Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)

Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) program is intended for undergraduate students interested in research careers in computer science.

"The primary goal of Honours programs [is] research training." (The quoted material in this document is from the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee's "Fourth Year Honours Programs-Guidelines for good practice", June 1995.) As a graduate of the program you will have completed advanced level studies in computer science and be experienced in the processes of research and written and oral communication, and are therefore able to proceed immediately to postgraduate research.

The Honours program consists of a research methods course (12 credit points), a preliminary honours thesis course (12 credit points), an honours thesis course (36 credit points) and three honours electives (12 credit points each).

The program "contains a mix of advanced theory, professional training, and a research project leading to a thesis".At the end of the Honours program you will be employable in the Information Technology Industry in Australia or worldwide, particularly in entrepreneurial research and development areas;

have completed advanced level studies in Computer Science;

be aware of and experienced in the processes of research and written and oral communication;

and therefore be able to proceed immediately to postgraduate research.This program is delivered on campus;

some courses may be available online.COSC2177 Computer Science Honours Thesis will serve as a capstone experience - a culmination of prior knowledge, skills and their application acquired during your program of study.

Year One of the program

Complete the following One (1) Course:

Select and Complete Three (3) Courses from the following CS Honours Options

Complete the following Two (2) Courses:

Complete the following Two (2) Courses:

Program Entry Requirements:

BP094 - Bachelor of Computer Science, or BP162 -Bachelor of Information Technology, or BP096 - Bachelor of Software Engineering. You must have at least a "distinction" average (grade point average 3.0) in one of the above programs or an equivalent program. The program should have covered the mandatory areas of Computer Science Core Body of Knowledge, specially project management and professional practice in ICT.

For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country equivalents web page.

English Language Requirements

A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page.

Gaining Credit and Exemptions:

RMIT University offers Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning to recognise the skills you may have gained through formal and informal education and training, work experience and/or life experience including volunteer work, committee responsibilities, family duties and hobbies.

You are expected to develop the following Program Learning Outcomes:

Enabling Knowledge:

You will gain skills as you apply knowledge effectively in one or more computer science and information technology disciplines. In doing so, you will:

• demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in computer science and information technology, including advanced understanding in some areas
• recognise research principles and methods applicable to computer science and information technology.

Critical Analysis:

You will learn to accurately and objectively examine, consolidate and synthesise computer science and information technology (IT) concepts, evidence, theories or situations, and exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding, in particular to:

• analyse and model requirements and constraints for the purpose of designing and implementing software and IT systems
• evaluate and compare designs of software and IT systems on the basis of organisational and user requirements
• design and use research in a project.

Problem Solving:

Your capability to analyse problems and identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence as you learn to:

• design and implement software solutions that accommodate specified requirements and constraints, based on analysis or modeling or requirements specification.

Communication:

You will learn to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences through a range of modes and media, in particular to:

• present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of systems, alternative IT solutions, and decision recommendations to both IT and non-IT personnel via technical reports of professional standard and technical presentations.

Responsibility:

You will be required to accept responsibility and accountability for your own learning and make informed decisions about judging and adopting appropriate behaviour in professional and social situations. This includes accepting the initiative and responsibility for independent life-long learning.

Research and Scholarship:

You will have technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship; specifically you will have cognitive skills:

• to demonstrate coherent and advanced theoretical knowledge and adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
• to plan and execute project work and/or a piece of research and scholarship with some independence.