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

As a degree accredited by the Australian Computer Society you will not only learn advanced computing techniques and have the opportunity to complete a unique specialisation, but also develop exceptional professional skills including communication and teamwork.

While some of our students are developing code which controls unmanned aerial vehicles, others are busy writing algorithms to mine through Peta-bytes of data. If mastering challenging projects is your thing, the ANU Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) can launch you into a spectacular career.

Statistics opens the door to understanding our world through the exploration of data and the modelling of uncertainty. The need for statistics is growing rapidly as our ability to collect massive amounts of data outruns our ability to understand and use the data we collect. Hal Varian, Chief Economist at Google, declared that “the sexy job in the next ten years will be statisticians”, as the challenge of understanding large, complex data structures mounts. It is estimated that 2.5 exabytes of data is generated every single day, with the accumulated amount of data doubling every 18 months, and that 90% of all data ever gathered was produced within the last two years. What’s more, statistics is critical for every discipline for which data play a role, and in responding to the world’s biggest challenges such as climate change, terrorism, health and medicine, and global economic conditions. Some of the world’s largest employers of statisticians include Google and Facebook as well as governments, financial institutions, medical and pharmaceutical industries, universities and many other sectors. By completing a BStat at ANU, you stand ready to meet humanity’s biggest challenges by understanding the world we observe through the eyes of data and statistical and probability modelling.

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 development as well as specialist computing organisations. Examples include, software developers, data mining specialists for insurance, banking and health sectors, human-computer interaction 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 development as well as specialist computing organisations. Examples include, software developers, data mining specialists for insurance, banking and health sectors, human-computer interaction specialists for software services industries, embedded systems developers for defence, and automotive industries.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define and analyse complex problems, and design, implement and evaluate solutions that demonstrate an understanding of the systems context in which software is developed and operated including economic, social, historical, sustainability and ethical aspects.

2. Demonstrate an operational and theoretical understanding of the foundations of computer science including programming, algorithms, logic, architectures and data structures.

3. Recognise connections and recurring themes, including abstraction and complexity, across the discipline.

4. Adapt to new environments and technologies, and to innovate.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of deep knowledge in at least one area of computer science.

6. Communicate complex concepts effectively with diverse audiences using a range of modalities.

7. Work effectively within teams in order to achieve a common goal.

8. Demonstrate commitment to professional conduct and development that recognises the social, legal and ethical implications of their work, to work independently, and self- and peer-assess performance.

9. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of research methodologies, including defining research problems, background reading and literature review, designing experiments, and effectively communicating results.

10. Apply research methods to the solution of contemporary research problems in computer science.

1. Review and synthesise a broad range of statistical knowledge from their chosen major
   
2. Use the R statistical computing language to carry out a wide variety of statistical tasks
   
3. Carry out model selection in a multiple linear regression modelling context
   
4. Describe the concepts of stochastic processes in discrete and continuous time
   
5. Describe and interpret probability theory, continuous random variables, and sampling distributions and the central limit theorem
   
6. Analyse programming problems to suggest, design and implement appropriate modular program structures, based on a data-directed approach.   

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.

Learn more about the degrees offered at the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, read current student profiles to see what campus life is really like, and discover what our graduates have achieved since leaving the College - Visit the College of Engineering and Computer Science website. 

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.

Learn more about the degrees offered at the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, read current student profiles to see what campus life is really like, and discover what our graduates have achieved since leaving the College - Visit the College of Engineering and Computer Science website. 

Admission Requirements

Pathways

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

• ANU: The ANU Bachelor of Information Technology provides a pathway into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).
• 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).

Prerequisites

ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics (Major)/Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major), NSW: Mathematics or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.

ACT: Specialist Mathematics (Major/Minor)/Specialist Methods(Major/Minor), NSW: Mathematics Extension 1. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant's Selection Rank (for example an applicant's ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded. 

You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:

• applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
• undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
• achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
• not previously attempted tertiary study.

Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

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

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

A minimum of 24 units that come from completion of 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science.

The 144 units must include:

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

COMP1600 Foundations of Computing

COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies

COMP2120 Software Engineering

COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution

COMP2310 Systems, Networks and Concurrency

COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security

COMP3600 Algorithms

COMP4450 Advanced Computing Research Methods

6 units from completion of course from the following list:

MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models

MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs

6 units from completion of course from the following list:

COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving

COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)

6 units from completion of course from the following list:

COMP1110 Structured Programming

COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced)

24 units from completion of one of the following specialisations:

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

Systems and Architecture

Theoretical Computer Science

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

6 units from completion of further 3000-level or 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science

Either:

12 units from completion of 3000-level or 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science

 Or:

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

ENGN3230 Engineering Innovation

VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity

Either:

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

 Or:

6 units from completion of courses from the following list:

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines

ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

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 further 3000-level or 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science

COMP4801 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 electives that are neither COMP courses nor courses that are listed within the degree's named specialisations. 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 APM will then be used to determine the final grade according to the ANU Honours grading scale, found at http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/grading-scale.

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

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

The 96 units must consist of:

48 units from the completion of one of the following statistics majors:@

Applied Statistics

Probability and Stochastic Processes

Statistical Data Analytics

Theoretical Statistics

 6 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

STAT2005 Introduction to Stochastic Processes

 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 mathematical statistics course from the following list:

STAT2001 Introductory Mathematical Statistics

STAT2013 Introductory Mathematical Statistics for Actuarial Studies

6 units from completion of a regression course from the following list:

STAT2008 Regression Modelling

STAT2014 Regression Modelling for Actuarial Studies

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

COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving

COMP1730 Programming for Scientists

 12 units from completion of an introductory mathematics courses from the following list:

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

 6 units from completion of a discrete mathematics course from the following list:

MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines

MATH3511 Scientific Computing

If your flexible double degree is within the College of Business and Economics (for example Commerce and Economics), the below study plan may show the same course twice. If this is the case, you must only do the course once and replace the other course with a University Wide Elective or CBE List 1 elective. Please note that you cannot exceed 8 out of college electives.

Students enrolled in Bachelor of Statistics/Bachelor of Actuarial Studies degree will need to enrol in STAT2013 and STAT2014, instead of STAT2001 and STAT2008.

Students enrolled in Bachelor of Statistics/Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Hons) degree will need to enrol in MATH1115 and MATH1116, instead of MATH1013 and MATH1014. Also, in the Bachelor of Statistics, these students should replace COMP1100 with an elective, as they will completing COMP1130 in the BAC (Hons) degree, which is an incompatible course

For majors and minors offered by the ANU College of Business and Economics, students may count a course towards multiple majors and minors. If a minor is a subset of all stated courses and/or prerequisites for a major, then completion of the major overrides completion of the minor, and only the major is regarded as having been completed. If all courses in a major and/or minor are compulsory courses in the degree, the major and/or minor will not be listed on the transcript.

Majors

Bachelor of Statistics Majors

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Statistics Minors

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Minors

Specialisations

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Specialisations

Study Options

Honours

Students may proceed to the fourth honours year in Statistics. Entry to the honours year program is subject to an appropriately high average grade (generally distinction level or above) in the 3000-level compulsory subjects described in the course listings and requires the approval of College. Other conditions may also apply. Students who are interested in the honours program should seek further advice from the Convenor of the Program in the Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies and Applied Statistics.