Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours)

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

The BCA Honours year is for students who’ve done well throughout their Bachelor of Creative Arts degree. If you have a Distinction average or higher, the Honours year offers an additional year of study to pursue both critical and creative projects. For your critical work, you’ll focus on one topic from your undergraduate degree, writing a thesis of 10,000-15,000 words; and for your creative project, you’ll pursue a body of work in your chosen discipline. In both instances, the Honours year allows you to pursue a topic or theme you are really interested in with a supervisor who’s there to encourage and support you.

Potential employers appreciate the Honours degree because it demonstrates that students can: achieve complex goals, meet deadlines, investigate independently, use resources effectively, and write clearly.

What you will study
The Honours year has two functions at UOW: it offers students the chance to pursue in-depth critical and creative projects at the end of undergraduate study, and it acts as a bridge between undergraduate study and advanced research.

Studying Honours is about:

• Pursuing a creative project in a field you are passionate about
• Learning research skills, navigation skills and information systems (archives, the library, databases, electronic research networks)
• The opportunity to practise articulating complex ideas orally and in writing. It provides the experience of working closely with a supervisor on a project and working with firm deadlines
• Experiences in devising, researching and writing up an individual topic of study in an extended argument or thesis.

Engineering is vital to solving the world’s big challenges. Engineers are needed to support communities by designing and building livable sustainable cities, they create transport and housing systems, they design and build telecommunications network, 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% 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.

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
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Flexible First Year option allows you to explore and consider the various engineering disciplines before selecting a major area of study. After completion of the first-year subjects, you can transfer into your chosen discipline of engineering.

The following double major combinations are also available: Civil/Environmental, Civil/Mining, Computer/Telecommunications, Electrical/Computer, Electrical/Telecommunications, Mechanical/Materials, Mechanical/Mining, Mining/Environmental and Mining/Materials.

Majors include: Architectural*, Biomedical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Materials, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Mining and Telecommunications Engineering.

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

Our Engineering courses are designed to meet the needs of modern engineering and the innovative focus of industry.

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.

The Master of Global Science and Management is a two-year degree focusing on practical skills, laboratory work, science communication skills, career readiness and foundational research training. There is opportunity to develop bespoke management knowledge and skills.

What you will study
This degree is designed through the lens of global perspectives in science where you will also be exposed to emerging technologies such as the use of drones, artificial intelligence AI, coding and virtual reality (google VR) in science data collection and analysis during your first year core subjects.

This degree
The Master of Global Science and Management is a unique course as it provides you with an opportunity to not only extend your technical knowledge but also use it to determine your competency in the specific discipline before you choose one of the 3 possible pathways (research or technical or management).

Cell and molecular biology is one of the most rapid growth areas in science. This field incorporates fundamental components of biological and medical science and has an increasingly important role in many aspects of modern medicine, genetics, evolutionary biology, genomics, bioinformatics and biotechnology. This major will provide you with the skills and knowledge to enter careers in biomedical science and the biotechnology industry.

The Bachelor of Science is a flexible three year degree which allows you to choose from a variety of majors. In addition to these majors, opportunities exist for you to select additional minors to explore other areas of study.

What you will study
The Bachelor of Science major in Cell and Molecular Biology at UOW encompasses the exciting and rapidly evolving fields of biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular and cellular biology. These areas of study deal  with the nature of biological phenomena at the molecular level. In this major you will investigate the processes that occur within and between cells, including genetic processes, the way cells carry nutrients, and how diseases attack healthy cells. You will learn about DNA and RNA, proteins, and other molecules involved in a variety of cell functions, including the transmission of genetic information. You will also use advanced tools and techniques for separation, manipulation, imaging and analysis.

This major will provide you with the skills and knowledge to enter careers in biomedical science and the biotechnology industry.

Double degrees aim to broaden a student's knowledge and skill base and improve career options in competitive, increasingly interactive fields. The programs are designed to enhance a student's educational, academic and professional qualifications whilst minimising the costs of their studies.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Science combines professional engineering skills, including management, communications, teamwork and problem solving, with a major study in Science. It is a combination of any of the engineering majors with Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Geology or Physical Geography and Environmental Geosciences.

Science is the search and application of information and understanding of the natural and social world using an evidence-based approach.

This Degree

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.

What you will study

You will also choose one major from the Bachelor of Science: Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Environment, Geology or Physical Geography.

A Bachelor of Economics and Finance – Bachelor of Laws from UOW equips you with a comprehensive legal education: a world-class degree that provides a thorough grounding in the law, as well as a real-world focus on the essential practical skills and the social and ethical context in which the law operates.

Combining Law with Economics and Finance allows you to gain specialised knowledge of fiscal and monetary policies and economic theory at both micro and macro levels opening up a wide range of legal roles in private, government or corporate organisations. You will develop expertise in business and commercial enterprise, and learn about the behaviour of consumers and firms, the labour market, the environment, and international trade and how to raise, allocate and use financial resources and address global economic issues.

We believe that practical experience is a vital part of your legal training. We are the only law school in New South Wales that requires you to complete a legal internship, providing highly valued industry experience.

We are committed to social justice and providing a legal education that engages with the complexities of law's intersection with society.

This double degree delivers a practical and contextual legal education that prepares graduates not only for traditional careers in the legal profession but also for a wide range of careers in government, business and community organisations – as leaders, innovators and problem solvers.

What you will study

The Bachelor of Economics & Finance – Bachelor of Laws covers the prescribed areas of knowledge for future admission to the legal profession as well as including a choice of electives. Additionally, an integrated skills program equips graduates with experience in areas such as legal research, interviewing, legal drafting, advocacy and negotiation. Opportunities also exist to undertake subjects through an international exchange program. You will be able to identify and apply the tools of analysis to a wide range of economic issues, including the behaviour of consumers and firms, the labour market, the environment, fiscal and monetary policy, and international trade.

Join one of humanity’s greatest collective endeavours when you study a degree in science at UOW. You will work with interdisciplinary teams to explore creative solutions for our world's biggest issues. You will learn about the science that underpins and advances societies globally.

How can scientific and technological advances increase the quality of our lives and guide our care of Earth’s complex systems? How does the scientific community respond to societal needs, natural hazards and global challenges?

On completion, you will be able to answer these questions and more as you enter this expansive and rewarding field.

What you will study
You'll benefit by learning from recognised and passionate leaders in this academically rigorous field.

You will learn the core fundamentals of science across practical and theoretical subjects in the first year of your degree before deciding which major/minor disciplines to focus on from the second year. You will complete extensive professional experience throughout your degree, which allows you to learn by observation and apply your skills in the lab. Throughout this degree, you will gain hands-on experience and make meaningful professional connections across the broader scientific community.

This degree
Marine science is the study of the ocean. Marine scientists look into the biological nature and capacity of oceans, their impact on human society, and the conservation and environmental management of marine and coastal resources and regions. They spend their time observing, defining and experimenting with coastal processes, biodiversity and climate change, as well as using emerging technologies to ensure the sustainable management of these environments.

The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics provides rigorous training in three interconnected areas that shape the world around us. You will learn to understand the complex interactions between economic and political factors that affect policy and decision-making in contexts ranging from local communities to international organisations. You will develop skills in political understanding, critical thinking, and economic analysis that are essential for careers in politics and government, entrepreneurship, international development, public service, and many other areas.

What you will study
The program of study includes core subjects in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, plus a Major study focusing on a more extensive set of subjects within one of those three areas.

Through the study of Politics, you will learn the foundations of political theory, the impact of public policy, and the structure and history of politics in Australia. You will learn how political considerations affect international relations and the specific problems that arise in the politics of developing countries. You will also study the role of culture and media in politics, allowing you to situate your understanding in a broader social context.

Studying Philosophy will develop your skills in critical thinking and logical analysis. You will learn how distinct ways of understanding concepts such as justice, fairness, and human rights depend on different assumptions regarding knowledge, ethics, and the nature of mind and the self. You will also learn how fundamental philosophical problems relate to serious practical issues in areas such as mental health, bioethics and climate change.

Economics includes three components: macroeconomics, microeconomics, and quantitative methods. Through these, you will learn to interpret complex economic ideas and assess economic factors that arise in a wide variety of contexts. You will acquire formal skills that are essential in business and financial modelling, and you will study economic history, ensuring that your skills are informed by a broader context.

Finally, a Capstone subject integrates key components from all three disciplines into a coherent package, allowing you to apply your understanding of complex problems to real world scenarios.

The Master of Applied Finance (Investing) is for students interested in acquiring an advanced understanding of investment and portfolio management.

You will study the theory and practice of financial management and gain an understanding of the global financial system. Additionally, competing approaches to corporate governance and business ethics will be developed, and you will learn how to provide protection against portfolio, financial and corporate risks.

Students are provided with realistic stock market simulations and are introduced to modern portfolio theory and practice with a focus on optimal investment decision-making. You will experience the pressure of live markets and learn how to manage portfolios through a portfolio simulation that allows you to trade shares, options, bonds, managed funds, international stocks with realistic stock market simulations.