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

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.

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


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

Place yourself at the forefront of innovation with the ANU Bachelor of Biotechnology.

Biotechnology is about applying new technologies to agriculture, food and medicine production, and environmental problems in the context of research, industry and the applied health sciences.

In this cutting-edge degree, you’ll learn the foundations of biology such as molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology and microbiology, as well as contemporary topics such as societal and ethical issues of biotechnology and intellectual property.

Find out more about biotechnology, 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.

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.

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. understand and evaluate the significance of biotechnological discoveries in educational and professional contexts;
  2. apply a range of technological skills and laboratory techniques to addressing specific problems in the field of biological research;
  3. use a range of analytical techniques for the interpretation of biological data to address specific hypotheses;
  4. convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
  5. function in public and professional situations as an interpreter of biotechnological information in the public domain;
  6. exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Further Information

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) is a four year program that ias 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.


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 ias 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.


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:
42

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: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics (Major)/Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major) 

More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here .

ACT: Chemistry (Major); NSW: Chemistry or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here .

  • Students who do not meet the chemistry requirement are advised to seek academic advice by contacting science.enquiries@anu.edu.au. A Chemistry bridging course is available in February through the ANU Research School of Chemistry - contact rsc.teaching@anu.edu.au for more information.


Adjustment Factors

A maximum of 5 equity adjustments apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit to ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

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

Bachelor of Biotechnology - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

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

Annual indicative fee for international students
$50,760.00

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 Construction

COMP2120 Software Engineering

COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution

COMP2310 Systems, Networks and Concurrency

COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security

COMP2550 Computing R&D Methods

COMP2560 Studies in Advanced Computing R&D

COMP3600 Algorithms

COMP3770 Individual Research Project which must be completed twice, in consecutive semesters


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

MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models

MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs

 

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

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

 

6 units from completion of a 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:

MACL-SPEC - Machine Learning

ARIN-SPEC - Artificial Intelligence

SYAR-SPEC - Systems and Architecture

THCS-SPEC - Theoretical Computer Science

HCCC-SPEC - Human-Centred and Creative Computing


24 units from completion of COMP4550 Computing Research Project which must be completed twice, in consecutive semesters (12+12 units).

The Bachelor of Biotechnology 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:

54 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

BIOL1003 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics (6 units)

BIOL1004 Molecular and Cell Biology (6 units)

BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression (6 units)

BIOL2162 Molecular Genetic Techniques (6 units)

BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications (6 units)

BIOL3191 Bioethics and Society (6 units)

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)

CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (6 units)

CHEM2211 Chemical Biology I (6 units)

 

6 units from completion of a Quantitative Skills course from the following list:

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)

PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)

 

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

BIOL2142 General Microbiology (6 units)

BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition (6 units)

BIOL2174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease (6 units)

CHEM2208 Chemical Biology II (6 units)

 

6 units from completion of a 2000- or 3000-level courses from the subject areas:

BIOL Biology

CHEM Chemistry

MEDN Medicine

 

18 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the following subject areas:

BIOL Biology

CHEM Chemistry

MEDN Medicine

NEUR Neuroscience

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.

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 Construction 6 units COMP2550 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 Computing Research Project (R&D) 6 units Computing Research Specialisation 6 units
COMP3770 Computing Research Project (R&D) 6 units Computing Research Specialisation 6 units
Year 5 COMP4550 Computing Research Project 12 units COMP4550
COMP4550 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 MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1013; Other Degree course
COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1014; Other Degree course

Academic Advice

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

Back to the Bachelor of Biotechnology page

Algal biofuels, drought resistant crops and bionic eyes may sound like things of the distant future, but these are just some of the projects our biotechnologists are working on today.

Biotechnology is a fast moving field where scientists use living organisms and their products, to solve real world problems facing modern society. This exciting field has broad applications in medicine, biology, agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy and engineering.

You will learn the foundations of biology, from genes through to ecology, while examining important questions about ethics and intellectual property.

An ANU Bachelor of Biotechnology gives you the knowledge to develop the fuel sources, foods and medical treatments of the future, while teaching you to think ethically about how they will change our society.

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.

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

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
    • Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (48 units maximum non-science courses allowed)

      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
      • Other courses from the Science course list

      About this degree

      Single degree

      In a Bachelor of Biotechnology 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 will need to complete a minimum of 16 science courses (96 units) but will also get to choose eight courses (48 units) from other ANU Colleges.  You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing. The choice is yours.

       

      Double degree

      In a Bachelor of Biotechnology double degree program you will study a total of 96 units.  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 Biotechnology degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.

      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.

      • 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 Biotechnology half of the double degree.

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

      There are 4 compulsory 1000 level Science courses you must take in your first year:

      Electives

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




      Study Options

      Bachelor of Biotechnology - single degree

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

      Study Options

      Year 1 48 units CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units
      CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units

      Bachelor of Biotechnology - double degree

      This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Biotechnology with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts. 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 science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take CHEM1101, CHEM1201 and BIOL1004. You can then take BIOL1003 in your second year of study.

      Study Options

      Year 1 48 units CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units Degree B Course 6 units Degree B Course 6 units
      CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units Degree B Course 6 units Degree B Course 6 units

      Academic Advice

      For further information, you can:


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