Bachelor of Computer Science

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Computer Science
Deakin course code	S306
Course version	1
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Course Information	For students who commenced from 2015 to 2021
Campus	For students who commenced prior to 2022
Duration	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS code	083695K Burwood (Melbourne)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
The final intake to this course version was in 2021. Students should contact a Student Adviser in Student Central for course and enrolment information. Further course structure information can be found in the handbook archive.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

This course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to design and develop innovative software solutions to address multifaceted information and technology problems faced by our community, business and industry. Learn what it takes to create and integrate complex new computing technologies while exploring existing and emerging challenges. You will explore areas such as data analytics, machine learning, robotics, intelligent and autonomous systems, and telecommunications.

Computer scientists are problem solvers and innovators and at Deakin, you will get a competitive edge in the job market. Gain hands-on experience with current technologies and training in fundamental concepts, models and methods. Extend your skills through a work placement and develop valuable professional networks. Professional accreditation by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) means your degree will be recognised around the world.

Want to drive change through technology?

This course provides a combination of experiential learning and practical exposure, with access to specialised labs and facilities, including dedicated robotics, cyber security and augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) laboratories. Supported by experienced, industry-connected staff, you will access to state-of-the-art software and hardware throughout the course, giving you vital hands-on experience that employers demand.

Expand your skills with our industry-based learning opportunities, including a placement unit that gives you a minimum of 100 hours of hands-on experience Tackling the challenges of computer science in the field, you will gain practical expertise and develop valuable professional networks, ensuring you graduate job ready.

You will have access to our brand-new specialised capstone project and inspiring co-working space to collaborate with your teammates. During the capstone unit, you will develop solutions to real-world problems from industry and learn agile project management methods, which are widely used across the sector.

Our past students have worked on capstone projects such as:

medical – a mobile app that tracks pupil responses to light
real estate – a mobile app to track your notes about properties you view
transport – planning a bus trip with real-time data
gaming – children’s computer game to build their resilience
architecture – a virtual reality space to assess architecture student projects
security – voice-activated password software
political – a secure online voting system

Deakin’s teaching staff are active researchers in the field, working with groups such as the Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute. Our world-class research programs feed directly into our classrooms, meaning that you will be learning at the cutting edge of industry standards.

Equip yourself with a comprehensive understanding of:

artificial intelligence
machine learning
embedded devices
Internet of Things (IoT)
computer systems and networks
data management and information processes
human computer interaction
programming and software development
mathematical methods
algorithm design and analysis

The Bachelor of Computer Science is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), meaning your degree will be recognised around the world.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Computer Science is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Career opportunities

You’ll be ready for employment in organisations engaged in:

artificial intelligence and machine learning
robotics application development
technology innovation.

You’ll graduate with career options such as:

innovation lead
data scientist
software developer
database specialist
technology consultant
software analyst
solutions architect
project manager.

As a computer science graduate, you will enter one of the most exciting and dynamic industries, with opportunities in areas such as:

cognitive computing and intelligent systems
robotics and autonomous systems
emerging technologies.

As your experience develops, you will also be well prepared to progress into project management positions.

Participation requirements

Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Equipment requirements

For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the School of Information Technology or telephone 03 9244 6699.

Articulated courses

Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) (S470)

Course expenses

Student equipment purchases

The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require that students have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. Access to high cost specialist equipment, such as robots, is provided. Students will be required to purchase minor equipment, such as small single board computers, microcontrollers and sensors, which will be used within a range of units in this course. This equipment is also usable by the student beyond their studies. Equipment requirements and details of suppliers will be provided on a per-unit basis. The indicative cost of this equipment for this course is AUD$500.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Develop a broad, coherent knowledge of the computer science discipline, with detailed knowledge of the application of computer science methods and principles in modern computing systems. Use knowledge, skills, tools and methodologies for professional computer science practice. Design algorithms, system models, software components, computing systems and processes, to meet application requirements within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, legal and ethical constraints.
Communication	Communicate in a computer science context to inform, motivate and effect change by utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences.
Digital literacy	Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, analyse, evaluate, select, process and disseminate both technical and non-technical information.
Critical thinking	Evaluate specialist computer science information using critical and analytical thinking, technical skills and well-developed personal judgement and values to identify problems, analyse requirements and propose solutions.
Problem solving	Apply theoretical constructs and skills and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop innovative computing solutions.
Self-management	Apply knowledge and skills to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of computer science with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. Apply understanding of reflective practice and self-critique skills within broad parameters to plan for their own future continuing professional development.
Teamwork	Contribute effectively as a skilled and knowledgeable individual to the processes and output of a work unit or team. Work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams, employing effective communication, self- and team- management skills to achieve shared goals.
Global citizenship	Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability for own learning to in the development, design, construction and management of localised computing solutions.

Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Computer Science students must pass 24 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
19 credit points of core units - which includes a compulsory internship unit SIT306 IT Internship or STP301 Industry Based Learning
5 credit points of elective units
a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
a minimum of 14 credit points levels 2 and 3
a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

Course structure

Level 1 - Trimester 1

STP050 Academic Integrity (0 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit DAI001]

SIT010

Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

STP010

Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

SIT111

Computer Systems

SIT192

Discrete Mathematics

SIT112

Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

SIT102

Introduction to Programming

Level 1 - Trimester 2

SIT232

Object-Oriented Development

SIT103

Database Fundamentals

SIT123 Data Capture Technologies [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SIT225]

Plus one elective unit (one credit point)

Level 2 - Trimester 1

SIT210

Embedded Systems Development

SIT221

Data Structures and Algorithms

SIT215

Computational Intelligence

Plus one elective unit (one credit point)

Level 2 - Trimester 2

SIT202

Computer Networks and Communication

SIT320

Advanced Algorithms

SIT223

Professional Practice in Information Technology #

SIT312 System Design and Prototyping [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SIT317]

Level 3 - Trimester 1

SIT374

Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ^ ~

SIT307

Machine Learning

Plus two elective units (two credit points)

Level 3 - Trimester 2

SIT378

Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^ ~

SIT315

Concurrent and Distributed Programming

Plus one elective unit (one credit point)

Plus one unit in:

SIT306

IT Placements and Industry Experience ^#

STP301 Industry Based Learning [No longer available for enrolment]

^ Offered in Trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3

# Must have completed STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit point unit)

~ Note: Students are recommended to undertake SIT374 and SIT378 in consecutive trimesters. Students should seek advice from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SIT374 and SIT378 consecutively.

Work experience

This course includes a compulsory work placement where you will be required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours in industry, providing professional work experience with an approved host organisation. Alternatively, high achieving students may have the opportunity to undertake an extended full-time paid industry-based learning placement (conditions apply).

Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

Other learning experiences

You will have the opportunity to participate in a range of extra-curricular learning opportunities, such as internal and external competitions and challenges, industry projects within the Deakin Incubator Group, and international study tours.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.