About the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

We offer high quality teaching and research programs to advance knowledge in engineering, computing and mathematical sciences.

Comprising three departments – the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, the Department of Engineering and the Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences – our goal is to offer innovative cross-disciplinary undergraduate and postgraduate programs that meet the needs of industry.

Our courses offer a strong foundation and advanced learning in computing, technology, engineering, and mathematical and physical sciences, combining core competencies with hands-on, industry-relevant skills. We work closely with leading technology companies to integrate industry certifications into our degrees, ensuring graduates are well-aligned with current professional standards.

We are committed to expanding our educational reach through strategic partnerships in education, both in Australia and internationally. With a strong focus on flexibility, we offer online undergraduate and postgraduate programs to support students in regional and remote areas, as well as those at different stages of their academic journey.

Our staff bring a strong mix of academic expertise and industry experience across our disciplines. We appoint industry leaders as Professors of Practice to strengthen real-world insights in our teaching and research. Together, they are committed to supporting student success, enriching learning experiences, and preparing graduates for meaningful and relevant employment.

Photo of Professor Wenny Rahayu

Our researchers specialise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart sensor technology, data science, physics and mathematical modelling. Our advanced manufacturing capability has applications in healthcare, agriculture, transport, logistics, infrastructure and sustainable environments.

Professor Wenny Rahayu
Dean, School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Industry-engaged learning

Our undergraduate and postgraduate programs are industry-focused, providing students with placement opportunities in their chosen discipline and exposure to real world projects.

Our programs train graduates to meet the need for an adaptive and technologically trained workforce. We do this by carefully designing our programs in consultation with industry. The result: a strong course portfolio in computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, civil and construction engineering, manufacturing, and quantum information technology.

Our laboratories and facilities provide students with hands-on experience that complements their theoretical training.

Where appropriate, our programs are accredited by governing bodies such as Engineers Australia, the Australian Computer Society and the Statistical Society of Australia.

Research with impact

The School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences has recognised research expertise in engineering, computing and mathematical sciences.

Our key areas of strength include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science and mathematical modelling, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. We champion cross-disciplinary research in health, infrastructure and agriculture to positively impact our communities.

We build research partnerships with key industries and organisations to tackle research challenges that span multiple disciplines.  Our School is home to two prestigious Industry Research Chairs, established in partnership with leading organisations: the Cisco Chair in AI and IoT, and the Optus Chair in Digital Health. These positions drive cutting-edge research and strengthen industry collaboration in critical technology areas.

Our graduate research programs now comprise around 200 PhD and Master by Research candidates. We have a strong cohort of industry-sponsored graduate research students who work closely with partners and their academic supervisors to address industry challenges and create meaningful impact.

MEET OUR EXECUTIVE

La Trobe's School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences is led by an executive team that understands the importance of an industry-focused education and transformative research outcomes. Read more about their careers and find out about their most recent publications.

Research centres

The School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences is home to four prestigious research centres.

The Australian Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Innovation is the world’s first university innovation centre specialising in the application of artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery and development of immunotherapies, vaccines and medical innovation.

The Centre for Materials and Surface Science is Australia’s most comprehensive suite of surface science and surface analysis equipment and an international leader in the application of machine learning for understanding very large and complex spectroscopic datasets.

The Centre for Technology Infusion focuses on strategic and translational research through integration of complementary research expertise in micro/nanotechnologies, and information and communication technologies. The Centre creates technology-focused solutions for all areas of industry including transport, health and agriculture.

The Cisco-La Trobe Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things galvanises a decade-long partnership between Cisco and La Trobe University. The Centre is the first of its kind in Australia to exploit the synergy between state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies.

SCHOOL STRATEGY

Discover our strategic goals. Learn more about our commitment to innovation and excellence in La Trobe's School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.

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