| 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 Software Engineering Specialisation develops an in-depth understanding of a specific aspect of engineering, with sufficient focus for employment in an initial role. An underpinning knowledge in algorithms and data structures, programming languages, networks, databases, and software engineering is developed into an in-depth understanding by research and industry engagement in software. |
| 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:
1. apply a comprehensive, theory based understanding of mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering fundamentals which form the foundation of modern electrical and mechanical engineering to problems in software engineering (K, T, P, C)
2. demonstrate the use of modern software technologies to analyse, design, create and evaluate significant software with an understanding of the differences and relationships among computer science, information systems/systems analysis, and software engineering (K, T, P, I, C)
3. understand and apply concepts and techniques of software engineering such as process selection and planning, algorithm and data structure design, test planning, software performance and quality metrics, software reliability, object-oriented practices, low-level systems programming, and database-centred design (K, T, P, I, C)
4. understand and apply the computer science and information systems analysis concepts and techniques that underpin the development of software and its engineering (K, T, P, C)
5. demonstrate a significant breadth of experience in the engineering and application of software as a part of a larger system to solve problems in a variety of domains inclusive of, but not limited to, mechanical and electrical engineering (K, T, P, I, C)
6. conduct a software-based project including pre-requirements problem definition and statement by applying industry-standard software development methodologies, practices, and tools as part of a team, including post-coding issues, such as testing, system performance metrics, and reliability (K, T, P, I, C, J)
7. understand the ethical issues that arise in the software engineering lifecycle and apply accepted engineering approaches for reasoning about ethical issues that arise in the engineering profession (K, T, P, E, J). |
| 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 (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic Students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International Students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl |
| 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/wellbeing |
| 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.
Career Opportunities for Software Engineers are in:
• business systems designer
• computer and communication network engineer
• engineering researcher
• financial analyst and software modeller
• planning/policy analyst
• project and technology manager
• software designer and developer
• systems developer.
Employers include:
• accounting and consulting firms such as Deloitte Australia, Accenture
• banks and financial institutions such as The Macquarie Group, NAB, Commonwealth Bank
• computer software and hardware companies such as Google, Microsoft, Cisco, Netcomm
• defence companies such as BAE Systems
• IT companies such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, EMC
• NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) such as Greenpeace and World Health Organisation
• 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
• technology and manufacturing companies such as Honeywell
• telecommunications companies such as Optus, Telstra, Toshiba, Vodafone, Nokia
• university research laboratories around the world. |
| 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 nominaly every five years.
The last review was in 2011. |
