Computer Science Major - Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences
Study computer science and gain the skills to develop sophisticated software solutions, solve complex problems and use the power of computing technologies innovatively.
Computer science is the study of how computers work and how they can help us solve complex problems and interact with the world around us. Computer scientists develop innovative solutions, improve existing technologies and drive technological advancements. This major is a mix of computing theory and practical implications to solve real-life problems; setting you up well for a wide range of careers that are in demand around the world.
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This is part of the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences.
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The Computer Science major focuses on advanced programming, data structures, algorithm design, operating systems, computer graphics and artificial intelligence.
Year 1
You’ll study six core courses that cover foundational computing knowledge, as well as a course on programming, covering the processes of program design and implementation using object-oriented programming.
You study the following courses:
Core courses
- COMP500 Programming Concepts and Techniques
- COMP501 Computing Technology in Society
- COMP507 IT Project Management
- COMP508 Database System Design
- DIGD507 Mahitahi/Collaborative Practices
- MATH503 Mathematics for Computing
Computer science course
- COMP503 Object Oriented Programming
You also take the first course for your second major, minor or elective courses.
Year 2
Courses you study this year include data structures and algorithms, computer graphics programming, and logical and combinatorial tools and methods.
You study the following courses:
Computer science courses
- COMP610 Data Structures and Algorithms
- COMP611 Algorithm Design and Analysis
- COMP612 Computer Graphics Programming
- COMP613 Combinatorics and Graph Theory
You also continue to take courses for your chosen second major, minor(s) or elective courses.
Year 3
Courses this year are related to computation theory, programming languages, and distributed and mobile systems.
You study the following courses:
Computer science courses
- COMP711 Theory of Computation
- COMP712 Programming Languages
- COMP713 Distributed and Mobile Systems or COMP719 Applied Human Computer Interaction
You also take the final courses for your chosen second major, minor(s) or elective courses.
Workplace experience
The Research and Development Project course in your final year brings together the skills you’ve developed throughout your degree. You apply what you’ve learnt throughout your studies in a project for an industry client or research centre, under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.
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- Algorithm engineer
- Back-end developer
- Quantitative analyst/researcher
- IT project manager
Other majors in the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences
Postgraduate study
- Use the power of computing to solve complex problems
- Focuses on developing innovative solutions
- Opens up careers that are in high demand around the world
- Includes a major research project for an industry organisation
- Option to include subjects from across AUT in your degree
- A problem-solver
- Technically innovative
- Curious and analytical
- Logical
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.