Bachelor of Computer Science

2023 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2023 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2023 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Computer Science
Course Map	The course map for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023. The course map for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2023. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Online	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

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 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 judgement 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 2 June 2022

Course rules

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

Thirteen (13) credit points of core 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)
Three (3) credit points of Computer Science capstone units
And one of:
- A Major sequence (6 credit points) and 2 open elective units (2 credit points)
- A Minor sequence (4 credit points) and 4 open elective units (4 credit points)
- Two Minor sequences (8 credit points)
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.

Major sequences

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.

Minor sequences

Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.

Course structure

Core

Year 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

Computer Systems

SIT192

Discrete Mathematics

SIT112

Data Science Concepts

SIT102

Introduction to Programming

Year 1 - Trimester 2

SIT232

Object-Oriented Development

SIT103

Database Fundamentals

SIT292

Linear Algebra for Data Analysis

SIT202

Computer Networks and Communication

Year 2 - Trimester 1

SIT221

Data Structures and Algorithms

SIT215

Computational Intelligence

Plus one (1) elective unit (one (1) credit point)

Plus one (1) major or minor unit (one (1) credit point)

Year 2 - Trimester 2

SIT223

Professional Practice in Information Technology #

SIT320

Advanced Algorithms

Plus one (1) elective unit (one (1) credit point)

One (1) major or minor unit (one (1) credit point)

Year 3 - Trimester 1

Two (2) major or minor units (two (2) credit points)

Plus, two (2) credit points from the following capstone options:

SIT374

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

SIT306

IT Placements and Industry Experience ^+

SIT344

Professional Practice (2 credit points) ^+

Year 3 - Trimester 2

SIT315

Concurrent and Distributed Programming

Plus two (2) major or minor units (two (2) credit points)

Plus one (1) credit point from the following capstone options:

SIT378

Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^

One (1) SIT elective unit

^ offered in trimester 1, trimester 2, trimester 3

+ Students must have completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) and SIT223 Professional Practice in IT.

~ 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.

^ Offered in Trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3

# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)

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 (conditions apply, please refer to deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.)

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

Details of major sequences

Data Science

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MJ-S000087

Overview

Skilled data professionals are in high demand as organisations increasingly rely on skilled specialists to unlock hidden patterns in big data to provide strategic advantage in the competitive business world. This major sequence will prepare you with knowledge and technical skills in the areas of data mining, machine learning, deep learning, software architecture and scalability, natural language processing and AI.

Units

SIT199

Applied Algebra and Statistics

Data Wrangling

Machine Learning

Deep Learning

Software Architecture and Scalability for Internet-Of-Things

SIT330

Natural Language Processing *

* available from 2024

Internet of Things

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MJ-S000089

Overview

Many organisations are starting to realise the enormous potential of IoT in their business leading to growing demand for Internet of Things (IoT) related skillsets in the IT job market. In this major sequence you will explore areas relating to data capture, embedded systems, software architecture and scalability, data mining and machine learning.

Units

SIT123 Data Capture Technologies [No longer available for enrolment from 2024, alternate unit SIT225]

SIT210

Embedded Systems Development

SIT331

Full Stack Development: Secure Backend Services

SIT314

Software Architecture and Scalability for Internet-Of-Things

SIT307

Machine Learning

SIT329

Advanced Embedded Systems

Robotics

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MJ-S000088

Overview

Robotics is a rapidly growing field and brings together the disciplines of computer science and engineering to design, construct and deploy robotic machines that can benefit humans – either through substitution or replication of human actions. Robots are increasingly built to do jobs that are hazardous to people and serve various practical applications across domestic, commercial and military settings. This major sequence will equip you with technical skills software engineering, embedded systems development, computer vision and speech processing, and robotics application development.

Units

SIT123 Data Capture Technologies [No longer available for enrolment from 2024, alternate unit SIT225]

SIT122

Robotics Studio

SIT210

Embedded Systems Development

SIT310

Robotics Application Development

SIT315

Concurrent and Distributed Programming

SIT332

Robotics, Computer Vision and Speech Processing *

* available from 2024

Details of minor sequences

Cloud Technologies

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000011

Overview

In today’s data-driven digital world, cloud technologies are an area of significant business interest and their adoption and integration into business practices is growing at a rapid pace. This minor focuses on providing you with the knowledge, skills and expertise required to construct solutions using virtualisation, enterprise networks, system security and cloud infrastructure.

Units

SIT233

Cloud Computing

SIT325

Advanced Network Security

SIT323

Cloud Native Application Development

SIT314

Software Architecture and Scalability for Internet-Of-Things

Embedded Systems

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000005

Overview

This minor will focus on developing solutions that use hardware, software, sensors, actuators, prototyping platforms and systems software. Students will gain the skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems in smart-homes, the Internet of Things and Robotics.

Units

SIT122

Robotics Studio

SIT123 Data Capture Technologies [No longer available for enrolment from 2024, alternate unit SIT225]

SIT210

Embedded Systems Development

SIT329

Advanced Embedded Systems

Full Stack Development

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000012

Overview

Web development is one of the fastest-growing careers in today’s economy, with growing demand for full stack web developers who are proficient in both front-end and back-end web development. Throughout this minor sequence, you will explore responsive web apps, full stack development across frontend applications and backend services, and mobile programming for Android and iOS.

Units

SIT120

Introduction to Responsive Web Apps

SIT331

Full Stack Development: Secure Backend Services

SIT313

Full Stack Development: Secure Frontend Applications

SIT305

Mobile Application Development

Game Design

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000006

Overview

Game design introduces the range of concepts relevant to an aspiring game designer, ranging from the terminology used in professional game design through to aspects of game content design, design of rules and mechanics, and design to support the marketing and distribution of interactive applications.

Units

SIT151

Game Fundamentals

SIT253

Content Creation for Interactive Experiences

SIT254

Game Design

SIT283

Development for Virtual and Augmented Reality *

*SIT283 replaced SIT352 Creative Production from 2022

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000009

Overview

Virtual and augmented reality technologies are revolutionising business processes, disrupting the way companies work with complex data sets, and enhancing educational and training practices. They contribute to novel therapies and treatments, allow access to opportunities despite physical and geographical restrictions and have redefined the way we represent and interact with digital media whether it be our holiday souvenir snapshots or the latest interactive gaming experience.

Units

SIT183

Interactive Application Design for Virtual and Augmented Reality

SIT283

Development for Virtual and Augmented Reality

SIT253

Content Creation for Interactive Experiences *

SIT383

Assembling Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiences

*SIT253 replaced SIT352 Creative Production from 2022

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.