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 AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

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

This course consists of:

• six compulsory common core units
• a two-unit industrial experience studio project
• eight units of further study in information technology
• eight free elective units.

Students may either complete a major in one of the available 'Areas of study' or complete the general form of the degree without a major.

All units are 6 points, unless otherwise specified.

Requirements

Students must complete:

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

• FIT1004 Data management
• FIT1047 Introduction to computer systems, networks and security
• FIT1049 IT professional practice
• FIT1051 Programming foundations
• FIT2001 Systems development
• FIT2002 IT Project management

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

• any eight units from the undergraduate units (level 1-3)undergraduate units (level 1-3) (http://www.msa.ac.za/study/handbooks/units/index-byfaculty-it.html) offered by the Faculty of Information Technology
• a minor of four units in one of the streams listed under 'Areas of study' and any four units from the undergraduate units (level 1-3)undergraduate units (level 1-3) (http://www.msa.ac.za/study/handbooks/units/index-byfaculty-it.html) offered by the Faculty of Information Technology
• a major in one of the following areas of study:

• Applications development and networks - South Africa
• Business systems - South Africa

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 Industry experience studio project 1
• FIT3048 Industry experience studio project 2

(d.) eight free electives* (48 points) as follows which may be chosen:

• from undergraduate units offered by the Faculty of Information TechnologyFaculty of Information Technology (http://www.msa.ac.za/study/handbooks/units/index-byfaculty-it.html)
• from disciplines offered by another faculty
• to form minors or a major
• from individual units.

* Note: Students must be able to meet any prerequisites for elective units.

Elective units can be identified using the unit indexesunit indexes (http://www.msa.ac.za/study/handbooks/units/) in the Handbook. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3.

Majors and minors can be identified from the areas of study indexesareas of study indexes (http://www.msa.ac.za/study/handbooks/aos/) in the Handbook.

Students may select free elective units from any campus, but should be aware of the teaching location as this may require travel to another campus and have timetabling implications.

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
• a minimum of 48 points of third-year study, of which at least 24 points must be from the third-year level units offered by the faculty.

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.

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

• 4308 Honours degree of Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences