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.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students and residents. 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.

Please Note: This program is not available to 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.

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.

The B Engineering (Computer) component of this combined degree program uses the WAM as a measure for determining honours, and shall grade on the WAM equivalent to the following grades (in accordance with the Embedded Honours Models Structures Policy - 000743):

A minimum WAM of 77 and a minimum mark of 75 in the research courses (at least 30 units) for Honours Class 1; a minimum WAM of 72 and a minimum mark of 65 in the research courses (at least 30 units) for Honours Class II, Division 1; a minimum WAM of 67 and a minimum mark of 65 in the research courses (at least 30 units) for Honours Class II, Division 2;

Performance is based on a three year WAM where 2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses are weighted by 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

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 many other affiliated international organisations, through the Washington Accord.

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Engineering (Computer)/Bachelor of Science are eligible to apply for membership to Engineers Australia.

Not 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.