Information for new students

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.

Why are you here?

Most students will answer "to get a good job". 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.

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.

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/ > Students > Handbook

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/ > Students > Sign Into > vUWS
• Find Subject sites in vUWS for all of the subjects you have enrolled in.
• Read the subject outline! (found within the vUWS site for the subject) The subject outline contains details of the content and assessments 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!

Finding People and Places

Who does what in CDMS? https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ > About Western > Schools > 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/ > Contact Us > 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/ > About Western > Campuses

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

Getting to your classes

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.

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).

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.

Common Questions

There is a subject that I want to do, but it is not part of my degree.

Speak to your Academic Program Adviser.

I have a problem, who do I talk to?

It depends on the type of problem.

Problems with your degree

Email your Academic Program Adviser to set up a meeting.

Problems with a subject

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

Problems in your life (personal problems)

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

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!

I want to change subjects, degree structure, degree

Speak to your Academic Program Adviser (APA). Email them to book an appointment.

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.

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.

I have a clash in my timetable. What do I do?

This should not happen to core subjects in your degree. Let the APA (Academic Program Advisor) know to get this fixed.

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.

Want to do more?

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 Program Adviser.

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.

Useful Links

• Western Sydney University
• vUWS
• Library
• Handbook
• Class Registration
• CDMS Staff