Bachelor of Engineering (Computer)/Bachelor of Science - Physics Major

This program provides students with an opportunity to undertake concurrent study in computer engineering and physics and complete two awards. In general, a combined degree program offers greater breadth of learning, enhancing the academic and professional qualities gained in each separate degree. At the same time, it recognises the increasing need for students to graduate with multidisciplinary skills.

Students have the opportunity to select electives according to their individual areas of interest and will also have the opportunity to undertake an industry related project in their final year of study in the engineering degree and must complete 12 weeks of industrial experience throughout the program.

Computer Engineering is closely linked to the field of Physics. This combined degree program equips students with a strong foundation in both areas of knowledge. The Computer Engineering knowledge base is complemented with a fuller understanding of physical phenomena in areas such as quantum mechanics, semiconductor physics, optics and electromagnetism. Graduates will have the necessary academic and professional skills suitable for a career in computer engineering. The additional Physics offers a better theoretical preparation for developing, understanding and using new electronics devices likely to be created in future years.

Graduates of this combined degree enjoy excellent career prospects gaining skills relevant to work in engineering of digital and computer systems, digital signal processing, tracking and surveillance, measurement and sensing, data processing systems, software engineering, electronic systems, and manufacturing industry. Physicists find employment in areas including medical physics, fibre-optics, laser technology, coal technology, renewable energy technologies, measurement technology, computing, data analysis and modelling, finance and management, and research. Research areas include solar energy, solid state physics, astronomy and astrophysics, food and textile research, and medical imaging.

Australian Year 12 Students:

Apply for entry through the Universities Admissions Centre (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 and/or

HIgher education, tertiary or post-secondary qualifications and/or

Overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications.

International Students:

Not available for International Students.

Assumed knowledge for Computer Engineering:

There are no prerequisite courses but it is assumed that students will have studied Mathematics (Band 5) or HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (Band E1 or above) or equivalent. Study of one science-related subject would also be an advantage, Physics is preferred. Applicants who have achieved less than Mathematics Band 5 or have not completed Physics may be admitted to the program but may need additional study and/or assistance to successfully complete the requirements of the program.

Assumed knowledge for Science:

Biology and/or Chemistry and/or Mathematics and/or Physics. For geography: HSC Geography, Social Science or Natural Science is desirable.

Mathematics (Band 5) or HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (Band E1 or above) or equivalent. Study of one science-related subject such as Biology or Chemistry or Mathematics or Physics.

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

Honours are embedded in the Bachelor of Engineering(Computer), based on outstanding performance throughout the duration of the program. Honours grades will normally be awarded by Faculty Board on the basis of a graduating student's performance in the program as a whole, as measured by the WAM according to the following schedule: Minimum WAM = Honours 77 = Class I. 72 = Class II Division 1. 67 = Class II Division 2. 50-66 = Pass Degree. A Head of School may recommend to Faculty Board that a grade of Honours be awarded to a student who has achieved a WAM of other than indicated or not be awarded to a particular student. In such a case Faculty Board may either make an award of Honours in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of School or in accordance with the schedule. A Bachelor of Science (Honours) is also available to meritorious students, as an extra year of full-time or equivalent part-time study. Please contact the Program Convenor or Student Hub for further information.

Students have the opportunity to undertake an industry-related project in their final year of study and must also complete 12 weeks of industrial experience throughout the program. Further information is available at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty/engineering/for-students/industrial-experience/

This program is accredited by Engineers Australia, and other affiliated international organisations.

Not available to international students.

Students who have impaired function in their hands or arms, or a visual impairment will have difficulty pursuing this program. It is highly advisable for any prospective student with such a disability to contact the Program Convenor to discuss the issue. The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment and the Faculty of Science and Information Technology accept responsibility, in liaison with the student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer)/Bachelor of Science-Physics Major combined degree program comprises courses with a total value of 400 units. To meet the requirements of this combined degree program students must complete the program of study as set out. In this program students have the opportunity to select electives according to their individual areas of interest.

Note that it may not be possible to complete the combined degree program within five years if selection of electives involve timetable clashes, or where elective courses are not offered in a particular year. Students enrolled in a combined degree program are advised to consult the relevant Faculty Student Services Office regarding their academic program.

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 consult with the Program Convenor or Student Hub for further information.