Computer Science
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I moved to Sydney and lived in a residential college: there's a great social atmosphere and the student life on campus is fantastic. I'm surrounded by passionate, like-minded people.
What's it all about?
■ This super flexible degree is concerned with the core principles and technologies that make up the entire range of computer-based systems. It studies the principles underlying computer hardware, algorithms, operating systems, networks, databases, graphics and artificial intelligence, and also the practice of building these systems. This degree sits within Engineering because of its relationship with Electrical Engineering and robotics.
What does it include?
■ You will study the design, construction and use of computer systems, combining programming, data structures, and algorithms with other disciplines including commerce, maths, physics and languages. It's very much concerned with the design and development of hardware and software tools by which computer applications may be developed, but not so much with the applications themselves.
Where will you work?
■ Depending on the specialisations studied, careers are extremely varied. Many graduates are employed as programmers, systems analysts, in user support or as database administrators. Software companies, commercial institutions, robotics, web companies, AI and IT units are big employers.
Double degrees
■ Double degrees are a great way of graduating with a wider breadth of knowledge, better preparing you for your future career. For more information, visit our double degrees page to find one that suits your interests.
Sample Program Outlines*
Term 1
| Course code | Course name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| COMP1511 | Introduction to Programming | The objective of this course is for students to develop proficiency in programming using a high level language. COMP1917 is the preferred computing course for the Mechatronic Engineering stream. |
| MATH1081 | Discrete Maths | Assumed knowledge: students are expected to have achieved a combined mark of at least 100 in Mathematics and Mathematics Extension 1. |
| MATH1131 | Maths 1A | Students have the option to enrol in either MATH1131 or MATH1141. MATH1141 covers the same topics as MATH1131 but in greater depth. Assumed knowledge for MATH1141: Students will be expected to have achieved a combined HSC mark in Mathematics Extension 1 and 2 over 175. |
| or | ||
| MATH1141 | Higher Maths 1A | Students have the option to enrol in either MATH1131 or MATH1141. MATH1141 covers the same topics as MATH1131 but in greater depth. Assumed knowledge for MATH1141: Students will be expected to have achieved a combined HSC mark in Mathematics Extension 1 and 2 over 175. |
Term 2
| Course code | Course name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| COMP2521 | Data Structures and Algorithms | This course covers programming in the large, abstraction and ADTs, interfaces, and complexity. Prerequisites:COMP1511 and COM1921. |
| Read more | Discipline Elective | Recommendations for different degrees in link. |
| MATH1231 | Maths 1B | Prerequisites for this course are MATH1131 or MATH1141. Students that are highly competent (mark >65) in mathematics may instead enrol in MATH1241. |
| or | ||
| MATH1241 | Higher Maths 1B | Students have the option to enrol in either MATH1231 or MATH1241. MATH1241 covers the same topics as MATH1231 but in greater depth. A minimum mark of 65 in MATH1131 or MATH1141 is required for enrolment in MATH1241 instead of MATH1231. |
Term 3
| Course code | Course name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| COMP1521 | Computer Systems Fundamentals | Programmer's view on how a computer system executes programs, manipulates data and communicates. |
| Read more | Discipline Elective | Recommendations for different degrees in link. |
Term 1
| Course code | Course name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| COMP1531 | Software Engineering Fundamentals | This course provides an induction to software engineering principles and practice, including software lifecycle, methodologies, teamwork and web-based architectures. |
| COMP3121 | Algorithms & Programming | Pre-requisite: COMP1927 or COMP2521 or a mark of at least 65 in COMP1921. |
| Read more | General Education | You can't select a General Education course from within your own faculty. |
Term 2
| Course code | Course name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| COMP2511 | Object-Orinated Design & Programming | Introduces students to the principles of object-oriented design and to fundamental techniques in object-oriented programming. |
| Read more | Discipline Elective | Recommendations for different degrees in link. |
| Read more | Discipline Elective | Recommendations for different degrees in link. |
Term 3
| Course code | Course name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Read more | Discipline Elective | Recommendations for different degrees in link. |
| Read more | Discipline Elective | Recommendations for different degrees in link. |
Term 1
| Course code | Course name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Read more | Discipline Elective | Recommendations for different degrees in link. |
| Read more | Discipline Elective | Recommendations for different degrees in link. |
| Read more | General Education | You can't select a General Education course from within your own faculty. |
Term 2
| Course code | Course name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| COMP3900 | Computer Science Project | Most of the work in this course is team-based project work. |
| Read more | Discipline Elective | Recommendations for different degrees in link. |
| Read more | Discipline Elective | Recommendations for different degrees in link. |
Term 3
| Course code | Course name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| COMP4920 | Management & Ethics | This course will develop a framework on which management and ethical issues can be developed. |
| Read more | Discipline Elective | Recommendations for different degrees in link. |
* The programs outlined above are intended as a guide only. The Faculty of Engineering reserves the right to change any information herein without prior notice. Students should seek approval from their relevant Schools before using these guides.
