Bachelor of Computer Science

Computer science spans a wide range of areas including algorithmic problem solving, artificial intelligence, robotics, computer graphics, 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.

The program provides you with 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 oriented technologies, operating systems, theory of computation and web engineering.

Career opportunities include computer games developer, graphics and animation expert for movies and television, health informatics professional, Internet web engineer, developing and enhancing defence and security systems, bio-informatics and the human genome, developing adaptive robotics systems, systems engineering, and developing new software systems for business and engineering.

Australian Year 12 Students:

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on UAI or equivalent.

Non School Leavers and previous Australian Year 12 Students:

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on:

Previous year 12 studies

Higher education, tertiary or post-secondary qualifications

Overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications

International Students:

International students currently undertaking:

• an Australian Year 12 in Australia
• an Australian Year 12 outside Australia
• an International Baccalaureat (IB) in Australia

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on UAI or equivalent.

All other international students:

Apply direct to International Admissions. Entry based on overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications, as well as satisfying English language requirements.

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).

Credit transfer agreements with TAFE NSW and other education providers are under continuous negotiation. For more information about articulation arrangements please see the University's website, at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/study/credit/index.htm

Available as an additional year to meritorious students.

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

Standard University policy for entry applies.

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 with such a disability to contact the Faculty to discuss the issue.

The Faculty accepts responsibility, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.

Students may undertake their first year of studies at either Callaghan Campus or Ourimbah Campus. The following two years will require completion at Callaghan Campus.

The Bachelor of Computer Science is a three year program comprising 240 units. An Honours year is available as an additional year to meritorious students. Throughout the program, theoretical studies are integrated with the latest technology. In years 2 & 3, students undertake directed electives of their choice. Students are introduced to programming languages such as Java, C++, Smalltalk, Eiffel, Lisp, Scheme, Prolog and SQL.

As programs are regularly reviewed and updated some students may experience changes to their program of study during the course of their enrolment, and which may require transition arrangements. Students affected by changes to the program or experiencing transition problems are advised to review the existing transition arrangements available at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Faculties/Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment/PDFs/Transition_Arrangements/Bachelor of Computer Science.pdf and consult with the Program Convenor or Student Hub for further information.