Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications)/Bachelor of Science-Photo

This program provides students with an opportunity to undertake concurrent study in telecommunications engineering and photonics 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.

This wide-ranging program includes study of diverse aspects of communication technologies used to transmit, receive, store and process different types of electronic information signals using electronic and electrical, radio, optical and embedded systems combined with science studies emphasising photonics. Photonics is the area of science and technology that investigates and uses particles of light, called 'photons'. Photonics is a key technology underpinning the Internet and thus is growing rapidly.

You will complete core courses and electives from a number of areas. Core courses are in the areas of mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, communication systems and networks, and wireless systems. Throughout the program, theoretical studies are complemented by practical laboratory and project work. You will have the opportunity to undertake an industry related project in your final year of study and must also complete 12 weeks of industrial experience throughout the program.

Telecommunications Engineering graduates have excellent employment prospects and may be employed in areas of Computer Networking / Internet, Mobile / Wireless Communications, Telecommunications Services, Broadcasting, Electronic Design, Computer Engineering and ICT Systems. Photonics offers opportunities in laser optical fibre and component research and development, production, testing and installation, medical application of laser and detectors, telecommunications, remote sensing, application in government telecommunications support and regulatory agencies.

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 Telecommunications 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 would also be an advantage. Physics is preferred.

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 (Telecommunications) 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 (Telecommunications)/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.