In
our computerised society, no modern scientist, engineer or business person
should be without a knowledge of computers. First-year computer science is a
general introduction to computing and is suitable either for students whose
major interest is in another science discipline, or students who wish to become
computer scientists with an understanding of all the basic aspects of
computing.
The sequence of both CSE1301, which covers basic programming skills, and
CSE1303, which extends those programming skills, is highly recommended for all
students, whether or not they intend to become computer scientists.
Computer science is a broad discipline, encompassing software design and
programming, the actual computer machinery, the theoretical foundations, and
all the applications of computing which pervade our modern society. Knowing the
internal working of the machine leads to better programming. Knowing the theory
of computing allows clearer thinking. This means computer scientists are able
to apply their computing knowledge and general analytic skills to a wide range
of tasks.
Computer scientists have a wide choice of career options; they can become
programming specialists, systems designers, consultants or project managers.
They can work in software development, customer support, industrial process
control, information retrieval, or with communication networks. Computer
scientists produce animations for the film industry (from Star Wars to
Jurassic Park or The Matrix), support space shuttle missions, and
work on exciting projects such as unlocking the human genetic code, virtual
reality, and artificial intelligence.
Graduates who have completed a major sequence in computer science are eligible
for level-one membership of the Australian Computer Society.
To obtain a major sequence in computer science, students should take:
In addition, students should take 12 points of approved mathematics or equivalent.
First-year
coordinator: Dr David Dowe
The first-year subjects serve both as a general introduction to computer
science and as a prerequisite for further studies. Thus they may be taken
either by students wishing to major in computer science or by students whose
major interest is in some other branch of science.
The first subject, CSE1301, covers basic programming skills and gives an
introduction to computer science. The second subject, CSE1303, develops the
understanding of algorithms, data structures and computer systems.
Second-year
coordinator: Dr Lloyd Allison
Second year aims to develop a firm foundation in the fundamental concepts of
computer science, namely formal methods, algorithm development and software
engineering. In addition, it introduces new topics to broaden the student's
view of computation and its applications.
Third-year
coordinator: Dr Sid Ray
Students wishing to study a major sequence in computer science must take at
least one project (CSE3301 or CSE3302) and at least 18 points of additional
third-year computer science subjects. These 18 points may not include another
project. It is recommended that students complete CSE3305 (Formal methods II)
and CSE3322 (Programming languages and implementation). Note that students
intending to undertake CSE3302 (Software engineering project) in second
semester will need to complete CSE3308 (Software engineering: analysis and
design) in first semester.
Students intending to proceed to honours should ensure that they have
sufficient breadth to undertake the honours coursework units offered each year.
It is recommended that in addition to the core project these students take
CSE3305 (Formal methods II), CSE3322 (Programming languages and implementation)
and three other third-year computer science electives.
Honours
coordinator: To be advised
Selected students achieving an average of 70 per cent or better in third-year
computer science are eligible to apply for an honours year in computer science.
This honours degree is suitable for good students who want to gain a deeper
understanding of computer science.
An honours degree in computer science opens many career opportunities. Students
with honours are particularly sought after by employers, and can choose from
more interesting research and development positions because of their extra
skills and proven abilities. An honours degree also leads on to postgraduate
study, which is necessary for an academic career or a career in industrial
research.
To be admitted to the honours year, students require an average of a
distinction or better result in CSE3031 (Project) or CSE3302 (Software
engineering) and at least three other third-year level computer science
subjects. Entry to the honours year may be subject to quota restrictions.
The honours program is arranged as a single subject CSE4300 (Computer science)
of 48 points comprising:
The research project is designed for a problem in an area
associated with a research program being carried out by a staff member. The
coursework units are to be selected from the honours units and designated
postgraduate subjects offered by the School of Computer Science and Software
Engineering. One of these units can be substituted by approved third-year CSE
electives, or honours or postgraduate subjects from other disciplines with
approval from the coordinator.
Each year, 12 to 14 units are offered, depending on the research interests of
the staff. The following is a list of units taught in recent years --
communications and research skills (compulsory), modelling, animating and
rendering: advanced topics in graphics, parallel systems, advanced
object-oriented idioms in C++, formal methods in software engineering, advanced
programming language paradigms, persistence, optimisation and constraints,
advanced network design, digital communication technologies, advanced internet
protocols and applications, public telecommunications networks, network design
and management, natural language processing, reasoning under uncertainty,
machine learning, causal reasoning, neural network fundamentals, learning and
prediction, information theory, pattern recognition and image processing,
advanced digital design, video coding and compression, cryptography and
information security.
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