Bachelor of Computer Science
2024 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2024 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Computer Science |
| Deakin course code | S306 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Online | Yes |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | The course map for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2024 The course map for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2024 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS course code | 083695K Burwood (Melbourne) |
| 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
- Major sequences
- Minor sequences
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of major sequences
- Details of minor sequences
- 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 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 for more information 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$500.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($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. For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students 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
- DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- 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
- level 3 - 6 credit points
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.
- Computational Mathematics
- Cloud Technologies
- Embedded Systems
- Full Stack Development
- Game Design
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
Course structure
Core
Year 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity Module (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 | Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence |
| 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) open 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) open 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 ^+ |
OR
| 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 ^ |
OR
One (1) SIT course 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 open elective units offered across many courses, 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).
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Details of major sequences
Computational Mathematics
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MJ-S000097
Overview
Develop high-demand, specialist skills used by computer scientists across technology and industry when you study Computational Mathematics. Utilising computer science and mathematics, this major allows you to augment your programming expertise and solve complex problems using advanced mathematical methods. Enhance your logical and abstract thinking soft skills across real-world applications, including designing algorithms, analysing data and statistics, and build a strong foundation for a variety of careers when you graduate.
Units
| SIT190 | Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs |
OR
| SIT191 | Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis |
Plus:
| SIT194 | Introduction to Mathematical Modelling |
| SIT281 | Cryptography |
| SIT291 | Mathematical Methods for Information Modelling |
| SIT316 | Optimisation and Constraint Programming |
| SIT334 | Numerical Methods in Mathematics * |
* available from 2026
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 |
OR
| SIT191 | Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis |
Plus
| SIT220 | Data Wrangling |
| SIT307 | Machine Learning |
| SIT319 | Deep Learning |
| SIT314 | Software Architecture and Scalability for Internet-Of-Things |
| SIT330 | Natural Language Processing |
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
| SIT225 | Data Capture Technologies |
| 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
| SIT225 | Data Capture Technologies |
| SIT122 | Robotics Studio |
| SIT210 | Embedded Systems Development |
| SIT310 | Robotics Application Development |
| SIT315 | Concurrent and Distributed Programming |
| SIT332 | Robotics, Computer Vision and Speech Processing |
Details of minor sequences
Computational Mathematics
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000026
Overview
Utilising computer science and mathematics, this minor allows you to enhance your logical and abstract thinking soft skills across real-world applications, including designing algorithms, analysing data and statistics.
Units
| SIT190 | Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs |
OR
| SIT194 | Introduction to Mathematical Modelling |
Plus two of:
| SIT281 | Cryptography ^^ |
| SIT291 | Mathematical Methods for Information Modelling ^^ |
| SIT292 | Linear Algebra for Data Analysis ^^ |
Plus one of:
| SIT316 | Optimisation and Constraint Programming |
OR
| SIT334 | Numerical Methods in Mathematics * |
* available from 2026
^^ Students in S306 and S406 should undertake two of SIT281 Cryptography, SIT291 Mathematical Methods for Information Modelling, or any SIT elective.
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 |
| SIT226 | Cloud Automation Technologies |
| 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 |
| SIT225 | Data Capture Technologies |
| 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
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.