Offered By	ANU College of Medicine, Biology & Environment and ANU College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Academic Contact	C. W. Johnson, BSc Monash, PhD ANU, Associate Professor and Head of Department
Areas of Interest	Computer Science

Computer Science is the study and application of processes and techniques for problem solving using computing methods and information technology.

The major provides the basic principles and theory used in developing computational solutions to problems including a study of data structures, algorithms, and programming languages, and either their use in translating solutions into software systems or a good grounding in the bases of software, hardware and network architectures. Examples and practical applications include databases, user-interfaces, computer networks, and the control and utilisation of computer systems. If chosen as electives, the acquisition of Software Engineering techniques and skills in analysis, design, implementation and project management in a team environment. Experience is gained in the application of these skills to the production and maintenance of high quality software systems.

The computer science program aims to develop skilled computer scientists with the technical background, interpersonal and communications skills, knowledge, and adaptability to contribute to the development of well-designed, robust, computer-based solutions to a range of problems in business and industry.

The major is offered by the Department of Computer Science. Students have access to computer resources that are unsurpassed in Australia. The ANU campus hosts the Australian Partnership for Advanced Computation (APAC) and its national facility supercomputer, and is a part of the APAC national education program. ANU (and the University of NSW) is the primary nodes in NICTA (the National Information and Communication Technology Australia Limited) which is Australia's premier institution of excellence in computing and communications science and technology, funded by the Federal Government.

The major allows the integration of Computer Science with studies in other disciplines, and the flexibility to focus on software development, software systems or computer science theory. Students intending to pursue further studies in computing should do a double major.

Excellent career opportunities exist for Computer Science graduates in business, industry and government as programmers, systems analysts, computer systems and network managers, user support officers and software engineers.

Requirements

A major in Computer Science requires a minimum of 42 units of courses offered by the Department of Computer Science, including:

• COMP1100 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms (or COMP1130) and COMP1110 Introduction to Software systems (or COMP1140);
• 30 units of Group B or Group C courses, including at least 18 units of Group C courses.

A double major consists of an additional 18 units of Group C courses.

First Year course advice

Students must take COMP1100, COMP1110 and either MATH 1013/1115 and MATH 1014/1116 or MATH1005.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.