundation in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of network systems and information technology more generally, including a sound knowledge of future directions in research and industry
- 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 network systems
- 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 an information technology and network systems professional
- research skills capable of enabling a graduate to undertake postgraduate research or advanced industrial investigations.
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 network systems has the additional aims:
- reinforcement of the theoretical and the practical aspects of information technology and network systems
- 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 network systems
- preparation for future professional roles as an information technologist.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the award, students will be able to:
- proficiently use professional skills and knowledge in the systematic development of complex networked information systems
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the information technology and network systems disciplines
- apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner
- communicate effectively with other information technology and network systems 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 network systems.
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 Information Technology (Network and Cybersecurity Systems) (Honours), students will be eligible for professional membership of the Australian Computer Society.
Program of study
To qualify for the Bachelor of Information Technology (Network and Cybersecurity Systems) (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.
Upon completion of at least 103.5 units, and with a GPA of 5 or more in the last 36 units of study, students may commence the Fourth Year Honours program. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement will exit with the Bachelor of Information Technology (Network and Cybersecurity Systems) on completion of 108 units. Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.
No more than 45 units of First Year topics may be counted towards the degree.
Students who have completed 108 units according to the first three years of the Program may choose to exit with the Bachelor of Information Technology (Network and Cybersecurity Systems).
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)
CRIM1101 Crime and Criminology (4.5 units)
ENGR1401 Professional Skills (4.5 units)
ENGR1762 Networks and Cybersecurity (4.5 units)
Plus one of
MATH1121 Mathematics 1A (4.5 units)
MATH1701 Mathematics Fundamentals A (4.5 units)
STAT1121 Data Science (4.5 units)
STAT1122 Biostatistics (4.5 units)
Core - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising:
COMP2772 Web-Based Systems Development (4.5 units)
COMP2812 Operating Systems (4.5 units)
COMP3781 Cybersecurity (4.5 units)
ENGR2871 Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) (4.5 units)
ENGR2872 Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (4.5 units)
ENGR2881 Computer Networks (4.5 units)
Plus one of:
COMP2711 Computer Programming 2 (4.5 units)
COMP2741 Application Development (4.5 units)
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:
COMP3721 Enterprise Information Security (4.5 units)
COMP3732 Enterprise Cloud Systems (4.5 units)
COMP3751 Interactive Computer Systems (4.5 units)
ENGR3821 Network Engineering (4.5 units)
ENGR3704 Project Management for Engineering and Science (4.5 units)
Plus 4.5 units of topics taken 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)
Core - Year 4 Honours 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 option topics* ^
* Options must be selected from Table A, at least half of which will be chosen from those labelled as network systems (Group N).
^ Appropriate options made available by other Colleges or Universities may also be included subject to approval by the Director of Studies.
** 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.
Combined degrees
The Bachelor of Information Technology (Network and Cybersecurity Systems) (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.
