Bachelor of Computer Science

2023 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Indicative student workload
• Professional recognition
• Career opportunities
• Participation requirements
• Mandatory student checks
• Fees and charges
• Course rules
• Work experience
• Other learning experiences

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’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. 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'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, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and 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.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Computer Science, students must attain 24 credit points, which must include the following:

• Nineteen (19) core units (19 credit points - which includes a compulsory internship unit SIT306 IT Internship or STP301 Industry Based Learning)
• Five (5) credit points of elective units
• 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.

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.