Science and Engineering > CSEM > Disciplines > Information Technology and Software Engineering

Information Technology and Software Engineering

Computing, and its many subfields, is about solving problems using computers. It is concerned with the study of information and computation and finding solutions to problems using modern computer systems. Computer science and information technology drives many facets of modern innovation and assists the solving of problems in areas such as medical research, climate change, the environment, and business. It has a significant impact upon the creative industries and in the development of new products and services. Information technology covers everything from designing critical software to managing information systems.

Clearly there is considerable overlap between the subareas but employers are very aware of the difference - many, for example, look for Engineers Australia and/or Australian Computer Society accreditation. Flinders has designed its courses to reflect this. Note that at Flinders, the early years of the courses are similar enabling students to change track if they wish.

Research and Higher Degrees

Flinders research in information technology and software engineering is centred on the Centre for Knowledge and Interaction Technologies.

This centre focusses on research into knowledge-based, data-rich, human-centric systems. We have specific research programs in:

Further Information

If you would like more information about the courses or research opportunity in information technology or software engineering please contact Professor John Roddick. For further information on our research activities please contact Professor David Powers.

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Courses

In recent years, the field of computing has split into a number of broadly defined fields:

Computer Science

Computer Science is concerned with algorithms, programming, software development technologies and tools. Often, as at Flinders, computing is combined with specific other domains such as the technical aspects of digital media including computer game development. It is commonly cited as being more theoretical than information technology as graduates develop software deeper in the computer system.

Information Technology (or Information Systems)

As the name implies, this field is concerned with information; its acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination. It is thus more concerned with the strategic use of information technology, the development and management of information systems, and so on, than is computer science. At Flinders, the term IT includes many aspects of those courses termed (Business) Information Systems, Management Information Systems or more simply Information Systems.

Digital Media

This area covers the confluence of computing technology and new media - computer games, advanced human-computer interaction, animation, computer graphics and information visualisation. As such, graduates will need to be computing professionals with a strong understanding of modern communication methods and techniques.

Software Engineering

The design and evolution of software, often with an interface to computer hardware, the development of verifiable software to accepted standards of quality and performance. Software Engineering at Flinders is a Bachelor of Engineering award and is Australian Computer Society and Engineers Australia accredited meaning that graduates can work on projects where Engineers Australia accreditation is required (note that not all software engineering awards are Engineers Australia accredited).