Bachelor of Science (Honours) - (ASSH)

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

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.

Every day decisions are made that affect the lifecycle cost and performance of a company’s highly valued assets. There are increasing expectations to demonstrate competency and transparency in these decisions. This specialisation is directed at the thoughtful application of relevant theory, international standards, and best practice to equip asset managers to make rational decisions in an increasingly uncertain world. The Master of Engineering Management (Asset Management) is a professional degree for engineers seeking progression in their career to the management or senior management level.

This degree

The Asset Management specialisation ensures continuous improvement in the strategic and tactical response of organisations and their managers, to the management of infrastructure assets.

What you will study

From a strategic framework, students progressively address problems in designing and managing assets. This is achieved through a balanced program of subjects in asset management, science, and engineering, with an emphasis on practical applications. Students learn concepts and techniques by evaluating potential solutions to challenges faced by organisations.

You will complete core subjects in Engineering Management Systems Modelling, Strategic Management, Lifecycle and Risk Management, Systems Reliability Engineering, Maintenance Requirement Management, and Financial Management for Engineered Assets.

Spanish is the world's second most spoken language after Chinese, and is the second most used language in international communication. Speaking Spanish will allow you to communicate with more than 495 million people worldwide and will also greatly increase your employment options with many of the world's leading economies demanding Spanish speakers. Hispanic culture continues to have a global impact on film, architecture, cinema, art and literature.

What you will study
At UOW, you will study Spanish language, grammar, culture and history. Core language subjects focus on developing spoken and written language skills that can be used in real-life situations. Core cultural subjects focus on literature, linguistics, and the history, culture and society of the Spanish-speaking world.

In addition to the Spanish major, you will choose a minor or a second major from the Bachelor of Arts offerings.

The Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation combined with the Bachelor of International Studies is an exciting and unique double degree combination. It will take you on a unique philosophical adventure through which you will engage with a carefully curated selection of some of the greatest intellectual and artistic masterpieces ever produced. It will also allow you to examine the relationships of politics, society, culture and the global impact of climate change, revolutions and economic fluctuations.

What you will study

You will philosophically reflect on questions about art, literature, science and religion while also investigating such topics as the nature of selfhood, truth, reason and wisdom. You will discover how great ideas and art can shape us - our understanding of ourselves and the world - and how ideas can make a difference for good or ill. By studying the double degree your studies will be enhanced as you learn about the forces shaping the modern world and the theories that reinforce our understanding of the most important global issues of today.

You will develop informed and reasoned views about significant contemporary concerns, such as the value of democracy, benefiting from your acquired knowledge of the history of ideas. You will become acquainted with diverging perspectives from within various Western traditions of thought and art as well as under-represented voices and perspectives from outside of those traditions.

A core component of the International Studies degree is a language minor. You may choose from Chinese (Mandarin), French, Spanish and Japanese.

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.

The Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Arts combines practical, numeracy and computer skills with the critical and creative thinking skills, effective communication and problem solving skills learned from studying the arts and humanities. Studies in science allow you to research problems, interpret data and propose solutions. Studies in arts will give you the skills to develop arguments, communicate with audiences and influence decision-making. When combined, the skills and knowledge from these two fields can place you in a key position to work with the complex challenges we will face in the future.

The major areas of study in Science include: Ecology and Conservation Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Environment and Physical Geography.

You will also choose one of the majors in the Bachelor of Arts degree; Archaeology and Ancient History, English Literatures, Environmental Humanities, French, History, Indigenous Studies, Japanese, Legal Studies, Mandarin (Non-Chinese Background Students), Mandarin (Character Background Students), Philosophy, Photography, Politics, International Relations, Sociology, Spanish, Creative Writing, or Writing and English Literatures. In addition to the arts major you will choose a minor or a second major from the Bachelor of Arts offerings.

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.

A major in Global Sustainable Development explores ethical issues surrounding global challenges and the interaction between human and environmental security. With 2.4 billion people on the planet living on less than US$2 a day, poverty and inequality remain two of the biggest challenges of our time. Equally, environmental change is a major concern that will affect human activity for the foreseeable future.

The Bachelor of International Studies examines the relationships of politics, society, culture, language, and history in a range of countries. You will analyse national and global issues, focusing on the way global forces and interactions increasingly influence domestic politics. You will also be encouraged to study abroad or undertake a study tour.

What you will study
Core subjects will teach you the key theories, approaches and practices for promoting human development for the future. You can elect to do subjects that specialise in environmental issues from a range of different disciplinary perspectives, or you can focus on issues of development from economic, social and political perspectives.

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.

A Bachelor of Creative Arts at UOW encourages you to immerse yourself creatively, critically and practically. The Creative Industries is one of the fastest-growing, most dynamic sectors in the world.

The study of music integrates physical, intellectual and emotional aspects, including instrumental or vocal performance, composition, music production and recording, history and theory. This degree offers a deeper understanding of how music works, as well as the skills to develop as a creative practitioner and prepare for a career in the arts.

This is a versatile, hands-on degree that prepares you for a career in the global creative industries. With a strong focus on contemporary music practice, this major combines performance, composition and both electronic and acoustic media so you can build your skills and expertise across three interrelated areas: music studio, audio production and critical studies in music.

What you will study
The Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music) involves study of theory and practice-based work. You will develop your own style and identity through creative processes, conceptual skills and applying your knowledge into practice, independently and collaboratively with students and staff from other creative disciplines. Beyond that you will build specialised technical skills, and a clear grasp of how your own practice relates to the wider music community.