The University of Adelaide
Degree Finder

Back to search

Bachelor of Computer Science

Campus North Terrace Campus

Degree Type Bachelor

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

SATAC Code 314111

2011
ATAR 71.4

Open All
  • Program Outline

    The Bachelor of Computer Science caters for people with specific interests in computer science and/or 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, 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

    This program provides foundational studies in computer science and mathematics, followed by advanced work in information technology and more specialised areas of computer science. In addition students may select other computer science, mathematics and statistics courses as well as courses from a wide range of other disciplines.

    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.

  • Assessment

    Assessment can vary from course to course and can include a combination of class work, tutorials, project work and exams.

  • 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
    2011 CSP ATAR 71.4
    2011 CSP IB 25
    Annual tuition fees ?
    Commonwealth-supported place: $8,050
    Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
    Deferment? Yes - 2 year
    Enquiries Student 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 Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

    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). 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
    IELTS Overall 6 [more info]
    Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $25,500
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    Enquiries Student Centre
    Selection Criteria ?
    Prerequisites ?
    Mathematics
    Equivalent Scores
    International ATAR 70
    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: $25,500
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    Enquiries Student Centre
    Selection Criteria ?
    Prerequisites ?

    SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies. IB: Mathematics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3)

  • Study Plans

    The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree for students that commenced their program in 2012 (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 
    Plan 1 - for students commencing with little or no prior programming experience++

    Semester 1

    • COMP SCI 1101 Introduction to Programming (3 units)
    • MATHS 1011 Mathematics IA (3 units)**^
    • Level I Elective courses (6 units)*

    Semester 2

    • COMP SCI 1102 Object Oriented Programming (3 units)
    • MATHS 1008 Mathematics for Information Technology I (3 units)^
    • MATHS 1012 Mathematics IB (3 units)**^
    • Level I Elective course (3 units)*

    Level I 
    Plan 2 - for students commencing with prior programming experience++

    Semester 1

    • COMP SCI 1102 Object Oriented Programming (3 units)
    • MATHS 1011 Mathematics IA (3 units)**^
    • Level I Elective courses (6 units)*

    Semester 2

    • COMP SCI 1103 Algorithm Design & Data Structures (3 units)
    • MATHS 1008 Mathematics for Information Technology I (3 units)^
    • MATHS 1012 Mathematics IB (3 units)**^
    • Level I Elective course (3 units)*
    ++Students who do not have prior programming experience or who are not confident in their programming ability should complete COMP SCI 1101 Introduction to Programming prior to undertaking COMP SCI 1102 Object Oriented Programming followed by COMP SCI 1103 Algorithm Design and Data Structures and COMP SCI 2201 Algorithm & Data Structure Analysis in the following year. Students who take COMP SCI 1101 Introduction to Programming will present it in lieu of an elective.

    ^Students are encouraged to complete both MATHS 1008 Mathematics for Information Technology and MATHS 1012 Mathematics IB, however only one is required.  Not completing MATHS 1012 Mathematics IB may restrict students in regard to Level II Mathematics course choices in the future.  The mathematics courses may be replaced by Level I electives if not required.

    *The Level I electives must include at least 3 units selected from COMP SCI 1003 Internet Computing, COMP SCI 1010 Puzzle Based Learning and COMP SCI 1012 Scientific Computing. Other level I electives can be chosen from courses offered towards any degree program at the University, excluding those listed under courses not permitted provided that the student is eligible to do that course e.g. has satisfied the prerequisite/s.  Previous students have enrolled in courses as diverse as accounting, geology, anthropology, biotechnology, history, languages, music studies, philosophy, politics, pharmacology and psychology.

    ** Students intending to complete MATHS 1012 Mathematics IB who have undertaken SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics must enrol in MATHS 1011 Mathematics IA followed by MATHS 1012 Mathematics IB. Students who have not taken SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics will be required to enrol in MATHS 1013 Mathematics IM then MATHS 1011 Mathematics IA in the following semester, and then MATHS 1012 Mathematics 1012 Mathematics IB in summer semster or in the following year. Students who undertake MATHS 1013 Mathematics IM will present it in lieu of an elective.
    Level II
    Plan 1 - for students commencing with little or no prior programming experience++

    Semester 1

    • COMP SCI 1103 Algorithm Design & Data Structures (3 units)
    • COMP SCI 2006 Introduction to Software Engineering (3 units)
    • Level II Elective courses (6 units)*

    Semester 2

    • COMP SCI 2000 Computer Systems (3 units)
    • COMP SCI 2201 Algorithm & Data Structure Analysis (3 units)
    • Level II Computer Science Course (3 units)
    • Level II Elective courses (6 units)*
    Level II
    Plan 2 - for students commencing with prior programming experience++

    Semester 1

    • COMP SCI 2201 Algorithm & Data Structure Analysis (3 units)
    • COMP SCI 2006 Introduction to Software Engineering (3 units)#
    • Level II Elective courses (6 units)*

    Semester 2

    • COMP SCI 2000 Computer Systems (3 units)
    • Level II Computer Science courses (6 units)
    • Level II Elective course (3 units)

    *Level II Electives can be chosen from courses offered towards a degree program at the University, provided that the student is eligible to do that course e.g. has satisfied the prerequisite/s.

    ++Students must present COMP SCI 1102, COMP SCI 1103 and COMP SCI 2201

    #Students are encouraged to undertake COMP SCI 1006 Introduction to Software Engineering, although this course is not specifically required under the Academic Program Rules of the degree and may be replaced by another COMP SCI course, it is assumed knowldge for COMP SCI 3006 Software Engineering and Project.
    Level III
    (same for both Plan 1 & Plan 2)

    Semester 1

    • Level III COMP SCI Elective * or 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 III (3 units)
    • COMP SCI Level III Computer Science course (3 units)
    • COMP SCI Level III Computer Science course (3 units)

    #Students are encouraged to undertake COMP SCI 3002 Programming Techniques (although this course is not specifically required under the Academic Program Rules, it is assumed knowledge for COMP SCI 3006 Software Engineering and Project).

    *Level III Electives can be chosen from courses offered towards a degree program at the University, provided that the student is eligible to do that course e.g. has satisfied the prerequisite/s.
    Courses Not Permitted

    The following courses are not permitted to be presented towards the Bachelor of Computer Science unless otherwise instructed by a Faculty Program Adviser.

     

  • 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 Bachelor of Computer Science, students are 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 slow internet connection? 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 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

    Please direct enquiries to the Student Centre
    Phone: +61 8 8313 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

    The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

  • 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: Thursday, 9 Feb 2012

Back to Search 

Featured Degree 

Program Talks

Computer Science: The Graduate

Listen to the Open Day Talk

Make sure you have JavaScript enabled and get the Flash Player to see this media content.

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.

Need Help?

Contact us

Our Student Centre can help with any enquiries you have - all you have to do is ask! We're open 9am-5pm Adelaide time, Mon-Fri.

Call us +61 8 8313 7335
(Toll free) 1800 061 459
Stay Informed
Life Impact | The University of Adelaide Top

Home

Information For

Information About

People & Places

The University of Adelaide
Adelaide, South Australia
5005 Australia

CRICOS Provider Number 00123M


Telephone: +61 8 8313 4455

Coordinates: -34.920843, 138.604513

Authorised by:Director, Marketing & Strategic Communications
Maintained by:Marketing & Strategic Communications