Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) Honours

Effective from 01-JAN-2025 : 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. Students taking this course also have the option to undertake a specialist stream in cyber security by making the alternate unit selections outlined in the course structure. Students considering enrolment into this course should note that a double degree with the Bachelor of Computer Science is also available, this double degree, the Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) Honours / Bachelor of Computer Science, Y64, provides excellent complementary skills for students interested in this discipline area.

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

Before being eligible to graduate from this course, students must meet the requirement of accumulating and being credited with a minimum 12 weeks professional practice in a relevant industry environment. This can be commenced at any point in the course.

Enrolment process

While the Engineering Practicum unit (ENS5111) appears in Year 4 of the course structure, students can complete the practicum requirements at any point after completing at least 180 credit points in the course. The unit is not available for direct enrolment, instead once the Practicum requirements have been fulfilled, students will need to lodge their Practicum documents through the Application for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning online application form in order to have the completion of this unit recognised on their academic record. The School’s Practicum coordinator should be contacted for advice on completion of the Practicum.

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;
• Undergraduate Certificate;
• Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course; or

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;
• 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 or Chemistry ATAR or Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, with equivalents considered. It is desirable that all applicants have Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, with equivalents considered, students without Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR may need to take a bridging unit in the first year of their studies.

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree Award.

Course Duration

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

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time

Course Coordinator

A/Prof Alexander RASSAU

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 30 Core units, 2 Elective units and a Practicum unit. Note: Students may opt to include a Cyber Security stream in their degree by enrolling in two specific units in place of the two Elective units and substituting two core units with alternatives as specified below: Enrol in CSI1101 Computer Security as a substitute for CSG2341 Intelligent Systems in Year 2 Semester 2 Enrol in CSI2108 Cryptographic Concepts as a substitute for CSI2312 Foundations of Software Engineering in Year 3 Semester 1 Enrol in CSI2450 IoT and OT Security as the first elective in Year 4 Semester 1 Enrol in CSI3207 Network Security Fundamentals or CSG2305 Computer Forensics as the second elective in Year 4 Semester 2 Students interested in taking this optional Cyber Security stream should consult with the Course Coordinator before commencing studies, who will advise them on the sequence and timing of the core and elective units in their course to accommodate the inclusion of the Cyber Security units.

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