View source for Useful things to know before starting a degree in the School of Computer Data and Mathematical Sciences


Useful things to know before starting a degree in the School of Computer Data and Mathematical Sciences!

Welcome and Congratulations! This is where the fun starts.

<span id="who-am-i"></span>
= Who Am I? =

* Associate Professor Laurence Park
* Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching in CDMS
* Research: Data Science (Erdos number of 3).
* Best bowling figures: 6/32
* Currently building a MtG Vintage Cube.

My journey though Uni: BSc/BEng (Hons), PhD.

<span id="why-are-you-here"></span>
= Why are you here? =

Most students will answer &quot;to get a good job&quot;. But universities provide you with more than just job skills.

Universities have existed for almost 1000 years as a place to think, discuss and learn with academic freedom, and to find truth.

Early universities taught grammar, logic, and rhetoric, then arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. We now have degrees that focus on specific fields, but the goal of each degree is to teach you how to learn on your own and keep learning though your life.

Universities are a place for enlightenment. Some say that Universities are a black hole for knowledge. Students enter thinking they know everything and leave knowing they know nothing.

We come to University to level up in life.

Obtaining a degree is not easy, but that is what makes it rewarding.

<span id="bachelor-degrees-from-cdms"></span>
= Bachelor degrees from CDMS =

Undergraduate degrees:

* Bachelor of Computer Science
* Bachelor of Data Science
* Bachelor of Entrepreneurship
* Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology
* Bachelor of Information Systems
* Bachelor of Mathematics

We also offer advanced degrees, double degrees and many postgraduate degree.

Our lecturers are world class researchers in their field of study.

<span id="your-degree"></span>
= Your Degree =

Your degree will typically run for three years and consist of:

* core subjects
* major/minor subjects
* elective subjects

To complete your degree, you will need to satisfy the degree requirements (e.g. complete 240 credit points of subjects, including all core subjects).

Let's look at the handbook for an example. https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ &gt; Students &gt; Handbook

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= Subjects =

The classes for each of your subjects begin next week.

Each class will have:

* Coordinator: Sets the content, creates the assessment (assignments, exams)
* Lecturer: The teacher for the subject
* Tutor/Lab Demonstrator: Teacher for tutorial or Lab classes

Note that some classes might have the same person for each of these roles!

Before you start the class

* Login to vUWS. https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ &gt; Students &gt; Sign Into &gt; vUWS
* Read the subject outline! (found within the vUWS site for the subject)

During the semester

* Complete the assigned work before you come to class.
* Be active in all classes.
* Get started early on all assignments.
* Ask lots of questions!

<span id="finding-people-and-places"></span>
= Finding People and Places =

Who does what in CDMS? https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ &gt; About Western &gt; Schools &gt; Our People

The vUWS site for each subject will list the teaching staff involved in the subject.

How do I find a person? https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ &gt; Contact Us &gt; Staff Directory

On Parramatta South, CDMS offices are situated in the ER and EN buildings. But teaching is mainly done in the EA and EB buildings.

How do I find rooms on campus? https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ &gt; About Western &gt; Campuses

CDMS is found on the Parramatta South, Kingswood and Campbelltown campuses.

<span id="getting-to-your-classes"></span>
= Getting to your classes =

<span id="getting-to-uni"></span>
== Getting to Uni ==

* Public transport: catch a train to Parramatta station, then get the shuttle bus to the Parramatta South campus. Note: In week 1, there will be long queues for the shuttle bus, so arrive early!
* Driving: there is parking at the Parramatta North campus and street parking. Note: arrive early to get a car park.

<span id="getting-to-your-classroom"></span>
== Getting to your classroom ==

You should have a timetable showing all of the classes for each subject you are enrolled in.

All rooms have names Campus-Building.Level.Room. E.g. PS-EN.1.32 (my office).

<span id="expectations"></span>
= Expectations =

Everyone at Western Sydney University, whether working or studying deserves your respect and you deserve theirs.

Complete all assessments on time to the best of your ability.

Our job is to help you to learn. If there are issues, contact the coordinator early. Leaving things to the last minute never helps.

<span id="common-questions"></span>
= Common Questions =

<span id="there-is-a-subject-that-i-want-to-do-but-it-is-not-part-of-my-degree."></span>
== There is a subject that I want to do, but it is not part of my degree. ==

Speak to your Academic Course Adviser.

<span id="i-have-a-problem-who-do-i-talk-to"></span>
== I have a problem, who do I talk to? ==

It depends on the type of problem.

<span id="problems-with-your-degree"></span>
=== Problems with your degree ===

Email your Academic Course Adviser to set up a meeting.

<span id="problems-with-a-subject"></span>
=== Problems with a subject ===

Email the subject coordinator or talk to your lecturer/tutor in class.

<span id="problems-in-your-life-personal-problems"></span>
=== Problems in your life (personal problems) ===

WSU has a free counselling service. https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ &gt; Students &gt; Student Support

<span id="how-do-i-contact-them"></span>
=== How do I contact them? ===

* See them in class to make an appointment.
* Find their details using the staff directory.

Email using your student.westernsydney.edu.au email address!

<span id="i-want-to-change-subjects-degree-structure-degree"></span>
== I want to change subjects, degree structure, degree ==

Speak to your Academic Course Adviser (ACA). Email them to book an appointment.

<span id="i-want-to-do-moreget-more-involved"></span>
== I want to do more/get more involved ==

Speak to one of your lecturers. All academics do research and always need extra help.

Join in with the regular research seminars.

<span id="i-have-enrolled-in-a-subject-but-i-cant-register-for-classes."></span>
== I have enrolled in a subject, but I can't register for classes. ==

There should be room for everyone enrolled. Let the subject coordinator know and ask for advice.

<span id="i-have-a-clash-in-my-timetable.-what-do-i-do"></span>
== I have a clash in my timetable. What do I do? ==

This should not happen to core subjects in your degree. Let the ACA know to get this fixed.

<span id="things-i-wish-someone-told-me-when-i-started-uni"></span>
= Things I wish someone told me when I started Uni =

* Do subjects that make you think.
* Make friends.
* Turn up. Opportunities usually go to the people who are there.
* Have a good eating/sleeping routine.
* Get involved. Join a student club.
* Have a hobby (but don't let it take over your life).
* Limit your time with Internet access.
* Limit your computer time.
* Don't be afraid to ask questions. We are here to help you to learn.
* Talk to your lecturers. Ask about their journey through life and their research. Ask if they need help.
* Learn Linux.
* Find a good text editor.

<span id="want-to-do-more"></span>
= Want to do more? =

<span id="bachelor-of-applied-data-science"></span>
== Bachelor of Applied Data Science ==

The Bachelor of Data Science (3 year degree) is designed for students who want to become data scientists.

The Bachelor of Applied Data Science is designed for students who want to use data science in their career.

The Bachelor of Applied Data Science is a one year degree (eight subjects) that can be taken with any other degree (but not the Bachelor of Data Science).

For more information contact the Data Science Academic Course Adviser.

<span id="summerwinter-research-projects"></span>
== Summer/Winter Research Projects ==

Get paid for doing research!

There are Winter and Summer projects on offer each year though WSU and other organisations (such as AMSI).

To apply to take part in a research project, talk to your lecturers.