Global Utilities

La Trobe University
University Handbook 2010

Undergraduate courses offered by the Faculty

Bachelor of Computer Network Engineering (SBCNE) – Melbourne (Bundoora)

This degree is being phased out. No new enrolments will be permitted from 2009.

The Bachelor of Computer Network Engineering produces graduates skilled in the area of computer networking.

It is a four-year pass or honours degree, and provides the opportunity to be a specialist network engineer who can provide a totally integrated solution for the design, installation, and operation of complex computer systems focusing on computer networks. A distinguishing feature of the course is the fourth year thesis, which provides students with research skills and the opportunity to study a current research area within the field of computer networking in great depth.

The course is accredited by Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Upon completion of this course, students should possess:

  • a comprehensive understanding of the body of mathematics, physics, electronics and computer science subject matter that forms the academic basis of computer engineering;
  • in-depth knowledge and understanding of the digital circuitry constituting computer hardware, as evidenced through completion of a digital electronics design project in which this knowledge is applied;
  • high-level skills in developing software using high level languages, with a current emphasis on C++ and Java;
  • proficiency in applying an object-oriented approach to software systems analysis, design and implementation;
  • a sound knowledge of the basic engineering principles and methodologies underlying the analysis, design and implementation of total systems composed of hardware, software, and an interface between the two;
  • knowledge and skills in advanced areas of computer networking including protocols performance and routing, and networks systems security;
  • depending on electives chosen, advanced knowledge and skills in other areas of computer science including intelligent systems, compilers and systems software, software engineering, numerical computing, etc.;
  • skills in the management of resources and technology, as required of an engineering professional;
  • skills and abilities necessary to function effectively in project teams as a manager, leader or team member;
  • written and oral communication skills enabling effective communication with professional colleagues and the wider community;
  • ability to engage in lifelong learning, and
  • an appreciation of pertinent social, legal, ethical, and environmental issues faced by today’s engineering professional.

Articulation

Students who have completed the Bachelor of Computer Technology may apply for entry to the third year of this course.

Industry experience

Students are required to complete at least twelve weeks of certified practical experience before being deemed to have completed the course. This is usually undertaken during the annual vacation following the third year of the course.

Scholarships

First year scholarships are available for high achieving local students. Prospective candidates should contact the Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering early in their year-12 studies for details.

CISCO Program

A CISCO certification training program is available for students who have passed the subjects CSE2NEF, and CSE3INE in their undergraduate studies. Any students interested in obtaining full details of this CISCO program should contact the Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering at the beginning of first semester.

Course structure

Duration of the course is of four years full-time or equivalent part-time and requires the completion of 480 credit points overall.

In the first and second years, students study a fixed combination of subjects in computer science and electronics, together with mathematics, computer systems, physics, and engineering management. In the third and fourth years, there is a comprehensive specialisation in computer networks. A major industry-relevant project must be completed in third year and a research project in the student’s final year.

First year (120 credit points)
Teaching period Subject name Subject code Credit Points
TE-SEM-1 Calculus and Probability for Engineers MAT1CPE 15
TE-SEM-1 Introductory Electronics ELE1IEL 15
TE-SEM-1 Object-Oriented Programming Fundamentals CSE1OOF 15
TE-SEM-1 Discrete Mathematics MAT1DM 15
TE-SEM-2 Basic Electronic Circuits ELE1CCT 15
TE-SEM-2 Calculus and Linear Algebra MAT1CLA 15
TE-SEM-2 Intermediate Object-Oriented Programming CSE1IOO 15
TE-SEM-2 Object-Oriented Programming Using C++ CSE1CPP 15
Second year (120 credit points)
Teaching period Subject name Subject code Credit Points
TE-SEM-1 Microprocessors and Digital Design ELE2MDD 15
TE-SEM-1 Network Engineering Fundamentals CSE2NEF 15
TE-SEM-1 Principles of Physics A PHY1SCA 15
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2 Algorithms and Data Structures CSE2ALG 15
TE-SEM-2 Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals CSE2AIF 15
TE-SEM-2 Digital Design with Programmable Logic ELE2DDP 15
TE-SEM-2 Mathematics Topics for Computer Science MAT2MFC 15
TE-SEM-2 System Design Engineering Fundamentals CSE2DES 15
Third year (120 credit points)
Teaching period Subject name Subject code Credit Points
TE-SEM-1 Intermediate Network Engineering CSE3INE 15
TE-SEM-1 Software Engineering Project A1 CSE3PRA 15
TE-SEM-1 System Design and Methodologies CSE3SDM 15
TE-SEM-2 Applied Probability for Computer Systems Engineers STA3AP 15
TE-SEM-2 Networks, Systems and Web Security CSE3NSW 15
TE-SEM-2 Software Engineering Project B1 CSE3PRB 15

Plus a further 30 credit points of computer science subjects chosen from the following:

Teaching period Subject name Subject code Credit Points
TE-SEM-1 Database Fundamentals CSE2DBF 15
TE-SEM-1 Embedded Processors ELE3EMB 15
TE-SEM-1 Industry Based Learning A CSE3IBA 30
TE-SEM-2 Industry Based Learning B CSE3IBB 30
TE-SEM-2 Operating Systems CSE3OSS 15

Key: 1 Linked subjects: both subjects must be taken in the one academic year

Fourth year (120 credit points)

Eligible students may choose either the Thesis (60 credit points) or the Engineering Project (45 credit points). Those students wishing to undertake the Engineering Project must have completed the required prerequisite subjects and have obtained approval from the fourth year coordinator in the Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering and the Department of Electronic Engineering. Those undertaking the Engineering Project must undertake an additional fourth year level computer science subject.

Teaching period Subject name Subject code Credit Points
TE-SEM-1 Applied Management for Engineers ELE4EMT 15
TE-SEM-1 Thesis A CSE4THA 30
TE-SEM-1 Wireless Network Engineering CSE4WNE 15
TE-SEM-2 Thesis B CSE4THB 30

Plus a further 30 credit points of computer science subjects chosen from the following:

Teaching period Subject name Subject code Credit Points
TE-SEM-2 Mobile and Pervasive Computing CSE4MPC 15
TE-SEM-2 Performance Analysis of Computer Systems CSE4PCS 15
TE-SEM-2 Pervasive Network Design CSE4PND 15

Honours

Students completing the degree will have their degree awarded with Honours provided they are accepted as Honours candidates at the beginning of their final year. Entry to the Honours course is based on academic performance in third year. Those students not eligible for entry to Honours are required to undertake the Major Computer Engineering Project subjects (CSE4CPA and CSE4CPB) (45 credit points) and an additional third or fourth year level computer science subject, in place of Thesis A (CSE4THA) and Thesis B (CSE4THB) (60 credit points).

For a full description of subjects, including the subject name, subject code, credit points, campus/location, subject coordinator, class requirements, assessment, prerequisites and readings, students should access the Subject Database at www.latrobe.edu.au/udb_public.