Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences

Purpose

Graduates from this programme will have an understanding of: the role of information technology in organisations and society; the methods, tools and techniques used in the planning, development and implementation of information products and systems; the organisation and operational principles of computer hardware and software; networks, data communications, internet and multimedia technologies and applications; the principles and applications of databases; risks and opportunities relating to management of information by individuals, groups and organisations; theories and techniques, at a more detailed level, in the field or fields selected as the focus for specialisation in the programme; and legal, ethical and philosophical issues relating to information access and delivery:

• Graduates will have the abilities and skills to: apply the methods, tools and techniques commonly used in the development and implementation of information products and systems to practical problems.
• Use basic research skills to locate and retrieve information pertinent to the problems being investigated, using a range of sources including the technical literature and on-line sources.
• Develop correct, well structured and well documented information products and systems that solve users' needs.
• Effectively use computer hardware and software technologies to achieve personal work objectives and in the development of information systems.
• Flexibly and independently apply theoretical knowledge to a range of software and technical environments.
• Use a range of approaches for development of information products, services and systems and think creatively.
• Develop, analyse and communicate alternative solutions to problems; think critically, take responsibility for self-learning, and use a degree of resourcefulness when solving problems; communicate effectively with other computing professionals, managers, users, clients and the wider community; exercise judgment to satisfy conflicting interests; and consider and respond appropriately to the ethical dimensions of professional relationships and responsibilities.

The programme aims to nurture attitudes that enable students to: take on the responsibilities of an information technology professional in their chosen field; participate effectively as a member of a team; take initiative and work independently; show a concern for accuracy and a willingness to objectively assess their own performance; be aware of the social consequences of the role of information technology in our society; be flexible in an environment of rapid change; feel enthusiasm for the field of study and a preparedness to continue lifelong education and learning; accept the code of professional conduct and practice appropriate to practising information technology professionals; and act in accordance with best practice, industry standards and professional ethics.

The programme aims to provide its graduates with an understanding of

• The role of information technology in organisations and society.
• Methods, tools and techniques used in the planning, development, implementation and management of information products and systems.
• Computer hardware and software technologies.
• Theories and techniques in the selected degree specialisation.
• Legal, ethical and philosophical issues relating to information technology.

Graduates should acquire the abilities and skills to

• Apply the methods, tools, research skills and techniques used to develop correct, well structured and documented information products and systems.
• Effectively use computer hardware and software technologies.
• Flexibly and independently apply theoretical knowledge.
• Think creatively and critically.
• Take responsibility for self-learning.
• Communicate effectively.
• Respond appropriately to ethical considerations.

Graduates should acquire attitudes needed by an information technology professional to

• Be an effective team member.
• Take initiative and work independently.
• Be willing to self-assess performance.
• Be aware of social consequences.
• Be flexible and enthusiastic.
• Be willing to continue lifelong education.
• Accept the code of professional conduct and practice.
• Act in accordance with best practice, industry standards and professional ethics.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences is an undergraduate programme and as such is focused on school leavers who completed the National Senior Certificate or, prior to 2008, the Senior School Certificate for entry into Higher Education. English and Mathematics/Mathematics Literacy are compulsory.

Graduates of this programme may further their studies by enrolling for an Honours Degree in a relevant related field at Monash South Africa or at another Higher Education institution.

As may be seen in the discussion below, the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences speaks to the objectives of the NQF, in that it:

• Enhances the quality of education, training and skills development.
• Facilitates access to, and mobility and progression within education, training and career paths.
• Contributes to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the nation at large.

The Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences programme consists of in three major streams, namely

• Application Development and networks.
• Business Systems.
• Internet Systems.

Applications Development and Networks

Networks are the single most powerful technology driving the present universal use of computers, and the internet is a vital part of daily life for almost all sectors of the community. Applications are the programmes running on computers. This major focuses on network and internet technologies, their use and management, the design and development of networked systems, and networked applications in industry and government. It also focuses on the development of applications within such an environment.

This major is ideal for technically minded problem solvers who are interested in working behind the scenes. The programme builds the students' knowledge and skills in developing systems using networks and web technology.

Students of the Applications Development and Networks major learn how to build new systems and applications using current technologies and tools. They learn about analysing users' needs, designing and creating the software and databases and managing computer-based information systems and applications.

Graduates can choose career paths in areas such as Computer programming; Network management; System's design; Web development; System's analysis; Project leadership; Database design and administration; System's programming; Programming analyst; and e-Commerce development.

Business Systems

The Business Systems major focuses on the use of computers and information systems to understand, model and solve complex problems in the world of business.

This major is ideal for future entrepreneurs or managers who require expertise to provide effective business solutions. Students learn about computers, networks and databases and how they can be harnessed to make business more effective. They also learn how to use computers to aid the problem-solving process itself, and how to lead IT teams in developing and managing an organisation's business and IT systems.

Business Systems students can choose options that will develop strong business skills, deeper technical knowledge or a blend of both. The preparation that the programme provides is highly relevant to the current business environment that integrates information technology into all aspects of business operations and management.

Possible careers are in the areas of: Systems analysis; Management Information Systems; Business analysis; e-Commerce consultation; IT consultation; Programme Analyst; Database design and administration.

Internet Systems

The Internet Systems major provides students with a thorough grounding in the technical aspects of the internet and internet applications development.

This major is for those students with a keen interest in the internet. In addition to the core modules common to the other majors of this degree, it includes studying network administration, web applications development and content management. The study of Internet applications includes several web development languages.

After graduation, students can consider careers in a wide range of information technology areas, including: Internet development; Java programming; Corporate website maintenance; Mobile applications development; Mobile commerce development and analysis or programming.

Graduates of this programme may further their studies by enrolling for an Honours Degree at Monash South Africa or at another Higher Education Institution in related fields.

As may be seen in the discussion above, the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences speaks to the objectives of the NQF, in that it:

• Enhances the quality of education, training and skills development.
• Facilitates access to, and mobility and progression within education, training and career paths.
• Contributes to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the nation at large.

The Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences is an undergraduate programme and as such is focused on school leavers who wrote the National Senior Certificate or, prior to 2008, the Senior School Certificate for entry into Higher Education. English and Mathematics/Mathematics Literacy are compulsory.

No prior knowledge of/competence in Computer and Information Sciences is required for admission to this programme.

English is the language of instruction and assessment and students must meet certain English requirements in order to be eligible for admission.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Monash South Africa adheres to national requirements for the Recognition of Prior Learning and has a Recognition of Prior Learning policy and procedures in place. Monash South Africa thus allows for an educationally appropriate alternative access to the programme and may recognise the following:

• Formal learning, such as a programme offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or by any other accredited provider recognised by Monash South Africa. These may include professional development or on-the job-training.
• Experience of approximately three to five years working within the industry will be considered in conjunction with the academic record of the candidate based on the institutional policy of Recognition of Prior Learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning may also be granted for admission to the programme, where an applicant's previous non-accredited formal study or informal learning is assessed as equivalent to the prerequisite qualification.

Access to the Qualification

The Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences is an undergraduate programme and as such is focused on school leavers who completed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or, prior to 2008, the Senior School Certificate for entry into Higher Education. English and Mathematics/Mathematics Literacy are compulsory to gain access to this Degree.

The Degree consists of both compulsory and elective modules totalling 24 Modules and 360 Credits. To qualify for this Degree a student must complete 8 Modules per year to achieve a minimum of 24 Modules over the study period (usually three years full-time). The programme is offered in three major streams, namely:

• Application Development and networks.
• Business Systems.
• Internet Systems.

No more than 150 Credits of the degree may be at NQF Level 5. A minimum of 45 Credits must be completed at NQF Level 5 and a minimum of 90 Credits must be completed at NQF NQF Level 6.

Learning components

Core (compulsory for all)

• Computer systems, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Computer programming 1, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• IT in organisations, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Database, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Networks and data communications, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Systems analysis and design, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Project management, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.

Subtotal: 105 Credits.

Fundamentals

• Computer programming 2, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Systems Analysis and Design 2, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Networks and Data Communications 2, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Data Structures and Algorithms, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Web Programming, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Industrial Experience Project 1, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Industrial Experience Project 2, 15, NQF Level 6.
• Software Engineering, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Operating Environments, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Computer network Design and Deployment, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.

Subtotal: 150 Credits.

Business Systems (Compulsory for this major)

• E-Commerce Systems, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• System Analysis and Design 2, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Web Programming, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Computer Models for Business decisions, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Information and Network Security, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Business Statistics, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Industrial Experience Project 1, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Industrial Experience Project 2, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Applications of Data Mining, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Information Systems Management, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Infrastructure for e-Commerce, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.

Subtotal: 165 Credits.

Internet Systems (Compulsory for this major)

• Web systems 1, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Network Administration, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Web Systems 2, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Electronic Business, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Information and network Security, 15 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Industrial Experience Project 1, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Industrial Experience Project 2, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Web Systems 3, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Service Oriented Computing , 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Human-Computer Interaction, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.

Subtotal: 150 Credits.

Electives

Applications development and Networks

• One IT module at NQF Level 6.
• Four NQF Level 5, 6 or 7.
• Two NQF Level 6 or 7 modules.

Subtotal: 105 Credits.

Business Systems

• Two NQF Level 5, 6 or 7 modules (any as approved by the School).
• Three NQF Level 6 or 7 module (any as approved by the School).
• One IT module at NQF Level 6

Subtotal: 90 Credits.

Internet systems

• Two NQF Level 5, 6 or 7 modules (any as approved by the School).
• One IT module at NQF Level 6.
• Four NQF Level 6 or 7 modules (any as approved by the School).

Subtotal: 105 Credits.

General Outcome

Graduates will be able to build IT products and be productive members of development and production teams.

Exit Level Outcomes

1. At the completion of this programme students will have developed the skills to use data mining tools to solve data mining problems.
2. At the completion of this programme students will have developed the skills to analyse IT management related problems and devise appropriate IT management strategies.
3. At the completion of this programme students will have developed the skills to develop a defensive strategy to counter security issues and vulnerabilities of e-Commerce servers, illustrating an awareness of the problems arising from active content technologies.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• As is evident from the integrated assessment methods discussed, the design of the programme provides for the development and obtainment of the critical cross field outcomes.
• Students are challenged, by a variety of teaching methods, especially in the tutorials, to identify and solve problems in a specific and structured context by means of individual and group activities. It is often expected of students to work effectively in teams, during discussions and in research projects.
• At least some of the assessment opportunities are devoted to presentations. Students are expected to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information and present the crux of the matter in a logically organised manner. This also contributes to the development of important technological, communication and effective language usage skills.
• Individual and group written assignments hone the students' skills in using technology to access and present texts. They learn to use science and technology effectively and critically, and then demonstrate their ability to identify, understand and present the inter-related parts of systems.
• Group discussions and oral presentations (individual or groups) develop the students' effective communication skills using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in formal and informal communications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

Students will be competent when able to

• Apply the principles of methods and operations for data mining.
• Analyse a data mining problem presented as a case study.
• Design solutions to data mining problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

Students will be competent when able to

• Outline the operational management requirements of a system and its inter-relationships.
• Synthesise the philosophies and processes behind IT resourcing.
• Appraise the attitudes of consideration of ethical issues in IT and IT management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

Students will be competent when able to

• Identify the threats to electronic commerce on the Internet and potential security problems.
• Design a secure system for specific situations.
• Develop an appropriate security protocol and procedure.
• Evaluate electronic payment mechanisms.
• Comment on the privacy and legal issues and be familiar with anonymity technologies.

Integrated Assessment

All modules are organised into a theoretical class work component, and a directly related practical tutorial component aimed at application of the theoretical knowledge. Learning, teaching and assessment are thus inextricably interwoven. Tutorials follow on lectures, and serve to provide opportunities for students to work on practical exercises and problems by applying what they have learned in the lecturing sessions. These tutorials provide valuable opportunities for simulations of day to day challenges in the field, the analysis of problems and the design of workable solutions to these problems. The tutorials in this way address the need for continuous formative assessment and encourage students to develop problem solving skills.

Assessment methods include formative and summative assessment opportunities, utilising various assessment activities, including the writing of functioning programme snippets, interfacing with databases, and writing and developing front-ends. These provide opportunities for competency evaluations of clinical skills.

Students also submit written assignments consisting of various formats, ranging from multiple-choice, paragraph type answers to essay type assignments. In the latter, students are expected to synthesise and appraise theoretical frameworks and philosophies in the field. Some modules have case studies and role playing (e.g. to take the role of project manager, or business analyst) as method of assessment.

Communication and presentation skills are honed by assessments which require group work as well as by individual presentations on specified topics related to the specific modules. Formative assessment opportunities include shorter and longer written tests on both theoretical knowledge and the application thereof.

The assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable, incorporating an integrated approach to assessment, and are in accordance with the assessment policy of the institution.