Welcome from the Head of Department The Department of Computer Science at the University of Auckland is the largest and most diversified Computer Science department in New Zealand. The department has a strong research focus, with more than 40 academic staff actively undertaking research, much of it in collaboration with international researchers and local and international industry. We have the most PBRF “A” rated researchers in Computer Science of any tertiary institution in the country and have been ranked 38th in the world in the prestigious QS university rankings. We boast strong research expertise in the areas of algorithmic information theory, artificial intelligence, combinatorics, data communications and networks, distributed computing, graphics, computer vision, logic, knowledge-based systems, robotics, software engineering, software security, theory of computation, visual programming, Human Computer Interaction, databases and computer science education. This means our degree programmes are leading edge, our graduates are well prepared for the challenges of the dynamic and fast growing software industry and are very much in demand by industry employers. We offer a very broad range of courses spanning almost all aspects of Computer Science. This handbook describes the courses covered by the department, together with information to assist you in planning your degree programme. All the best for your study in 2014. Professor Robert Amor Head of Department What is Computer Science? Computers are everywhere, and influence many aspects of society, from the enormous impact of computer games, social networking, email and the web, through airline ticket booking and navigation systems to banking. There is an expectation that these technologies will behave safely, reliably and responsibly. As a result, the need for Computer Science graduates has increased dramatically, leading to a skills shortage across the IT sector. The skills of logical thinking, problem solving, abstraction and systematic analysis acquired through the study of Computer Science are highly transferable to other disciplines and greatly in 2 | 2014 Computer Science demand. As technology improves and becomes an integral part of our society, it shapes and defines the way we live. An understanding of computers prepares us for a modern, web based and mobile society, and allows us to cope with the rapid changes in technology. Computer Science study includes the following broad topics: •How computers and computer systems work – architecture, systems software, programming languages, data communications, networks, security and robotics •How computers manage information – algorithms, data structures, databases and data management •Applications of computers in society - artificial intelligence, human computer interaction, the internet, computer graphics and computer vision •The limits of computers – computability and complexity theory. Careers in Computer Science While businesses have made extensive use of computers for many years, there are now significant uses of computer technology in many other industries, such as manufacturing, transport, communication, health care and entertainment. In particular, the internet and mobile devices are changing the way we communicate and the way in which business is done. Almost all companies today make use of computer technology and require professional staff with computer expertise to develop and maintain the systems they use. Software development, a focus of studies in Computer Science, plays a major role in a wide range of businesses and industries. Because Computer Science teaches you how to solve problems using a computer, graduates can find work in many fields. Graduates can get jobs designing and implementing software. This can include work involving web development, interface design, security issues, and mobile computing. They also find work devising innovative ways to use computers or developing effective ways to solve computing problems. Computer Science graduates can also be involved in planning and managing the technology infrastructure of companies and other large organisations. There is a continuing shortage of skilled computing specialists in New Zealand at the moment. Here are some examples of the variety of computing occupations that are available in today’s job marketplace: •Internet/Multimedia Developer •Telecommunications Specialist •Database Developer •Security Architect •Network Architect •Network Support •Software Architect •Software Developer •Business Analyst •Software Engineer •Systems Architect •Systems Administrator •Technical Consultant •Website Developer Even professions that are not directly involved in information technology need IT specialists. Banking, engineering, biology, health care, teaching, entertainment - there’s scarcely an industry left nowadays that has not assimilated some level of computing technology. And they all need people with computing skills to keep them up to date. No matter where your interests lie, computing knowledge will always be an advantage. 2014 Computer Science | 3 What can you do with a Computer Science degree? George Ianovski George Ianovski is the first student at the University of Auckland to be awarded a Master of Science in Logic and Computation. Logic and Computation is a field that combines ideas and techniques from Computer Science, Mathematics and Philosophy. It investigates the laws and methods of reasoning with symbolic representations - examining the structure, design and limitations of symbolic representations and procedures in human thought and computer software. When George began his studies, he says “I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to study when I entered university, and a degree in Logic and Computation allowed me to dabble in a number of different fields.” He also encourages others to venture into the sphere – “Don’t let the abstractness scare you off. There is reason to this madness, and it all comes together in the end.” George chose the University of Auckland because of the open environment, which made it easy to meet people from other disciplines and explore the problems they study. He is presently reading for a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science at the University of Oxford in England. He studies the way logical and computational techniques can be used to study game theory, and conversely the way game theoretical techniques can lead to a better understanding of logic and computation. George often takes advantage of the proximity of Europe to travel. A conference in Switzerland can lead to skiing in the Alps or exploring the castle Chillon. George sorely misses the amazing coffee at the Orbit Café on the University of Auckland city campus. YuFeng Deng YuFeng Deng is a software developer for M-COM (now part of Fiserv). He designs and develops software and maintains his expertise in software technology, tools and techniques in order to support other staff members. This collaboration ensures the success of M-COM’s mobile banking software projects. “In M-COM, I have the opportunity to keep in touch with various new technologies. I have participated in quite a few projects and done some platform, web and mobile work. I have gained a lot of skills. These include CSS, JavaScript, Objective-C, Xcode Interface Builder, C#, Java and so on. It’s great that I can do what I want to do, and learn what I want to know. ” YuFeng admits that he would never had been able to do this job without the knowledge he gained at the University of Auckland. YuFeng graduated from the University of Auckland in 2009 with a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology. “Unlike most students, I chose to study Computer Science without considering my career future. I chose it simply because I like computer technology. Fortunately, it was one of the wisest choices in my life. ” YuFeng encourages others to follow in his footsteps, saying “Computer Science is fun. When 4 | 2014 Computer Science solve real-world problems; in my case, problems that can actually save lives since I’m working in the healthcare domain.” you play Angry Birds or Temple Run on your mobile devices, you feel happy. But I believe that the authors are happier. You can spend the whole night renaming the millions of songs on your hard drive - I have done that by running my own written script in a few minutes. Computer Science is useful for your life and for your career. Check the job websites and find out how many jobs are available. ” Thusitha Mabotuwana Thusitha completed his PhD with us in 2010. He works for Philips Research in New York as a Clinical Informatics Research Scientist. His job involves working closely with clinicians to understand their routine workflow and developing new and innovative software-based solutions that can help improve the workflow efficiency. He routinely develops research prototypes (primarily using .NET technology) that are then demonstrated to clinicians to get their feedback. Once the prototypes reach a certain level of maturity, typically after multiple iterations, the software development teams take over and integrate the research prototypes into product platforms that are eventually sold to thousands of users. Thusitha enjoys his job, saying “The best part is having the freedom to explore new ideas and applying what I learnt back in University to “ I have always been an analytical person and loved to understand things instead of simply memorizing. As a result, I chose to take Engineering instead of trying to get into a field such as Medicine. During my undergraduate studies in Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Auckland, we had the opportunity to take a few Computer Science electives and I absolutely loved these classes. I developed a passion for developing software systems and wanted to further my studies in an area where I could apply technology to solve real-world problems. Computer Science was the perfect place for this and I enrolled in a PhD where I could pursue my passion of solving challenging real-world problems while also having the opportunity to delve deeper into understanding the finer technical details. “ Thusitha champions the study of Computer Science, saying that “If you like working with computers and want to create new technology that can have a positive influence/impact in others’ lives, Computer Science will be a great choice. It’ll be a great stepping stone that can open up many opportunities for you in the future, so follow your passion, and aim high.” 2014 Computer Science | 5