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Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) B.E(SoftE)
2009

Program Outline | Program Structure | Related Programs | Admission Information | Study Plans | Career Opportunities | Graduate Attributes | Professional Accreditation | Work Placement | Program Rules | Further Information | Useful Links

Location: North Terrace Campus
Duration: 4 years (full-time or part-time? equivalent)
Degree/Award: Bachelor

Program Outline

This program is offered by the School of Computer Science. It provides study of both theory and practice of engineering principles over four years, coupled with a strong emphasis on group projects in the third and final years with close industrial connections. Students may also study a choice of electives, allowing them to steer their course of study between traditional electrical engineering and commercial software engineering. This program is accredited by the Institute of Engineers Australia.  High-performing students will be invited to undertake honours.

Program Structure

This program covers both theory and practice of engineering principles over the whole four years, coupled with a strong emphasis on group projects in years 3 and 4 with close industrial connections. Students may also study a choice of electives, allowing them to steer their course of study between one with a more traditional electrical engineering flavour and one that is more oriented towards commercial software engineering. Emphasis is placed on underlying principles and techniques so that graduates will be able to learn and apply new technologies as they emerge in the future. The early years of the program build a scientific and engineering foundation of computing, mathematics and digital electronics, in preparation for the more specialised software engineering courses in the third and fourth years. Advanced subjects covered in the later years include compiler construction, coding and cryptology, embedded computer systems, software process improvement and computer architecture. There is a strong emphasis on group software development projects in years 3 and 4 with close industrial connections. Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience.

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Admission Information

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.

I am a:

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant? ?

2008 CSP IB 30
SATAC Code 324311
2008 CSP TER 87.1
HESS group ? General
Annual tuition fees ?
Commonwealth-supported place: $7,412
Mid-year entry? Yes
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 Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
Prerequisites ?
SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies & Physics

IB: Mathematics (SL grade 5/HL grade 3) & Physics (SL grade 5/HL grade 4)

Midyear applicants must also have completed SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics, or Mathematics 1MA (or equivalent) to allow enrolment in Mathematics 1A in Semester 2. To ensure that you meet the entry requirements, contact the Student Centre.
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 the award.
  • Special Entry applicants
    You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. 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. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. 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: 324311

International applicants

Not an international applicant? ?

International TER 80
IELTS Total 6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $23,000
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Prerequisites ?
Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics
Equivalent Scores
International TER 80
IELTS
Total
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 TER 80
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $23,000
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Prerequisites ?
SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies & Physics

IB: Mathematics (SL grade 5/HL grade 3) & Physics (SL grade 5/HL grade 4)

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Study Plans

The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Level I

Semester 1

Semester 2

* Students who have undertaken SACE Stage 2 Specialist Maths will be required to enrol in Maths IA followed by Maths IB. Students who have not taken SACE Stage 2 Specialist maths will be required to enrol in Maths IMA followed by Maths IA and Maths IB in summer semester to complete the requirements at Level 1.

Level II

Semester 1

Semester 2

  • COMP SCI 2006 Introduction to Software Engineering (3 units)
  • COMP SCI 2005 Systems Programming in C & C++ (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG 3020 Embedded Computer Systems (3 units)
  • Approved ECMS elective(s) (3 units)
Level III

Semester 1

Semester 2

Level IV

Semester 1

  • COMP SCI 4001 A/B Software Engineering Group Project 2 OR
    COMP SCI 4002 A/B Software Engineering Honours Project# (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG 4038 Financial Management for Engineers (3 units)
  • COMP SCI 4054 High Integrity Software Engineering (3 units)
  • Elective + (3 units)

Semester 2

  • COMP SCI 4023 Software Process Improvement (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG 4040 Management & Professional Practice for Engineers (3 units)
  • COMP SCI 4001 A/B Software Engineering Group Project 2 OR
    COMP SCI 4002 A/B Software Engineering Honours Project# (3 units)
  • Elective + (3 units)

+ Electives can be courses offered within the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences.

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Career Opportunities

Graduates are highly regarded by employers and have been successful in a wide variety of industries. Employment opportunities are provided in areas of administration, business data processing, computer programming, computer science, engineering design, financial software, games programming, graphics programming, information technology management, internet commerce, defence, and database and information systems management and software engineering.

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Graduate Attributes

  • An advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of Software, Electrical and Electronic, Computer Systems or Telecommunications Engineering and the fundamentals of science and mathematics that underpin these disciplines.
  • A commitment to maintain an advanced level of knowledge throughout a lifetime of engineering practice and the skills to do so.
  • The ability to apply knowledge in a systematic and creative fashion to the solution of practical problems.
  • A commitment to the ethical practice of engineering and the ability to practice in a responsible manner that is sensitive to social, cultural, global, legal, professional and environmental issues.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills for effective interaction with colleagues and the wider community.
  • An ability to work effectively both independently and cooperatively as a leader, manager or team member with multi- disciplinary or multi-cultural teams.
  • An ability to identify, formalise, model and analyse problems.
  • The capacity to design, optimise, implement, test and evaluate solutions.
  • An ability to plan, manage and implement solutions that balance considerations of economy, quality, timeliness and reliability as well as social, legal and environmental issues.
  • Personal attributes including: perseverance in the face of difficulties; initiative in identifying problems or opportunities; resourcefulness in seeking solutions; and a capacity for critical thought.
  • Skills in the use of advanced technology, including an ability to build software to study and solve a range of problems.
  • A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.
  • An ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance.
  • Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development. These programs also foster the graduate attributes of the University of Adelaide and the Institution of Engineers Australia. These should be read in conjunction with the list above.


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Professional Accreditation

The Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and has provisional accreditation by Engineers Australia. It is designed to provide a professional qualification in computing and software engineering. 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).

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Work Placement

All students are required to complete a minimum of 12 weeks work experience outside normal class time. Work experience can be undertaken in Australia or overseas.

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Further Information

Please direct enquiries to the Student Centre
Phone: +61 8 8303 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.

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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: Tuesday, 9 Jun 2009

Program Talks

The World of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics

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Learn how the right choice of program can prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career. This discussion will highlight the future of engineering and computer science and the importance of mathematics in relation to relevant issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, the mining boom and information and communication technology industries.