|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 Ruth is a Computer Science Co-Op Student There are two Co-Op Programs for Computing at UNSW, one in Software Engineering, the other in Computer Science. Computer Science Program:
More information on the Co-Op Programs What is Computer Science (CMP)?Society loves technology. From the latest mobile phones to GPS car navigators (which can now be combined!), from high-powered games consols to tiny medical devices, our desire for the fastest, the best and the newest never ceases. As such, the demand for Computer Scientists has never been so great, nor have the range of career opportunities. Computer Scientists implement the systems that drive the Internet; look after your money; build the electronic economy; collect and analyse data in biotechnology; produce CGI effects for movies and much, much more. Computer Science is the study of computer-based systems, with both hardware and software specialisations. At UNSW we focus on building new and innovative systems, rather than just training students in current technologies. The UNSW Computer Science degree covers foundation studies in algorithms, data structures, software engineering and computer systems in the first two years. Students then begin advanced studies in a chosen area, including artificial intelligence, databases, graphics, networks, etc. The Degree Program also has flexibility to allow students to minor in areas such as business, languages, psychology, Arts of Sciences. All UNSW Computer Science Co-op graduates emerge from their study with a broad understanding of computing principles, overlaid with a sound knowledge of important computing technologies and a wide range of immediately applicable skills, along with, of course, important industry experience. Major study options include:
The Co-op Scholarship integrates with the standard Computer Science Degree Program to produce graduates who are not only extremely skillful in computing techniques, but who are also leaders. Several of our Computer Science Scholars have been Producers and Directors in the CSE Revue, a comedy performance put on by our students. They have also gone on to start their own companies or become managers in large corporations. We are looking for people who love technology, who have a strong mathematics background, and who are leaders who enjoy dealing with and managing people. Career Opportunities when you graduate from the Computer Science Co-op Program?Any large company has its own IT department nowadays, and the demand for computing graduates is booming. Several large international IT companies have offices in Sydney where important work is conducted and then used around the world. However, the employment opportunities go well beyond these IT powerhouses, and many of our graduates actually end up in other industries like:
Each of these industries requires a huge IT infrastructure and most directly employ our graduates, while other alumni work as Consultants who are contract out to other companies. The recommended knowledge for UNSW Co-op Program in Computer Science is:Mathematics Extension 1 Brad Hall What is Software Engineering (SEN)?None of the major computer applications today are written by a single person. Even a simple mobile phone exchange takes over 500 man-years to program, while a project like OS-X takes many thousand. Anyone who has ever worked on a group assignment has discovered the difficulties of group-work; from the lazy member who wont pull their weight to the dominant one who thinks they know exactly how to tackle the problem, and wont listen to anyone else. Software Engineering is the field of managing large (and reliable) software projects which are built by a large team. At UNSW, an emphasis is placed on working in teams and developing software that is guaranteed to work, through a unique series of workshops that build up over three years. Software Engineering students also learn about functionality and security. They learn all aspects of the software life cycle, and pick up invaluable professional skills, including presentation skills, dealing with colleagues and managing change. Industry feedback indicates that these are exactly the skills wanted in today's workforce. Engineering as a discipline is all about designing and building new products, and when applied to the field of software, this means that the focus is on creation of new technology rather than training in current applications. Many of our graduates have designed new computer systems that are being used by thousands, or even millions, of people around the world. Major Studies:
Co-Op Software Engineering Scholars should be those students who are not just content to perform work as directed. They should be inspired to be leaders, people who think outside the square, and envision totally new concepts. They also need to be articulate (in order to relay their specifications to their teams), and socialable (to facilitate the team leadership). A strong performance in mathematics, and a creative side, are usually good indicators of a student who will succeed in Software Engineering. Career Opportunities when you graduate from the Co-op Software Engineering Program: While there has been a lot of talk about "outsourcing" to overseas countries, this phenomenon has actually resulted in increased employment opportunities for our graduates. As companies produce cheaper products by having all the basic coding performed in other countries, they sell more of their product, and hence need more Software Engineers to design and implement new products. Employment opportunities include companies that develop significant software systems, including the computing, software, telecommunications, electronics, security finance and defense industries as well as business. The recommended knowledge for UNSWCo-op Program in Software Engineering is: Brad Hall |