Coordinators: listed below for each year level
In our computerised society, no modern scientist should be without a knowledge
of computers. First-level 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.
For those wanting to complete a minor sequence in computer science in addition
to a major, an additional level-two computer science elective should be taken,
for example CSE2302.
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 complete:
First-year
coordinator: Dr David Dowe (School of Computer Science and Software
Engineering)
The first-year units 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 unit, CSE1301, covers basic programming skills and gives an
introduction to computer science. The second unit, CSE1303, develops the
understanding of algorithms, data structures and computer systems.
Second-year
coordinator: Dr Kevin Korb (School of Computer Science and Software
Engineering)
The level-two units aim to develop a firm foundation in the fundamental
concepts of computer science, namely formal methods, algorithm development and
software engineering. In addition, they introduce new topics to broaden the
student's view of computation and its applications.
Third-year
coordinator: Dr Alan Dorin (School of Computer Science and Software
Engineering)
Students intending to study a major sequence in computer science must take at
least one project (CSE3301 or CSE3302) and at least 18 points of additional
level-three computer science units. 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 level-three computer science electives.
Honours
coordinator: Dr Bernd Meyer (School of Computer Science and Software
Engineering)
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 CSE3301 (Project) or CSE3302 (Software
engineering) and at least three other third-level computer science units. Entry
to the honours year may be subject to quota restrictions.
The honours program is arranged as a single unit 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 units 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 units from other disciplines with
approval from the coordinator.
Each year, 12 to 14 topic areas 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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