Bachelor of Computer Science

Ready to take your place in the technology revolution?Our Bachelor of Computer Science features artificial intelligence and machine learning courses not available anywhere else in South Australia.

It’s taught by world-class researchers and teachers within a faculty ranked 43 in the world for computer science and engineering*.

This program provides foundational studies in computer science and mathematics, followed by advanced work in information technology and more specialised areas of computer science. Additionally, students may select other computer science, mathematics and statistics courses from a wide range of other disciplines. A core of computer science courses is studied in second and third years, including studies of programming and software engineering, operating systems, computer networks and database systems.  Choosing a major is a great way to pursue topics of interest without narrowing future options. Majors are available in: Artificial Intelligence: in this major, taught by world-leading AI researchers in the areas of robotic vision and machine learning—students learn how to design, develop and analyse software systems to perform tasks requiring human-level intelligence, such as driving cars and recognising and responding to images. Computer Science: this major allows students to undertake a flexible elective program across all areas of computer science. Cybersecurity: our cybersecurity major gives students advanced skills in the technologies, processes and practices that protect networks, data and software systems from attack and unauthorised access. Students learn from industry specialists and world-leading researchers. Data Science: in this major, students learn how to apply cutting-edge data analysis techniques—such as machine and deep learning—to large sets of data, equipping them to help solve problems across health, education, science, engineering and business. Distributed Systems and Networking: this major enables students to develop enhanced skills in the design, development and analysis of large-scale distributed software systems, including parallel, distributed, mobile and cloud-based environments. Students who perform well can undertake an additional year of study to obtain an Honours Degree of Bachelor of Computer Science. The honours degree can provide access to postgraduate study and a wider range of professional opportunities in the computing industry.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

This program provides foundational studies in computer science and mathematics, followed by advanced work in information technology and more specialised areas of computer science. Additionally, students may select other computer science, mathematics and statistics courses and courses from a wide range of other disciplines.A core of computer science courses is studied in second and third years, including studies of programming and software engineering, operating systems, computer networks and database systems.Students who perform well can undertake an additional year of study to obtain an Honours Degree of Bachelor of Computer Science. The honours degree can provide access to postgraduate study and a wider range of professional opportunities in the computing industry.

Areas of Specialisation

Majors Choosing a major is a great way to pursue topics of interest without narrowing future options.  Majors are available across the following areas: Artificial Intelligence Learn from academics within the Institute of Machine Learning, driving the fourth industrial revolution. In this major, students learn how to design, develop, and analyse software systems to perform tasks requiring human intelligence such as: self-driving cars, robotic vision, machine learning, and image recognition. Computer Science This major allows students to take a flexible elective program across all areas of computer science. Cybersecurity Build skills and awareness of the technologies, processes, and practices that protect networks, data, and software systems from unauthorised attack or access. Students learn from Learn from our work leading academics in the area of CyberSecurity including the discoverers of Spectre, one of the most significant CyberSecurity developments in the last decade. Data Science Data science involves the application of data analysis techniques—such as machine learning and deep learning—to large sets of data, helping solve problems across health, education, science, engineering, and business. The University of Adelaide leads the way in global education in Big Data and Data Science. Distributed Systems and Networking Build skills in the design, development, and analysis of large-scale distributed software systems including parallel, distributed, mobile, cloud-based environments and building smart cities.

Example Study Plan

Study plans are available on the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences website.

Assessment

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

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

Graduates are highly regarded by employers and have been successful in a wide variety of industries and areas. Employment opportunities exist in: 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 Bachelor of Computer Science students can tailor their respective programs to guide them towards a particular career. Some of the options available are as follows:

• Computer Graphics: As computing becomes a more visual medium, the demand increases for computer scientists with skills in the areas of computer vision, graphics, networking and broadband telecommunications. 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: Database and information systems management is 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: 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: Software engineering is 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.

 

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

Adelaide Graduate Attributes

1. Deep discipline knowledge
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Career and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

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).

Potential careers

Online Commerce Specialist, Information and Communications Technologist, Network Engineer, Computer Programmer, Software Engineer, Software Developer, Gaming Programmer, Computer Scientist, Computer Systems Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Internet - Web Programmer, IT Manager, Systems Analyst