Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

Computer scientists focus on the theoretical foundations and practical approaches to computation and its applications. They design methods and tools and write programs for computer applications. These applications can be in areas such as computer systems to control machinery, information management and big data, applications for mobile devices, stock market trend analysis, game design, visualisation of chemical reactions, neural network design, computational geometry for robot navigation, patient monitoring in hospitals, and much more.

What you will study
Find your strengths and interests as you study the fundamentals of computer science and IT: programming, problem-solving, network and communications, web technology, data management, system analysis, human-computer interaction, and project management. Throughout your first year you will study a common core of subjects that links our computer science, IT and information systems degrees. There is an opportunity to specialise in a major at the Wollongong campus from your second year of study by choosing one or more of the following majors:

• Big Data
• Cyber Security
• Digital Systems Security
• Game and Mobile Development
• Software Engineering

For students who do not wish to specialise with a major, you will complete advanced subjects providing you with specific knowledge while also instilling you with professional knowledge and skills in computer science. In your final year you will develop your own application as part of an annual student team project, developing solutions to real-world problems provided by our industry partners.

Dean's Scholar degrees are highly recognisable, giving you a competitive edge in employment. The Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours) (Dean's Scholar) offers a challenging and enriched educational experience for high-achieving students who want to perform above the level normally expected. Students are also encouraged to continue their studies through the completion of research programs.

This degree
The Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours) teaches you the skills to apply sophisticated mathematical and statistical techniques to real-world problems. You are also encouraged to develop computing and communication skills, which are assets in the job market.

Bankers, investment managers, insurance companies and financial companies all rely on financial mathematics to survive and stay ahead of the competition. Maths and Finance graduates work in all areas of industry and government as risk managers, investment advisers, traders, financial analysts and more. They work in all aspects of the finance sector from traditional banking to futures trading.

There are opportunities for scholarships from corporate partners, plus summer scholarships and undergraduate research projects with academic staff, access to programs of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) and inter-university courses via our Access Grid Room.

Places are limited each year. Current students who have achieved a weighted average mark (WAM) of 80 at the end of one year of full-time study in a relevant degree may apply to transfer to the Dean's Scholar degree.

What you will study
You will complete the normal course requirements for the Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours) degree, but receive special privileges as you study such as accelerated learning (where possible) and academic mentoring. Dean's Scholars will complete a research project in their third year and further develop their research skills in the Honours year.

As a high-achieving student, you are also encouraged to contribute to the scholarly life of the Faculty through events in the Faculty's postgraduate program.

In our increasingly connected and digital world, communicators with broad skills are in real demand.

The Bachelor of Communication and Media offers you a strong foundation in the national and international communication and media industry. With a focus on preparing you for global careers, the course places an emphasis on high-level skills in media production, communication research and independent project work.

This degree is designed for careers in digital and social media; visual communication design; journalism; screen media production; marketing; advertising; and public relations. You will be immersed in the study and practice of media and communication, and will gain flexible and transferable skills that will prepare you for the ever-changing world of global media culture.

What you will study
In addition to the core subjects in the Bachelor of Communication and Media, you must complete at least one major from the below list. There is also the opportunity to complete two majors which will increase your knowledge and employability in the media and communication industries.

• Digital and Social Media
• Screen Media Production
• Journalism
• Marketing Communication and Advertising
• Visual Communication Design

Big Data can solve problems in science, society and business including population growth, transport, security, medical technology, trade and commerce. All sectors will have a demand for creative people with a background in quantitative analysis who can look for strategic insights in massive data sets, using techniques in data mining, data visualisation, data analysis, data manipulation and data discovery.

Computer scientists focus on the theoretical foundations and practical approaches to computation and its applications. They design methods and tools and write programs for computer applications. These applications can be in areas such as computer systems to control machinery, information management and big data, applications for mobile devices, stock market trend analysis, game design, visualisation of chemical reactions, neural network design, computational geometry for robot navigation, patient monitoring in hospitals, and much more.

This degree
You will be able to choose your major in your second year after studying a common core of subjects that links our computer science, IT and information systems degrees. Find your strengths and interests as you study the fundamentals of computer science and IT: programming, problem solving, network and communications, web technology, data management, system analysis, human-computer interaction, and project management. You’ll also complete a final-year capstone team project.

You can choose to study a double degree with Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts or Business. These programs of study will provide you with a broad experience of technology using various industry products from companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Oracle, SAP and Cisco.

What you will study
You will study subjects in data mining, big data management, database performance tuning, distributed systems and cloud computing. Learn to evaluate both structured and messy big data sets using the '4 Vs': Volume, Velocity, Variety, and Veracity. Volume represents the sizes of datasets at a level of Terabytes and even Petabytes. Velocity represents fast-changing data streams that require continuous analysis. Variety represents many different formats of data. Veracity represents uncertain and unreliable data.

Japan offers a rich culture of history, literature and arts, with its long history and a culture which features both traditional and ultra-modern elements. Japan also plays an important role on the Asia-Pacific political and economic stage, and is one of Australia’s major trading partners. The study of Japanese opens up a whole new world of linguistic and cultural experience that offers employment and research opportunities. It also provides access to the exciting culture of Japanese anime, manga and film.

What you will study
Students will study Japanese language, grammar, literature, art and history at UOW. The Japanese major offers a linguistic journey which focuses on developing the four language skills around real-world situations.
Core subjects focus on developing spoken and written language skills which can be used in real-life situations, as well as subjects on Japanese history, literature and society.

Marketing is the activities, institutions and processes for creating, communicating and delivering products and services. This includes facilitating relationships to deliver value for consumers, clients and society. It's about everything from establishing who the customer is to developing a competitive advantage by effectively positioning products/services in the market. Marketing is essential for all organisations, even small business operators and not-for-profits.

This degree
You will undertake a foundation year that covers all core disciplines of business, giving you a solid understanding of issues facing organisations today. From your second year, you will major in Marketing and develop the skills and knowledge needed to plan, develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies.

Graduates take many different directions including advertising, digital and social media marketing, social change marketing and the development and of marketing new products. You will also undertake a final-year capstone subject that lets you apply everything you have learned in collaboration with students from other disciplines. Plus, you have the option of applying for an internship to gain valuable experience whilst receiving credit towards your degree.

What you will study
You will study how consumers behave, how organisations find out about their markets and the customers in those markets, how to create effective marketing communications campaigns, and how organisations manage marketing successfully. You will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding in key areas of marketing, for example, how to create change for the better in society or learn about marketing's applications internationally.

Geographers help shape the future by understanding, explaining and predicting both human and physical environments. You will study the human and physical forces that shape the planet and the political, social and environmental issues that arise as a consequence of human interactions with the Earth. Never before have geography skills been so important: faced with anthropogenic climate change and predictions of rising seas, bushfires and flooding, geographers will help understand and plan for a sustainable, socially just and resilient future.

Equally, in an era of massive data of both physical and human processes, geographers have never been better positioned to support decision making and planning at all levels of government and business.

Your degree
The Geography program at UOW includes the opportunity to undertake practical laboratory and fieldwork, taking advantage of the local Illawarra environment including urban and heritage landscapes, coastal landscapes, rainforest escarpment and freshwater ecosystems.

You will develop the knowledge and skills to apply the latest technologies in spatial analysis and satellite imagery within the context of these environments. These skills are in demand across a broad range of sectors including government bodies, industry, and consultancies.

What you will study
You will learn skills in logical and critical thinking, creative problem-solving, practical research, organisation and project management, numeracy, statistical literacy, computer applications (including geographic information systems), and strong communication. You will apply these skills to problems in physical and human geography, studying the natural environment, its processes, and the interaction of these with human society and the way it shapes and is shaped by the natural world.

Your studies will include climate change, biogeography, coastal and fluvial environments, populations, urban and regional societies, spatial geography and environmental management.

On completion, high performing students considering further study or a career in research should consider the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program. This one year degree offers students a pathway to expanding their knowledge in geography and achieving their postgraduate research aspirations.

Are you interested in understanding the links between the brain and behaviour? Do you want to understand the biological building blocks of behaviour? The Bachelor of Neuroscience will provide you with a sound understanding of the molecular, neural and cognitive underpinnings of behaviour as well as providing grounding in the investigative research methods used in the area.

What you will study
You will study the biological basis of behaviour and learn about how the brain links to human behaviour. Using a foundation in biology, chemistry and psychophysiology, the Bachelor of Neuroscience will provide you with the groundwork for applying this knowledge to addressing questions in understanding how we think, the processes underpinning ageing, neurological and mental health disorders.

This degree
Your first year will provide you with a broad understanding of foundation level biology, chemistry, physiology and psychology. You will learn the basics of writing research reports, laboratory skills, scientific communication and the scientific knowledge that will be examined in depth later in the course. During your second and third year, you will gain knowledge on specific topics such as pharmacology, cognitive sciences, genetics and quantitative research methods. Throughout your degree you will be an active scientist, gaining scientific skills which will be applied during a research internship in your third year.

The Master of Engineering (Mechanical) is designed to strengthen and extend your understanding of specific knowledge and technical skills in advanced mechanical engineering. With a focus on design, you will have access to knowledge of design and engineering sciences through courses such as heat transfer and thermodynamics, dynamics and control, aerodynamics, structural design and solid mechanics as well as a range of advanced technical coursework.

This degree

The Master of Engineering delivers expert skills and applied competencies required for the professional engineer. It is designed to train and enhance professional practice, advance technical and specialist skills, and provide an opportunity to put theory into practice with applied projects and research. The degree also delivers communication, strategic and project management skills essential to the practising engineer.

What you will study

You will complete the core subjects in Professional Communications and Engineering Workplace Practice, Advanced Manufacturing Processes, Innovation and Design, Research Methods, Project Management, and Engineering Computing.

For the Mechanical major you will study subjects in Finite Element Techniques in Mechanical Engineering, Strategic Management for Engineers and Technologists, Integrated Manufacturing Systems, plus electives selected from Mechanical or Engineering subjects. You will also complete an advanced project.

Social workers make an important contribution to the wellbeing and improvement of society. With a strong commitment to social justice and human rights, social workers can be found working with people who are disadvantaged and marginalised by society because of poverty or personal circumstances. As a UOW Social Work graduate you will enter the labour market with extensive skills and knowledge, and supervised professional practice experience. You will be ready to promote social change and development, and improve the lives of individuals, families and communities.

This degree
UOW Social Work offers fresh and innovative content, taught by experts in the Social Work field. The intensive professional experience in this degree will allow you to practise your skills with real people, in real- world situations giving you first-hand Social Work experience. This experience ensures you are job-ready when graduating, making you highly attractive to employers.

What you will study
The UOW Bachelor of Social Work provides a balance of skills, concepts and theory, as well as hands-on experience in professional practice. You will cover the following five areas:

• Study of the individual and society: with subjects such as Psychology, Introduction to Social Work and electives from a range of humanities, which will provide an introduction to people and social context.
• Skills for practice: you will develop skills to work effectively with people, and use critical insights to understand people and social problems.
• Enactment of social justice: enacting social justice is a core requirement when working with individuals, families or communities, and for social researchers and policy developers
• Engaging with community: engaging with communities on joint projects is an important part of Social Work, and is central in the program.
• Supervised professional practice: in the final years of the degree, you will gain supervised professional practice experience in human service agencies. This is where you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a career as a social worker.