Join us on an exciting journey tailored for students who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of computing technology. The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) program is designed to immerse you in a dynamic learning environment where you'll not only master advanced computing concepts but also engage deeply in hands-on research and development projects. From day one, you'll dive into a blend of challenging advanced coursework that covers everything from foundational principles to cutting-edge algorithms and software engineering techniques. Classes are interactive and designed to cultivate your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, essential skills for tackling complex real-world challenges.

What sets the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) program apart is its emphasis on research. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with renowned faculty members on groundbreaking research projects. This hands-on experience isn't just about learning theory—it's about applying what you've learned to solve real problems and contribute to advancements in computing. Within your degree program, you have the flexibility to learn and explore the range of computing offerings, and you can choose to complete a Computing Major or Specialisation if you want to study an area in more depth. Beyond the classroom, the program encourages interdisciplinary exploration. You'll have the flexibility to explore connections between computing and other fields like mathematics, biology, creative arts and social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach enriches your understanding and equips you with a broader perspective and adaptable skills that are highly sought after in today's tech-driven world.

As a Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) student, you'll graduate with a robust skill set and a portfolio of real-world projects that showcase your expertise. Whether your goal is to develop innovative software solutions, pursue advanced research opportunities, or lead technology initiatives, the ANU Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) program prepares you to excel in diverse career paths within the vibrant and evolving field of computing.

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

Innovative solutions to many of the problems in society today will come from those working in R&D and are at the forefront of new product design and development as well as being a wealth and change generator. After graduation, students choose to become innovators and leaders in R&D roles in IT or other industries, government, academia, or by creating their own start-ups.

BACR&D students 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
• Advanced Software Solutions Engineer
• Software Architect

Our graduates work in many organisations including IBM, Google, Microsoft, Intel, Atlassian, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Accenture, National Australia Bank, Deloitte, Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Signals Directorate.

Students graduating with AACRD have been accepted directly into PhD programs around the world including ANU.

Innovative solutions to many of the problems in society today will come from those working in R&D and are at the forefront of new product design and development as well as being a wealth and change generator. After graduation, students choose to become innovators and leaders in R&D roles in IT or other industries, government, academia, or by creating their own start-ups.

BACR&D students 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
• Advanced Software Solutions Engineer
• Software Architect

Our graduates work in many organisations including IBM, Google, Microsoft, Intel, Atlassian, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Accenture, National Australia Bank, Deloitte, Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Signals Directorate.

Students graduating with AACRD have been accepted directly into PhD programs around the world including ANU.

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. Illustrate an understanding of deep knowledge in at least one area of computer science
4. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the fundamentals of research methodologies, including defining research problems, evaluating background readings, developing literature reviews, designing experiments, and effectively communicating results to a transdisciplinary audience.
5. Proficiently 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 in various discipline backgrounds.
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. Using a diverse range of discipline backgrounds and varied data, analyse programming problems to suggest, design and implement appropriate modular program structures, based on a data-directed approach.

Further Information

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

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.

The BAC(R&D) is not a professionally accredited degree, while the BAC is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

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 by visiting the College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics website.

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

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.

The BAC(R&D) is not a professionally accredited degree, while the BAC is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

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 by visiting the College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics website.

Admission Requirements

Pathways

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) is the 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 in the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) complete the Advanced first-year courses 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)

NSW: HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent.

VIC: Mathematics Methods or equivalent

QLD: Mathematics Methods or equivalent

TAS: Mathematical methods/Mathematics Specialised/Mathematics 1 and II through U Tas/Both Mathematics 1 and II through UTAS/Both Advanced Calculus and Applications 1A and 1B through UTAS

SA / NT: Mathematical Methods or equivalent

WA: Mathematical Methods or equivalent

IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations HL/Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL or HL

• ACT:

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

Recommended: Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major/Minor)

• NSW:

Required: Mathematics Advanced or equivalent

Recommended: Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent

• VIC: Mathematics Methods or equivalent
• QLD: Mathematics Methods or equivalent
• TAS: Mathematical methods/Mathematics Specialised/Mathematics 1 and II through U Tas/Both Mathematics 1 and II through UTAS/Both Advanced Calculus and Applications 1A and 1B through UTAS
• SA / NT: Mathematical Methods or equivalent
• WA: Mathematical Methods or equivalent
• IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations HL/Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL or HL

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:

• achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
• if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
• applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program

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 (Research and Development) (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:

COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) (6 units)

COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) (6 units)

COMP1600 Foundations of Computing (6 units)

COMP2100 Software Construction (6 units)

COMP2300 Computer Architecture (6 units)

COMP2550 Computing R&D Methods (6 units)

COMP3600 Algorithms (6 units)

COMP3770 Individual Research Project which must be completed twice, in consecutive semesters (6+6 units)

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

18 units from completion of courses from the following list:

MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units)

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)

MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs (6 units)

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques (6 units)

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods (6 units)

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

12 units of Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving tagged courses

12 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU, which may include courses in the subject area COMP Computer Science

After the first four periods of enrolment students must achieve a minimum 75% Weighted Average Mark in Computing courses. Students who do not achieve a minimum 75% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).

To continue into the final year of the program students must have completed 144 units and achieved a minimum 80% Weighted Average Mark calculated from the courses that contribute to the final Honours grade calculation. Students who do not achieve this 80% Weighted Average Mark will be automatically transferred to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) degree. 

To graduate with the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) students must achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark. Students who do not achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) degree program prior to graduating.

Honours Calculation

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 calculated based on all courses completed (including fails), that are listed in the program requirements, excluding non-COMP-coded electives, giving NCN and WN a nominal mark of zero. 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

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

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving

COMP1730 Programming for Scientists

CBEA2001 Australian Indigenous Perspectives in Business and Economics

CBEA3001 College of Business and Economics Special Industry Project (UG)

CBEA3066 Global Business Immersion

CBEA3070 ANU College of Business and Economics Internship Program

MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines

MATH3511 Scientific Computing

Any other ANU courses

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. 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.

Minors

Bachelor of Statistics Minors

Specialisations

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

Study Options