Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Computer Science (Dual degree)

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

The Bachelor of Science Advanced Honours (Physics) degree is for high-achieving students interested in a challenging program leading to a career in scientific research. The UOW Honours website provides lots of useful information regarding research opportunities, scholarships, and application procedures.

This degree
The Bachelor of Science Advanced Honours (Physics) degree provides you with the first real opportunity to undertake research on a topic of your interest. In the final Honours year, you will undertake a substantial piece of supervised research in your major discipline, together with other required seminars and/or coursework. The Honours year is particularly important as it represents a gateway to future research opportunities, both in the form of higher research degrees and as a career in research, or to other vocations that require advanced analytical and research skills.

What you will study
The Bachelor of Science Advanced Honours (Physics) offers a greater degree of flexibility in program design providing an opportunity to undertake individual research subjects at 2nd, 3rd and 4th-year levels. You are also able to participate in various enrichment activities and develop a close association with an appropriate member of one of the Faculty’s research teams.

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.

Medical and radiation physicists work in many different fields related to human health in order to improve quality of life. They are familiar with aspects of ionising and non-ionising radiation used for radiation medicine. They are familiar with various forms of therapeutic radiation oncology as well as different methods of diagnostic radiation imaging, and the mechanisms of how such radiation interacts with the human body. They are also familiar with exciting new radiation medicine technologies being developed for the continued improvement in the treatment of human diseases.

This degree
The Bachelor of Medical and Radiation Physics is very hands-on with large practical components in all subjects studied to complement the underlying theoretical physical principles.
To ensure the highest level of industry engagement, professional medical physicists from major hospitals and keynote speakers from industry will deliver key lectures and practical work, as well as co-supervise research projects.

In second year, you will gain hands-on experience in photon, neutron and charged particle physics in the undergraduate physics laboratories, as well as make field trips to accelerator facilities such as the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). In third year, you will also gain practical experience, particularly in electron and X-ray related medical physics at cancer treatment centres and through ANSTO.

You will graduate with a strong background in physics as well as specialist theoretical, practical and programming skills in radiation medicine that are necessary to find employment in hospitals, research laboratories or related industries. If you continue your studies to an Honours or Master degree, you will learn about Nuclear Medicine, Radiobiology and Radiation Protection in hospitals.

What you will study
You will learn where medical physics matters most: in hospitals, clinics and nuclear science research facilities. In this course you will gain knowledge in areas relating to nuclear medicine, radiotherapy physics, radiation transport physics modelling, detector and instrumentation physics, and data analysis.

Indigenous Studies explores the controversies, complexities and contradictions that shape what it means to be Indigenous in Australia and the world today. Contemporary Indigenous Australia is a fascinating crossroad of history, culture, power and politics. It includes the study of practical issues, political issues as well as understanding where these issues overlap.

Indigenous Studies at UOW is designed to equip you to think incisively about issues that impact on Indigenous individuals and communities on a local, national and global scale. This includes a focus on cultural, political, economic and social factors that have shaped, and continue to shape, the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is developed through the study of international Indigenous experiences and engagement with a range of Indigenous perspectives and organisations on a global scale.

What you will study
The Indigenous Studies major consists of four core subjects that will introduce you to indigenous Australia, the critical themes, global perspectives and research methodologies.

The Bachelor of Communication and Media offers you a strong foundation in the national and international communication and media industries. 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.

The Screen Media Production major explores how digital screen media is changing in a global context.

You will learn how to produce innovative content for both niche and mainstream audiences and learn how screen and entertainment media are financed, produced and distributed around the world. You will develop expertise in analysing the language of visual media, while you explore the movies, TV shows and newer media forms that are emerging with specific audiences in mind.

At the same time, you will learn a suite of practical skills in screen production and transmedia storytelling that will enable you to express your own ideas creatively and with social impact.

What you will study
You will learn about screen media industries in Australia and around the world, how they are adapting to new technologies and the ways in which audiences are changing. You will explore the creative differences between screen genres, and you will gain hands-on experience in designing and producing screen media projects.

This course has a strong focus on understanding how screen media respond to global political and social justice issues. You will learn how to use screen media to convey ideas and raise issues that are important to you.

You will develop communication projects that will enhance your understanding of the industry, while providing critical experience in preparation for future employment.

In addition to the core subjects and a major in Screen Media Production, there is also the opportunity to complete another major from the below list. This will increase your knowledge and employability in the media and communication industries.

Civil engineers build and maintain the infrastructure of advanced modern living. They plan, design, construct, operate and maintain everything from buildings to bridges, tunnels and dams, highways and airports, power plants, water and sewerage systems.

Using computer technologies and advanced materials, Civil engineers design structures that meet the needs of a growing population while protecting the environment, reducing the dangers from natural phenomena and considering the future needs of the community.

This degree
You will study a common first year allowing you to learn more about engineering and its different fields before deciding which discipline to study. The common first year provides you with sound fundamentals in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, computing, engineering science and communication, mechanics, materials and fluids. You then focus on your chosen major study from second year.

Your degree includes a 12-week hands-on industry placement. You may gain credit for relevant work experience, either in Australia or overseas, by participating in our Professional Options Program.

Engineers work in a variety of industries, for example, construction, mining, resources, aeronautical, electronics, engineering management, telecommunications, power generation and distribution, renewable energy, aerospace, water resource management, robotics and manufacturing, railroad and shipbuilding.

What you will study
As an engineering student at UOW, you will have access to fully-equipped laboratories and the latest computer-aided software that is used in modern industrial workplaces. Our lecturers encourage you to approach them and get involved in industry projects and learning opportunities so you get the most out of your university education. Our engineering students are trained through practical learning experiences including:

• Laboratory experiments
• Problem-based learning
• Computer simulations
• Teamwork assignments
• Industrial case studies
• Project management
• Site visits to industry

The later years of the Civil Engineering degree cover areas including structural engineering, water engineering, geomechanics, engineering management, engineering applications and design, materials and transport, and surveying.

The Master of Engineering (Management) is a professional degree for engineers who see their careers progressing into management—including senior management positions. The program provides a strong grounding in some of the most modern management thinking applicable to engineering industries.

You will work in teams on applied practical projects and case studies, and broaden their skills base with subjects from other disciplines including finance, human resources and marketing.

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

In the Master of Engineering (Management) you will complete the core subjects: Professional Communications and Engineering Workplace Practice, Innovation and Design, Project Management and Engineering Logistics.

For the Management major you will study subjects in Strategic Management for Engineers and Technologists, Life-Cycle and Risk Management, Modelling of Engineering Management Systems, Financial Management for Engineered Assets, and Supply Chain Management.

The Bachelor of Performance and Theatre at UOW is a highly practical course that will prepare you for a career in the performing arts and broader creative industries. You will learn the techniques, strategies and processes of contemporary theatre-making and performance in a range of contexts.

Complementing the practical aspects of your degree, you will undertake core subjects in the history and theory of theatre, as well as core subjects including professional practice. You will also have the opportunity to undertake electives or a minor study in associated areas such as stage management and sound and lighting design, as well as creative writing, audio production or media arts among others. All students participate in producing and performing in their own productions throughout their degree, thereby gaining industry-relevant experience.

What you will study
The Bachelor of Performance and Theatre degree allows you to specialise in either Acting or Theatre Making.

Acting Major
Undertaking the Acting major will see you develop as a self-reliant and highly skilled performing artist through UOW’s practice-based program. You will learn to apply acting skills and theoretical knowledge to contemporary performance and theatre. Subjects will cover traditional interpretive actor training, crafting your skills in acting, voice, singing and movement, with a focus on contemporary playwriting and devised works for theatre and performance. You will be involved in the development, rehearsal and performance of theatre productions, allowing you to mature as an actor as you work with a range of methodologies and theatre genres.

Entry into the Acting major is based on a combination of both academic results and audition scores. You will be required to audition to demonstrate your talent and potential to benefit from the course. Whether you apply through Early Admissions, through UAC, directly to the University or through an internal course transfer, you will need to separately arrange an audition. Audition information is available here.

Theatre Making Major
Studying the Theatre Making major will help you explore the many possibilities of creating theatre for diverse audiences in both regional and urban settings. It considers all the elements of theatre-making (stage-craft, dramaturgy, stage management and performance-making) in order to communicate content, atmosphere and impact. You will also receive an introduction to lighting and sound design, and discover how theory and history will shape your development as an informed, professional and self-reliant practitioner.

In addition to a major in Acting or Theatre Making, you can add a minor in another study area that will bring a multi-disciplinary aspect to your degree. Options include music, photography, creative writing, graphic design, media arts and visual arts.

If you are doing, or have done particularly well in your Bachelor of Communication and Media degree, you should consider an Honours year. Your Bachelor of Communication and Media degree will have introduced you to a wide range of topics and problems, and an Honours project will enable you to explore these ideas in much greater depth. Honours research topics are various and negotiable. If you are really interested in a topic and want to find answers, you'll be encouraged and supported.

From a potential employer's perspective, your ability to achieve a complex goal, meet deadlines, investigate independently, use resources effectively and write coherently are highly valued attributes.

The Honours year has a number of functions at UOW; as an in-depth project at the end of undergraduate study, and as a bridge between undergraduate study and advanced research.  It may also afford you the opportunity to explore future career options. Studying Honours teaches you: training in research skills and in information systems (archives, the Library, databases and electronic research networks);  opportunity to practise articulating complex ideas orally and in writing; experience in working closely with a supervisor on a project and in preparing a major project to meet a deadline; and experience in devising, researching and writing up an individual topic of study in an extended argument or thesis.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Business provides an opportunity for students who have a flair for business, finance, management and marketing to combine their interest with professional engineering studies.

Engineering is vital to solving the world’s big challenges: supporting communities by designing and building liveable, sustainable cities; creating transport and housing systems; and designing and building telecommunications networks, the internet and computers.

Engineers design systems to ensure ample clean water for the world’s population, to find non-polluting energy sources, to create ways to assist healthy living and ageing, and to advance medical and health technologies.

Engineers are team players and many become CEOs and entrepreneurs; engineering graduates run over 30 percent of the world’s biggest international companies, nearly double the next largest discipline. Learn the fundamentals of engineering, both the technical and interpersonal skills, and apply your knowledge in real situations to prepare you for engineering the future with an internationally accredited UOW engineering degree.

What you will study

As an engineering student at UOW you can gain credit for relevant work experience, either in Australia or overseas, by participating in our Professional Options Program. All students undertake practical hands-on experience with industry for 12 weeks prior to the conclusion of their academic studies.

Students work in well-designed laboratories and workshops essential to the development of engineering skills. An effective experimental program is also a feature of our courses.

You will choose one major from the Bachelor of Business: Accountancy, Business Law, Economics, Finance, Financial Planning, Human Resource Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Sport Marketing and Management, or Supply Chain Management.