Prior to 31 December 2015

The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) (Honours) requires four years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time).

The course is offered by the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Admission requirements

The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.

Unders the existing SACE - Successful completion of any of SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Studies or Mathematical Methods with a minimum grade of C- or better (or equivalent) is normally required for entry to The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems). Knowledge of SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Physics is assumed.

Under the National Curriculum (from 2017) - Successful completion of either SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Specialist Mathematics or Mathematical Methods or equivalent International Baccalaureate subjects is normally required for entry. Knowledge of SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Physics is assumed.

Course aims

The course has been designed to provide graduates with:

  • a strong foundation in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of engineering, particularly those relevant to the systematic development of Computer Systems
  • an awareness of social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of (Computer Systems) engineering
  • an ability to critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems
  • an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to them
  • well developed written and oral communication skills
  • structured Engineering Work experience
  • the ability to work and interact professionally as an individual and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams
  • an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
  • an ability to undertake a substantial research-oriented project
  • preparation for future management roles as professional engineers.

The course provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study or for a career in an engineering related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the award, students will be able to:

  • proficiently use Professional Skills and knowledge in the systematic development of complex Computer Systems
  • demonstrate a broad understanding of the computer systems engineering discipline and a deeper understanding of some areas of computer systems engineering
  • apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner
  • communicate effectively with other engineers and the wider global community using a wide range of communication technologies
  • work professionally as an individual and in a team
  • understand and describe the processes through which current knowledge was developed
  • develop engineering solutions appropriate to the social, political, international, economic and environmental contexts in which they are applied
  • engage in the process of continuing learning needed to retain the necessary level of Professional Skills and knowledge in the area of Computer Systems engineering
  • contribute successfully to Project Management
  • plan and execute a research project, applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
  • apply skills adopted through the thesis and advanced discipline topics to postgraduate level research or advanced industrial investigation.

On completion of The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) (Honours), students will be eligible for professional membership of both Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society.

Program of study

To qualify for The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) (Honours) a student must complete 144 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program.

Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.

Core - Year 1 topics

36 units comprising:

 ENGR1201  Electronics  (4.5 units)
 ENGR1401  Professional Skills  (4.5 units)
 ENGR1711  Engineering Design  (4.5 units)
 ENGR1721  Engineering Programming  (4.5 units)
 ENGR1722  Engineering Physics and Materials  (4.5 units)
 ENGR1732  Engineering Mechanics  (4.5 units)
 MATH1121  Mathematics 1A  (4.5 units)
 MATH1122  Mathematics 1B  (4.5 units)

Core - Year 2 topics

36 units comprising:

 COMP2711  Computer Programming 2  (4.5 units)
 ENGR2711  Engineering Mathematics (4.5 units)
 ENGR2712  Automation and Industrial Control  (4.5 units)
 ENGR2721  Microprocessors  (4.5 units)
 ENGR2722  Analysis of Engineering Systems  (4.5 units)
 ENGR2731  Electronic Circuits  (4.5 units)
 ENGR2772  Sensors and Actuators  (4.5 units)
 ENGR2782  Computer Networks and Operating Systems (4.5 units)

Core - Year 3 topics

36 units comprising:

 ENGR3701  Computer Organisation and Design  (4.5 units)
 ENGR3704  Project Management for Engineering and Science  (4.5 units)
 ENGR3711  Control Systems  (4.5 units)
 ENGR3721  Signal Processing  (4.5 units)
 ENGR3750  Workplace Preparation (0 units)

Plus one of:

 COMP2731  Software Engineering 1  (4.5 units)
 COMP2761  Database and Conceptual Modelling  (4.5 units)
 COMP2781  Computer Mathematics  (4.5 units

Plus one of:

 ENGR3700  Engineering Practicum  (13.5 units) (see note 1)
 ENGR3710  International Engineering Practicum  (13.5 units) (see notes 1, 2)

Core - Year 4 topics

36 units comprising:

 ENGR7700A  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units) (see note 3)
 ENGR7700B  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units) 
 ENGR7700C  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units) 
 ENGR7700D  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units)  
 ENGR7731  Computer Architecture  (4.5 units)
 ENGR9742  Standards, Ethics and Compliance  (4.5 units)

Plus 9 units of CSEM option topics##

1. With the permission of the Director of Studies, students may undertake ENGR3403 Engineering Work Experience (0 units) plus 13.5 units of CSEM upper-level topics in place of ENGR3700 Engineering Practicum. ENGR3403 may be taken any time after the student has completed 63 units. Note that under the Fair Work Act, students enrolled in 0-unit Industry Experience topics must be in receipt of appropriate remuneration from the industry partner. Evidence of appropriate remuneration must be demonstrated before enrolment is permitted in the topic. International students please be aware that your student visa conditions may restrict you from undertaking ENGR3403 within Australia. Please see the topic coordinator for further details.

2. ENGR3710 International Engineering Practicum should be selected by those students intending to undertake their Practicum outside of Australia. Enrolment is subject to approval by the School and will consider the quality and appropriateness of the placement.

3. Students must undertake the Honours Thesis topics over a minimum of two semesters.

4. ##CSEM options must be selected from Table A, at least 9 units of which will be chosen from those labelled as Computer Systems (Group Y).

5. With permission of the Director of Studies, one Table A topics may be replaced by a COMP, ENGR, MATH and STAT topic at 7000-level and above.

6. The honours grade awarded is determined in accordance with the University''s Assessment Policy and Procedures and is calculated from the Weighted Average Mark of all topics at level 7000 and above taken as part of the degree as follows:

           85 ≤ WAM - Honours First Class (H1)
           75 ≤ WAM < 85 - Honours Second Class Division A (H2A)
           65 ≤ WAM < 75 - Honours Second Class Division B (H2B)
           50 ≤ WAM < 65 - Honours Third Class (H3)

           Where a student has satisfied all requirements for the course but has achieved a 
           WAM of less than 50, the WAM will be deemed 50 for the purposes of calculating the
           honours classification.

Combined degrees

The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) (Honours) may also be studied in a combined degrees program with any Bachelor degree in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.