C3001 Bachelor of Computer Science Advanced (Honours)

The course develops through the themes of computer science foundation studies, specialist discipline knowledge, research skills, and professional skills, which come together in applied practice.

Part A. Foundation studies

This study will develop your understanding of the role and theoretical basis of computer science and computational methods.

Part B. Specialist studies

This study will develop deep knowledge and advanced skills in an area of computer science.

Part C. Practice studies

Practice studies provide a structured, industry-embedded project spine through which students apply their knowledge in progressively more complex contexts, including project scoping, design, implementation, evaluation, governance, and capstone delivery.

Part D. Research studies

This study develops the ability to critically evaluate IT research and to apply appropriate methodologies to conduct independent research in computer science, cybersecurity or data science and AI. It develops strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply analytical thinking.

Part E. Free elective studies

Electives will enable you to explore a range of options within the University. These units can be used to undertake majors offered across the Faculty, including areas such as agentic software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence algorithms and models, data science, games and immersive media, and others.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

This course comprises 192 points, of which 144 points must be from computer science study and 48 points are used to provide additional depth or breadth through elective study.
Elective units may be at any level, however, no more than ten units (60 points) can be credited to the computer science advanced course at level 1 and a minimum of 36 points must be completed in computer science or data science at each of level 3 and 4 (or higher).

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundation studies (54 points)

You must complete:

• FIT1045 Software development 1: Programming foundations
• FIT1047 Computing systems 1: Foundations and operations
• FIT1062 Data management
• FIT1063 Topics in computing
• FIT2102 Programming paradigms
• FIT2115 Data structures and algorithms 1
• FIT2119 Computing in practice 1: Professional practice
• MAT1003 Mathematics for algorithms and models
• MAT1830 Discrete mathematics for computer science

Part B. Specialist studies (54 points)

You must complete the following eight units (48 points):

• FIT2134 Computing systems 2: Architecture and operating systems
• FIT3234
Data structures and algorithms 2
• FIT3232 Compiler engineering
• FIT3143
High performance parallel and distributed computing 
• FIT3235 Theory of computation 1: Languages and computational models
• FIT3236 Theory of computation 2: Complexity and intractability 
• FIT4050 Knowledge representation, computational logic and automated reasoning
• FIT4051 Advanced algorithms and data structures

You must complete one of the following level 4 or 5 elective units (6 points): 

• FIT4008 Reading unit
• FIT4047 Computational modelling and simulation
• FIT5240 Quantum computing
• FIT5216 Modelling discrete optimisation problems
• FIT5239 Deep tech entrepreneurship

Part C. Practice studies (18 points)

You must complete the computer science practice unit stream (18 points), or the industry-based learning placement (18 points).

• FIT2135 Computer science in practice: project practices and management
• FIT3230 Computer science in practice: project 1
• FIT3231 Computer science in practice: project 2

OR

Industry-based Learning placement (18 points)

FIT3045 is available only if you are selected to participate in the IBL placement program.

If you are selected to participate in the IBL placement program you will complete FIT3045 Industry-based learning (18 credit points) and FIT2108 Industry-based learning (0 credit points); or FIT3045, FIT2108 and one of FIT3201 Industry-based learning onboarding (8 weeks) (0 credit points) or FIT3202 Industry-based learning onboarding (4 weeks) (0 credit points) (depending on the duration of your placement). This will replace FIT2135, FIT3230, and FIT3231.

All students in the IBL program must complete a unit over summer semester or overload in one semester by one unit in order to complete the degree within four years (this is because you only complete 18 credit points of credit during the IBL placement semester). You must have completed at least three semesters of your course before starting your IBL placement.

• FIT3045 Industry-based learning (18 points)
• FIT2108 Industry based learning seminar (0 points)
• FIT3201 Industry-based learning onboarding (8 weeks) (0 points)
• FIT3202 Industry-based learning onboarding (4 weeks) (0 points)

Part D. Research studies (18 points)#

Note: To progress to Honours you are required to maintain at least a distinction average (70%) throughout your course. If you do not meet this standard you will be required to transfer to C2001 Bachelor of Computer Science or C2000 Bachelor of Information Technology.

You must complete the following units.

• FIT5125 IT research and innovation methods

and either:

• FIT4045 Computing research project 1, and
• FIT4046 Computing research project 2

or:

• FIT4048 Computing in practice: advanced project 1, and
• FIT4049 Computing in practice: advanced project 2

Part E. Free elective studies (48 points)

Your elective units may be chosen from the Faculty of Information Technology, or from across the University; or you may choose to complete a major or minor from the Faculty of Information Technology or other courses, as long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on enrolment in the units.

You may complete one of the Flagship Rich Educational Experiences (FREE) units. These flagship rich educational experience units may be credited utilising your free electives if approved by the faculty. There are both 6 and 12 credit point unit options available.