The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) requires four years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time).  The course is offered by the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, within the Faculty 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 Mathematical Methods is normally required for entry to the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours).

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)
 COMP1101  Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology  (4.5 units)
 COMP1102  Computer Programming 1  (4.5 units)
 COMP1111  Fundamentals of Enterprise Systems  (4.5 units)
 ENGR1201  Electronics  (4.5 units)
 ENGR1401  Professional Skills**  (4.5 units)
 MATH1121  Mathematics 1A  (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)
 COMP2731  Software Engineering 1  (4.5 units)
 COMP2761  Database and Conceptual Modelling  (4.5 units)
 COMP2781  Computer Mathematics  (4.5 units)
 ENGR2782  Computer Networks and Operating Systems  (4.5 units)
 ENGR2792  Software Engineering 2  (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)
 COMP3722   Theory and Practice of Computation  (4.5 units)
 COMP3732  Enterprise Cloud Systems  (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 either:

 COMP3772   Computer Science Project  (4.5 units)  AND

4.5 units of topics taken from Table C:

OR

ENGR3750  Workplace Preparation (0 units) AND
COMP3792  Information Technology Practicum*#  (9 units)

Year 4 topics – Honours Year Topics^

36 units comprising^^:

COMP7700A  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units)
COMP7700B  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units)
COMP7700C  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units)
COMP7700D  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units)

Plus 18 units of CSEM option topics***

 

#Students choosing this option will be required to overload for 2 weeks at the start of semester 2. Students will enrol in 4.5 units in NS2 and 18 units in Semester 2.

* 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 COMP3741 Extended Industry Experience. COMP3741 Extended Industry Experience does not attract fees or HECS payments. Note that under the Fair Work Act, students enrolled in 0-unit Industry Experience topics must be in receipt of appropriate remuneration from the industry partner. Evidence of appropriate remuneration must be demonstrated before enrolment is permitted in the topic. 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.

**With the permission of the course coordinator students from non-English speaking backgrounds may be permitted to enrol in ESOL1101 English as a Second Language 1.

***CSEM 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 Policy 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)
WAM < 65 - Honours Third Class (H3)

^^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 degrees program with any Bachelor degree in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.