Bachelor of Computer Science

Course summary

This degree

Computer scientists focus on the theoretical foundations and practical approaches to computation and its applications. They design methods and tools and write programmes for computer applications. These applications can be in areas such as computer systems to control machinery, information management and big data, applications for mobile devices, stock market trend analysis, game design, visualisation of chemical reactions, neural network design, computational geometry for robot navigation, patient monitoring in hospitals, and much more.

What you will study

Find your strengths and interests as you study the fundamentals of computer science and IT: programming, problem-solving, network and communications, web technology, data management, system analysis, human-computer interaction, and project management. Throughout your first year, you will study a common core of subjects that link our computer science, IT and information systems degrees. There is an opportunity to specialise in a major at the Wollongong campus from your second year of study by choosing one or more of the following majors:

• Big Data
• Cyber Security
• Digital Systems Security
• Game and Mobile Development
• Software Engineering

For students who do not wish to specialise with a major, you will complete advanced subjects providing you with specific knowledge while also instilling you with professional knowledge and skills in computer science. In your final year, you will develop your own application as part of an annual student team project, developing solutions to real-world problems provided by our industry partners.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to demonstrate:

• Demonstrate an understanding of core knowledge of computer fundamentals and the ability to apply the theoretical basis of computer science to solve a range of practical problems.
• Design and develop innovative software solutions for a variety of applications.
• Design, develop and employ novel approaches and algorithms in solving practical problems.
• Deploy appropriate theory, practices, and tools for the specification, design, implementation, and maintenance as well as the evaluation of computer-based systems.
• Function effectively as part of a team to accomplish a set of common goals and objectives and communicate with project stakeholders.
• Adopt a professional and ethical approach to decision making and related social responsibilities.

Course Structure

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

1. The following core subjects:

2. To be awarded a major, a candidate must satisfactorily complete four (4) subjects (24cp) listed for that major.

3. Students not completing a major must complete 12 credit points of 300 level CSCI or ISIT subjects, AND an additional 12 credit points of either 200 or 300 level CSCI, CSIT or ISIT subject not listed in the core.

4. To be awarded a double major, candidates must ensure that four of the subjects selected to satisfy the requirements of each of the majors. General Course Rules allow a maximum of one subject to be counted toward more than one major study.

5. Elective subjects, to bring the total to 144 credit points chosen from the School of Computing and Information Technology Subject List that is any CSIT, CSCI or ISIT subjects, or from the General Schedule.

   Note: A maximum of 60 credit points of first-year subjects.

   The Faculty encourages the development of ICT skills and knowledge in the workplace through an industry placement. Completion of ISIT200 Industry Placement, which is a minimum of a single 8-week period of approved industry placement, assessed in the form of written reports, is highly recommended to all students.

Major Study

Students enrolled in this degree may major in:

• Big Data
• Cyber Security
• Digital Systems Security
• Game and Mobile Development
• Software Engineering

Note that certain 300 level subjects required as part of a major may have 100 and 200 level prerequisite subjects which are not listed as part of the major.

All candidates are expected to consult with the School and Faculty advisers before committing to any particular pattern of study, whether outlined above or not.

Accreditation & professional recognition

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

Why choose this course

UOW has experts encompassing the entire breadth of the underlying sciences, IT, engineering and mathematical methodologies in the ICT industry. We have one of the strongest schools for building, deploying and managing the latest computing technologies and business computing systems.

Working closely with industry partners we ensure all programmes remain relevant to industry trends and developments. Students study real-world projects and interact with and learn from industry professionals to ensure their career-readiness upon graduation.

Career opportunities

• Analyst Animator
• Computer or Software Engineer
• Database Administrator
• Electronics Engineer
• Games or App Developer
• Investment Banker
• IT Consultant
• Network Architect or Engineer Programmer
• Security Engineer
• Web Designer or Developer

Admission

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures and the UOW College Admissions policy.

For any specific advice or questions regarding an application, please contact the Future Students Team.

Credit for Prior Learning

If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for our subjects through prior learning, such as previous tertiary or TAFE qualifications, you may be eligible for credit towards your degree. Where relevant to the UOW degree, specified credit may be given for specific subject(s); where not relevant to the degree, unspecified credit may be awarded.

Upon successful completion of the UOW College Diploma of Information Technology, you will receive a credit of 48 credit points towards a Bachelor of Computer Science (BCompSc) at UOW. You will be required to meet minimum subject requirements in order to progress from the Diploma of IT into the second year of a BCompSc.

English Requirements for international students

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this programme:

IELTS Academic

• Overall Score: 6.0
• Reading: 6.0
• Writing: 6.0
• Listening: 6.0
• Speaking: 6.0

TOEFL (Internet-based)

• Overall Score: 70
• Reading: 18
• Writing: 18
• Listening: 17
• Speaking: 17

UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 50 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)

Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

UOW is young, dynamic, and innovative, and has become a benchmark for Australia’s new generation of universities. The quality of our teaching and research features prominently in national and international rankings, and we’re proud to be among the top one percent of universities in the world.

Harnessing our expertise and strength to create a positive impact in our local and global communities is at the forefront of everything we do and shapes our University’s purpose for the years to come.