Major overview
This course is one of 13 majors offered in the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) degree.
Computer scientists, software engineers, programmers and other computing professionals are experts on how technology works and how computing can address complex problems.
This major is designed for high-performing students to pursue their interest in a particular discipline through research, leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities.
As an Advanced Science student, you will benefit from a flexible learning approach, exploring the field of computing through for-credit immersive research experiences, industry placement and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects.
In your first year, you'll develop your programming skills and study the fundamental theoretical knowledge of computing. Topics covered will include C++, Java, Linux and object oriented programming.
This course includes work-integrated learning through industry and/or research experiences. During your second and third years of study, you can undertake for-credit internships and other immersive experiences.
You can then specialise in your choice of Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology or Software Engineering.
Your studies will culminate in a capstone project, with topics ranging from pure research through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.
You'll also have the opportunity to interact with potential employers though your final-year capstone project, with topics ranging from pure research through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Career outcomes
Careers
- Computer programmer
- IT consultant
- Computer security consultant
- Software engineer/developer
Industries
- Information technology
- Applications and software development
- Game design and development
- Cybersecurity
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates can apply for Professional Level accreditation of the Australian Computer Society. The Cyber Security specialisation meets standards related to data encryption, computer security protection and management, of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Association for Computing Machinery and the Australian Computer Society.
This course is endorsed by the Naval Shipbuilding College.
Why study at Curtin?
Professional accreditation and industry recognition
Graduates can apply for Professional Level accreditation of the Australian Computer Society. The Cyber Security specialisation meets standards related to data encryption, computer security protection and management, of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Association for Computing Machinery and the Australian Computer Society.
This course is also endorsed by the Naval Shipbuilding College.
Career specialisations
You can specialise in your choice of Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology or Software Engineering.
Advanced science for high-performing students
This is a Curtin Advanced Science course that offers research engagement and leadership development for high-performing STEM students.
Major structure
Choose your specialisation
Within Computing, you can use your electives to study specialisations that will broaden your skill sets – such as Information and Communications Technology, Internet of Things, Optimisation, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Or, you can choose specialisations that explore computing areas in more depth – choose from Computer Science, Cyber Security or Software Engineering.
Computer Science
In Computer Science, you'll gain in-depth knowledge of software design and algorithm analysis, artificial intelligence, computer communications, databases and graphics. Your studies will focus on the knowledge required to build operating systems and design programming languages. As computer science theory and applications are mathematically based, there is a strong emphasis on mathematics.
Cyber Security
Cyber Security focuses on the key concepts and challenges in data and resource protection and computer software security. You'll examine high level aspects of computer security – including cryptography theory, data-access policy development and security program management – and the low level practical aspects comprising computer forensics, network intrusion detection and incident handling.
You'll develop the skills to identify appropriate applications for specific scenarios, with an understanding of cultural and ethical issues related to protecting individual rights.
Software Engineering
Software engineers are experts in the principles of design, measurement and analysis applied in the context of the development of software-based systems.
This specialisation will give you a strong foundation in computer science, with further emphasis on software requirements gathering, design, implementation and testing. You'll also study communication skills, professional responsibility, ethics, interpersonal relationships, teamwork and time management.
How this course will make you industry-ready
This course includes work-integrated learning through engagement in immersive industry and/or research experiences. During the second and third years of your studies, you can undertake for-credit internships and other immersive work experiences. You'll also have the opportunity to interact with potential employers though your final-year capstone project, in which you will work on real-world industry problems.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this degree either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Explore more
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