Bachelor of Computer Science
2020 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2020 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Computer Science |
| Course Map | If you started your course before 2020, please refer to the plan your study page or contact a Student Adviser |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Cloud Campus | Yes |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS course code | 083695K Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Deakin course code | S306 |
| Approval status | This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
Course overview
Deakin’s Bachelor of Computer Science equips you with the knowledge and practical skills required to design and develop innovative software solutions to complex information and technology problems faced by our community, business and industry.
Want to drive change and make a difference in how technology can improve people’s lives?
Through the study of problem solving, algorithmic thinking, computational patterns, computing technologies and software development techniques, the Bachelor of Computer Science equips you with the skills and competencies needed to design and develop data-driven computing solutions to existing and emerging problems in areas such as data analytics, machine learning, robotics, intelligent systems, autonomous systems, telecommunications and entertainment.
You will have access to our brand-new specialised capstone project and co-working space, which offers you an inspiring space to collaborate with your teammates on your capstone project. As a computer science student you will undertake a capstone unit that allows you to develop solutions to real-world problems from industry and learn agile project management methods – widely used across industry.
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 passwords
- political – a secure online voting system
As a computer science student, you will have access to specialised labs and facilities, including dedicated robotics, cyber security and augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) laboratories. These are well-equipped with modern equipment and educational technologies, supported by enthusiastic and experienced staff. You will have access to current state-of-the-art software and hardware throughout the course, giving you vital hands-on experience that employers demand.
We offer a combination of experiential learning and practical exposure, with access to our state-of-the-art facilities, including Deakin’s $1.2 million Robotics and Internet of Things (RIoT) Studio featuring a range of devices, robotics and drones.
Deakin’s teachers are active researchers in the field, working with groups such as the Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A2I2). Our world-class research programs feed directly into our classrooms, meaning that you’ll 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 course offers you a range of industry-based learning opportunities, including an IT placement unit that gives you a minimum of 100 hours of hands-on experience in industry. This practical experience enhances your future employment prospects, adding experience to your resume and developing your professional networks before graduation.
The Bachelor of Computer Science is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), meaning your degree will be recognised around the world.
Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.
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’ll 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 the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
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. Click here for more information.
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's website, www.deakin.edu.au/information-technology/students or telephone 03 9244 6699.
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.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.
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 attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point. So that means in order to gain 24 credit points, you’ll need to study 24 units (AKA ‘subjects’) over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
The course comprises a total of 24 credit points, which must include the following:
- 19 core IT units (which includes a compulsory internship unit SIT306 IT Internship or STP301 Industry Based Learning) totalling 19 credit points
- 5 general elective units totalling 5 credit points
- completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- completion of SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- level 1 - maximum of 10 credit points
- levels 2 and 3 - minimum of 14 credit points over both levels
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.
Course structure
Core
Level 1 - Trimester 1
| STP050 | Academic Integrity (0 credit points) |
| SIT010 | Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| STP010 | Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points) |
| SIT111 | Algorithms and Computing Systems |
| SIT192 | Discrete Mathematics |
| SIT112 | Data Science Concepts |
| SIT102 | Introduction to Programming |
Level 1 - Trimester 2
| SIT232 | Object-Oriented Development |
| SIT103 | Data and Information Management |
| SIT123 | Data Capture Technologies |
Plus one elective unit
Level 2 - Trimester 1
| SIT210 | Embedded Systems Development |
| SIT221 | Data Structures and Algorithms |
| SIT215 | Artificial and Computational Intelligence |
Plus one elective unit
Level 2 - Trimester 2
| SIT202 | Networks and Communications |
| SIT320 | Advanced Algorithms * |
| SIT223 | Professional Practice in Information Technology # |
| SIT312 | System Design and Prototyping |
Level 3 - Trimester 1
| SIT374 | Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ^ ~ |
| SIT307 | Data Mining and Machine Learning |
Plus two elective units
Level 3 - Trimester 2
| SIT378 | Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^ ~ |
| SIT315 | Programming Paradigms |
Plus one elective unit
Plus one unit in:
| SIT306 | IT Placement ^# |
| STP301 | Industry Based Learning |
^ Offered in Trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3
# Must have completed STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit point unit)
* available from 2021
~ Note: Students are expected 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.
Course structure
Electives
Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).
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 between 6 – 12 weeks (conditions apply, please refer to deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.)
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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.