Computational Science
UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR
Computational science is an interdisciplinary major that builds on units offered by physics and mathematics with units offered by other science disciplines. Computational science is the application of computer nalysis to the solving of problems in the natural sciences. It covers the formulation and analysis of problems, the use of software packages and programs to solve these problems computationally, simulations and modelling, mathematical and numerical analysis, highperformance supercomputing, graphics, visualisation and programming. Computational science students have very strong analytical and numerical problem-solving skills. These skills make them highly sought after in the areas of scientific and financial research, in delivering industry and corporate IT solutions and assisting with policy development in government departments.
Study plan
FIRST YEAR
For a computational science major, it is recommended that you take junior units in computational science and information systems to learn programming and data systems.
SECOND YEAR
You will take the necessary intermediate units that are pre-requisites for the units you wish to take in your senior year. Your intermediate units might consist of a combination of mathematics, biology, molecular biology and genetics, environmental studies, microbiology, marine science or other electives.
THIRD YEAR
To complete your computational science major, you must take 24 credit points from the core or elective senior units of study in computational science, of which at least 12 credit points are from the core senior units of study. Major electives can be taken from the areas of biochemistry, biology, bioinformatics, geosciences, mathematics, multimedia and statistics.
EXAMPLE UNITS
Computational Science in Matlab
Scientific Computing
Mathematical Computing
Applied Linear Models
Stochastic Processes and Time Series
Differential Equations and Biomathematics
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Ecological Methods
Graduate opportunities
With a computational science major, you can find work as a computational scientist who writes computer codes and implements models describing a wide variety of systems. The skills you have gained in your major will make you highly sought after in the areas of scientific and financial research, in delivering industry and corporate IT solutions and assisting with policy development in government departments. You might find yourself observing scenarios and determining solutions for clients in large corporate consultancies, hospitals, universities or government.
Further study for major
Eligible students may apply for admission to a BSc Honours year in an area related to their major, and later move on to a master's by research or PhD. Postgraduate coursework opportunities are also available.
Depending on what you'd like to specialise in, an honours year is possible with the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Engineering and IT, or both. Honours provides the opportunity to be involved in a research program and provides training in research techniques. It adds a new dimension to the skills that you have acquired during your undergraduate years and enhances your immediate employment prospects and, more significantly, your future career potential. An honours degree widens the range of employment possibilities and it may lead to the opportunity to proceed to a postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) in your specialised area.
Related subject areas
Computer Science
Information Systems
Software Engineering