It is in the nature of being a computer scientist that you need to adapt to fast-developing new computing technologies. Technology pull and technology push are a constant feature in our work.
So how should a university degree prepare students for a lifelong career in this fast-changing field? Fortunately, despite many changes in the applications of computing, the fundamentals of computation do not change.
Our graduates need a deep understanding of these fundamentals: programs, data, algorithms and systems.
Computer scientists make valuable contributions to many different disciplines and industries. UWA graduates have contributed to WA’s economy through innovations such as driverless trains in the Pilbara, AI decision analytics and tele-health. Working alongside industry mentors such as these, current UWA students are inspired to develop in-demand skills and leadership qualities.
Computer scientists also develop technologies that can impact all areas of life, which means graduates need to understand and respond to ethical issues associated with their use.
Computer programs will be making decisions in areas that previously relied on human judgement such as driverless cars, marketing, recruitment decisions and banking loan approvals. In our innovative and flexible courses students study computer science in its broader context.
Students in UWA’s new Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science are required to study AI as well as philosophy and ethics while those studying cybersecurity must also study international relations.
Today’s university graduates face a world that is being disrupted in ways we could hardly imagine even a year ago. UWA’s Computer Science graduates learn to solve problems collaboratively and embrace different views. Students realise that while digital disruption creates jobs, it also removes jobs.
UWA student volunteers and clubs including Data Science, Computer Science, Coders for Causes and Ethical Hackers embody these values. UWA's goal is that every graduate is equipped to ensure that their work contributes to a more inclusive, better world, as creators of future computing technologies.
By Associate Professor Rachel Cardell-Oliver
