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Monash University: University handbooks: Undergraduate handbook: Units indexed by faculty
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Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems

Course code: 3334 + course abbreviation: BITS + Total credit points required: 144 + 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Berwick; Caulfield; Gippsland; Malaysia; South Africa)

Off-campus (Gippsland)

Course description

This course* aims to produce graduates who satisfy the IT needs of industry, government and business, and who can expect employment as IT professionals in the fields of applications programming, systems programming, systems analysis, networks and network management, information and knowledge management, project management, data communications, database design and management, multimedia, security and a range of specialised positions, according to the major study selected. Students develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes in the broad areas of software development, computer technology, networks and data communications, and information systems.

There are ten major areas of study offered at different campuses in the Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems:

  • applications development and networks (Gippsland, Malaysia, South Africa and off-campus**)
  • business systems (Gippsland, Malaysia, South Africa and off-campus)
  • information management (Caulfield)
  • information systems (Caulfield)
  • internet systems (Caulfield)
  • multimedia applications (Berwick)
  • multimedia games development (Caulfield)
  • net-centric computing (Caulfield)
  • security (Caulfield)
  • systems development (Caulfield).

Students of the Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems may complete a double major in the following:

Caulfield

Each of the following majors may be combined with a second BITS major from this list:

  • information management
  • information systems
  • internet systems
  • net-centric computing
  • security
  • systems development.

Gippsland

  • business systems with applications development and networks (Gippsland and off-campus).

    * The Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems, introduced in 2006, has replaced the Bachelor of Information Systems, the Bachelor of Information Technology, the Bachelor of Computing, the Bachelor of Internet Systems and Commerce, the Bachelor of Multimedia Systems, and the Bachelor of Network Computing.

    ** ‘Off-campus’ references in this degree relate to Gippsland (off-campus).

Course objectives

Graduates from this course will have understanding of; the role of information technology in organisations and society; the methods, tools and techniques used in the planning, development and implementation of information products and systems; the organisation and operational principles of computer hardware and software; networks, data communications, internet and multimedia technologies and applications; the principles and applications of databases; risks and opportunities relating to management of information by individuals, groups and organisations; theories and techniques, at a more detailed level, in the field or fields selected as the focus for specialisation in the program; and legal, ethical and philosophical issues relating to information access and delivery.

Graduates will have the abilities and skills to: apply the methods, tools and techniques commonly used in the development and implementation of information products and systems to practical problems; use basic research skills to locate and retrieve information pertinent to the problems being investigated, using a range of sources including the technical literature and on-line sources; develop correct, well structured and well documented information products and systems that solve users' needs; effectively use computer hardware and software technologies to achieve personal work objectives and in the development of information systems; flexibly and independently apply theoretical knowledge to a range of software and technical environments; use a range of approaches for development of information products, services and systems; think creatively and develop, analyse and communicate alternative solutions to problems; think critically, take responsibility for self-learning, and use a degree of resourcefulness when solving problems; communicate effectively with other computing professionals, managers, users, clients and the wider community; exercise judgment to satisfy conflicting interests; and consider and respond appropriately to the ethical dimensions of professional relationships and responsibilities.

Graduates will have attitudes that enable them to: take on the responsibilities of an information technology professional in their chosen field; participate effectively as a member of a team; take initiative and work independently; show a concern for accuracy and a willingness to objectively assess their own performance; be aware of the social consequences of the role of information technology in our society; be flexible in an environment of rapid change; feel enthusiasm for the field of study and a preparedness to continue life long education; accept the code of professional conduct and practice appropriate to practising information technology professionals; and act in accordance with best practice, industry standards and professional ethics.

Course structure

The course includes compulsory (core) and elective units, totalling 144 points. There must be a minimum of 36 points of first-year-level units, and a minimum of 36 points of third-year units. Note that a maximum of 60 points of first-year-level units is permitted.

In first year, the course consists of five core units common to all undergraduate IT courses, in the areas of computer systems, networks and data communications technology, computer programming, database and IT in organisations, and one or two further IT units from the major stream. In second year, there are two common core units in systems analysis and design and IT project management, and further IT units from the major. All third-year students complete a studio requirement or industrial experience project, as well as further IT units related to the major.

In addition to the IT units, students select up to 36 points of units from inside or outside the faculty. The number of elective units that can be undertaken varies with each major.

Areas of study

There are ten majors that can be undertaken (major offerings vary between campuses - see entries below for details of campus offerings): applications development and networks; business systems; information management; information systems; internet systems; multimedia applications; multimedia games development; security; systems development; net-centric computing.

Course requirements

Students must complete the course requirements for the relevant major as specified below. All units are 6 points, unless otherwise specified.

Applications development and networks major (Gippsland, Malaysia, South Africa and off-campus)

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems with a major in applications development and networks, students must complete the course requirements outlined below.

Compulsory units
First year
Second year
  • FIT2001 Systems analysis and design
  • FIT2002 IT project management
  • FIT2005 Systems analysis and design 2
  • FIT2009 Data structures and algorithms
  • FIT2020 Networks and data communications 2
  • FIT2029 Web programming
Third year
Level 3 IT units

Students take at least 12 points of third-year IT units from the schedule of applications development and networks major electives published by the Faculty of Information Technology (available at www.infotech.monash.edu/bits/electives) and 36 points of electives. Of the 36 points of elective units, no more than 24 points may be taken at first-year level; the remaining units must be at second-year or third-year level.

Business systems major (Gippsland, Malaysia, South Africa and off-campus)

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems with a major in business systems, students must complete the course requirements outlined below.

Compulsory units
First year
Second year
Third year
Level 3 IT units

Students take at least 12 points of third-year IT units from the schedule of business systems major electives published by the Faculty of Information Technology (available at www.infotech.monash.edu/bits/electives) and 36 points of electives. Of the 36 points of elective units, no more than 18 points may be taken at first-year level; the remaining units must be at second-year or third-year level.

Information management major (Caulfield)

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems with a major in information management, students must complete the course requirements outlined below.

Compulsory units
First year
Second year
  • FIT2001 Systems analysis and design
  • FIT2002 IT project management
  • FIT2053 Web-based information systems
  • FIT2054 Information management in organisations
  • FIT2055 Web content management
Level 2 IT units

Students take 6 points of second-year IT units from the schedule of information technology electives published by the Faculty of Information Technology (available at www.infotech.monash.edu/bits/electives).

Third year
  • FIT3114 Industrial experience project 1
  • FIT3115 Industrial experience project 2
  • FIT3098 Information enterprise management and marketing
  • FIT3099 Knowledge management
Level 3 IT units

Students take 12 points of third-year IT units from the schedule of information technology electives published by the Faculty of Information Technology (available at www.infotech.monash.edu/bits/electives).

Students who wish to obtain professional recognition from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), the Records Management Association of Australia (RMAA) or Australian Society of Achivists (ASA) should contact their course coordinator regarding selection of relevant third-year units.

Elective units

Students complete 36 points of electives, of which no more than 24 points may be taken at first-year level; the remaining units must be at second-year or third-year level. These electives may be taken from within the Faculty of Information Technology or from any other faculty in the university.

Information systems major (Caulfield)

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems with a major in information systems, students must complete the course requirements outlined below.

Compulsory units
First year
Second year
  • FIT2001 Systems analysis and design
  • FIT2002 IT project management
  • FIT2027 Systems design and implementation
  • FIT2051 Analysis and design methods
  • FIT2052 Electronic business
  • FIT2053 Web-based information systems
Third year
  • FIT3063 Human-computer interaction
  • FIT3066 Information technology strategy and management
  • FIT3068 Systems integration
  • FIT3047 Industrial experience project 1
  • FIT3048 Industrial experience project 2
Level 3 IT units

Students take 6 points of third-year IT units from the schedule of information technology electives published by the Faculty of Information Technology (available at www.infotech.monash.edu/bits/electives).

Elective units

Students complete 36 points of electives, of which no more than 24 points may be taken at first-year level; the remaining units must be at second-year or third-year level. These electives may be taken from within the Faculty of Information Technology or from any other faculty in the university.

Internet systems major (Caulfield)

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Information Technology Systems with a major in internet systems, students must complete the course requirements outlined below.

Compulsory units
First year
Second year
Third year
Level 3 IT units

Students take 12 points of third-year IT units from the schedule of information technology electives published by the Faculty of Information Technology (available at www.infotech.monash.edu/bits/electives).

Elective units

Students complete 36 points of electives, of which no more than 12 points may be taken at first-year level; the remaining units must be at second-year or third-year level. These electives may be taken from within the Faculty of Information Technology or from any other faculty in the university.

Multimedia applications major (Berwick)

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems with a major in multimedia applications, students must complete the course requirements outlined below.

Compulsory units
First year
Second year
Third year
Elective units
  • 24 points of electives (of these, no more than 12 points may be taken at first-year level; the remaining units must be at second-year or third-year level).
Multimedia games development major (Caulfield)

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems with a major in multimedia games development, students must complete the course requirements outlined below.

Compulsory units
First year
Second year
Third year
  • FIT3023 Interactive environments
  • FIT3039 Studio 1
  • FIT3040 Studio 2
  • FIT3094 AI for gaming
  • FIT3095 Creating narrative in multimedia
Level 3 IT units

Students take 6 points of third-year IT units from the schedule of information technology electives published by the Faculty of Information Technology (available at www.infotech.monash.edu/bits/electives).

Elective units

Students complete 24 points of electives, of which no more than 12 points may be taken at first-year level; the remaining units must be at second-year or third-year level. These electives may be taken from within the Faculty of Information Technology or from any other faculty in the university.

Net-centric computing major (Caulfield*)

    *Continuing students (those enrolled prior to 2007) should note that course structures previously offered at Peninsula campus will, from 2007, be offered at the Caulfield campus. All students should check with the faculty or course director when re-enrolling.

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Information Technology Systems with a major in net-centric computing, students must complete the course requirements outlined below.

Compulsory units
First year
Second year
Third year
  • FIT3047 Industrial experience project 1
  • FIT3048 Industrial experienceproject 2
Level 3 IT units

Students take 12 points of third-year IT units from the schedule of net-centric computing major electives and 12 points of third year IT units from the schedule of information technology electives published by the Faculty of Information Technology (available at www.infotech.monash.edu/bits/electives).

Elective units

Students complete 36 points of electives, of which no more than 24 points may be taken at first-year level; the remaining units must be at second-year or third-year level. These electives may be taken from within the Faculty of Information Technology or from any other faculty in the university.

Security major (Caulfield)

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems with a major in security, students must complete the course requirements outlined below.

Compulsory units
First year
Second year
Third year
  • FIT3047 Industrial experience project 1
  • FIT3048 Industrial experienceproject 2
  • FIT3056 Secure software development
  • FIT3105 Identity management
Level 3 IT units

Students take 12 points of third-year IT units from the schedule of information technology electives published by the Faculty of Information Technology (available at www.infotech.monash.edu/bits/electives).

Elective units

Students complete 36 points of electives, of which no more than 24 points may be taken at first-year level; the remaining units must be at second-year or third-year level. These electives may be taken from within the Faculty of Information Technology or from any other faculty in the university.

Systems development major (Caulfield)

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems with a major in systems development, students must complete the course requirements outlined below.

Compulsory units
First year
Second year
  • FIT2001 Systems analysis and design
  • FIT2002 IT project management
  • FIT2024 Software engineering practice
  • FIT2027 Systems design and implementation
  • FIT2028 Web systems 2
  • FIT2065 Operating systems and the Unix environment
Third year
  • FIT3047 Industrial experience project 1
  • FIT3048 Industrial experience project 2
Level 3 IT units

Students take 12 points of third-year IT units from the schedule of systems development major electives, and 12 points of third-year IT units from the schedule of information technology electives published by the Faculty of Information Technology (available at www.infotech.monash.edu/bits/electives).

Elective units

Students complete 36 points of electives, of which no more than 24 points may be taken at first-year level; the remaining units must be at second-year or third-year level. These electives may be taken from within the Faculty of Information Technology or from any other faculty in the university.

Professional recognition

Graduates of the course are eligible for professional-level membership of the Australian Computer Society.

Information management major students who wish to obtain professional recognition from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), the Records Management Association of Australia (RMAA) or Australian Society of Achivists (ASA) will be directed towards selection of relevant third-year units.

Contact details

Inquiries

Berwick: email multimedia@infotech.monash.edu.au

Caulfield: email frontdesk@infotech.monash.edu.au

Gippsland: email gscit@infotech.monash.edu.au

Malaysia: email inquiries@infotech.monash.edu.my or visit www.infotech.monash.edu.my

Website: visit www.infotech.monash.edu.au/bits

Course director

Mr Des Casey

BITS major coordinators

Mr Lindsay Smith (Berwick); Mr Martin Atchison (Caulfield): information management, information systems, multimedia games development, systems development; Mr Des Casey (Caulfield): internet systems, net-centric computing, security; Associate Professor Kai Ming Ting (Gippsland); Mr Yeap Boon Han (Malaysia).

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