• Length 5 years full-time
  • Minimum 240 Units
Admission requirements
  • Academic plan AACOM / BMASC
  • CRICOS code 079094C
  • UAC code 135010
  • Academic contact

If you want to find out what drives (and how to work for) companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple or Facebook, you are looking at the right degree.

This is a unique, interdisciplinary program that will prepare you to be a future leader of the information and communications technology revolution.

You will not only learn advanced computing techniques and have the opportunity to complete a unique major, but also develop exceptional professional skills in areas of entrepreneurship and management.

While some of our students are flying unmanned aerial vehicles 15,000 kilometres away, others are busy writing algorithms to mine through Petabytes of data. If mastering challenging projects is your thing, the ANU Bachelor of Advanced Computing can launch you into a spectacular career.

The program is an elite, research-focused program for exceptional students who want to pursue

  • A career based in the quantitative modelling of the real world;
  • A research oriented career in government, commerce or industry;
  • Or postgraduate research leading to a higher degree.

This program provides a unique opportunity within Australia to study mathematics.

  • We offer small class sizes when compared to other top Australian universities.
  • We offer student access to some of the best mathematicians in Australia.
  • We offer a stream of advanced courses from first year through to the honours year.

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.

Career Options

Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.

The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.

Employment Opportunities

The best computing professionals often have knowledge or a wider field than computing alone. BAC graduates will be ideally positioned to shape their chosen sector of the computing industry now and into the future. They will acquire the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the ICT industry.

Opportunities exist in high tech industries, software start-ups computing research and developement as well as specialist computing organisations. Examples include, software developers, data mining specialists for insurance, banking and health sectors, human-computer interction specialists for software services industries, embedded systems developers for defence, and automotive industries.

The best computing professionals often have knowledge or a wider field than computing alone. BAC graduates will be ideally positioned to shape their chosen sector of the computing industry now and into the future. They will acquire the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the ICT industry.

Opportunities exist in high tech industries, software start-ups computing research and developement as well as specialist computing organisations. Examples include, software developers, data mining specialists for insurance, banking and health sectors, human-computer interction specialists for software services industries, embedded systems developers for defence, and automotive industries.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the skills and knowledge to:

  1. Think clearly, sequentially and logically, as demonstrated by the critical analysis of quantitative problems, such as the ability to read, understand and write mathematical proofs.
  2. Demonstrate mastery of the concepts and techniques of Advanced Mathematics
  3. Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
  4. Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
  5. Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
  6. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.

Further Information

The computing industry has grown very rapidly in the last 40 years, with various specialized areas requiring advanced computational techniques emerging. The pervasiveness of computers and computer-enabled devices is rapidly becoming established in modern society. Humans are interacting with computers in ever more profound and sophisticated ways. Allied with this, computers are having to act more intelligently in many different contexts. As the scale and complexity of these computer systems increases, so too do challenges in their engineering. As the amount of data increases exponentially, new challenges in the mining and warehousing of information emerge. In all areas of computing, increasingly sophisticated algorithms underpin all of the resulting technologies.  The resulting hardware and software systems in these areas are complex; hence a systems engineering perspective on their design and construction is valuable.  

In these areas of computing, another emerging trend is linkages with other disciplines. Valuable perspectives on artificial intelligence are emerging from the study of natural intelligence and biological systems. Psychology is a central element in human-computer interaction. The explosion in the volume and utility of information from bioinformatics is a key driver of large-scale data systems. An engineering approach, with emphasis on both hardware and software, is needed for the design of embedded computing technology. In all cases, reliable and systematic software development remains as a key element.

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing graduate will posses technical knowledge of programming, With these as a foundation, their technical knowledge will have been honed by the study of a selection of advanced computing topics. Professional and practical skills in software development will be gained through a series of courses in software analysis, design and construction, capped off with a group software project, With professional skills developed in the areas of entrepreneurship and management, the graduate will be in a position to apply their in-depth technical knowledge to become innovators in industry.

The best computing professionals are informed by knowledge of a wider field than computing alone. Graduates fulfilling a Major in an area of advanced computing and a cognate interdisciplinary area will be ideally positioned to shape the respective sector of the computing industry as it evolves over the near future. This will also imbue a capacity for lifelong learning by exposure to a broader range of perspectives and of ways of studying.

The degree also offers a research pathway for graduates wishing to pursue careers with a high emphasis on research.

The computing industry has grown very rapidly in the last 40 years, with various specialized areas requiring advanced computational techniques emerging. The pervasiveness of computers and computer-enabled devices is rapidly becoming established in modern society. Humans are interacting with computers in ever more profound and sophisticated ways. Allied with this, computers are having to act more intelligently in many different contexts. As the scale and complexity of these computer systems increases, so too do challenges in their engineering. As the amount of data increases exponentially, new challenges in the mining and warehousing of information emerge. In all areas of computing, increasingly sophisticated algorithms underpin all of the resulting technologies.  The resulting hardware and software systems in these areas are complex; hence a systems engineering perspective on their design and construction is valuable.  

In these areas of computing, another emerging trend is linkages with other disciplines. Valuable perspectives on artificial intelligence are emerging from the study of natural intelligence and biological systems. Psychology is a central element in human-computer interaction. The explosion in the volume and utility of information from bioinformatics is a key driver of large-scale data systems. An engineering approach, with emphasis on both hardware and software, is needed for the design of embedded computing technology. In all cases, reliable and systematic software development remains as a key element.

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing graduate will posses technical knowledge of programming, With these as a foundation, their technical knowledge will have been honed by the study of a selection of advanced computing topics. Professional and practical skills in software development will be gained through a series of courses in software analysis, design and construction, capped off with a group software project, With professional skills developed in the areas of entrepreneurship and management, the graduate will be in a position to apply their in-depth technical knowledge to become innovators in industry.

The best computing professionals are informed by knowledge of a wider field than computing alone. Graduates fulfilling a Major in an area of advanced computing and a cognate interdisciplinary area will be ideally positioned to shape the respective sector of the computing industry as it evolves over the near future. This will also imbue a capacity for lifelong learning by exposure to a broader range of perspectives and of ways of studying.

The degree also offers a research pathway for graduates wishing to pursue careers with a high emphasis on research.

Admission Requirements

ATAR:
95
QLD Band:
4
International Baccalaureate:
37

Pathways

There are a range of pathways available to students for entry into Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours):

-Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE): A Diploma from AIE might be a pathway into Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) for eligible students and may also provide advance standing into the program.

-International agreements/pathways: College of Engineering and Computer Science has a range of articulation agreements with institutions around the world. Students completing the appropriate qualification in these institutions may be approved for entry and credit exemptions towards Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).

- Maths Bridging course: ANU College offers a Maths Bridging course for students who do not meet pre-requisite for Maths for entry into Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours). Successful completion of the Maths Bridging course meets the Maths pre-requisite for entry into this program (other entry requirements still apply).

Prerequisites

ACT: Mathematical Methods major.

NSW: Mathematics.

ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent marks in either ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent may be permitted to enrol.

Adjustment Factors

The National Access Scheme 2014

ANU offers bonus points for nationally strategic senior secondary subjects, and in recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Bonus points are applied to all applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedule, and no more than 10 points (maximum 5 academic points and maximum 5 equity points) will be awarded.

Bonus points do not apply to programs with an ATAR cutoff of 98 or higher.

Bonus Points are only awarded to domestic applicants applying for admission through UAC who have not previously attempted tertiary study.

How to apply

Academic Bonus Points: senior secondary students do not need to apply for ANU academic bonus points. They are automatically added in accordance with the schedule.

Educational Access Scheme: senior secondary students do not need to apply if their school is part of the Priority School Funding Program or Country Areas Program. All other applicants should refer to http://www.uac.edu.au/eas/  for more information.

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students
$34,944.00

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Program Requirements

This double degree requires the completion of 240 units.

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) flexible double degree component requires completion of 144 units, of which:

A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 144 units must include:

78 units from completion of compulsory courses from the following list:

COMP2100 Software Construction

COMP2130 Software Design and Analysis

COMP2300 Introduction to Computer Systems

COMP2310 Concurrent and Distributed Systems

COMP2600 Formal Methods in Software Engineering

COMP3100 Software Project (12 units)

COMP3120 Managing Software Development

COMP3530 Systems Engineering for Software Engineers

COMP3600 Algorithms

COMP3630 Theory of Computation

ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering

MGMT3027 Entrepreneurship and Innovation

6 units from completion of one course from the following list:

COMP1100 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms

COMP1130 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms (Advanced)

6 units from completion of one course from the following list:

COMP1110 Introduction to Software Systems

COMP1140 Introduction to Software Systems (Advanced)

6 units from completion of one course from the following list:

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

6 units from completion of one course from the following list:

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1115 Mathematics and Applications 1 Honours

6 units from completion of one course from the following list:

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH1116 Mathematics and Applications 2 Honours

12 units from completion of further courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science

Either:

24 units from completion of COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project

Or:

12 units from completion of COMP4560 Advanced Computing Project

12 units from completion of 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science

 

HONS4700 Final Honours Grade will be used to record the Class of Honours and the Mark. The Honours Mark will be a weighted average percentage mark (APM) calculated by first calculating the average mark for 1000,2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses. We denote these averages: A1, A2, A3, and A4 respectively. The averages are computed based on all units counted towards satisfaction of degree requirements, excluding non-COMP electives. Finally these averages are combined using the formula APM = (0.1 X A1) + (0.2 X A2) + (0.3 X A3) + (0.4 X A4).

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must consist of:

36 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines

MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I

MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications

MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra

36 units from completion of 3000- or 4000-level courses from the subject area MATH Mathematics

6 units from completion of an introductory statistics course from the following list:

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

6 units from completion of an introductory computing course from the following list:

COMP1100 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms

COMP1130 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms (Advanced)

COMP1730 Programming for Scientists

24 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list and 2000-level courses from the following subject areas:

MATH Mathematics

STAT Statistics

COMP Computer Science

Students must achieve a minimum 75% weighted average mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in order to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences. 

Students who do not achieve a minimum of 75% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

Majors

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Majors

Specialisations

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Specialisations

Study Options

Year 1 COMP1130 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms (Advanced) 6 units ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units
COMP1140 Introduction to Software Systems (Advanced) 6 units MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units
Year 2 COMP2100 Software Construction 6 units COMP2300 Introduction to Computer Systems 6 units
COMP2130 Software Analysis and Design 6 units COMP2310 Concurrent and Distributed Systems 6 units COMP2600 Formal Methods in Software Engineering 6 units
Year 3 COMP3100 Software Engineering Group Project 6 units COMP3530 Systems Engineering for Software Engineers 6 units
COMP3100 Software Engineering Group Project 6 units COMP2600 Formal Methods in Software Engineering 6 units
Year 4 COMP3120 Managing Software Development 6 units COMP3630 Theory of Computation 6 units
MGMT3027 Entrepreneurship and Innovation 6 units COMP3600 Algorithms 6 units
Year 5 COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project 12 units COMP4550 Computing course 3000/4000-level 6 units
COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project 12 units COMP4550 Computing course 3000/4000-level 6 units

Back to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) page

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) (BAC) is a unique, interdisciplinary program that will prepare you to be a future leader of the information and communications technology revolution.

The BAC can be taken as a single degree which inlcudes a number of core and compulsory courses. The single degree also offers 48 units (eight courses) of electives that can be taken from additional computing courses (enabling you to complete a Computing major, minor, or specialisation), or from other university courses.

The BAC can also be taken as a part of many double degrees. You may not be able to complete a major in a computing discipline but a minor might be possible. You will be able to specialise in other areas as part of the ‘other half’ of your double degree.



Single degree

  • This degree rquires a total of 192 units (each course is typically 6 units)
  • Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
  • There are a number of core and compulsory courses
  • 48 units (eight courses) of electives that can be taken from additional computing courses (enabling you to complete a computing major, minor, or specialisation), or from other university courses.

Double degree

  • This degree requires a total of 144 units
  • There are no university electives available in the double degree.
  •  It is unlikely that you will be able to complete a major or specialisation in computing but a minor in a computing area might be possible.


About this degree

  • Typically students will enrol in 24 units per semester. This is four, six unit courses per semester. There are some variations in your later years with higher  unit courses.
  • A major is typically 48 units of courses and a minor and specialisation are  24 units each.
  • In the single degree you will have 48 units (eight courses) of university electives. You may use these to do additional computing courses (enabling you to complete a computing major, minor, or specialisation), or  you may choose to take other courses of general interest from elsewhere in the university. 
  • You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. You should however note that you can only do a maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses in the single degree and 36 units of 1000 level courses towards the BAC in the double degree.
  • In the double degree, you have no free electives - your other degree requirements use up all of these.



Enrolment Status

While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.

Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses

  • IF YOU ARE COMMENCING IN JULY YOU SHOULD SEND AN EMAIL TO <studentadmin.cecs@anu.edu.au> FOR ADVICE ABOUT YOUR ENROLMENT OR YOU SHOULD ATTEND AN ENROLMENT ADVICE SESSION AT THE UNIVERSITY IN THE WEEK BEFORE SEMESTER COMMENCES.

  • If you studied ACT Maths Methods, or are not confident in your Maths ability, please FOLLOW THE ADVICE HERE
  • Students who excel in maths and have done the highest level of maths available to them at school should read the following:

    • You may choose to enrol in MATH1115 and MATH1116 (honours maths) in place of MATH1013 and MATH1014. There is no particular advantage to doing this, and there is additional workload, but students who are passionate and talented may like to choose this option.
  • There are two options for you to choose with your first year computing courses:

    -Students with a good maths background, and who have some experience in programming may choose to undertake COMP1130 in Semester 1 and COMP1140 in Semester 2.

    -Students who do not have the above should enrol in COMP1100 and COMP1110 in place of COMP1130 and COMP1140.

  • Students doing double degrees with business degrees do STAT1008 in place of STAT 1003 and take an additional Computing elective.
  • You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
  • You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
  • Remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards the BAC half of the double degree.




Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

If you are in a single degree and you are interested in completing a computing major or minor you may need to use your first year electives to do particular subjects. You are encouraged to look at the each major and minor - you can search at the following site.

Electives

If you are in the single degree then there are university electives that you can enrol in. Before chooing these, please read the pdf document that is attached in the above section on 'Majors and Minors'.

To find  description of the elective courses, use the CATALOGUE SEARCH.

Study Options

Study Options

Year 1 48 units COMP1100 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms 6 units OR COMP1130; ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units STAT1003 Statistical Techniques 6 units
COMP1110 Introduction to Software Systems 6 units OR COMP1130; MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units Computing Major or University Electve Computing Major or University Electve

Study Options

Year 1 48 units COMP1100 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms 6 units OR COMP1130; ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units Course from other degree
COMP1110 Introduction to Software Systems 6 units OR COMP1140; MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units Course from other degree Course from other degree

Academic Advice

For assistance, please email: studentadmin.cecs@anu.edu.au

Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?

Contact Student.Services@cecs.anu.edu.au

Back to the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences page

Please note that if you are commencing your studies in semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. We strongly recommend that you make an appointment with an academic advisor (science.enquiries@anu.edu.au or phoning 6125 2809) to discuss your options. There will also be advisory sessions offered during the week before semester commences.

Mathematics is the study of universal patterns and structures and is the quantitative language of the world. It underpins information technology, computer science, engineering, and the physical sciences; and it plays an increasingly important role in the biological and medical sciences, economics, finance, environmental science, sociology and psychology. The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences provides the tools to study these patterns and structures and along the way you learn transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis, investigation and evidenced-based decision making.

Your program can concentrate on theoretical mathematics, or can extend to a range of applicable mathematical areas such as mathematical modelling, mathematical finance, mathematical economics, mathematical physics, and quantitative biology.


Single degree

In a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences single degree program you will study a total of 144 units (24 courses) and as a full time student you will need to take 24 units (4 courses) per semester. Of these courses you will need to complete a minimum of 12 core and advanced MATH courses (72 units) together with another 4 of either MATH, or COMP or STATS or level 3000 Science courses (24 units). You also can choose 8 elective courses (48 units) from any ANU Colleges. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-mathematics subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.

Summary:

This degree requires 144 units (24 courses)

A maximum of 60 units (10 courses) of 1000-level courses

36 units (6 courses) of core MATH courses

A minimum of 36 units (6 courses) of advanced MATH 3000-level courses

24 units (4 courses) of MATH, COMP or STATS 2000-level courses or 3000-level Science courses

An average mark of 75% in core and advanced MATH courses must be maintained to remain in the program

48 units (8 course) from Science or another ANU College


Double degree

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences can also be taken as a part of many double degrees.

In a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences  double degree program you will study a total of 96 units (16 courses) and as a full time student you will take 4 courses per semester (24 units). However, in each semester you will be likely to take 2 courses from your Mathematical Sciences degree and 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.

Summary:

In a flexible double degree the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences component requires 96 units (16 courses)

36 units (6 courses) of core MATH courses

A minimum of 36 units (6 courses) of advanced MATH 3000-level courses

24 units (4 courses) of MATH, COMP or STATS 2000-level courses or 3000-level Science courses.

An average mark of 75% in core and advanced MATH courses must be maintained to remain in the program




Enrolment Status

It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units (4 course) each semester.

  • You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
  • You can’t study more than 4 courses (24 units) per semester, 8 courses (48 units) for the year.
  • You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.  But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Mathematical Sciences half of the double degree.

Electives

To find 1000-level courses, use the catalogue finder.  Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences program.

Study Options

Single degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs 6 units Science or non-science course Science or non-science course
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra 6 units Science or non-science course Science or non-science course

Double degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (degree A) with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (degree B). Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your mathematical science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take MATH1115, MATH1116.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs 6 units Degree B Course Degree B Course
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra 6 units Degree B Course Degree B Course

Academic Advice

For further information you can:


Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?

Contact Science Enquiries at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au

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