What do Software Engineers do?

A computer is a machine whose behaviour is controlled by a program. A program is a set of instructions prepared by a human, known as a programmer. Programs are more commonly known as software, to distinguish them from the hardware of the machine itself.

Computer Science is concerned with both the hardware and software aspects of computers, with a strong emphasis on software. Computer hardware is made from electronic components, so a detailed knowledge of hardware must inevitably involve the study of electronics, which is taught in the School of Electrical Engineering.

Within the School of Computer Science our primary goal is to teach people how to write good software, but we also teach courses that touch on aspects of computer hardware that are important for a programmer to know.

Programming a computer is a bit like telling someone how to perform a task, such as making a cup of tea. The task can be broken down into small steps, and the person can be told to perform each of those steps until the whole task is complete.

Computer programming involves analysing a problem, to see a way of solving it, and then preparing a program that specifies the steps to take to solve the problem.

When you talk to another person, you use English, or another natural language. Unfortunately, computers cannot understand English, so special programming languages have been developed for this purpose. To become a competent programmer, you will need to learn several programming languages.

Learning a programming languages takes time, just as learning any foreign natural-language takes time. Fortunately, the first language is the hardest. Once you see how computer languages work, the remainder are much easier to learn. Although Computer Science is relatively young, dating from about the 1940s, many important discoveries have been made about how to think about solving problems and how to write computer programs well. At Adelaide we provide a solid foundation in these known techniques that will stand you in good stead throughout your career.

Where will I work?

The BCompSci (Software Engineering) provides a strong foundation in designing general software systems. Most small- to mid-size industries have software development requirements that do not involve special hardware, other than the computers the software runs on. Many larger industries, such as finance, health services, education, entertainment, also have significant software needs, but without a particular hardware bias.

Computers are everywhere. The career options for computer programmers are virtually unlimited.

Computer science can also pay very well. Of course salaries are dependent on skills, experience, and market supply and demand, but even in the worst times, salaries can be good.