Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology
University of Sydney
The Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology is a specialist
degree which combines a concentration on the wide-ranging application of
information technology in today's world with the flexibility in the choice of
other subjects. The degree is taught at an advanced level and entry is
competitive.
Course structure
The Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology is a three year
full-time program. A fourth year (Honours course) is also offered.
The degree has a compulsory core consisting of 3 years of Computer Science and
two years of Mathematics (as it relates to computing). This core forms the
background against which you may choose to tailor your studies to specific
areas of computer science.
Although the emphasis of the degree is Computer Science and Technology, there
is considerable flexibility and you may choose half of the first year subjects
and one third of the second year subjects from courses offered in the Faculty
of Science or courses offered by other faculties (such as Accounting,
Economics, Engineering or Linguistics). In third year you can either study
computer science exclusively or combine computer science with other
computationally based subjects. Specialist options are available in third year
which are only offered to students in the Bachelor of Computer Science and
Technology.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology will find
work as computer programmers, systems analysts, software engineers and managers
in large organisations. Computer science graduates find employment at salary
levels which are among the best available to graduates in the sciences.
Computer Science is offered as a major
in the Bachelor degrees in
A double degree with majors in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
is available from the Faculties of Science and Engineering.
To study for a major in Computer Science you must study Computer
Science as a three-year sequence of courses, and two years of Mathematics or
Econometrics. A description of these courses follow.
Computer Science courses
The following computer Science courses are compulsory for
students in the Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology degree. They are
also available in other degrees such as the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of
Arts and Bachelor of Economics degree.
Computer Science 1 (CS1) develops basic programming and other fundamental
skills needed for both simple uses of computers and as a foundation for future
study of computer science. CS1 also provides a basic understanding of computer
systems, their organisation and of how programs are designed and used. Students
must take either first year maths or first year econometrics (usually together
with one or two other subjects chosen from the Faculties of Arts, Science,
Economics, Education or Engineering) alongside CS1.
Having completed Computer Science 2 (CS2) a student is in a position to use
computers in a wide variety of applications. Emphasis is placed on programming
design and data structures, logic, computer languages and analysis of computer
systems. Two large programming projects provide an opportunity for students to
demonstrate their understanding of these concepts through a substantial
programming task. If students intend to go on to study CS3 they must take
either second year maths or second year econometrics (usually together with one
other subject chosen, according to the students degree, from the Faculties of
Arts, Science, Economics, Education or Engineering) alongside CS2.
Computer Science 3 (CS3) is designed to produced graduates of a standard
sufficient to enter the computer profession. CS3 is organised into streams such
as information systems and software engineering, intelligent systems, computer
system design and programming languages. While CS3 is often combined with
another major, such as mathematics, students in the Bachelor of Science and
Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology may elect to take a double course
in computer science in third year.
This is a one year course open to students who perform well in third year. The
course involves a substantial research project and a number of lecture courses.
It also presents a more in-depth look at aspects of computer science which are
not necessarily covered in the standard undergraduate course.
The Challenge Program
If you have substantial computer programming experience and
aptitude, or if you achieve highly in the NSW HSC (or equivalent), you should
consider undertaking the Challenge program. This program offers the top
students the opportunity to replace tasks they often find dull and
unchallenging with ones that they find more interesting and valuable.
The Challenge program allows talented students to study independently. Students
are encouraged to follow their own initiative and curiosity in their
assignments.
Students are selected in two groups. One is for those with substantial
programming experience and aptitude. The other is for students with high
academic achievement in the HSC. For this group no programming background is
expected.
Careers in Computer Science
The career prospects for computer scientists are very good and
amongst the brightest facing science graduates. The Australian computer
industry is large and growing, and according to recent government reports there
will be a shortage of qualified professionals for the foreseeable future.
Starting salaries are higher than those of graduates of most other disciplines,
and promotion is usually rapid.
Perhaps the most important development in recent years has been the opportunity
to become involved in software development at the very forefront of the
industry throughout the world. As a result of Australian Government
initiatives, Australian companies are now able to participate in software
development projects in partnership with the major international computer
companies.
There is also a strong demand for people skilled both in computer science and
in some other field where computers are used -- such as in engineering,
physics, statistics and oceanography, as well as in many of the social
sciences, business studies, and so on.
Assumed knowledge
You will succeed in Computer Science if you are persevering, with
an aptitude for precise, logical thinking. The best preparation is Mathematics
at 3-Unit level or higher in the NSW HSC, or interstate or overseas equivalent.
High school Computer Studies is not required or assumed. Bridging courses and
on going support in maths is available. For more information contact the Maths
Learning Centre on (02) 351 4061.
Staffing and facilities
The Basser Department of Computer Science at the University of
Sydney is one of Australia's leading centres of research in Computer Science,
and its academic staff are recognised internationally for their contributions
to artificial intelligence, computer networks, biomedical applications of
computing, and other areas.
The Department's general computing facilities have more than 16 computer servers
connected to a network of over 250 X-Terminals. The Department is connected to
all other Australian universities via a global research and education computer
network.
Recognition
Students who complete Computer Science 3 or those that complete
the Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology degree are eligible to become
Associate Members of the Australian Computer Society.
International students should take care to enquire whether the University's
Basser Department of Computer Science courses are registrable or eligible for
registration after further examination in their own countries. The University
is aware that its degrees have wide recognition overseas but acknowledges that
the responsibility for such recognition is ultimately a matter for the
appropriate authorities in those countries.
Additional Information
An article on the new degree can be found in the April 1995 issue of BasserNet.
Contact the Basser Department of Computer
Science for further information.
Basser Home Page
webmaster@cs.usyd.edu.au