The Bachelor of Engineering (Software) (Honours) requires four years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time).
The course is offered by the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Admission requirements
The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.
Successful completion of any of SACE Stage 2 (Year 12), Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Studies or Mathematical Methods or equivalent International Baccalaureate subjects is normally required for entry. Knowledge of SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Physics is assumed.
Under the National Curriculum (from 2017) - Successful completion of either SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Specialist Mathematics or Mathematical Methods or equivalent International Baccalaureate subjects is normally required for entry. Knowledge of SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Physics is assumed
Course aims
The course has been designed to provide graduates with:
- a strong foundation in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of engineering, particularly those relevant to the systematic development of large and/or complex software systems
- an awareness of social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of software engineering
- an ability to critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems
- an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to them
- well developed written and oral communication skills
- structured engineering work experience
- the ability to work and interact professionally as an individual and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams
- an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
- an ability to undertake a substantial research-oriented project
- preparation for future management roles as professional engineers.
The course provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study or for a career in an engineering related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the award, students will be able to:
- competently use professional skills and knowledge in the systematic development of complex software systems
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the software engineering discipline and a deeper understanding of some areas of software engineering
- apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner
- communicate effectively with other engineers and the wider global community using a wide range of communication technologies
- work professionally as an individual and in a team
- understand and describe the processes through which current knowledge was developed
- develop engineering solutions appropriate to the social, political, international, economic and environmental contexts in which they are applied
- engage in the process of continuing learning needed to retain the necessary level of professional skills and knowledge in the area of software engineering
- contribute successfully to project management
- plan and execute a research project, applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
- apply research skills appropriate to postgraduate research or advanced industrial investigation.
On completion of the Bachelor of Engineering (Software) (Honours), students will be eligible for professional membership of both Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society.
Program of study
To qualify for the Bachelor of Engineering (Software) (Honours) a student must complete 144 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.
Core - Year 1 topics
36 units comprising:
COMP1001 Fundamentals of Computing (4.5 units)
COMP1102 Computer Programming 1 (4.5 units)
ENGR1201 Electronics (4.5 units)
ENGR1401 Professional Skills (4.5 units)
ENGR1722 Engineering Physics and Materials (4.5 units)
ENGR1732 Engineering Mechanics (4.5 units)
MATH1121 Mathematics 1A (4.5 units)
MATH1122 Mathematics 1B (4.5 units)
Core - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising:
COMP2711 Computer Programming 2 (4.5 units)
COMP2731 Software Engineering 1 (4.5 units)
ENGR1711 Engineering Design (4.5 units)
ENGR2711 Engineering Mathematics (4.5 units)
ENGR2792 Software Engineering 2 (4.5 units)
Plus 13.5 units from recommended sequence 1 or 2:
Option - Electronics-based - Year 2 topics
ENGR2712 Automation and Industrial Control (4.5 units)
ENGR2721 Microprocessors (4.5 units)
ENGR2722 Analysis of Engineering Systems (4.5 units)
Option - Computing-based - Year 2 topics
COMP2761 Database and Conceptual Modelling (4.5 units)
COMP3732 Enterprise Cloud Systems (4.5 units)
ENGR2782 Computer Networks and Operating Systems (4.5 units)
Core - Year 3 topics
36 units comprising:
COMP2781 Computer Mathematics (4.5 units)
COMP3712 Computer Programming 3 (4.5 units)
ENGR3704 Project Management for Engineering and Science (4.5 units)
ENGR3791 Software Engineering 3 (4.5 units)
ENGR3750 Workplace Preparation (0 units)
Plus one of:
ENGR3700 Engineering Practicum (13.5 units) (see note 1)
ENGR3710 International Engineering Practicum (13.5 units) (see notes 1, 2)
Plus 4.5 units from recommended sequence 1 or 2:
Option - Electronics-based - Year 3 topics
ENGR3701 Computer Organisation and Design (4.5 units)
Option - Computing-based - Year 3 topics
COMP3751 Interactive Computer Systems (4.5 units) OR
COMP3771 Advanced Database (4.5 units)
Core - Year 4 topics
36 units comprising:
ENGR7700A Honours Thesis (4.5/18 units) (see note 3)
ENGR7700B Honours Thesis (4.5/18 units)
ENGR7700C Honours Thesis (4.5/18 units)
ENGR7700D Honours Thesis (4.5/18 units)
ENGR7791 Software Engineering 4 (4.5 units)
ENGR9742 Standards, Ethics and Compliance (4.5 units)
Plus 9 units of Table A topics where prerequisites are met (see notes 4, 5)
1. With the permission of the Director of Studies, students may undertake ENGR3403 Engineering Work Experience (0 units) plus 13.5 units of CSEM upper-level topics in place of ENGR3700 Engineering Practicum. ENGR3403 may be taken any time after the student has completed 63 units. Note that under the Fair Work Act, students enrolled in 0-unit Industry Experience topics must be in receipt of appropriate remuneration from the industry partner. Evidence of appropriate remuneration must be demonstrated before enrolment is permitted in the topic. International students please be aware that your student visa conditions may restrict you from undertaking ENGR3403 within Australia. Please see the topic coordinator for further details
2. ENGR3710 International Engineering Practicum should be selected by those students intending to undertake their Practicum outside of Australia. Enrolment is subject to approval by the School which will consider the quality and appropriateness of the placement.
3. Students must undertake the Honours Thesis topics over a minimum of two semesters.
4. At least 9 units of the topics taken from Table A will be chosen from those labelled as software (Group S).
5. With permission of the Director of Studies, one Table A topic may be replaced by a COMP, ENGR, MATH or STAT topic at 7000-level and above as long as Note 4 is satisfied.
6. The honours grade awarded is determined in accordance with the University's Assessment Policy and Procedures and is calculated from the Weighted Average Mark of all topics at level 7000 and above taken as part of the degree as follows:
85 ≤ WAM - Honours First Class (H1)
75 ≤ WAM < 85 - Honours Second Class Division A (H2A)
65 ≤ WAM < 75 - Honours Second Class Division B (H2B)
50 ≤ WAM < 65 - Honours Third Class (H3)
Where a student has satisfied all requirements for the course but has achieved a WAM of less than 50, the WAM will be deemed 50 for the purposes of calculating the honours classification.
Combined degrees
The Bachelor of Engineering (Software) (Honours) may also be studied in a combined degrees program with any Bachelor degree in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.