Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Course

This course aims to provide highly achieving students progressing from an undergraduate qualification to acquire research skills appropriate to their discipline and to understand the fundamentals of conceptual, methodological and implementation issues of IT-related research. Students conduct research in a selected area and complete an honours thesis.

Graduates will have an understanding of:

• the role of research in information technology to provide support to organisations and society
• the research theories and techniques used in information technology
• a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods
• the roles of research ethics, peer review and collaborative research.

Graduates will have the abilities and skills to:

• develop the fundamentals of conceptual methodological and implementation issues of IT related research
• think creatively in developing solutions to problems
• critically analyse research literature and conduct a literature review
• conduct independent research, applying methods, tools and techniques appropriate to the research question
• document and communicate research results and the methods used both orally and in a written report
• consider and respond appropriately to the ethical dimensions of professional relationships and responsibilities.

Graduates will have attitudes that enable them to:

• take initiative and work independently
• objectively assess their own performance
• be aware of the social consequences of the role of information technology
• feel enthusiasm for the field of study and a preparedness to continue life long education in their discipline
• accept the code of professional conduct and practice appropriate to practising information technology professionals
• act in accordance with best practice, industry standards and professional ethics.

A person may be admitted to candidature for BITS(Hons) if they meet one or both of the following criteria:

(a.) satisfy the requirements of a relevant pass degree and obtained credit average or above in all units with a distinction in third-year IT units

(b.) gained qualifications and experience in studies undertaken in any faculty or educational institution if such qualifications and experience are deemed by the faculty's admissions and credit transfer sub-committee to be preparation equivalent to attainment of the pass degree of the standard specified in (a) above.

The honours degree consists of a total of 48 points, comprising:

• FIT4005 IT research methods (6 points)*
• honours thesis (24 points)
• three level four or five units** chosen from a list published by the Faculty of Information Technology (6 points each)

* Including compulsory attendance at workshops and stipulated faculty seminars

** A maximum of one unit may be selected from units offered by other faculties with the approval of the honours coordinator.

Honours degree of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems