Bachelor of Computer Science with Honours

This program is designed to allow well-qualified graduates to extend their studies in a chosen area of Computer Science or Information Technology, either to improve their career prospects or to proceed to higher degree studies.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Computing Science with Honours offers students the opportunity to undertake advanced study and research in a range of areas relevant to computing science and information technology. The course provides a capstone to an undergraduate degree, prepares students for postgraduate study and establishes a sound basis for a successful future career.The course aims to encourage students to:(i) extend their intellectual range in their chosen area of study;(ii) develop their research abilities;(iii) improve their analytical and communication techniques;(iv) develop the ability to think clearly and evaluate evidence and arguments;(v) develop personal and professional skills required to work independently and collaboratively; and (vi) develop an ethical and professional work practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills to identify, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs, establish priorities and the goals, constraints and uncertainties of the system (social, cultural, environmental, business etc), using systems thinking, while recognising ethical implications of professional practice; apply advanced problem-solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and/or processes to complex problems to meet specified requirements, including creative approaches to synthesise alternative solutions, concepts and procedures, while demonstrating advanced information skills and research methods; demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills to apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals to analysis, design and operation, using appropriate computer software, laboratory equipment and other devices, ensuring model applicability, accuracy and limitations; communicate and coordinate proficiently by listening, speaking, reading and writing advanced English for professional practice, working as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, using tools and practices of formal project management; manage own time and processes effectively by prioritising competing demands to achieve personal and team goals, with regular review of personal performance as a primary means of managing continuing professional development; and demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods to conduct a research investigation by critically analysing a challenging complex or multi-faceted problem, identifying research questions, designing and planning a project, selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools to address a research question, and analysing, interpreting and critically evaluating research findings.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will have an in-depth knowledge of computing science and information technology. They will be able to articulate on aspects of the place and importance of computing science and information technology in both the local and wider community. Communication Skills Graduates will be able to communicate results, information or arguments to audiences ranging from experts in computing science and information technology to those with no computing science or information technology background, using a range of techniques and communication media. Problem Solving Students will need to locate, evaluate and apply information from a variety of sources throughout their degree. Students will be taught how to evaluate and interpret information in a useful manner and will be assessed on their ability to deconstruct relevant literature and to integrate theoretical and critical approaches into their work. Information Literacy Graduates will be able to access information from a range of sources and will be able to synthesise and evaluate that information using a range of technologies. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Students will be taught about their social responsibility and ethical conduct throughout the course. An emphasis is placed on their professional responsibilities, as a researcher, to provide balanced and accurate research and data. In addition, students will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'. Lifelong Learning Graduates will be able to take personal responsibility for life-long learning by demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning. Independence and Collaboration Graduates will have an awareness of the need to function effectively both independently and as members or leaders of multidisciplinary teams.