Bachelor of Computer Science

Computer science spans a wide range of areas including complex problem solving, artificial intelligence, robotics and machine learning, embedded systems, computer networks and distributed systems, computer graphics, web applications, bioinformatics and data security. Computer scientists perform challenging programming tasks and supervise other programmers, they devise new ways to use computers and develop effective solutions for computing problems.

Our computer science graduates are among the best in Australia and are actively recruited by industry.

Students may choose one of three majors, allowing them to choose an area of specialisation within the broad spectrum of Computer Science. The majors are:

Applied Computing: Using computational algorithms and tools to solve problems found in industry logistics, health-informatics and the applied sciences.

Computer Systems and Robotics: System design and algorithms for secure distributed computer systems, programming language systems, computer vision, machine learning and robotics.

Studies in Computer Science: A general software development major for all levels of industry and commerce, with a flexible choice of topics to suit students' particular interests. Provides the skills needed for careers involving the design and implementation of computer software. Studies include algorithms, artificial intelligence, compilers, computer graphics, computer networks, database systems, data security, graphical user interfaces, object orientated technologies, operating systems, theory of computation and web engineering.

Career opportunities include development of complex software systems for business and engineering, advanced computational techniques for graphics, animation and computer games development, adaptive robotics systems, internet applications, portable devices and distributed computing developing and enhancing defence and security systems, systems engineering and emergent areas such as information based medicine and bio-informatics.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you may be eligible.

There are no prerequisite courses but it is assumed that students will have studied Mathematics (Band 5 or above)

or equivalent. Study of one science-related subject would also be an advantage.

Applicants who have achieved less than Mathematics Band 5 or have not completed a science related

subject may be admitted to the program but may need additional study and/or assistance to successfully

complete the requirements of the program.

HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (Band E1 or above).

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to a new program go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on How to apply for credit.

Available as an additional year to meritorious students.

This program meets the highest academic accreditation standards of the Australian Computer Society.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students who have impaired function in their hands or arms, or a visual impairment may experience difficulty in pursuing this program. It is highly advisable for any prospective student to contact the Program Convenor to discuss the issue.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester commences. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and Faculty staff will work together to ensure adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

NB: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the program and courses they undertake. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/ctl/lsp/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.