• Length 5 years full-time
  • Minimum 240 Units
Admission requirements
  • Academic plan AACRD / BENSU
  • CRICOS code 079094C
  • UAC code 135010
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) / Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability

If you want to explore the cutting edge of research in computing and gain skills that will enable you to development software that tackles complex problems then 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. It also is a great pathway to a PhD.

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.

You’ll work alongside distinguished researchers at ANU and pursue research projects in your own area of interest.

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

Maintaining the balance between our environment and human development is challenging. The future needs you to work on sustainable solutions to issues including increasing biodiversity loss, urbanisation and climate change.

The ANU Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability is a contemporary degree, covering environmental science, policy and social sciences, allowing you to address the complex challenges of sustainability by giving you a broad environmental education.

You’ll learn to link perspectives from the natural and social sciences with their applications in your chosen major and minor.

Find out more about the Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.

Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.

 

Career Options

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.

Employment Opportunities

Innovative solutions come to those working in R&D. Graduates can choose to work in ICT R&D in the public or private sector, and in academia.

They can work across a range of industries in a variety of roles. Examples include:

  • Data Mining Specialist
  • Big Data Analyst
  • Human-Computer Interaction Specialist,
  • Software Developer
  • Embedded systems developer
  • Network Architect
  • Systems Analyst
  • Computer Engineer
  • Advanced Software Solutions Engineer
  • Software Architect

Our graduates work in many organisations including:

  • IBM
  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • Yahoo
  • Intel
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers
  • Accenture Australia
  • Bloomberg
  • National Australia Bank
  • Citigroup
  • Deloitte
  • Unisys
  • Australian Government (Australian Taxation Office, Reserve Bank of Australia, Department of Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy, etc.)

Innovative solutions come to those working in R&D. Graduates can choose to work in ICT R&D in the public or private sector, and in academia.

They can work across a range of industries in a variety of roles. Examples include:

  • Data Mining Specialist
  • Big Data Analyst
  • Human-Computer Interaction Specialist,
  • Software Developer
  • Embedded systems developer
  • Network Architect
  • Systems Analyst
  • Computer Engineer
  • Advanced Software Solutions Engineer
  • Software Architect

Our graduates work in many organisations including:

  • IBM
  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • Yahoo
  • Intel
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers
  • Accenture Australia
  • Bloomberg
  • National Australia Bank
  • Citigroup
  • Deloitte
  • Unisys
  • Australian Government (Australian Taxation Office, Reserve Bank of Australia, Department of Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy, etc.)

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 a deep understanding of the fundamentals of research methodologies, including defining research problems, background reading and literature review, designing experiments, and effectively communicating results
  10. Proficiently apply research methods to the solution of contemporary research problems in computer science, and
  11.  Demonstrate an understanding of research processes including research proposals, article reviewing and ethics clearance.
  1. Evaluate current understandings of environmental science, natural resource management and sustainability, and of a range of response strategies for sustainable resource management and development.

  2. Integrate knowledge from relevant scientific areas and from policy approaches across disciplines into approaches designed to address complex contemporary environment and sustainability issues, in global, national and local contexts.

  3. Apply a range of written, oral and visual communication skills to effectively convey and discuss information about environmental science, sustainable development and resource management decisions and relevant policies across discipline

  4. Engage with ongoing debates on environmental science, resource management and sustainability issues, recognising the importance of biophysical and socio-political and cultural contexts.

Further Information

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) is a four year program that is accredited by the Australian Computing Society. The program has been specifically designed to provide exceptional students with early experience in undertaking research and or development. The program combines a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics, a specialty advanced computing curricula unique to the ANU, and a project based, research intensive course of study, also unique to the ANU. It provides ample scope for the student to pursue research in individual areas of interest, working with researchers of international distinction in the areas of computer science, engineering and mathematics.

A graduate of the program will have a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computing and relevant mathematics, expertise in the software development process, technical knowledge in a selection of contemporary and advanced ICT topics, and a solid experience in research methods in the ICT area.


Students are required to maintain high grades to remain and complete this program. Students who are unable to maintain these grades may transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) degree program which also has many research and development opportunities.


A graduate of the program will have the skills, knowledge and capability to go onto advanced research programs in Computer Science and related areas, and have the potential to become innovators and leaders in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) discipline


Program Transfers

Current students wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) are required to achieve at least an 80% average in the university courses they have completed and be deemed suitable by an interview with the program convenor. Generally students would need to transfer into the program before the end of their second year.

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 Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) is a four year program that is accredited by the Australian Computing Society. The program has been specifically designed to provide exceptional students with early experience in undertaking research and or development. The program combines a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics, a specialty advanced computing curricula unique to the ANU, and a project based, research intensive course of study, also unique to the ANU. It provides ample scope for the student to pursue research in individual areas of interest, working with researchers of international distinction in the areas of computer science, engineering and mathematics.

A graduate of the program will have a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computing and relevant mathematics, expertise in the software development process, technical knowledge in a selection of contemporary and advanced ICT topics, and a solid experience in research methods in the ICT area.


Students are required to maintain high grades to remain and complete this program. Students who are unable to maintain these grades may transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) degree program which also has many research and development opportunities.


A graduate of the program will have the skills, knowledge and capability to go onto advanced research programs in Computer Science and related areas, and have the potential to become innovators and leaders in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) discipline


Program Transfers

Current students wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) are required to achieve at least an 80% average in the university courses they have completed and be deemed suitable by an interview with the program convenor. Generally students would need to transfer into the program before the end of their second year.

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

ATAR:
98
International Baccalaureate:
40

Pathways

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) might be a pathway for students who meet the Maths pre-requisites but do not have the required score for direct entry into this program.

Eligible students should enrol into Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) and if they can maintain a High Distinction average in their first year, they may be approved to transfer into the R&D program in their second year.

Prerequisites

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.

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

Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

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

Annual indicative fee for international students
$49,330.00

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 (Research and Development) (Honours) flexible double degree component requires completion of 144 units, of which:

 

A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

12 units count towards the requirements of the other double degree component

 

The 144 units must include:

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

COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)

COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced)

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

COMP2550 Advanced Computing R&D Methods

COMP2560 Studies in Advanced Computing R&D

COMP3600 Algorithms

COMP3770 Individual Research Project (12 units)


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:

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

 

6 units from completion of course from the following list:

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

 

24 units from completion of one of the following specialisations:

Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence

Systems and Architecture

Theoretical Computer Science

Human-Centred and Creative Computing

 

24 units from completion of COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project


The Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability flexible double degree component requires the completion of 96 units, of which:

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

A minimum of 30 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list

A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list

A minimum of 6 units must come from completion of quantitative research skills courses from the following list, which may contribute towards meeting the requirements of a major, minor or specialisation in the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability:

BIAN3014 Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology (6 units)

BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)

BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)

ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research (6 units)

ENVS2002 Environmental Measurement, Modelling and Monitoring (6 units)

PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)

PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods (6 units)

Any 1000-, 2000- or 3000- level course from the subject area MATH- Mathematics or STAT- Statistics, with the exception of MATH1042

 

The 96 units must consist of:

48 units from completion of one of the following majors:

Environmental Science

Quantitative Environmental Modelling

Resource and Environmental Management

Sustainability Studies


Either:

24 units from completion of one of the following minors:

Australian Indigenous Studies

Biodiversity Conservation and Management

Climate Science and Policy

Environmental Policy

Forest Science and Policy

Geography

Human Ecology

Soil and Land Management

Sustainable Development

Water Science and Policy

24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list


Or:

48 units from completion of a second major from the following list:

Agricultural Innovation

Biodiversity Conservation

Climate Science

Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Earth Science

Environmental Science

Quantitative Environmental Modelling

Resource and Environmental Management

Geography

Sustainability Studies

A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements.

In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list .

Majors

Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Minors

Specialisations

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) Specialisations

Study Options

Year 1 COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) 6 units MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1013;
COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1014;
Year 2 COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies 6 units COMP2550 Advanced Computing R&D Methods 6 units COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution 6 units
COMP2120 Software Engineering 6 units COMP2310 Systems, Networks, and Concurrency 6 units COMP2560 Studies in Advanced Computing R&D 6 units
Year 3 COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security 6 units Computing Research Specialisation 6 units
COMP3600 Algorithms 6 units Computing Research Specialisation 6 units
Year 4 COMP3770 Individual Research Project 6 units Computing Research Specialisation 6 units
COMP3770 Individual Research Project 6 units Computing Research Specialisation 6 units
Year 5 COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project 12 units COMP4550
COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project 12 units COMP4550

Back to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) page

As a high-achieving student in the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) (Honours)  (BAC(R&D)) degree you have chosen a unique degree. You will study to become an innovator and a future leader of the ICT revolution by undertaking research with some of the world's leading researchers.  You will undertake an accelarated mode of learning, develop a strong foundation in core computer science and be provided with the tools to develop the next generation of computing applications.

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(R&D) 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 requires 192 units (each course is typically 6 units)
  • Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)

Double degree

  • This degree requires 144 units (each course is typically 6 units)
  • Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
  • You will complete a Research and Development major (48 units)
  • There are no university electives in the double degree
  • You can find your double degree with BAC(R&D) from Program and Courses


About this degree

  • Typically you will study 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.
  • The degree comprises compulsory requirements, additional computing electives, research and development projects, internship and electives in the single degree.
  • There are no electives in the double degree but you still may be able to study a computing specialisation (24 units).

Enrolment Status

While it is 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 study 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.
  • As the BAC(R&D) is an advanced degree, you will study both first and second year courses in your first year. First year courses are typically '1000-level' courses ie start with '1' while second year courses typically start with '2'. 
  • Students doing double degrees with business degrees do STAT1008 in place of STAT1003 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
  • 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 BAC(R&D) half of the double degree.



Study Options

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) (Honours)

Study Options

Year 1 48 units COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) 6 units MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1013; University Elective
COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1014; University Elective

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) (Honours)

Study Options

Year 1 48 units COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) 6 units MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units MATH1013 or MATH1115 Other Degree course
COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units MATH1014 or MATH1116 or STAT1003 or STAT1008 Other Degree course

Academic Advice

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

Back to the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability page

Are you concerned about the state of the environment and want to be part of the solution?

With a strong emphasis on getting outside and learning in the field, the ANU Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability will give you a broad environmental education, teaching you to link the natural and social sciences with their applications in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.

If you enjoy the great outdoors and are passionate about keeping them pristine for future generations, this degree will teach you to be an effective environmental scientist and natural resource manager, helping you to meet the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing us this century.

Single degree

  • This degree requires 144 units
  • A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
  • A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
  • One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
  • One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
  • Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)

Double degree

  • This degree requires 96 units Science courses
  • A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level Science courses
  • A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
  • One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
  • One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
  • Other courses from the Science course list

About this degree

Single degree

In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability single degree program you will study a total of 144 units.  Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.

You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses).  You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead.  You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU (science or non-science courses).  You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing.

Double degree

In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability double degree program you will study a total of 96 units of Science course.  Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree.  However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Science degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.

You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses). You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead.

Study Options

The maximum period for completion of the degree program is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. The 10 years includes periods of leave.

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 each semester.

When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses.  These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as SCNC1234.

  • A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
  • 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.
  • You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science major from the list.
  • You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science minor or a second potential Science major from the list.

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 Environment and Sustainability half of the double degree.

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

A course can only ever be counted toward one major or minor.

Exception: A maximum of 12 units of 1000 level courses can count toward two majors that share common first year requirements.

You can find a list of Majors and Minors for this program on Program and Courses, under the ‘Study’ tab on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage.

If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. You don’t need to commit to majors or minors until after your first year.  Using electives can help to keep your options open.

To choose courses for majors and minors, view the Science majors and minors available on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage that interest you and enrol in the first year courses (1000 level).

Electives

Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability program.

Study Options

Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability – single degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units 1000 level course Science elective 6 units Science or non-Science elective 6 units Science or non-Science elective 6 units
1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units Science elective 6 units Science or non-Science elective 6 units Science or non-Science elective 6 units

Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - double degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units Degree B course 6 units Degree B course 6 units
1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units Degree B course 6 units Degree B course 6 units

Academic Advice

For further information, you can:


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