IT/ Comp Sci / Software Engineering

[goldfield]

Hello, I am new to the forums (I've been stalking around a long time, but never have been a member )and I basically joined because I cant seems to distinguish between the different Computer Science/ IT courses offered.
I am in year 12 at the moment and am looking at either USYD or UTS (transport reasons mainly). So I am looking at the following:

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology @ UTS
Bachelor of Engineering (Software) @ UTS

Bachelor of Engineering (Software) @ USYD
Bachelor of Information Technology @ USYD

Can someone please explain the differences between the courses? Whenever I speak to anyone at the unis all I get is a really general explanation, they might as well all be the same course the way they are described .

Does anyone have any experiences they can share? I am looking for a job in the software development scene and want to have an extended knowledge of computer and application programming (to perhaps be ABLE, i.e. have the skills, to work with the Microsoft Windows OS Development team... or somewhere at that level )

Which course do you recommended and why that particular course?

Thanks so much for the help guys, i'm really quite confused ATM

 

[Gigacube]

If you're looking for a job in software development then you should go for Bachelor of Engineering (Software) instead of Information Technology. You should ask about what classes you take for each course as well.

 

[goldfield]

Can someone please explain the differences between the courses?

 

[Gigacube]

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=difference+between+computer+engineering+&+it
Google it.

 

[goldfield]

I've done that extensively already, I was unable to find a concise answer hence the reason I am here ...

 

[nisseltaria]

The BIT at USyd is their advanced, 4-year Comp Sci degree. It takes the same amount of time to complete as the Engineering (Software) degree at USyd though IIRC the UTS Engineering program takes 5 years (they've got a habit of getting people to do concurrent Diplomas of Professional Practice).

UTS will, in general, be much more focused on producing graduates for industry where there's more of a research focus at USyd though you can pursue either end at either uni.

Software Engineering tends to have a lot in common with IT/CompSci programs but have an added emphasis on teamwork, project management and the process of software development. IT/CompSci advanced degrees, like the BIT at USyd, tend to have a greater focus on research and the mathematical elements of programming.

Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Take at your own risk.

 

[Lolsmith]

Computer Science is a more flexible degree. You can branch between all IT/Computer related courses. This requires more self direction in terms of course selection.

Software Engineering is more structured, with less free choice subjects able to be taken. It, like that other person said, focuses on working in a cohort and how software is developed, as opposed to just being able to create it. More in depth with Spftware specifically. You might also have to do a few courses during first year that are common to all engineers.

Go to UNSW

 

[iRuler]

I'm currently studying Bachelor of Science in Information Technology @ UTS and It's structured to make you aware of all fields for IT, so basically make you an all rounder, and then allow you to major in what you like. There is a practical approach to it, there's team work involved, and from what I know, employers love UTS graduates, because of this practical approach. Also I personally know a lot of people who end up at IBM with most starting off at 70-80k straight out of uni.

I cant comment on other courses, except the fact that, for software engineering I've been told there isnt much scope in Australia, so you will have to go somewhere else (another country) to use it properly.

 

[Lolsmith]

^ Which is why software graduates (from UNSW) have an average salary of $70k+

Whoever told you that is lying to you champ

 

[iRuler]

Same as IT grads from UTS, also I did say to "use it properly" as in to get the best possible salary.

 

[MrBrightside]

lol, I was in your exact position about a year ago. I have moved on to other choices now. I'll link a compilation of some good threads I asked.

http://community.boredofstudies.org...TS-vs-Usyd-vs-UNSW-for-Information-Technology

http://community.boredofstudies.org...int-of-B-Sc-in-games-development-(new-course)

http://community.boredofstudies.org/showthread.php/243271-Whats-computer-science-like

Have a read through them, feel free to pm me.

 

[goldfield]

But so which course focuses more on software development and has an emphasis on actual programming?

 

[iRuler]

I'm assuming its software engineering, since for UTS that is basically done in your major only.

 

[MrBrightside]

But so which course focuses more on software development and has an emphasis on actual programming?

From what i've been told, I.T is the study of computer's in general such as networks, programming, communication with clients with a STRONG empahsise on working with I.T within a BUSINESS. maths is optional

UTS has a few different I.T courses, if you like programming so much and are into games development take their new course, just out this year. "Bachelor of Science in Games Development" http://www.handbook.uts.edu.au/courses/c10229.html - it's has a very software design / programming approach. be warned though, the games development industry isn't that big in Australia, even though there are some companies in Aust that do this, your NOT very likely to get in.

Comp sci is the more mathematical/scientific, research, and after your core compoenents you can choose to specialise in a software design major. It's more designing systems for coorporations.

The two have conflicts, like you can do either course and still be a system analyst at the end of the day. salaries are about the same, and the demands should be the same as well as I.T and ICT engineering are basically part of the same faculty. If you like maths a lot and are good with physics, then take up an engineering in software design course. Else go the I.T route.

 

[twistedrebel]

comp sci -make shit
seng-manage shit
it-do shit( i.e networking, etc)

all 3 have good money currently and will do so for a while. I know for a fact microsft USA recruits from UNSW every year, and i would go comp sci @ unsw if i were you

 

[goldfield]

Not so much into games development... but as far as computer programming and application development which is on the money?
Thanks guys for all your help

 

[MrBrightside]

Not so much into games development... but as far as computer programming and application development which is on the money?
Thanks guys for all your help

correct if i'm wrong, but computer programming goes hand in hand with application development. btw, don't worry about what pays the most, first year grads will most likely be making the same average of money. Just be lucky you have a professional job at the end of the day and be done with it. As your career starts from the bottom, there's always room for pay rises and promotions down the track, which takes time, character development and an enhancement in skills.

 

[goldfield]

Maybe that wasn't the right phrase to coin What i meant was which has a higher programming focus also, whats UNSW and UMAC like in terms of IT/ seng courses?

 

[pwoh]

Maybe that wasn't the right phrase to coin What i meant was which has a higher programming focus also, whats UNSW and UMAC like in terms of IT/ seng courses?

UNSW pwns for seng/comp sci. For IT, not sure.

 

[Lolsmith]

comp sci -make shit
seng-manage shit
it-do shit( i.e networking, etc)

all 3 have good money currently and will do so for a while. I know for a fact microsft USA recruits from UNSW every year, and i would go comp sci @ unsw if i were you

^ This

UNSW is the best for engineering (any) and comp sci