The Graduate Certificate is the first award level of a fully articulated program which gives qualified applicants the opportunity for study at three progressive levels: Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diploma; Master.

Emphasis is placed upon the structured design of algorithms for computer-based implementations of real-life tasks. The expression of algorithms in a programming language C++ and the interactive execution, analysis and use of programs are also discussed. Practical elements of basic hardware components are introduced.

Also studied are: advanced algorithmic designs and programming techniques; informal notions of program specification and verification; a high-level description of the abstract architecture of the von Neumann machine; numerical and non-numerical applications; and social issues.

For admission to the Graduate Certificate an applicant must hold a Bachelor degree. Applicants who have other qualifications and/or experience deemed to be relevant preparation for candidature will also be considered.

A further requirement is assumed knowledge in COMP 131 and 132 together with AMTH 140, or equivalent, is required for admission to the Graduate Certificate and the Graduate Diploma in Computer Science. COMP 131 and 132 provide the foundation for Computer Science at UNE.

COMP 131: The unit is the foundation for the Computer Science strand, introducing techniques for computer program development using a high-level structured programming language. Topics include: control structures; data types; algorithm design and analysis; hardware components; and a user view of operating systems and computer networks. Assessment is based on successful completion of programming assignments and final examination. A modem for direct dialling to UNE or internet access is required and candidates will need a C language compiler. It is recommended that students who intend to complete beyond first year have access to an IBM compatible computer running the Linux operating system.

COMP 132: This unit reinforces the techniques learned in COMP 131 while introducing additional ones for enhanced computer program development. The unit provides further preparation for second-year units in Computer Science. Topics include: recursion; file processing; abstract data types; large-scale programming, and dynamic data structures. Assessment is based on successful completion of programming assignments and final examination. Computer requirements are the same as those for COMP 131.

AMTH 140: The topics include linear difference equations, sorting methods, graph theory, logic and switching circuits.