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Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

Mathematics for Engineers 1

This unit is the first of two mathematics units to be completed by students enrolled in an engineering degree. It covers the following topics: Differential and integral calculus of a single variable, complex numbers, aspects of matrix algebra, bectors and some elementary statistics and probability theory.

Physics and Materials

This unit serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of physics and materials with appropriate applications in a wide range of engineering and industrial design systems.

Engineering Computing

Students are introduced to the techniques of data manipulation and presentation using the common functions of a spreadsheet facility. The unit also aims to instil sound principles of program design that can be utilised in many units throughout the student's course. The basic elements and structures of a high level language are taught. Students are exposed to many engineering problems and are encouraged to implement solutions using an algorithmic approach.

Engineering, Design and Construction Practice

This unit aims to engender in participants an understanding of the many facets of professional practice that can be pursued as an Engineer or Designer. Communication, teamwork and problem solving skills will be fostered through a series of lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes. Case studies and assessment tasks aim to develop for the students their own personal ethos for practice, study and lifelong learning in line with the graduate outcomes desired by UWS.

Spring session

Mathematics for Engineers 2

This is a level 100 unit to be undertaken by students enrolled in an Engineering degree. It covers the following topics: Ordinary Differential Equations and Multivariable Calculus.

Fundamentals of Mechanics

This unit deals with the action and interaction of forces, moments and couples in two and three dimensions, on machine elements and simple structures. It examines the equilibrium of single bodies, of multi-body structures and of mechanisms. It then covers the dynamics of a particle. A systematic approach to solving practical engineering design problems is provided. The unit makes extensive use of vector algebra.

Electrical Fundamentals

The objective of this unit is to provide an introduction to fundamental electromagnetism and electric circuit principles. Discussion is restricted to DC, although first-order systems are presented and second order systems introduced in preparation for on-going development. Basic definitions of charge, current, potential difference/relative potential, power, and the electric circuit as a complete path are presented, together with the basic laws - Ohm's Law and Kirchoff's nodal and loop laws. Examples from different engineering disciplines are related to circuit’s laws. Basic nodal and mesh analysis are presented together with Thevenin and Norton circuit equivalents, real versus ideal current and voltage sources and the maximum power transfer principle. The operational amplifier as a circuit element is introduced. Energy storage elements (capacitors and inductors) are discussed leading into first-order systems and their natural responses and time-constants. Several basic electromagnetic concepts related to electric and magnetic flux and induced voltage are also discussed.

Engineering and Design Concepts

This unit equips students with the fundamental skills that will enable them to use creative design and engineering approaches to solve challenging problems and to understand the design process. Students will be exposed to 2D and 3D visualisation techniques, will learn how to interpret abstract information and will work on practical projects in an interdisciplinary context.

Year 2

Autumn session

Mathematics for Engineers 3

The unit covers the topics of Advanced Calculus including Vector Calculus, Complex Analysis, Fourier Series, Heat Wave Equations, Fourier Integrals and Transforms; Discrete Mathematics including logic, set theory, graphs and trees and Random Processes including mean correlation and covariance functions, ergodicity, ensemble averages, Gaussian processes and Rayleigh and Rice distribution.

Digital Systems 1

This unit provides students with a solid background in digital logic design. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of digital logic with number systems, basic logic devices and Boolean algebra. Analysis and design of combinational and sequential logic circuits is covered in detail. Design with programmable logic devices is introduced.

Circuit Theory

This unit aims to equip students with the tools needed for the design and analysis of electrical and electronic circuits. The unit also introduces various techniques of circuit analysis, convolution, mutual coupling, frequency response and two ports loop.

Electronics

This unit discusses analysis and practical implementation and testing of analogue electronic circuits. Topics include semiconductor fundamentals, properties and application of diodes and transistors, analysis and design of amplifiers. On completion of this unit, students will develop skills in analysis and design of electronic circuits.

Spring session

Microprocessor Systems

This unit introduces students to the internal structure of microprocessors and its fundamental operations. Topics include assembly language programming, interrupt processing, CPU functions, memory organisation and peripheral programming. Intel 8088 microprocessor will be discussed in great detail. Embedded processor will also be covered.

Signals and Systems

This unit aims to develop students' understanding of continuous-time and discrete-time concepts and methods. It covers various signals and their analysis, as encountered in the fields of electrical, computer and telecommunication engineering.

Computer Organisation

This unit is designed for computer science students, particularly those interested in systems programming and hardware development. Students learn about the interface between the hardware and software of a computer system. This involves study of some aspects of computer architecture and low-level interfacing to gain an insight into CPU organisation at the assembly language level. After completing this unit students will be able to write procedures in an assembly language, and use their understanding of the relationship between the instruction set architecture and the implementation of high level languages to write efficient programs.

Power and Machines

This unit introduces basic concepts of power and machines, including an introduction to modern power systems and transformers, and fundamentals of electromechanical energy conversion. It also covers magnetic circuits, modern permanent magnet materials and their characteristics, and balanced and unbalanced three-phase power systems.

Year 3

Autumn session

Systems Programming 1

This unit provides an introduction to the knowledge and skills required for the design, writing and support of technical software and other such functions normally falling within the role of the systems programmer. It provides for detailed study of a systems programming environment and its application to systems programming tasks.

Digital Signal Processing

This unit examines sampling of analog signals, properties of digital systems, frequency analysis of digital signals and filter design. Students develop skills in designing and analysing digital signal processing systems.

Instrumentation and Measurement

This unit covers all topics associated with the measurement of physical quantities and the instrumentation required to accurately present this information to a controller. Transducers used to measure common physical quantities are presented in detail, while instrumentation includes a detailed analysis of zero-span circuits, Wheatstone bridges, Instrumentation amplifiers, isolation amplifiers, voltage-to-current and voltage-to-frequency modules used for faithful signal transmission, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital circuits, analog multiplexers and sample/hold amplifiers. The application of these modules in modern measurement equipment- multimeters, digital CRO's, and PLC/PC interfacing modules is discussed.

Control Systems

This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of automatic control engineering. It covers traditional and contemporary design and analysis techniques; the concepts required to design continuous time and discrete time controllers. Matlab is utlilized considerably.

Spring session

Operating Systems

This unit provides an introduction to the theory and practice of the internal structure, implementation and functionality of operating systems. The unit is relevant not only for systems programmers, but also for applications developers who need to understand how operating systems control computer hardware, and how they provide convenience, efficiency and security for application development and implementation.

Professional Practice

This unit explores the art of managing physical and human resources and the knowledge to plan, deliver and maintain the physical infrastructure for civilisation in an economically sustainable way.

Data Networks

This unit covers all major network technologies and essential networking topics such as: asynchronous transfer mode (ATM); Internet; telephony; protocol layering; multiple access; switching; scheduling, routing; congestion control; error and flow control; and network security. An engineering approach is taken to provide insight into network design.

Advanced Engineering Topic 1

This unit provides students with the opportunity to tackle challenging engineering problems. They will study advanced topics in selected areas under the supervision of academics. The advanced topics will prepare students for further study and research.

Industrial experience:

Industrial Experience (Engineering)

This is a "Work Experience in Industry" unit, for which no student contribution or fee is charged. Enrolment in the unit will not consume Student Learning Entitlement (SLE). As a formal requirement of the Institution of Engineers (Australia) and the engineering course, each student must complete 12 weeks of industrial experience in an approved engineering work environment prior to graduation.

Year 4 (Honours stream)

Autumn session

Computer Architecture

This unit is designed for computer science students, particularly those interested in systems programming, hardware/software interfaces, and computer system performance evaluation. The topics cover memory system organisation and architecture, CPU functional organisation, pipelined and superscalar microarchitectures, multiprocessor systems, and I/O systems. After completing this unit students will understand the major issues in the state-of-the-art computer architecture, especially modern microprocessors, and will be able to use this knowledge as a basis for product choice and systems configuration.

Advanced Engineering Thesis

This unit provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research on their chosen topics under the supervision of academics. Students are encouraged to disseminate their research results as refereed publications.

Spring session

Advanced Engineering Topic 2

This unit provides students with the opportunity to tackle engineering problems that are more challenging than those in Advanced Engineering Topic 1. They will study advanced topics in selected areas under the supervision of academics. The advanced topics will prepare students for further study and research.

Advanced Engineering Thesis

This unit provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research on their chosen topics under the supervision of academics. Students are encouraged to disseminate their research results as refereed publications.

Bachelor of Engineering - Computer


The future presents significant challenges to those responsible for managing the environment, infrastructure and technological developments. Effective solutions to these challenges will require innovative engineering, applied science and design strategies. At the University of Western Sydney, we prepare students to take on those challenges and succeed.

The UWS Engineering Program is all about the application of knowledge to achieve practical outcomes. It covers all major engineering domains, and you can experience many facets of engineering before deciding your area of specialisation at the end of first year.

After a common first year, you can specialise:

  • Computer – Computers and communication systems, including information and process control and computer design. Subjects include computer networks, digital systems and communications, software engineering, artificial intelligence, digital control systems, microprocessors and embedded micro-controllers. 

Course Details

UAC Code Campus UAI 2008
703000 Penrith 60.80

From 2009 this course will have an advanced leadership program. Any student who enters the B Engineering in 2008 and achieves a grade point average of 5 or above will be eligible to apply for this advanced leadershp program. For more information call the Course Information Centre on 1800 897 669.

Duration

4 years full-time.

Practical Experience

Twelve weeks of industrial experience is required after the end of the third year. The Engineering Summer Placement program available through UWS Cooperative Programs gives high achieving students the opportunity for paid placements.

Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Engineering course is accredited by Engineers Australia.

A Career in Engineering

The UWS Engineering Program gives you professional skills and knowledge in specialisations of great demand:

  • Computer – Hardware and software development, computer control and real time computer systems, communications and networking, networking technology development. For example, creating and designing the next generation tool used in computers, designing solutions to improve communication in limited resource countries. 

Assumed Knowledge

Mathematics, any two units of science and any two units of English.

Application Information

To lodge an application for the course of your choice check the Application Information.

Honours

Students can study for an Honours award during their last year. Entry to the Honours stream is by superior performance in years two and three.

Do you need more information?

Request a course and application information pack:
Course Enquiry Form
International Course Enquiry Form

For further assistance contact us.