Bachelor of Computer Science

Why study the Bachelor of Computer Science at UNE?

The Bachelor of Computer Science teaches students the strong programming, technical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills that they will need in their careers.

The course is particularly designed with software development and computational science roles in mind, but as computing has become so important to so many different fields, it allows the flexibility to take a number of units from other disciplines if students choose to.

The course includes a core of units that gives all our students a solid programming, mathematical, and software engineering background. From the core units, students will learn multiple programming languages as well as the modern collaborative tools and practices that software teams use to design, develop and deliver software that solves problems for their users. They will also take a team capstone project, in which they must develop solutions to real world computing problems drawn from community organisations and industry.

Beyond these core units, students are expected to take at least one Major.

In the Software Development major, students study topics such as artificial intelligence, functional programming, development for the modern web, mobile development, and interaction design.

In the Data Science major, students learn topics that are of particular relevance to applying computing to science. This includes statistical machine learning, distributed computing, and computational science.

Students can take both majors, or they can take a single major and complete their degree with their own customised set of additional units. The major or majors completed will appear on the academic record and testamur.

The BCompSc has been granted Professional Level accreditation by the Australian Computer Society and, through the Seoul Accord, is recognised in other countries. Graduates are eligible to become a member of the Australian Computer Society, and after 3 years of suitable professional ICT experience, will be eligible to apply for recognition as a Certified Professional (CP).

Fully credited exchange programs of one trimester are in place with international universities.

Bachelor of Computer Science graduates are eligible to enrol for a range of Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and course work Master programs.

Candidates who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Computer Science may, on the recommendation of the Head of the School of Science and Technology, continue to an Honours year. The Honours year includes a program of study which must include a dissertation. Course requirements usually include a research project with thesis, reading assignments and essays. Bachelor of Computer Science with Honours (BCompSc(Hons)) graduates who achieve the appropriate level of Honours are eligible to apply to enrol for a research Master degree or the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

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Career Opportunities

Examples include software design and development; web and mobile development; scientific technology; and technology careers in banking and corporate sectors.

Students who complete the double degree BCompSc/LLB also find employment in banking, management and the diplomatic service.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

3 Years Full-time
Up to 10 years Part-time

FEES

CSP
International

2017 ATAR / OP

72.55 / 12

2018 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Online
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Online

Official Abbreviation BCompSc
Course Type Undergraduate
CRICOS Code 005909C
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Online
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Online
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Online
Course Duration
  • 3 Years Full-time
  • Up to 10 years Part-time
2017 ATAR 72.55
2017 OP 12
Fees CSP / International
Total Credit Points 144
Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures).

Assumed knowledge is Mathematics.

Recommended studies: HSC Mathematics Extension 1.

For students without the recommended background knowledge, the School offers an introductory unit in Mathematics.

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements: Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Advanced standing shall not be granted for COSC301 Special Topics in Computing or COSC320 Information Technology Project.

Scholarships

The University offers a number of scholarships available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Academic Colours

Powder Blue (BCC 193)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Bachelor of Computer Science in 2018.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures).

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements

Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.
Advanced standing shall not be granted for COSC301 Special Topics in Computing or COSC320 Information Technology Project.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) three years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to ten years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points comprising not more than 60 credit points at 100-level and either (at least 36 credit points from 300-level COSC units) or (STAT330 plus at least 30 credit points from 300-level COSC units).

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study comprising:

Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 72 cps

ONE Approved Major totalling 30 credit points
or
TWO Approved Majors totalling 60 credit points

30 or 60 cps
Listed Units
The number of Listed Units will vary depending on whether candidates undertake ONE or TWO Majors
0 or 30 cps
Elective Units 12 cps
Total 144 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Approved Majors

Data Science
Software Development

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Computer Science.

Exit Pathways

Subject to Advanced Standing rules, candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Diploma in Science on completion of 48 credit points or the Advanced Diploma in Science on completion of 72 credit points.
Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies and exit with either the Diploma in Science or the Advanced Diploma in Science must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements or the Bachelor of Computer Science. This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University or external accreditation body requirements.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Computer Science teaches students the strong programming, technical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills that they will need in their careers. The course is particularly designed to lead to roles in software development or computational science, but as computing has become so important to so many different fields, the course allows the flexibility for students to take a number of units from other disciplines if they choose to.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. design, develop, test, and deliver computer programs to solve complex problems, both individually and as part of a collaborative development team;
  2. apply modern software engineering tools, skills, and practices to create, analyse, and evolve software systems;
  3. investigate and analyse new application areas, including understanding the needs of users and stakeholders, in order to design creative and appropriate solutions;
  4. apply abstraction, mathematics, and theoretical principles to the design of computer programs;
  5. communicate and collaborate effectively with others;
  6. apply appropriate methods to manage and monitor software development projects;
  7. apply ethical considerations, professionalism, and reflection to software development, with due consideration for impacts on others and society; and
  8. demonstrate well-developed knowledge and critical analytical skills in at least one disciplinary area, with an ability to extend knowledge and analytical skills into other disciplinary areas.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates have a coherent knowledge of the principles, concepts, techniques, and skills that are fundamental to computer science and information technology. They are able to apply this knowledge to create technology that solves real world problems. They have a global perspective on the impact of computing on daily life, now and into the future. Knowledge and skills in computer science and information technology are taught, assessed and practised in all core units within the course. The foundations of algorithms and programming are taught in first-year units with more advanced and specialised knowledge and skills being taught in the second and third units.

Communication Skills

Graduates are able to communicate ideas and information clearly and coherently, to technical and non-technical audiences, using a range of media. Communication skills are taught, practised and assessed in many units within the course. Students experience working in distributed teams, presenting their work, and critiquing the work of other students and other groups. In their final year, students are required to complete a group project, which requires students to demonstrate a professional level of communication skills with the project client as well as other group members.

Problem Solving

Graduates are able to identify and formulate problems, and design, create, and analyse solutions, individually and as part of collaborative teams. They are able to apply critical thinking, cognitive skills, creative skills, and judgement with intellectual independence. All units teach and assess problem-solving skills. These include skills in design thinking, algorithm design, system design, software engineering, debugging, and project management.

Information Literacy

Graduates demonstrate the capacity to critically evaluate the sources, values and validity of information and use information in critical and creative thinking. All units in the course require students to find and critically evaluate information from a variety of sources. This is practised and assessed throughout the course.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates demonstrate understanding and practice of the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with their discipline or profession including an appreciation of their own ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community and the environment. Reflection on social responsibility and professional practice in software development is embedded in the course content. Units require students to reflect on social implications of information technology such as social networking, malicious software, identity theft and security measures.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates demonstrate the creative and analytical skills to learn and adapt to new techniques, concepts, technologies, and situations as their field continues to evolve and develop. They are able to generate new technology and solutions, and to analyse and appraise developments made by others. They take responsibility and accountability for their learning and professional practice. Students are provided with fundamental skills that enable them to supplement their knowledge and adapt to the use of new software development environments, technologies and tools. This is taught and practised by providing core skills and exposing students to a variety of programming languages, tools, processes, environments and specialised systems.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates are able to apply their skills and knowledge individually and as part of collaborative teams. They are able to work with intellectual independence, and to collaborate with technical and non-technical colleagues and customers. Working in a group environment is an essential component of the course and of the professional practice of software development. A number of the core units in the course require students to work in groups and provide guidance and assessment on group work. The final year project, which involves the planning, design and implementation of a large software system by a team of students, provides graduates with a capstone experience.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply through the link below

For more information, click here

International Students

International students apply direct to UNE through UNE International

For more information, click here

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