Undergraduate - Course4308 - Honours degree of Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences

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.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8, 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 critically analyse research literature and conduct a literature review
• ability to think creatively in developing solutions to problems
• ability to work independently in developing and applying research techniques to problems
• understanding of the role of research in information technology to provide support to organisations and society
• understanding of the fundamental conceptual methodological and implementation issues involved in the conduct of IT-related research
• understanding of a range of research theories and techniques used in information technology
• ability to apply a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods in research practice
• ability to conduct independent research, applying methods, tools and techniques appropriate to the research question
• understanding and awareness of the social consequences of the role of information technology
• awareness of the need to continue lifelong education in their discipline
• understanding of best practice, industry standards and professional ethics ability and willingness to adhere to these
• ability and willingness to objectively assess own performance
• ability to recognise the roles of research ethics, peer review and collaborative research
• ability to document and communicate research results and the methods used both orally and in a written report
• understanding of ethical and professional codes willingness to adhere to these

A person may be admitted to candidature for BCIS(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.

This course consists of coursework units, research in a selected area and completion of an honours thesis.

Students must complete:

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

* 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 Computer and Information Sciences