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Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) B.E(CS)
2010

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

Our lives are increasingly dependent on computer systems. Computer systems are used for communication networks such as the Internet and for information storage such as databases. Computer systems also form part of devices such as washing machines, mobile phones and game consoles and are key components in almost every major piece of equipment that you can think of including robots, automobiles, aircraft and, of course, desktop and laptop computers.

Computer systems engineers plan, design, and improve computer systems and conceive of new ways of applying them to existing devices, equipment and processes. They have expertise in both computer programming and electronic hardware design. They can design and build computer hardware and interface it to other equipment and also write the software to run on these systems. Their detailed knowledge of both the hardware and software aspects gives them greater insight into the operation of complex systems.

Computer systems engineers are of critical importance to global industries such as automotive, defence, industrial control, consumer electronics and communications, and they have strong employment prospects both in South Australia and around the world.

This program covers the processes required to create a computing system in its own right, or to use a computer as part of an engineering system, perhaps as a controller of plant or equipment. An 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.

 

Program Structure

This program covers the processes required to create a computing system in its own right, or to use a computer as part of an engineering system, perhaps as a controller of plant or equipment. An 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 degree provides a strong background in mathematics, physics and electronics as well as extensive practice in the design, operation and integration of hardware and software systems. Systems engineering, the management of complex engineering systems, is a focus of the last two years of the degree. A computer systems project in the final year gives students the opportunity to further explore a specialist topic. Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience at some time during their four years of study.

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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? ?

2009 CSP IB 30
SATAC Code 314191
2009 CSP TER 86.1
HESS group ? General
Annual tuition fees ?
Commonwealth-supported place: $7,567
Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
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, Specialist Mathematics, Physics IB: Mathematics (HL grade 3), Physics (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 the award.
  • Special Entry applicants
    You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent higher education in the last 2 years 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: 314191

International applicants

Not an international applicant? ?

International TER 80
IB 26
IELTS Total 6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $25,000
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Prerequisites ?
Mathematics and Physics
Equivalent Scores
International TER 80
IB 26
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: $25,000
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Prerequisites ?
SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Physics IB: Mathematics (HL grade 3), Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3)
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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

Level II

Semester 1

Semester 2

Level III

Semester 1

Semester 2

  • ELEC ENG 3024 Project Management for Electrical Engineers (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG 3026 Engineering Systems: Avionics or (3 units)
  • ELCE ENG 3005 Computer Architecture (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG 3028 Digital Systems (3 units)
  • COMP SCI 3006 Software Engineering & Project (3 units)
Level IV

Semester 1

  • ELEC ENG 4038 Financial Management for Engineers (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG xxxx Final Year Project A (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG 3022 Real Time Systems IV (3 units)
  • Elective (3 units)

Semester 2

  • ELEC ENG xxxx Final Year Project B (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG 4040 Management & Professional Practice for Engineers (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG 4050 Systems Engineering (3 units)
  • Elective (3 units)
Electives
  • ELEC ENG 4044 RF Engineering IV (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG 4037 Digital Microelectronics (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG xxxx Telecommunications III (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG 4035 Communications IV (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG xxxx Advanced Signal Processing (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG xxxx Advanced Control (3 units)
  • COMP SCI 3004 Operating Systems (3 units)
  • COMP SCI 3005 Computer Architecture (3 units)
  • PURE MTH 3018 Coding & Cryptology III (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG xxxx Image Processing (3 units)
  • ELEC ENG 4042 Power Electronics & Drive Systems (3 units)

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Career Opportunities

Computer systems engineers are of critical importance to governments, research organisations and global industries such as defence, automation, mining, consumer electronics and communications. They have strong employment prospects both in South Australia and around the world.

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Graduate Attributes

  • An advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of Computer Systems Engineering and the fundamentals of science and mathematics that underpin this discipline.
  • 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.

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Professional Accreditation

This program is accredited by Engineers Australia. Graduates are eligible members of Engineers Australia and many overseas engineering bodies.

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Work Placement

Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience.

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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: Thursday, 27 Aug 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.