Bachelor of Computer Science (Dean's Scholar)

Overview

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Dean’s Scholar) focuses on the development of high-level programming skills that can be applied across a wide range of applications, including analysis of stock market trends, games design, neural network design, automatic teller machines and patient monitoring in hospitals. The core subjects teach you to understand the structure of data and the role it plays in delivering solutions to complex problems.

The degree includes core of programming subjects as well as electives in languages, artificial intelligence, computer security, computer graphics, operating systems, real-time software and software engineering. Completion of a major is not compulsory but is highly encouraged. Majors include: 

Big Data 

Big Data can unlock the solutions to the biggest challenges we are facing in science, society and business. Through big data analytics we can detect patterns using the huge amounts of historical data collected by organisations. We can find answers to questions and detect solutions for problems that deal with population growth, transport, security, medical technology, trade and commerce, just to name a few.

Cyber Security 

Cyber security is about how we develop secure computers and computer networks, and ensure that the data stored and transmitted through them is protected from unauthorised access or to combat cyber security threats and hazards. As we conduct more of our social, consumer and business activities online, there is a corresponding increase in the demand for ICT professionals to manage our digital environment and economy.

Digital Systems Security 

Information Security is becoming an increasingly important aspect of information technology. Industry has shown their interest in having secure systems and employees with skills in information security.

Enterprise Systems Development

Enterprise systems development focuses on the creation of software systems that use the large scale, mixed-platform distributed computing facilities of large commercial and government organisations.

Mobile Computing

Mobile Computing focuses on the development paradigms, technologies and techniques that deliver mobile content and services. It addresses four key areas within this rapidly changing arena: design for useability principles; distributed systems; internet technology; and mobile application programming.

Multimedia and Game Development

This major has been developed in response to the needs of the growing Australian game development industry, where employees require both traditional computer science skills and creative skills.

Software Engineering

This major addresses the software engineering process using an Object Oriented approach. Students work in a group that mimics the working environment of the software development industry. 

Further, Dean's Scholars degrees are highly recognisable, giving students the edge in competitive employment. The degree offers a challenging and enriched educational experience for high-achieving students who want to perform above the level normally expected. Students are also encouraged to continue their studies through the completion of Honours and research programs.

Students complete the normal course requirements for the degree, but receive special privileges as they study such as accelerated learning, where possible, and academic mentoring. Dean’s Scholars are also encouraged to contribute to the scholarly life of the Faculty through events in the Faculty's postgraduate program.

Places are limited each year. Current students who have achieved a weighted average mark (WAM) of 80 at the end of one year of full-time study in a relevant degree may apply to transfer to the Dean’s Scholar degree.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of Computer Science (Dean's Scholar) will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of core knowledge of computer fundamentals and the ability to apply theoretical basis of computer science to solve a range of practical problems.
2. Design and develop innovative software solutions for a variety of applications.
3. Design, develop, and employ novel approaches and algorithms in solving practical problems.
4. Deploy appropriate theory, practices, and tools for the specification, design, implementation, and maintenance as well as the evaluation of computer-based systems.
5. Function effectively as part of a team to accomplish a set of common goals and objectives and communicate with project stake holders.
6. Adopt a professional and ethical approach to decision making and related social responsibilities.
7. Plan and compose a research-based project or piece of scholarship that demonstrates understanding and critical analysis in computer science. 

Course Structure

Students who enrol in the Bachelor of Computer Science (Dean's Scholar) shall accrue an aggregate of at least 144 credit points by satisfactory completion of:

1. The following core subjects:

2. Students complete a major or an additional 24 credit points of 300-level CSCI or ISIT subjects, (not listed above) - 12 credit points can be 200-level CSCI or ISIT subjects.

3. No more than 60 credit points at 100-level.

4. All remaining credit points in this degree MUST be chosen from the CSCI & ISIT Schedule and/or the General Schedule.

5. The Faculty encourages the development of ICT skills and knowledge in the workplace through industry placement. Completion of ISIT200 Industry Placement, which is a minimum of a single 8-week period of approved industry placement, assessed in the form of written reports is highly recommended to all students to complete this placement

Continuation in the Dean's Scholars degrees will normally be dependent on the student achieving a WAM of at least 80 in each year of study. Students who do not meet the required average will be transferred to the equivalent non-Dean's Scholars degree – Bachelor of Computer Science.

Major Study

Students enrolled in this degree may major in:

• Big Data
• Cyber Security
• Digital Systems Security
• Enterprise Systems Development
• Mobile Computing
• Multimedia and Game Development
• Software Engineering

Completion of a major is not compulsory.

To satisfy the requirements for a major study a student must satisfy the requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Dean's Scholar), and have completed the subjects that comprise a major.

Note that certain 300 level subjects, required as part of a major, may have 100 and 200 level prerequisite subjects which are not listed as part of the major.

To be awarded with a double major, candidates must ensure that four of the subjects selected satisfy the requirements of one major and that a separate set of four subjects satisfy the requirements of a second major, i.e. any subject counted towards one major cannot also be counted towards a second major.

Approved double majors are available in any combination of two majors from the list above.

Note that it is not a requirement for the award of this degree that a major study be undertaken.

Even though Computer Science is not available as a single major in the BCompSc, it is available as one component of a double* major with one of the following disciplines as the other major:

• Biological Sciences

• Chemistry

• Electronics

• Management

This double major requires satisfactory completion of a major study in Computer Science and satisfactory completion of a major study in Management, as outlined in the Bachelor of Commerce entry. Note, however, that students are not required to complete the core subjects as listed in the Bachelor of Commerce except where those subjects are prerequisites to subjects in the Management major. All students must satisfy subject prerequisites except where waivers have been granted.

• Marketing

This double major requires satisfactory completion of a major study in Computer Science and satisfactory completion of a major study in Marketing, as outlined in the Bachelor of Commerce entry. Note, however, that students are not required to complete the core subjects as listed in the Bachelor of Commerce, except where those subjects are pre-requisites for subjects in the Marketing major. All students must satisfy subject pre-requisites, except where waivers have been granted.

• Mathematics

This double major requires satisfactory completion of a major study in Computer Science and satisfactory completion of at least 60 credit points of subjects chosen from the Mathematics Schedule, including at least 18 credit points of 200-level MATH/STAT subjects and 24 credit points of 300-level MATH/STAT subjects.

• Politics

This double major requires satisfactory completion of a major study in Computer Science and satisfactory completion of a major in Politics, as outlined in the Bachelor of Arts entry.

*When checking if someone is eligible for the double major in Computer Science and a discipline listed above, it should be assumed that to satisfy the requirements for a major study in Computer Science a student shall satisfactorily complete the BCompSc(Schol) core subjects as listed in the course structure, plus an additional 12 credit points of 300-level CSCI subjects.

All candidates are expected to consult with the School and Faculty advisers before committing themselves to any particular pattern of study, whether outlined above or not.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Dean's Scholar) is accredited by the Australian Computer Society as meeting the requirements for membership at a “Professional Level”.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: eis@uow.edu.au
Email: Academic Program Director