307643 v.1 Bachelor of Science (Security Technology)

Introduction

This course is designed for those intending to become professional scientists and technologists in the rapidly emerging and broad field of security. Security Technology encompasses the science and technology associated with securing people, technology, and associated infrastructure. The course recognises the major role that science and technology play in the development of secure devices and systems. This course provides graduates with the broad range of knowledge required for managing practical system wide security related issues as well as the opportunity for graduates to specialise in a key discipline (Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics or Physics). Graduates will be employed in a wide range of commercial, industrial or government organisations, for example, as research scientists to develop micro sensors for bio identification or radiation detectors, as advisors to developers of security systems for large infrastructure projects, and as data analysts and cryptographers for the secure management of confidential information. Students considering a career in any of the applied sciences will find the course particularly stimulating.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

One TEE science and one TEE mathematics subject.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

The course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Course Organisation

The first two semesters of this course focus on the development of fundamentals in the sciences relevant to the students specific area of expertise (Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics or Physics). In the third and subsequent semesters the course consists of approximately fifty per cent of all subjects in security related fields which are common to all students, and approximately fifty per cent of subjects in the student's area of expertise (Biology, Chemistry, Computing Mathematics and Physics). The common security related units include compulsory science subjects and other units such as Law, Psychology, and International Security. The final two semesters include a security project supervised by research staff from the relevant Departments and may include an opportunity for industrial and field experience.

Professional Recognition

Professional recognition in the area of security technology is currently not well defined with no single security organisation covering this profession. Students studying specific streams such as Chemistry and Physics may be eligible to join their relevant professional bodies such a RACI (Chemistry) and the AIP (Physics).

Career Opportunities

Security Technology graduates will be employed in a wide range of commercial, industrial or government organisations, for example, as research scientists to develop micro sensors for bio identification or radiation detectors, as advisors to developers of security systems for large infrastructure projects, and as data analysts and cryptographers for the secure management of confidential information and risk analysis managers. Students considering a career in any of the applied sciences will find the course particularly stimulating. A high level of international professional mobility can be expected by graduates.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Special Note

Students must complete a minimum of 350 credits in an approved area of specialisation and 350 credits of specified common units. The third and fourth year of the course is under construction with information progressively available during 2004. Prospective students should consult the course coordinator to determine appropriate unit progression.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.