courses

3334

Monash University

Undergraduate - Course

Students who commenced study in 2014 should refer to this course entry for direction on the requirements; to check which units are currently available for enrolment, refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course.

print version

This course entry applies to students commencing this course in 2014 and should be read in conjunction with information provided in the 'Faculty information' section of this Handbook by the Faculty of Information Technology

Managing facultyInformation Technology
Abbreviated titleBITS
CRICOS code079337M
Total credit points required144
Standard duration of study (years)3 years FT, 6 years PT
Study mode and locationOn-campus (Caulfield)
Admission, fee and application details http://www.monash.edu/study/coursefinder/course/3334
Contact details

Visit http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/about/contact.html

Course coordinator

Visit http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/current/course-information/

Notes

  • Unit codes that are not linked to their entry in the Handbook are not available for study in the current year.
  • The maximum time for completion of the course is eight years, including any periods of intermission. Students cannot take additional units that exceed the 144 credit points required for the course. Students wishing to take additional units can only do so on a single unit basis (full-fee paying) with the approval of the faculty. Due to availability of units, students selected for the Industry Based Learning program may be unable to complete all the requirements for a BITS major within three years.

Description

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.

Outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (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

Industry Based Learning program

Applicants who qualify for the Industry Based Learning (IBL) programIndustry Based Learning (IBL) program (http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/ibl) 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.

IBL students are required to be available during the normal vacation period in summer and winter for special units and IBL placements.

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.

There are a limited number of places available in the program.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) as meeting the standard for professional-level membership.

Structure

This course consists of 24 units of study, including six compulsory common core units, a two-unit industry experience or studio-based 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. Students who do not complete a major, must complete at least one minor from the areas of study listed below.

Refer to course mapscourse maps (http://infotech.monash.edu.au/current/course-information/) for course progression and approved elective information.

Areas of study

Requirements

All units are 6 points, unless otherwise specified.

Students must complete:

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

(b.) eight units of IT-related study by completing one of the following options (48 points):

Notes:

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

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

  • FIT3047 Industry experience project 1 and FIT3048 Industry experience project 2

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

(d.) eight elective units chosen from one of the following options (48 points)*:

  • eight units from any faculty in the University
  • four electives and a minor of four units
  • a major of eight units

Minors and majors can be chosen from:

Suitable elective units can be chosen from any undergraduate (level 1-3) faculty of the University and identified using the browse units toolbrowse units tool (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/search) in the Handbook.

Note: Some units, majors and minors may require permission from the owning faculty.

* 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: 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
  • a minimum of 36 points of third-year level study, of which at least 24 points must be from the third-year level units offered by the faculty, or 30 points for students taking IBL, as indicated above.

Progression to further studies

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

  • 3336 Honours degree of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems

Award(s)

Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems