Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) Honours

Effective from 01-JAN-2020 : Code Y47

Computer systems engineering is the synergistic combination of electronic engineering and computer science. Computer systems engineers have a wide knowledge of digital and analog electronic systems and a detailed understanding of computer architecture, software design and hardware-software interfacing. They are involved in all aspects of computing from the development of individual microprocessors, to the design of personal, mainframe or supercomputers systems, as well as digital and mixed signal circuit design, real-time and embedded system implementation, and software engineering. Graduates of the course will be conversant in the fundamental physical sciences, computer architecture, digital electronics, data communications, interfacing, real-time and embedded systems, robotics, and software development. The course focuses on the development of knowledge and skills relevant to professional engineering practice, and along with a sound theoretical base, includes strong elements of practical problem-solving, teamwork and project development. As a result, as well as having multiple technical and transferable skill competencies, graduates will have strong analytical skills and the ability to lead complex projects.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Work Experience Requirement

Students are required to undertake a minimum of 12 weeks practical work experience in an engineering industry environment.

Attendance requirements

Work experience units will normally be undertaken during a vacation period.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and in depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the computer systems engineering discipline.
2. Think critically, and apply established engineering methods and research skills to complex computer systems engineering problem solving.
3. Apply systematic engineering synthesis and design processes to conduct and manage computer systems engineering projects, with some intellectual independence.
4. Demonstrate conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics and computer and information sciences which underpin the computer systems engineering discipline and fluently apply engineering techniques tools and resources.
5. Demonstrate clear and coherent oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
6. Demonstrate a global outlook and knowledge of contextual factors impacting the computer systems engineering discipline, including respect for cultural diversity and indigenous cultural competence.
7. Demonstrate effective team membership and team leadership to implement engineering projects according to relevant standards of ethical conduct, sustainable practice and professional accountability.
8. Demonstrate responsibility for own learning, professional judgement and an understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Accredited by: Engineers Australia.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 4)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Diploma or equivalent;
• Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course; or
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment.

English Language requirement (Band 3)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
• Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to have Mathematics: Methods ATAR, with equivalents considered, and Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, with equivalents considered. It is desirable that all applicants have Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, with equivalents considered.

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 4 Years
• Part Time: 8 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time
• South West (Bunbury): Full Time, Part Time

Cross Campus Attendance

Applicants from South West WA will be able to study only the first year (up to eight foundation units) of this degree at ECU's Bunbury Campus, which may include attending a short set of lab sessions at Joondalup Campus by the end of each semester. After completing these eight units, Bunbury students will need to attend ECU's Joondalup Campus to complete the rest of their course. This option is only available for domestic students living in the South West region of WA.

Course Coordinator

Dr Stefan W LACHOWICZ

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 29 Core units, 3 Elective units and a Practicum unit.

Note: Students who receive a WAM of 70 per cent or above at the end of their third year of study will be invited to complete a graded Honours degree by taking the two Honours Thesis units in place of the standard project units in their fourth year. Students below this cut-off, or who decline the offer to undertake the Honours Thesis, will graduate with an ungraded Honours degree.

Note: Students undertaking the graded Honours pathway should enrol into ENS5145 Engineering Honours Thesis 1 in place of ENS4152 Project Development.

Note: Students undertaking the graded Honours pathway should enrol into ENS5146 Engineering Honours Thesis 2 in place of ENS4253 Engineering Project.

Note: Electives chosen from outside this list must be approved by the Course Coordinator.

^ Core Option
* Students will be assessed to see if they have achieved the ECU minimum standard of English language proficiency in this unit. Students who don't meet the minimum standard will be provided with appropriate English language support and development.