Computing and Software Systems Major

The Computing and Software Systems major is the most popular CIS major in the Bachelor of Science. This major introduces students to programming and computer science from the first semester of their degree, and allows them to specialise in certain areas of computing and IT in the following years. Students in this major learn to create innovative solutions to complex problems, harness the power of data to inform decision-making, and develop software applications in hands-on, practical projects.

Course Overview

In the first year of the degree, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of programming, computer science, and algorithms in our foundational CIS subjects. These assume no prior IT knowledge and provide students with the skills to begin programming independently, and to create efficient solutions to complex problems. Computing and Software Systems students are also required to complete at least two subjects of university-level mathematics as prerequisites for CIS studies later on in their degree. Most students choose to take these in first year, leaving the option open of further studies in mathematics.

In the second year, students have mastered the fundamentals of programming and algorithms, and have the knowledge to begin specialising in specific areas of interest. Examples of subjects available in second year include Object Oriented Software Development, Elements of Data Processing, and Design of Algorithms, among others.

In the third year, students are required to take core subjects, including Software Modelling and Design, and Models of Computation. Students will also have the opportunity to undertake an IT project, and complete electives in areas such as Artificial Intelligence.

More Information About the Computing and Software Systems Major

The Computing and Software Systems major provides a natural pathway for students who wish to complete the Master of Software Engineering and become a qualified software engineer. The major also acts as a pathway to master's courses such as Information Technology, and Computer Science.

Sample Course Plan

This course plan shows one way that a student could arrange core and elective subjects throughout the three years of their Bachelor of Science to fulfil the requirements of the Computing and Software Systems Major.

Note that it it possible to take up to 5 breadth subjects, and to choose different electives in the elective slots that have been filled in this example.

First Year
Semester 1
Compulsory
Today's Science, Tomorrow's World
SCIE10005
Core Prerequisite
Foundations of Computing
COMP10001
Maths Requirement
Calculus 2
MAST10006

OR

Other First Year Maths Subject
Breadth
First Year
Semester 2
Core Prerequisite
Foundations of Algorithms
COMP10002
Maths Requirement
Linear Algebra
MAST10007

OR

Other First Year Maths Subject
Science Elective
Breadth
Second Year
Semester 1
Core Prerequisite
Design of Algorithms
COMP20007
Elective
Elements of Data Processing
COMP20008
Science Elective
Breadth
Second Year
Semester 2
Breadth from Undergrad Degree
Software Modelling and Design
SWEN20003
Elective
Database Systems
INFO20003
Science Elective Breadth
Third Year
Semester 1
Compulsory (Major Core)
Software Modelling and Design
SWEN30006
Compulsory (Major Core)
Computer Systems
COMP30023
Elective
Artificial Intelligence
COMP30024
Science Elective

OR

Breadth
Third Year
Semester 2
Compulsory (Major Core)
Models of Computation
COMP30026
Compulsory (Major Core)
IT Project
COMP30022
Elective
Declarative Programming
COMP30020
Science Elective