Future Students

Computer Science

Students may choose to complete a single or double major in the Bachelor of Computer Science. The first major must be one of the following four from the School of Computer Science and Software Engineering:

• Computation
• Entertainment Technologies
• Software Management
• Systems
• Web Technologies

Computation
Computation is the study of algorithms for solving computational problems.  It is commonly thought of as ‘programming’ but there is more to it than just writing snippets of Java or C++.  Computation is about expressing algorithms in different styles of language, using the appropriate paradigm to the problem in hand.  It is about being able to prove that the resulting procedures are correct and being able to quantify in some way how good the procedures are.

Entertainment Technologies
Computer games technology draws expertise from several different areas including three-dimensional computer graphics, animation, graphic design, Newtonian physics, agent systems and artificial intelligence. This major aims to give students expertise in the area of games design, building on their knowledge of three-dimensional computer graphics.

This course also explores the design of single-player games along with decision making processes using techniques from artificial intelligence and agent systems.

Software Management
Software products are among the most complex products to describe, design and implement.  Despite being an integral part of many industries, software development projects still run real risks of failing if this complexity is not carefully managed.  Modern software engineering techniques are needed to manage the successful design, delivery and implementation of new software products.

Systems
Computer Systems, such as databases and networks are becoming increasingly pervasive throughout all levels of society.  The speed and volume of data transfer are rapidly increasing and there is a strong demand for people to efficiently manage and coordinate the collection, storage and interrogation of the data.  This major focuses on aspects of programming that are related to computer systems and their function, with emphasis on database systems and computer networks.

Web Technologies
The Web is booming, with new technologies enabling interactive web sites that connect millions of people and create billion-dollar industries seemingly overnight. These web sites use a rich mixture of rapidly evolving technologies to provide the secure, interactive and personalised online experience that today's users enjoy. Web Technologies provides students with a broadly based understanding of these technologies and how they are most effectively combined, along with hands-on experience in their use.

A second major may be taken from almost any offered by UWA (including those listed above), assuming all prerequisites have been met.

Level 1
Java Programming
C Programming
Web Technologies
Software Engineering
four electives

Level 2
Data Structures and Algorithms
Databases
Any 2 of:
Operating Systems
Software Engineering Design
Graphics
Discrete Structures
And four electives

Level 3
Professional Computing
units leading to at least one of the
following majors:
Computation
Software Management
Systems
Web Technologies
Entertainment Technologies

You are also required to complete at least 8 weeks full-time (or equivalent part-time) professional work experience.

Career opportunities

Graduates will be equipped with up-to-date skills and expertise in a wide variety of computing areas. You will also have key generic skills such as good problem solving abilities, good communicaiton skills, the capacity to work in a team and an appreciation of life-long learning.

Recent employers have included Google, Microsoft, IBM, CSC, Accenture, Intellect, Earth Resource Mapping, Commtech Wireless, Raytheon, L3 Communications, Thales and Interzone.