Software degree meets demand

A degree in software engineering - said to be New Zealand's first - has been launched by the University of Auckland in response to the national and international shortage of IT-skilled professionals.

The BE (software) covers the theory, technology, practice and application of software in computer-based systems.

The curriculum for the four-year, full-time course follows guidelines set down by the world's largest associations of computing professionals, the IEEE Computer Society and the Association for Computer Machinery.

The dean of the university's school of engineering, Professor Peter Brothers, says there is considerable unsatisfied demand for professional software engineers.

"New Zealand currently lacks some 2000 IT-skilled professionals, including software engineers, and this is a shortage which needs to be remedied, particularly given recent emphasis on building a knowledge-based economy."

Professor Brothers says skilled professionals are in high demand, particularly in the United States where as many as 65,000 green cards are issued annually to suitably qualified professionals.

The new programme begins with the standard foundation year for all engineering students, covering mathematical modelling, environment and social issues, management, engineering design and materials, and electrical engineering systems.

At second, third and fourth-year levels, specialist skills are developed, including programming, software construction and computer networks. In the final year groups of students will carry out a major software engineering project.

Students applying for the programme are expected to have A bursary or the equivalent, with a background in mathematics and science. Applications close on December 10.

The university's school of engineering already has a strong reputation in computing developments, particularly in the area of software. A research team led by Professor Peter Hunter has developed a computer model of the human heart and lungs in action.

It is designed to assist in medical research into heart and lung disease. Researchers from the university have also been invited to Hollywood to showcase a computer program that can change a way an actor looks on screen, without the need for special makeup.

This program maps faces and the changes that occur when an actor smiles or frowns, and has numerous applications in the film industry.

Professor Brothers says the new degree broadens the already wide range of career opportunities available to engineering graduates.

"The whole computing industry, from network companies to manufacturers, needs software engineers. The degree has been endorsed by a number of companies which have already indicated they will be keen to recruit the first group of graduates."

The BE (software) is one of eight degrees in engineering offered by the university. Other choices include chemical and materials engineering, civil engineering, computer systems engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, engineering science, mechanical engineering and resource engineering.

The school has close links with industry and is involved in projects as diverse as heart research, sail design and performance for New Zealand's America's Cup challenge, the electric "people mover" at Whakarewarewa and the development of new composite materials using wood fibre.