Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Computer Engineering

Computer engineers design computers and/or computer systems, hardware and software to control sensors, embedded devices and manufacturing or industrial plants. This field of engineering not only focuses on how computer systems themselves work, but how they integrate into the larger picture. Computer engineers can choose to work in many areas such as networking, control and automation, multimedia, image processing, machine vision and intelligent systems.

They work across a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, medical, transport, telecommunication, government, mining and finance, any industry which requires personnel with expertise in the design and applications of computer hardware, especially the interfacing of computers with other machinery.

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 America 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

In the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Computer Engineering you will study electrical engineering, software design and hardware-software integration, from the development of super computers to circuit design. You will acquire specialist expertise in the fields of computer architecture and software design to combine hardware and software solutions to solve practical problems.

After completing two years of physics, maths, computer programming, circuit theory and general engineering-based subjects, the later years of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Computer Engineering focus on the development of high level computer engineering capabilities including:

• Hardware design
• Software techniques
• Signal processing
• Multimedia control systems and robotics

From second year you also have the option to complete a double major, combining two engineering disciplines. Available double major combinations include:

• Computer Engineering and Telecommunications Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering

Course structure

(Current year structure - subject to change)

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

Course Structure

The normal full-time load for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is 48 credit points per year and, apart from thesis and professional experience subjects, all subjects have a credit point value of six.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) normally takes four years to complete, with double majors and double degrees normally taking five years to complete. All students must take notice of the Course Rules regarding minimum rate of progress.

To qualify for award of the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), a student must complete a total of at least 192 credit points if undertaking a single major or 240 credit points if undertaking a double major, as outlined below:

1. at least one major, or optional double major,  as listed below;
2. required List A and List B electives as stated on the major handbook page. Students may undertake a Minor, from the Schedule of Minors, to satisfy the List A and List B electives required to complete the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). In specific majors, addition of a Minor may require students to complete more credit points (cp) than the minimum 192 cp needed for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours);
3. at least 24 credit points at 300 level;
4. at least 12 weeks of approved professional experience, documented in the form of employment reports at any stage after completion of 1st year*; and
5. a project or thesis on a research or design topic under the supervision of an academic staff member. There are three thesis options:
   1. ENGG452 Thesis A (12 credit points)
   2. ENGG453 Thesis B (18 credit points) - ENGG453 may be taken by high achieving students, with permission of the Head of Students. ENGG453 students are exempt from one six credit point elective.
   3. ECTE451 Engineering Project 1 (6 credit points) and ECTE458 Engineering Project 2 (12 credit points).

The Honours grade will be calculated in accordance with Method 2. Students whose WAM is below 67.5% will receive Honours with no grade.

* A part-time candidate in approved full-time engineering employment may be exempted from up to three specified subjects in accordance with the provisions of the Professional Options subjects, thereby enabling the joint course to be completed in a shorter time. 

Single Majors

• Architectural Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronic Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Telecommunications Engineering 

Double Majors

These programs of study usually take five years to complete. Students may apply to transfer to a double major at the end of the first year of study. Study programs are detailed in the pages linked below.

• Civil/Environmental
• Civil/Mining
• Computer/Telecommunications
• Electrical/Computer
• Electrical/Telecommunications
• Mechanical/Materials
• Mechanical/Mining
• Mining/Environmental
• Mining/Materials

Scholar Program

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) students can apply for a course transfer to the Scholar program after completion of a minimum of 48 credit points. For more information, click here.

Professional Options

The Faculty encourages the development of engineering skills and knowledge gained in the workplace through Professional Options. Students who work in appropriate industries can enrol in Professional Option subjects and count their industry skills and knowledge toward their degree. This is only available to students in the Biomedical, Civil, Environmental, Materials, Mechanical, Mechatronics and Mining Engineering majors.

Depending on the degree, and subject to approval by the Academic Program Director, students will be able to take up to three six credit point Professional Option subjects during their course:

Double Degrees with Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

A number of double degrees are offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Computer Science
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Mathematics
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Science (Physics)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical or Mechatronics) - Bachelor of Exercise Science
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Laws 

Compulsory Work Placement / Online Components

This course contains a total of 420 hours over 12 weeks of compulsory work-based placements. This course may also contain compulsory components to be completed online.