The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Computer Science provides an accredited qualification in law whilst providing students with a focus on developing expertise in software development and computer science. The degree provides students with a broad, well-rounded legal education that inculcates an understanding of the role the law plays in our society and of how it can assist Australia as a trading nation. Students receive extensive education in contemporary approaches to the analysis, design and implementation of large-scale systems, along with a sound understanding of the traditional aspects of computer science such as hardware and operating systems. Like all IT courses at Swinburne, this course pays particular attention to the human factors involved in the development, deployment and use of computer-based systems. There is a focus on applications involving mobile and web-based systems, with an emphasis on the design of effective human-computer interfaces. A range of options in the degree allows students to study advanced subjects in computer science areas including artificial intelligence, computer networks, database, enterprise systems and programming languages. Graduates of this course will have extensive skills in system development, particularly relating to medium- and large-scale projects, will have developed experience in working on team projects, and will have well-developed oral and written communication skills. Course learning outcomes Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws, graduates should be able to: describe and demonstrate the application of the fundamental areas of Australian law and the Australian legal system and of the principles and doctrines that underpin them describe and demonstrate the application of ethical and professional responsibility in the practice of the law and a commitment to the pursuit of justice analyse and evaluate the interdisciplinary contexts in which legal issues arise and the disciplines and policy considerations that influence the content and operation of the law describe and compare the international legal order and the law and legal systems of Australia’s major trading partners critically evaluate events or factual situations, identify the legal issues to which they give rise and develop and articulate appropriate and creative responses Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science, graduates will be able to: apply a broad and coherent knowledge of computer science and software development in diverse contexts and domains using critical thinking and judgement apply appropriate methods and contemporary tools to the scoping, analysis, design, construction, verification and operation of software systems communicate proficiently to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a team, and use the basic tools and practices of project management within project work Career opportunities Bachelor of Laws graduates will have the theoretical and practical knowledge required to operate effectively in diverse settings such as law firms and barristers’ chambers, not-for-profit organisations, government, small businesses and corporate organisations. Bachelor of Computer Science graduates typically find employment in organisations engaged in medium- to large-scale software development. Initially, graduates are usually employed in technical areas such as programming and systems analysis and design, internet systems development.