Single degrees
The following undergraduate single degree courses managed by the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering are available at the Clayton campus of Monash University, which is situated in South-East Melbourne.
Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (BCSE) (PDF, 0.28 MB) VTAC codes 28071, 28073
This four year degree course specialises in Computer Systems Engineering, which includes most of the units in electronics and computer systems, plus units in software engineering. It recognizes that electronic systems of the future must be designed with an optimum mix of hardware and software (and that new electronic chips, FPGAs, have a very blurred boundary between hardware and software.
This is an ideal course for those interested in developing specialist computer systems running efficient software or firmware. This includes almost any non-PC computer; for example, mobile phones, smart-anything, robotics, high-performance computing for gaming and modeling, virtual reality, vision processing and augmented reality, bionic implants, electronic music processing or computer-generated imagery. The key is that hardware is now very cheap to design and prototype using reprogrammable chips, and good design can mean that processors can be designed for specific tasks and can provide far more processing for less power than a standard microprocessor. All our students experience industry-standard reprogrammable chips in the laboratories from first-year onwards. By third year you will be building miniaturized machines with very powerful processing on board. In fourth year you may apply this knowledge to a ‘product’ of your own.
The course commences with the establishment of a sound foundation in electrical engineering, mathematics and the physical sciences. In the final year, the thesis project builds the student's self-reliance and planning capabilities in both individual and team-based environments. Engineering management units strengthen the formal basis of project management. Elective units are provided to allow specialisation in some aspects of the field of study with approved electives to permit broadening of intellectual and personal horizons. Students will be encouraged to use these electives to take international studies including human languages and studies through the evolving collaborations with other universities overseas. The BCSE is fully recognised by the Australian Computer Society and the Institution of Engineers, Australia (IEAust).
Bachelor of Engineering (BE) - also known as BE (Electrical and Computer System) or BE(ECSE) VTAC codes 28091, 28093
The BE degree in Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering leads to a wide range of careers in, for example: electrical engineering, electronics, power systems, telecommunications, biomedical instrumentation and implants, signal processing, real-time computing, embedded computer systems, dedicated electronic hardware design, energy management systems and smart devices. The degree is of four years duration if taken full-time and up to eight years if taken part-time.
The first level of the course contains units common to the five Engineering branches offered on the Clayton Campus. At the beginning of the second year, students who meet the eligibility requirements may enroll in the Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering discipline. Level 2 of the course builds on the work of Level 1 to provide comprehensive training in the basic sciences of physics and mathematics, in electrical and computer systems engineering and also in the general principles and practice of engineering. A strong emphasis is placed on laboratory work including ‘mini-projects’.
Levels 3 and 4 build on core knowledge while also including a range of electives, allowing students to specialise in one or more areas of expertise. Level 3 includes a long team-based design project (such as hovercraft with a lightweight embedded computer system to make it follow a path). Level 4 includes a 26-week individual project in a topic of mutual interest to a supervisor and student. These areas include advanced computer systems (systems on a chip), telecommunications, electronics, wireless, networks, biomedical engineering and power engineering.
For more information regarding the Bachelor of Engineering, please visit the Bachelor of Engineering course page.
Official course descriptions are available in the University Handbook and engineering undergraduate course map.
Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering
In addition to the above degrees, students interested in ECSE should also consider the Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering. The degree, which is managed by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, includes both mechanical and electronic engineering subjects, offered by both departments.
More information on Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering can be found on the Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering course page.