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Bachelor of Computer Science

Campus North Terrace Campus
Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre

Degree Type Bachelor

Duration 3 years full-time or part-time? equiv.

SATAC Code 314111

2009
ATAR 66.75

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  • Program Outline

    The Bachelor of Computer Science caters for people with specific interests in computer science/information technology. It has a core of compulsory computer science courses and a wide range of elective courses including mathematics and statistics as well as commerce, design studies, economics, engineering, finance, humanities and social sciences or science.

    The program produces highly skilled, adaptable graduates who are able to design computer-based solutions to the problems of information management and processing in industry, commerce, science, entertainment, and the public sector. Students who perform well can undertake an additional year of study to obtain a Bachelor of Computer Science with Honours. The honours degree can provide access to postgraduate study and a wider range of professional opportunities in the computing industry.

  • Program Structure

    The computer science program provides foundational studies in computer science and mathematics, followed by advanced work in information technology and more specialised areas of computer science. At level I, students must take Computer Science 1A/B plus one other computer science course and at least one course in mathematics. In addition they may select other computer science, mathematics and statistics courses as well as courses from the disciplines of commerce, design studies, economics, engineering, finance, humanities and social sciences and science. At levels II and III, there is a core of computer science courses, including studies of programming and software engineering, operating systems, computer networks and database systems. Computer science elective courses encompass analysis and design of information systems, artificial intelligence, computer hardware, distributed computer systems and mathematical computing applications. Elective courses can also be chosen from mathematics and statistics and from the above listed disciplines.

    Graduates are able to analyse problems and apply software engineering techniques to design computer-based solutions for a wide range of applications.

  • Related Programs
  • Admission and Fee Information

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant? ?

    SATAC Code 314111
    2009 CSP ATAR 66.75
    2009 CSP IB 24
    Annual tuition fees ?
    Commonwealth-supported place: $7,567
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria ?
    Year 12 applicants
    You must not have completed more than 4 years full time equivalent university study (96 units). You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
    Prerequisites ?
    SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies.

    IB: Mathematics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3)

    Alternative entry pathways
    • Higher Education applicants
      You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent higher education study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
    • VET applicants
      You must have completed an AQF Diploma or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of award.
    • Special Entry applicants
      You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying. If you have studied a higher education program within the last two years, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent in that program and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 35% and the quantitative component contributes 65% to your overall score. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
    • Without formal qualifications?
      You may be eligible for our special access schemes.
    How to Apply ?
    SATAC Code: 314111

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant? ?

    International ATAR 70
    IB 24
    IELTS Overall 6 [more info]
    Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $23,100
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria ?
    Prerequisites ?
    Mathematics
    Equivalent Scores
    International ATAR 70
    IB 24
    IELTS
    Overall
    Reading
    Listening
    Speaking
    Writing
    6
    5.5
    5.5
    6
    6
    How to Apply ?

    International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

    Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results? ?

    International ATAR 70
    Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $23,100
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria ?
    Prerequisites ?
    SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies.

    IB: Mathematics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3)

  • Areas of Specialisation

    Computer Science

  • Study Plans

    The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree for students that commenced their program in 2010 (refer to the program rules). Students that commenced in previous years should refer to the tabs above(referring to years) or consult their Faculty for advice.

    Level I

    Semester 1

    Semester 2

    **Level I Maths requirement: Students are encouraged to satisfy the Level I Maths requirement by doing Maths IA followed by Maths IB, as above and to take MATHS 1008 Mathematics for Information Technology I as a level I elective.

    Note however that the prerequisite for Maths IA is either SACE Stage 2 Specialist Maths (or equivalent) or the University course MATHS 1013 Mathematics IMA, so some students will need to successfully complete Maths IMA prior to doing Maths IA followed by Maths IB.

    Alternatively, a student can satisfy the Level I Maths requirement by just doing the course MATHS 1008 Mathematics for Information Technology I, offered in Sem 2.

    *Students are encouraged to do Puzzle Based Learning, Internet Computing and Scientific Computing, although only one of these three is required under the Academic Program Rules of the degree.
    Level II

    Semester 1

    • COMP SCI 2004: Data Structures & Algorithms (3 units)
    • COMP SCI Level II Computer Science course (3 units)
    • Level II elective course (3 units)
    • Level II elective course (3 units)

    Semester 2

    • COMP SCI 2000: Computer Systems (3 units)
    • COMP SCI Level II Computer Science course (3 units)
    • Level II elective course (3 units)
    • Level II elective course (3 units)
    Level III

    Semester 1

    • COMP SCI 3002: Programming Techniques# (3 units)
    • COMP SCI Level III Computer Science course (3 units)
    • COMP SCI Level III Computer Science course (3 units)
    • Level III elective course (3 units)

    Semester 2

    • COMP SCI 3006 Software Engineering and Project (3 units)
    • MATHS 3015: Communication Skills (3 units)
    • COMP SCI Level III Computer Science course (3 units)
    • COMP SCI Level III Computer Science course (3 units)

    #Students are encouraged to do Programming Techniques, although this course is not specifically required under the Academic Program Rules of the degree. Note that Programming Techniques is assumed knowledge for Software Engineering and Project.

    Electives: At each level, electives can be chosen from courses offered at that level towards a degree program at the University, provided that the student is eligible to do that course e.g. has satisfied the prerequiste/s.

  • Career Opportunities

    Graduates are highly regarded by employers and have been successful in a wide variety of areas. Employment opportunities are provided in the areas of administration, business data processing, computer programming, computer science, engineering design, financial software, games programming, graphics programming, information technology management, internet commerce, network management and support, quality improvement, scientific data analysis, systems analysis, software engineering, systems support, real-time process control and user interface programming.

    Career Pathways
    Within the Computer Graphics, Computer Science and Bachelor of Engineering(Software Engineering) programs, students will be able to tailor their program to guide them to a particular career. Some of the options available are:

    • Computer Graphics: As computing becomes a more visual medium, the demand for computer scientists with skills in the areas of computer vision, graphics, networking and broadband telecommunications increases. With the right choice of computer science courses and electives, students will be well prepared for a rewarding career in this area.
    • Database and Information Systems Management: An increasingly important field in the area of information technology, with large volumes of data needing to be correctly stored and interpreted. It is recommended that students thinking about this type of career also undertake electives from the discipline of statistics.
    • Network Management: Have you ever been frustrated by a poorly written web page?  Graduates in this area focus on the technical aspects of the design and implementation of data communications networks, including security and robustness. Choosing courses specifically focused on network issues will assist students to follow this career path.
    • Software Engineering: An essential discipline for anyone aiming to write reliable software for complex systems. Computer science degrees offer several software engineering courses, which include group projects tackling real world problems and cover the creation of software from its conception to delivery.

    Potential careers

    Information and Communications Technologist, Network Engineer, Computer Programmer, Software Engineer, Computer Hardware Engineer, Computer Scientist, Computer Systems Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Internet Commerce Worker, Internet - Web Programmer, IT Manager, Systems Analyst

  • Graduate Attributes
    • Basic skills and knowledge (Computer Science/Information Technology, problem solving skills, analytical skills, communication skills and flexibility) necessary for a successful career in Computer Science/Information Technology.
    • Able to apply knowledge of Computer Science fundamentals, including programming, computer systems, data structures and computer networks.
    • Able to design complex systems involving both hardware, software and networks, using software engineering techniques.
    • Appreciation of current technologies.  
    • Able to communicate effectively, not only with other computer scientists, but with the community at large on information technology issues.
    • Contribute effectively as members of multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be leaders or managers as well as effective team members.
    • Able, by self directed study, to remain up to date with developments in their careers/professions.
    • Innovative and creative, adaptable and able to guide developments in their careers/professions.
    • Educated in a broad sense, are well informed and can take their place as leaders in the community.
    • Appreciation of professional conduct and ethical issues pertinent to the information technology industry.
  • Professional Accreditation

    The Bachelor of Computer Science is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). It is designed to provide a professional qualification in computing and information technology. It also provides the necessary academic requirements for membership of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the American-based Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

  • Program Rules
  • Further Information
    Telephone (08) 8303 6476. Email: ecms_office@adelaide.edu.au. Website: www.ecms.adelaide.edu.au. Open Day 2008, 17 August, talk at 2pm. Information session Tuesday 9 December 2008.
  • Useful Links

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Monday, 25 Jul 2011

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Computer Science: The Graduate

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Ever dreamed of working for Google and embarking on a PhD at the University of Oxford? Well that’s exactly what Alex Flint, a graduate from the School of Computer Science, has achieved. Alex is employed by Google in Sydney, and will later this year begin his PhD at the University of Oxford. Hear about his experiences as a student, including his travels around the world as part of a programming competition team, and learn more about the opportunities currently available to Computer Science graduates.

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