Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Course

This course is designed for students who wish to study the application of computer-based technologies and systems to meet individual and organisational information needs. The course enables students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to use IT effectively and to use, develop and manage IT-based systems. It is a highly practical course which prepares graduates for careers working with information and IT in business, government and industry.

The course covers a wide range of aspects of IT, from technical computing which focuses on the technology itself, to information and business-related themes which focus on information needs and the way in which IT can be used to support them. In addition to compulsory core studies in fundamental IT concepts, the course provides the students with the option to specialise by taking major or minor streams of study in fields of their choice, within IT and/or in another discipline.

The Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences 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.

The course consists of 24 units of study, comprising six compulsory common core units, a two-unit industrial experience project, eight units of further study in information technology, and eight free elective units. Students may either complete a major in one of the areas of study listed below or complete the general form of the degree without a major.

All units are 6 points, unless otherwise specified.

Students complete:

(a.) six information technology core units (36 points):

• FIT1002 Computer programming
• FIT1004 Data management
• FIT1031 Computer and networks
• FIT2001 Systems development
• FIT2002 Project management
• FIT2003 IT professional practice

(b.) eight units of further IT-related study (48 points). Students may complete a major or minor stream by taking a prescribed set of units in a specialised area, or complete the general form of the degree by selecting a variety of units from the undergraduate units offered by the Faculty. The prescribed units and course requirements for majors are specified in the 'Areas of Study' section of this Handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/index-ug-byfaculty-it.html.

(c) one pair of industrial experience project units (12 points) as follows:

• FIT3047 Industrial experience project
• FIT3048 Industrial experience project

(d) eight other elective units (48 points). These can be further IT units or units from any faculty in the University.

In addition to the above unit requirements, students must meet the following general requirements in relation to the overall number of points at each year level:

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

Areas of Study

• Applications development and networks
• Business systems

Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences