Undergraduate - Course3334 - Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems

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. Eligible students at the Caulfield campus may participate in the Industry Based Learning (IBL) program, in which they undertake a 22-week industry placement and receive a generous scholarship. For more information, refer to 'Industry Based Learning Program' information below.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes. For more information refer to http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html.

• ability to apply the methods, tools, research skills and techniques used to plan, develop, implement and manage correct, well-structured and documented information products and systems
• ability to think creatively, critically and flexibly in applying theoretical knowledge to the solution of problems
• ability to make effective use of computer hardware and software technologies
• understanding of the role of information technology in organisations and society
• ability to recognise the variety of theories and techniques used in specialised aspects of the use of information technology
• ability to work independently and to self-assess performance
• ability to respond appropriately to the legal, ethical and philosophical issues relating to information technology
• ability to understand and take account of the social consequences of their work and act in accord with codes of professional conduct and practice
• understanding of the need to continue life-long education
• ability to communicate effectively and work as an effective team member

Industry Based Learning (IBL) program

Applicants who qualify for the Industry Based Learning program are awarded a scholarship (currently valued at up to A$19,000) and undertake a 22-week industry placement with a participating company as directed by the University. The student's work during the placement will be structured and assessed as part of the degree.

The IBL program is available to Australian citizens and Australian permanent resident visa holders. There are a limited number of places available.

There are two intakes into the IBL program each year. Students can be admitted prior to the commencement of first year or at the end of their first year of study. Selection is based on academic performance and an interview process conducted by industry partners of the program. 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 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.

This course consists of 24 units of study, including six compulsory common core units, a two-unit industrial experience or studio-based project, eight units of further study in information technology, and eight free elective units.

Students at Caulfield and off-campus 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. Students who do not complete a major, must complete at least one minor from the areas of study listed below.

Students at Sunway must complete the general form of the degree. No majors will be offered. Information on minors offered at Sunway can be found at http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/current/index.html

Refer to http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/current/index.html for course map details.

• Applications development
• Applications development and networks
• Business systems
• Enterprise information management
• Games development
• Information and communication technologies
• Multimedia development

NOTE: The requirements for this degree changed in 2013; students who commenced the BITS prior to 2013 should refer to the handbook entry for the year in which they commenced their studies.

All units are 6 points, unless otherwise specified.

Students must complete:

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

• FIT1004 Data management
• FIT1031 Computers and networks
• FIT1040 Programming fundamentals
• FIT2001 Systems development
• FIT2002 Project management
• FIT2003 IT professional practice

(b.) eight units of further IT-related study (48 points).* Students may complete one of the major streams listed under 'Areas of Study' 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 undergraduate units offered by the Faculty. Students taking the general form must complete at least one prescribed minor sequence of units. Within the eight units of further IT-related study, at least two units (12 points) of study must be completed at each of second and third year levels. IBL placement units (FIT2032 and FIT3045) do not contribute to this group of 8 units.

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

(i.) for all BITS students other than those completing the multimedia development or games development majors:

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

(ii.) for students completing the multimedia development or games development majors:

• FIT3039 Studio 1 and FIT3040 Studio 2

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

* Students wishing to complete the multimedia development major or games development major must include VCM1001 Visual communication as one of their eight elective units. Students completing these majors will complete nine units of further IT-related study and seven elective units.

Industry Based Learning Program

Students selected to participate in the IBL placement program will replace their industrial experience or studio units and an elective unit at second or third year level with one of the following units at the appropriate level:

• FIT2032 Industry-based learning (18 points)
• FIT3045 Industry-based learning (18 points)

Note that all credit points from these units over and above the 12 points to satisfy the industrial experience or studio component of the program (part (c) of the requirements above) count towards the elective component of the program (part (d) of the requirements above).

IBL students must complete FIT2002 (Project management) over summer semester or overload in one semester by one unit in order to complete the degree within three years.

General requirements

In addition to the above unit requirements, all students must meet the following general requirements:

• a maximum of 60 points of first-year level study (ten units)
• a minimum of 36 points of third-year level study (six units), of which at least 24 points (four units) must be from the third-year level units offered by the faculty, or 30 points (five units) for students taking IBL, as indicated above.

Depending on the results achieved, students who complete this course may be eligible to apply for entry into honours in:

• 3336 The honours degree of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems

Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems