MJRH-ADCMP v.1 Computing Major (BAdvSci) (Honours)

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.

This honours level major provides a flexible and personalised approach to studying computing with students able to explore the field through opportunities for immersive research experiences, industry placement and team-based projects. The major culminates in a personalised capstone experience. The computing major provides a thorough coverage of modern computing, covering the core aspects of programming and the theoretical knowledge to put this into context. Curtin's Computing course teaches Java and C and introduces other languages in specific streams. Linux is used throughout the course, with most packages used being freely available for the students to install at home. An industry-level object-oriented programming methodology is taught throughout the course. Graduates from the course will have a high level of knowledge of the processes involved in software development and maintenance. The aim of this Major is to prepare the students for the areas of Information and Communications Technology stated to be most in demand and for positions that are most difficult to fill based on regular consultations with industry.

Professional Recognition

Graduates of this course may be eligible for membership to the Australian Computer Society.

Career Opportunities

Honours graduates have demonstrated an ability to work independently, to plan and implement investigation, to meet project deadlines, and to communicate information to a professional standard. For this reason, many employers of physics professionals have a preference for honours graduates, and some employers will only consider graduates with an honours degree. Graduates from the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) have the added advantage being able to evidence the development of high level discipline, leadership and entrepreneurship skills through engagement with industry and research groups throughout their course.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials. Students may require a laboratory coat.

This major consists of core computing units in, a set of core units focused on the development of research and leadership skills and attributes, and a final year capstone experience. In addition there is an elective stream that enables the opportunity to study further units in mathematics, finance, computing or a minor in a humanities or commerce discipline.

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, and an advanced ability to apply the theoretical foundations of computing to new application areas; place new technological developments in a historical context for a changing and evolving society

2. evaluate standard algorithms, techniques, and software technologies in a manner that is appropriate for challenging and multi-faceted problems; think critically and creatively to generate innovative and optimum theoretical and practical solutions

3. access evaluate and synthesise information from a range of computing sources to optimise the process of software design and implementation

4. communicate the process of software development effectively in written and oral form to informed professional audiences from both technical and non-technical backgrounds

5. effectively use emerging and existing technologies to address complex problems, recognising their advantages and limitations

6. sustain intellectual independence and curiosity by updating their knowledge and engaging in continuous training and research

7. consider computing problems from a global perspective and recognise the inherent global nature of information and communications technology

8. work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues from a range of cultural backgrounds and contribute to society using technology in an ethical, legal, and socially responsible manner

9. demonstrate initiative, leadership and ethical practice when working independently and collaboratively and as a leader of research; recognise and apply IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)/ACM (Association for Computing Machinery)/ACS (Australian Computer Society) standards and best practices in process software design and development

Duration and Availability

This course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study. One intake is offered each year in February.

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 2 FULL YEAR - HONOURS

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 3 FULL YEAR - HONOURS

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 4 FULL YEAR - HONOURS

YEAR 4 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 4 SEMESTER 2

* Students with Mathematics Specialist ATAR >70% must take this unit