Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)/Law

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)/Law degree combines law and computer science, equipping students with analytical, technical, and legal skills. The program prepares graduates for careers in law, technology, and fields requiring a deep understanding of both disciplines. Students explore topics such as intellectual property, contracts, computer architecture, and artificial intelligence. Graduates have diverse career opportunities in law, technology, and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)/Law degree is designed for students with a passion for both law and computer science and are interested in exploring the relationship between the two. The program prepares graduates for careers in law, technology, and other fields that require a strong understanding of both disciplines.

Objectives:

• Develop students' analytical, research, and communication skills
• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the law, including intellectual property, contracts, dispute resolution, and litigation
• Equips students with the technical skills necessary to design, develop, and manage computer systems
• Foster an understanding of the ethical and social implications of technology

Outline:

The program consists of 40 courses (240 Units of Credit) over five years. Students complete eight courses (48 UOC) per year across three terms.

Course Schedule:

• Year 1: Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Law, Legal Research and Writing, Mathematics for Computer Science, Object-Oriented Programming, Programming Fundamentals, Software Engineering Fundamentals, Systems Analysis and Design
• Year 2: Advanced Programming, Algorithms and Data Structures, Computer Architecture, Database Systems, Intellectual Property Law, Law of Contract, Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Torts
• Year 3: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Networks, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Evidence, Family Law, Security Engineering
• Year 4: Capstone Project, Computer Vision, Data Mining, Ethical Hacking, International Law, Property Law, Remedies
• Year 5: Advanced Topics in Computer Science, Business Law, Civil Procedure, Corporate Law, Legal Practice, Taxation Law

Individual Modules:

Computer Science Modules

• Introduction to Computer Science: Provides an overview of the field of computer science, including its history, fundamental concepts, and applications.
• Introduction to Law: Introduces the basic principles of law, including the legal system, legal reasoning, and legal writing.
• Legal Research and Writing: Develops students' legal research and writing skills, including how to find and analyze legal sources and how to write clear and persuasive legal documents.
• Mathematics for Computer Science: Provides a foundation in mathematics that is essential for computer science, including topics such as algebra, calculus, and discrete mathematics.
• Object-Oriented Programming: Introduces the principles of object-oriented programming, including classes, objects, and inheritance.
• Programming Fundamentals: Develops students' programming skills in a variety of programming languages.
• Software Engineering Fundamentals: Provides an overview of the software engineering process, including requirements gathering, design, implementation, and testing.
• Systems Analysis and Design: Introduces the principles of systems analysis and design, including how to gather and analyze requirements, and how to design and implement systems.

Law Modules

• Advanced Programming: Covers advanced programming concepts, such as design patterns, concurrency, and functional programming.
• Algorithms and Data Structures: Introduces the fundamental algorithms and data structures used in computer science, including sorting, searching, and graph algorithms.
• Computer Architecture: Provides an overview of computer architecture, including the design and implementation of computer hardware.
• Database Systems: Introduces the principles of database systems, including data modeling, query processing, and transaction management.
• Intellectual Property Law: Provides an overview of intellectual property law, including copyright, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.
• Law of Contract: Introduces the basic principles of contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and breach.
• Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility: Covers the ethical and professional responsibilities of lawyers, including confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and malpractice.
• Torts: Introduces the basic principles of tort law, including negligence, intentional torts, and defamation.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Projects

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members from the UNSW Law & Justice and Faculty of Science. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Clinical experiences

Careers:

Graduates of the program have a wide range of career opportunities in both the legal and technology fields. Potential career paths include:

• Lawyer
• Computer scientist
• Software engineer
• Information technology manager
• Patent attorney
• Policy analyst
• Legal consultant
• Business analyst