Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)

The BCS (Honours) program is designed to:

• provide an introduction to the process and practice of research in computer science;

• enable the acquisition of specialised research skills;

• encourage the development of the ability to think critically and independently;

• consolidate and extend the student's understanding of a range of aspects of the disciplines of computer science and software engineering; and

• improve oral and written communication skills.

Hurdle assessment requirements

Students enrolled in the BCS (Honours) must pass at least 100 points of approved subjects, including 433-401 Computer Science Research Project, and must have a weighted average mark (calculated over the best 100 points of such approved subjects, but always including 433-401 Computer Science Research Project) of at least 65 per cent.

Students enrolled in the BCS (Honours) are also expected to have a satisfactory level of attendance at departmental seminars.

Students will be advised of hurdle requirements for the individual coursework subjects at the commencement of each subject.

Components of assessment

The BCS (Honours) program comprises a research project subject and five advanced coursework subjects. These subjects with their relative weightings are as follows:

• 433-401 Computer Science Research Project = 37.5%

• Advanced Coursework subjects, five at 12.5 points each = 62.5%

The final honours grade is the weighted average mark over the 100 points included in these two components. Students who complete more than 62.5 points of advanced coursework will have their final honours grade calculated as their weighted average mark over the 100 points of study obtained by including their best 62.5 points of advanced coursework.

Advanced coursework subjects

Students may enrol in one 300-level subject in computer science as part of their coursework component, and as many as two 600-level subjects, with the permission of the Department's Honours Coordinator.

For details of the 600-level subjects, see the Faculty of Engineering Postgraduate Handbook, contact the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, or visit http://www.csse.unimelb.edu.au.

Students should note that in any given year the department may choose not to offer all of the pool of 400 and 600-level subjects. Students are advised to make contact with the department late in the previous year to determine if particular subjects will be available.

In addition to the advanced coursework, students must complete a total of 37.5 points of enrolment in the subject 433-401 Computer Science Research Project. In any given semester this subject may be weighted as 12.5, 25.0, or 37.5 points, depending upon the other subjects being undertaken in that semester and whether the student is full or part time. A CNT mark (continuing) will be assigned to this subject until an aggregate of 37.5 points of enrolment in it has been reached.

The honours Computer Science Research Project subject assessment comprises a research report (thesis) of up to 40 pages (20,000 words) and an oral presentation not exceeding 30 minutes.

To enter the BCS (Honours), students must have:

• completed a BCS or equivalent program as assessed by the department;

• passed at least 25 points of 100-level mathematics or statistics; and

• attained a final-year average mark of at least 65.

Students from other institutions and other backgrounds should contact the honours coordinator to determine their eligibility for entry to the BCS (Honours) degree.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability