Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Informatics

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to

• Demonstrate practical experience of a number of informatics sub-fields by conducting lab experiments, developing computer programs and doing investigations into a number of problem areas in IT technology,
• Get an in depth overview of a number of informatics sub-fields (foundational competitiveness),
• Obtain competencies and skills in the IT domain which can be applied in solving practical IT problems in industry enhancing decision making and strategic thinking.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the learner is found to be competent the learner may:

• Gain access;
• Advanced placement;
• Or recognition of Degree status will be granted on condition of continuing education.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce, NQF Level 7.

1. The learner should be able to demonstrate his abilities to study a theoretical IT topic and to reach a specified level of competence.

Apply the theoretical knowledge in IT to the solution of practical IT problems.

1. It is expected from a learner to liaise with the lecturer in completing assignments and projects.

It is expected from a learner to work in a group relationship with other learners.

Must be able to give guidance to learners on junior levels in solving IT related assignments and problems (programming of assignments).

1. The learner must be reliable, completing tasks and assignments within preset time limits.

Must have a positive attitude towards the qualification by regularly attending lectures and participating in class discussions.

1. The learner must be able to work independently in solving assigned problems.

Must be able to use technology to gather information on a specific IT topic (browsing the Internet).

Must be able to apply gathered information in an effective and systematic way in order to solve the problem under investigation.

1. The learner must be able to summarise research results in a concise format (by visual/graphical/oral means).

Must be able to conduct a class discussion on a selected IT topic.

Must be able to participate in group discussion on any relevant IT topic.

1. The learner must be able to use IT technology during the qualification (word processing, database, slide shows, Internet).

Must be able to develop algorithms and to program these algorithms using a recognised high-level language.

1. The learner must be able to apply IT technology in real world problems to the benefit of society by improving living conditions.
2. The learner must be able to obtain bibliographical references to study topics by using media such as textbooks, journals, CD-ROM libraries or the Internet.

Must be able to do a systematic study of selected theoretical topics in IT and write tests and exams.

Must be able to apply the theoretical knowledge in solving IT problems in industry.

Make contact with lectures on an individual basis in order to get deeper insight into the subject.

1. The learner must be aware of responsibilities to use IT knowledge to the benefit of other citizens by improving living conditions.

Must be responsible not to misuse IT knowledge to the detriment of other citizens (hacking the Internet; writing viruses, breaking security codes).

1. The learner must be sensitive to the needs of other citizens and how to apply research results in such a way as not to offend any individual or group.
2. The learner must be aware of means and ways to develop an IT career path.

Must be able to draw up a CV.

Must be aware of how to present himself during a job interview.

1. The learner must be aware of the principles of self-employment.

Must be able to act as an IT consultant.

Must be aware of business principles in managing a business.

Must be aware of generating jobs in the IT industry.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• The learner can solve problems through practical assignments, class projects and development of computer programs.
• Formal assessment through written tests and exams.
• On completion of the qualification a learner should have had ample opportunity to demonstrate his ability to work in some form of group participation.
• The learner should be able to demonstrate his responsibility by completing the qualification in the preset time frame.
• Ongoing evaluation by the lecturer of the learner`s participation in class activities such as attendance of lectures, group discussions and preparation of study material.
• The learner should be able to demonstrate his abilities to collect, to structure and to interpret information.
• The lecturer must assess the learner`s abilities to gather information from a variety of sources such as textbooks, journals, CD-ROMs and the Internet.
• The lecturer must assess the learner`s abilities to structure and interpret the assembled information and to document the results.
• The learner should be able to demonstrate his abilities to communicate with other people such as customers from the IT industry, peer group members and lecturers.
• The lecturer must assess the learner`s abilities to make statements on IT related matters in the presence of class members.
• The lecturer must assess the learner`s abilities to use multi-media facilities such as visual and graphical representations to present his views on an IT topic (slide shows, Web pages, written documents).
• The learner should be able to demonstrate his ability to use IT technology as a valuable resource in solving difficult and challenging study problems.
• The lecturer must judge the learner `s abilities to use advanced technological IT facilities such as high level programming languages, database systems, multi-media, Internet, client/server architectures etc., to solve challenging study problems.
• The learner should be able to demonstrate his abilities to apply IT knowledge to the benefit of society and the environment.
• The lecturer must ascertain that the learner is aware of his responsibilities towards society and the environment by informal discussions conducted on a personal and ongoing basis.
• The learner should be able to demonstrate his abilities to follow a systematic study procedure.
• The lecturer must assess the abilities of the learner to integrate different aspects of the study field in a systematic way. This can be done on an ongoing basis by evaluating written and verbal reports on study progress.
• The lecturer must ascertain the learner`s attitude towards the citizens of the country, making sure that the acquired IT skills will be used to the benefit of the society at large.
• The lecturer must ascertain that the learner has a positive attitude towards fellow citizens. This can be done by informal and personal discussions between the lecturer and the learner on an ongoing basis.
• The study leader must see to it that the learner knows the ethics of employment in the IT industry.
• The lecturer must see to it that the learner is able to draw up his own CV.
• The lecturer has to assess the learner`s awareness of the importance of generating job opportunities in the IT industry by ongoing informal discussions.
• The lecturer has to assess the learner`s knowledge of business principles by ongoing informal discussions.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

Learners are continuously assessed via informal class tests and formal semester tests (in written or oral mode), as well as practical programming and software design and implementation assignments. Assignments require learners to study, interpret and evaluate a wide range of subject-related documents - like research papers, theses and software product documentation.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done using two written examinations per module per semester.