Skip to Content

Major: Computer Engineering

Major Details

Computer Engineering

CEN02

Department:
Department of Engineering
Faculty:
Faculty of Science and Engineering

This major must be completed as part of an award. The general requirements for the award must be satisfied in order to graduate.

Requirements for the Major:

Completion of a minimum of 54 credit points including the following prescribed units:

Credit points

100 level

Required
3
Introduction to Computer Science (3)
 
Required
3
Fundamentals of Computer Science (3)
 
Required
3
Digital Fundamentals and Numerical Techniques (3)
 
Required
3
Electromechanics (3)
 
Required
either
or
 
Mathematics IA (3)
 
3
Mathematics IA (Advanced) (3)
 
Required
either
or
 
Mathematics IB (3)
 
3
Mathematics IB (Advanced) (3)
 
Required
either
or
 
Electric and Magnetic Interactions (3)
 
3
Physics IA (3)
 
Required
either
or
 
Modern Mechanics (3)
 
3
Physics IB (3)
 

200 level

Required
3
Systems Programming (3)
 
Required
3
Programmable Logic Design (3)
 
Required
either
or
 
Linear Circuits and Devices (3)
 
3
Circuits and Devices (3)
 
Required
3
Mathematics IIA (3)
 
Required
either
or
 
Algorithms and Data Structures (3)
 
3
Object-Oriented Programming Practices (3)
 

300 level

Required
3cp from
 
Real-Time Computing (3)
 
 
Cryptography and Information Security (3)
 
3
Computer Networks (3)
 
Required
3
Computer Hardware (3)
 
Required
3
Digital Systems Design (3)
 
Required
either
or
 
Engineering Mathematics III (3)
 
3
Probability, Random Processes and Statistics for Engineers (3)
 

400 level

Required
3
Advanced Computer Engineering (3)
C

TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED TO SATISFY THIS MAJOR

54
Note:
Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
Additional Information
Overview and Aims of the Program Macquarie engineers will graduate with an international qualification with the capability for life-long learning. Refer to the Bachelor of Engineering Award for an overview of the aims of the program.

The Computer Engineering Specialization develops an in-depth understanding of a specific aspect of engineering, with sufficient focus for employment in an initial role. An underpinning knowledge in circuits, control, digital systems, and micro controllers is developed into an in-depth understanding by research and industry engagement in VLSI systems, computing, and application.
Graduate Capabilities

The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:

Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative


Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible

Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning

Program Learning Outcomes By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1. demonstrate a comprehensive, theory based understanding of mathematics, physics, computer science, and electrical engineering fundamentals which form the foundation of digital electronics and computer circuits and systems (K, T, P, C)
2. demonstrate an understanding of digital circuits, control, digital systems, and micro controllers, digital systems analysis and design tools, and computer hardware which underpin computer engineering and its application to VLSI systems and interfaces (K, P)

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
3. use appropriate digital systems modelling and simulation techniques, and computer circuit design software tools and techniques independently and in conjunction with experimental methods to carry out engineering projects in digital electronics and computer systems at and above the VLSI level (K, A, T, P, C)
4. apply detailed knowledge of digital gates and circuits, computer hardware systems, and VLSI implementation to decompose simple computer engineering problems to completely define and solve the computer engineering portion of broader multidisciplinary problem (K, A, T, P, C)

APPLICATION OF SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
5. apply knowledge and understanding of computer engineering to solve problems which involve consideration of broader electrical, mechanical, and software engineering issues (K, T, P, I, C, J)
6. design control systems for complex scenarios including computer control of mechanical, thermal, fluid systems, analogue electronics with consideration for the impact of software on the overall performance and that of the requirements for the computer/digital systems (K, T, P, I, C).
Learning and Teaching Methods Learning and teaching methods are common to all Majors in the Engineering Programs. Refer to the Bachelor of Engineering Award for details.
Assessment Assessment methods are common to all Majors in the Engineering Programs. Refer to the Bachelor of Engineering Award for details.
Recognition of Prior Learning

Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.


For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl

Support for Learning

Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.

Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/

Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us

Program Standards and Quality

The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders.

Graduate Destinations and Employability Refer to the Bachelor of Engineering Award for general details.

Employers include:
• banks and financial institutions such as The Macquarie Group, NAB, Commonwealth Bank
• computer software and hardware companies such as Google, Microsoft and Cisco
• computing and IT companies such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, EMC and Toshiba
• government and university research laboratories such as CSIRO, DSTO (Defence Science and Technology Organisation), ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation)
• public sector institutions at both state and federal level
• semiconductor companies such as Intel
• technology and manufacturing companies such as Honeywell, OEM
• telecommunications companies such as Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, Nokia, Netcomm
• university research laboratories around the world.

Career Opportunities for Computer Engineers include:
• computer design and manufacturing engineer
• electronics design and manufacturing engineer
• project and technology manager
• research and development engineer
• software designer and developer.
Assessment Regulations

This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy.

Accreditation • Provisionally accredited as a Professional Engineering Stage 1 qualification by Engineers Australia
• review cycle is nominally every five years
• the last review was in 2011.