The newest Computer Science degree in Australia is set to open at the newest university campus, with USC set to offer the program from 2020 at Moreton Bay.

USC’s Bachelor of Computer Science will be offered from Semester 1, underpinned by software and machine learning but with three different streams of specialisation – wearable technology and the ‘Internet of Things’; cloud and mobile computing; and cyber security.

It is among a suite of future-focused digital programs to be offered by USC exclusively at its Moreton Bay campus, alongside a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business (Digital Futures).

Computer Science program coordinator Dr Erica Mealy said the degree had been developed after consultation with the Moreton Bay Regional Council, local, national and international industry groups.

Dr Mealy said the course was based on well-established theory applied to cutting-edge applications and industry examples, including Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and Cyber Security.

“We designed the course from the ground up, with regular industry consultation to ensure it is up-to-date with what the workplace is doing and their future needs” she said.

“Our industry partners are very happy with the depth of content we are covering and that we will be equipping graduates to be work-ready. Several partners also offer summer internship programs our students will be encouraged and supported to access during their study. These programs offer wonderful work experience for the students.”

Dr Mealy said the International Broadband Submarine Cable, making landfall at Maroochydore, coming to South East Queensland was likely to drive a surge in industry opportunities for Computer Science graduates.

“Moreton Bay is ideally placed because it’s not far from Brisbane or from the Sunshine Coast. The benefits of the broadband cable will be available to many industries within a 250km radius – from Hervey Bay to the Tweed Coast to Toowoomba, but driven by computer and data scientists,” she said.

“A number of companies have already identified the South East Queensland region as a secondary hub, with the broadband cable securing their access to international markets and bolstering their access to Asia, and closer to what will become some of the world’s most sustainable data centres.

“A major motivation for us is the upskilling of Moreton Bay as it rapidly expands, helping people learn how we can do things differently and do business better. The goal is definitely to raise aspirations and capacity of the region.”

The Bachelor of Computer Science will be run alongside USC’s established Bachelor of Information and Communications which is offered at the Sunshine Coast campus at Sippy Downs.

USC Moreton Bay will open in early 2020 with a state-of-the-art foundation building that includes a full suite of university services. The three-storey multi-purpose building is the first stage of development of the university precinct that is expected to attract 10,000 students enrolled in more than 100 programs by 2030.