Undergraduate - Course4307 - Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences

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.

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.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to demonstrate:

• 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

The course comprises 24 units of study, including 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 or complete the general form of the degree without a major.

• Applications development and networks
• Business systems

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 Computer 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 or minor 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 the undergraduate units offered by the faculty. 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.

(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.

General requirements

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:

• a maximum of 60 points of first-year level study (10 units)
• a minimum of 48 points of third-year study (eight units), of which at least 24 points (four units) must be from the third-year level units offered by the faculty.

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

• 4308 The honours degree of Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences

Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences