Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

This course aims to produce graduates who satisfy the information technology 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.

Students may complete the degree with or without taking a major. There are ten major areas of study offered at Berwick, Caulfield, Gippsland and South Africa and some by off-campus mode:

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

Students at Sunway campus undertake the general structure without a major.

* Degree name pending HEQC approval.

Students may also complete the degree with a double major (subject to timetabling constraints), by completing the requirements of two majors. For details of double majors that are available, please see the course maps published by the Faculty of Information Technology, available at http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/course-maps.html.

High achieving Australian resident students may be given the option of participating in the Industry-based learning (IBL) placement program focusing on the applications of Information Technology and Systems in industry, and providing students with an understanding of Information Technology and Systems in business.

The Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems aims to provide its graduates with an understanding of:

• the role of information technology in organisations and society
• methods, tools and techniques used in the planning, development, implementation and management of information products and systems
• computer hardware and software technologies
• theories and techniques in the selected degree specialisation
• legal, ethical and philosophical issues relating to information technology.

Graduates should acquire the abilities and skills to:

• apply the methods, tools, research skills and techniques used to develop correct, well structured and documented information products and systems
• effectively use computer hardware and software technologies
• flexibly and independently apply theoretical knowledge
• think creatively and critically
• take responsibility for self-learning
• communicate effectively
• respond appropriately to ethical considerations.

Graduates should acquire attitudes needed by an information technology professional to:

• be an effective team member
• take initiative and work independently
• be willing to self-assess performance
• be aware of social consequences
• be flexible and enthusiastic
• be willing to continue life long education
• accept the code of professional conduct and practice
• act in accordance with best practice, industry standards and professional ethics.

Industry Based Learning (IBL) placement program

Applicants who qualify for the IBL program are awarded a scholarship (currently valued at A$15,000) and undertake a 22-week industry placement with a participating company. The student's work during the placement is structured and assessed as part of the degree.

The IBL placement program is currently available to Australian citizens and Australian permanent resident visa holders who commenced their degree in 2007 or later. There are a limited number of places available. Selection takes place after the completion of first year and is based on academic performance and in an interview conducted by industry partners. IBL students are required to be available during the normal vacation period in summer and winter for special units and IBL placements. For further information on IBL including application deadlines, how to apply and selection criteria, please visit http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/ibl.

This course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) as meeting the standard for professional-level membership.

Students who wish to obtain professional recognition from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), the Records Management Association of Australasia (RMAA) or Australian Society of Archivists (ASA) should take the information management major and will be directed towards selection of appropriate level three units.

The BITS has a general structure comprising:

a) FIT core units

b) further FIT units which can include a major or double major are available via http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2010handbooks/aos/index-ug-byfaculty-it.html

c) an industrial experience or studio project and

c) electives from either FIT or another faculty of the University.

For students taking a major (at campuses where majors are available), the course requirements for the relevant majors are specified in the Faculty of Information Technology areas of study section of this Handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2010handbooks/aos/index-ug-byfaculty-it.html. All units are six points, unless otherwise specified.

The BITS has a general structure comprising the following:

(a) seven core units (42 points):

• FIT1001 Computer systems
• FIT1002 Computer programming
• FIT1003 IT in organisations
• FIT1004 Database
• FIT1005 Networks and data communications
• FIT2001 Systems analysis and design
• FIT2002 Project management

(b) a further 54 points of six-point information technology units. This may include one of the majors listed under 'Areas of Study'

(c) one pair of industrial experience or studio project units (12 points) as follows (depending on choice of major):

• FIT3047 Industrial experience project (part 1) and FIT3048 Industrial experience project (part 2)
• FIT3039 Studio 1 and FIT3040 Studio 2

(d) six other elective units (36 points). In some cases, mandated study from another faculty may take the place of one or more of these units

No more than 60 points of the degree may be at level one. A minimum of 18 points must be completed at level two and a minimum of 36 points must be completed at level three.

The BITS may be completed with or without a major. The BITS without a major follows the general structure given in (a), (b), (c) and (d) above.

For students taking a major, the course requirements for the relevant majors are specified in the 'areas of Study'section of this Handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2010handbooks/aos/index-ug-byfaculty-it.html. All units are six points, unless otherwise specified.

All majors

Students selected to participate in the IBL placement program will replace:

• FIT3047 Industrial experience project (part 1) and FIT3048 Industrial experience project (part 2)

or

• FIT3039 Studio 1 and FIT3040 Studio 2

and

• two free second or third year electives

with:

• FIT3045 Industry-based learning (18 points)
• FIT2035 Communications for IT professionals (6 points)

Due to availability of units, students selected for the IBL placement program may be unable to complete all the requirements for a BITS major within three years.

Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems