Computer science courses take off

Auckland University's computer science department has almost 1000 equivalent-fulltime students and is expected to be the biggest department in the university by 2001.

Department head John Hosking said the university had the biggest number and range of information technology courses in New Zealand.

His claim is borne out by a Economic Development Ministry report which says Auckland has a greater "IT relevance" than other universities in New Zealand.

Wellington's Victoria University is scaling down some departments, but new appointments are being made in the technology area.

Mathematical and computing science head Ross Renner said that although his department could not compete with Auckland on size, "on a research scale we are the best in the country and we have the academic audits to prove it."

His department was building up capability in the development of software engineering and artificial intelligence through the creation of two new sub-professorial roles.

"Furthermore, we have permission to appoint a second chair in computer science which, with the other two posts, will greatly expand our teaching and research capabilities."

Commerce and administration faculty executive dean Neil Quigley said the university was strong in information systems and e-commerce. Such was the demand for e-commerce that a second stream would be offered in the second half of the year.

- NZPA