Computer Science involves the study of the design, construction and uses of computer systems. It is concerned with the representation of data and data structures in computer systems and the design of algorithms for automatic manipulation of this information by programming languages and machine systems. It is very much concerned with the design and development of hardware and software tools by which computer applications may be developed, but not so much with the applications themselves. It is, however, noted that non-computing elements (such as human interface or psychological aspects) can often dictate the level of success of computing systems. At UNSW, particular emphasis is given to comprehension of the basic principles behind computing tools, operating systems, compilers and translators, and computer hardware.

Students in other programs may take some Level 1 and Level 2 Computer Science courses. Level 3 studies in Computer Science are only available in other specified combined programs. Appropriate disciplines are Physics and Computing, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Minors - that is, recognised sequences of related courses in disciplines other than Computer Science - are available in the Computer Science program. For details, see the Science program 3970 entry in this Handbook.

Please contact the School of Computer Science and Engineering for information on the Program Objectives and Learning Outcomes.

And ONE of:

Computer and Science Electives* (6UoC)

And ONE of:

Computer and Science Electives* (12UoC)

*Students are permitted to complete a maximum of 30uoc of First Year electives within this program.

Note: ENGG1000 (Engineering Design) is designed for students with a Computing Major to choose it in semester 1 and is highly reccommended. ENGG1811 (Computing for Engineers) is not designed for students with a Computing Major.

Computer science has mathematics and computing courses in year 1, representing five out of eight courses for a full-time student. Electives are chosen from physics, information systems, chemistry, philosophy, psychology, geography, economics and many other disciplines. ENGG1000 is a recommended elective.

*Computer Science Electives (6UoC)
General Education (6UoC)

Four of the ten courses in year 2 comprise core computing. The remainder are elective. Common electives include GMAT4900, mathematics (many choices), psychology, geography, biology, chemistry, physics, economics, arts, more first year courses (maximum 12uoc), material that follows on from first-year electives, and information systems.

* Note: Students are permitted to complete a minimum of 21uoc of First Year electives within this program.

*Level 3/4 Computer Science Electives (24UOC)
*General Education (6UOC)
*Electives (12UOC)

* Electives, COMP electives, and General Education courses may be allocated between first and second semesters according to the student's preference, but the total uoc per semester should be 24.

Between five and seven computing courses are taken in year 3. Students proceeding to the Honours year must take at least six level 3 courses in computing or other disciplines.

Students can also do COMP3xxx, COMP4xxx , and COMP9xxx courses not listed above if they meet the prerequisites.

With the approval of the Program Director, students in this program wishing to fulfil the requirements for a major in a second discipline, as well as the Computer Science requirements, may substitute a course from the other discipline for one of the level 3/4 computing electives. Please note that not all electives are offered each semester.

The flexibility of the Computer Science Program allows specialisations within the program such as Robotics and Computer Games as well as combining it with minors such as Commerce and Japanese. You can specialise in the following areas:

COMPA13978 Computer Science
COMPG13978 Computer Game Design & Construction
COMPI13978 Artificial Intelligence
COMPH13978 Human Computer Interaction
COMPR13978 Robotics
COMPE13978 Electronic Commerce
COMPN13978 Computer Networks
COMPD13978 Database Systems

It is possible to combine a minor in many other disciplines with Computer Science. A minor is four courses of level II or higher in the other disciplines. Some examples of choices in minors are:

Note that the choices above are just examples. Any minor available to BSc students (except computer science) can also be chosen. See the list here

Students in this program must also satisfy the General Education requirements.
This is usually 12 UOC taken in second and third year studies.

It may not be possible for computing students to enrol in General Education courses which are similar in content to the courses offfered in their respecrtive degrees. For a comprehensive list, see www.cse.unsw.edu.au/undergrad/current/gened.html

Year 4 Honours (Optional) COMPAH3978

Computer Science Honours takes one year full-time or two years of part-time study.

Normally, students are expected to have attained an average mark of 65 (according to NewSouth Student calculations) to qualify for entry to the Honours year. Students who do not meet this expectation may be admitted in special circumstances. Students who have graduated with a three-year computer science degree from UNSW or another university can apply for admission to Honours. Application forms are available from the Student Office of Computer Science and Engineering in K17 G01. Detailed information about the program is available at the Honours website at: www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~cs4914

Computing Electives
(subject to approval of the Program Director)
Level 3/4 Computer Science Courses 12 UOC
Level 4 Computer Science Courses 18 UOC

Computer Science Honours students must at least complete 18UOC level 4 elective courses. Students may substitute level 4 courses from other schools with the permission of the Program Director.

Please refer to Program Structure for the Academic Requirements relating to this program.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

Some courses listed here also offer advanced versions.

Information regarding recommended computing equipment and software for the progam is available from the School,of Computer Science and Engineering Help Desk.

Engineers Australia

The professional body for engineering in Australia is Engineers Australia, which has as its first objective the promotion of the science and practice of engineering in all its branches.

Engineers Australia has its national headquarters in Canberra and functions through a series of divisions, the local one being the Sydney Division. Within each division are branches representing the main interests within the profession, e.g. civil, mechanical, electrical, engineering management and environmental engineering.

Students of an approved school of engineering may join the Institution as a student member (StudIEAust). Student members receive the monthly publication Engineers Australia and for a small fee they also receive The Transactions which contains articles on a particular branch of engineering.

Student members are invited to participate in the Excellence Award for Work Experience, the National Young Engineer of the Year Award and to avail themselves of other Engineers Australia services including the Mentor Scheme and industrial experience guidance.

For more information and membership application forms, contact Engineers Australia, Sydney Division, Level 3, 8 Thomas Street, CHATSWOOD NSW 2067 - telephone 02 9410 5600 www.engineersaustralia.org.au

The Australian Computing Society

The peak professional body for computing in Australia is the Australian Computing Society (ACS) - www.acs.org.au

The objectives of the ACS can be found here and include: "advanc[ing] professional excellence in information and communications technology, and further[ing] the study, science and application of information and communications technology."

Again, students who want to join ACS should go to Member Application