Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to qualify learners to follow a career in Software Application Development. The outcomes for this qualification were identified as critical to drive a successful career in software development providing competent desktop and mobile application developers in the private and the public sectors. By understanding business processes in the context of business rules, learners will be able to solve business problems and meet business needs through software application development. Learners will be suitably prepared to demonstrate competencies in application development, and to contribute to the economic well-being of their organisation in a responsible manner.

The qualification design supports the logical progression in learning throughout the programme by introducing learners to the foundational and mathematical concepts, theories and fundamental knowledge in the first year to position them to master the more complex skills of analysing, interpreting and developing the principles and theories of desktop software development, mobile application development, cloud computing development and dynamic web development in the context of current IT trends and requirements. The design of the qualification will facilitate critical learning through the exposure to and application of specialised learning areas plus relevant support learning areas to enable the learner to manage the versatile and dynamic context of application development.

This qualification is designed to graduate learners with the ability to think and act strategically and professionally and to contribute meaningfully to the organisations that employ them. The programme design thus facilitates the development of a well-rounded software developer.

Rationale

In line with the Higher Education Qualification Sub-framework (HEQSF) purpose and characteristics of a Degree, this qualification will provide learners with a thorough theoretical grounding and knowledge base in the key principles of Information Technology (IT), programming, mobile application development across platforms, web development, database design, troubleshooting, testing, connectivity, customisation and project management. Learners will develop meaningful software development acumen grounded in a deep understanding of holistic application programming and development. This qualification has been designed to develop learner abilities to design, implement and manage solution-focused, systemic thinkers who can develop software solutions for any device or platform in the South African economy.

There has been a rapid annual growth in smart phones and tablets, which has resulted in increased demand for mobile applications for these devices. Furthermore, the emergence of Cloud Computing as a technology requires traditional and mobile application as well as web development processes. This qualification addresses both the need for mobile application development and the need for Cloud Computing development on both the server- and the client-side.

In keeping with the purpose of Bachelor's Degrees, this qualification will therefore enable learners to apply a well-rounded strategic knowledge base to professional entry practice across a broad range of enterprise types and industries. Career opportunities for learners of this qualification exist as an:

• Application Developer for non-mobile platforms.
• Mobile Application Developer for all mobile platforms.
• Cloud Computing Developer.
• Cloud Computing Consultant.
• Cloud Integrator.
• Dynamic Web Developer.
• Database Developer.
• Data Analyst.
• Software Development Project Manager.
• Software Development Program Manager.

This qualification will prepare learners to continue their software application development studies at HEQSF Level 8 qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners can achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior learning. The institution's RPL Policy (IIE010) and its Academic Credit and Qualification Completion Policy (IIE004) guide this process.

Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning will be assessed in the RPL process.

All RPL submissions are managed by an academic committee under the supervision of the Academic Manager and Registrar.

The minimum entrance requirement for admission to the Bachelor of Computer Science Application is as follows

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate with endorsement.

Or

• Any other NQF Level 4 qualification or equivalent.

The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 365 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5, 109 Credits

• Programming 1A, 20 Credits.
• Programming Logic and Design, 10 Credits.
• Database (Introduction), 15 Credits.
• Applied Communication Techniques, 9 Credits.
• Mathematical Principles for Developers, 15 Credits.
• Digital Law and Ethics, 5 Credits.
• Web Development, 10 Credits.
• Systems Analysis, 15 Credits.
• Network Engineering 1A, 10 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6, 136 Credits

• Programming 1B, 15 Credits.
• Database (Intermediate), 12 Credits.
• Programming 2A, 20 Credits.
• Cloud Development A, 15 Credits.
• IT Project Management, 15 Credits.
• Programming 2B, 15 Credits.
• Cloud Development B, 15 Credits.
• Software Quality and Testing, 14 Credits.
• Advanced Databases, 15 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7, 120 Credits

• Application Development Security, 15 Credits.
• Open Source Coding (Introduction), 15 Credits.
• Open Source Coding (Intermediate), 15 Credits.
• Programming 3A, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Research, 10 Credits.
• Programming 3B, 15 Credits.
• Advanced IT Management, 20 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to apply key theories in the design and development of software applications.
2. Provide ethical and professional software solutions.
3. Design software applications on a variety of platforms.
4. Communicate effectively and professionally as a member of a software design and development team.
5. Demonstrate the ability to conduct research related to IT programming and Cloud Computing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Mathematical theories to software application design and development are applied.
• The development process is evaluated by applying logical thinking to software application design and development.
• The theoretical foundations and principles of best practice in the development of application software is critically examined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Legal practices and ethical strategies for a variety of software application solutions are identified.
• Software application solutions that are ethical and appropriate for a specific context are designed.
• Software application solutions for a variety of purposes are provided.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The network, hardware, software and audience requirements are identified during the software application conceptualisation process based on theoretical concepts.
• Requirements and limitations to software application solutions for different platforms are applied.
• An understanding of appropriate User Experience Design in the context of software application design and development is demonstrated.
• The development process is analysed in order to design and develop software solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• A high group dynamic intelligence is displayed.
• Team members and external stakeholders are professionally engaged with.
• The strategies and design elements of a software application in the context of design thinking and software development are debated upon.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Various research techniques to analyse and design effective solutions for IT problems in the programming and cloud computing contexts are explored.
• Research on topics related to programming and cloud computing using a research method appropriate to the topic is conducted.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment

Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

Integrated assessments will be designed to achieve

• An integration of the achievement of Exit Level Outcomes in a way which demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved.
• The evaluation of learner performance which can provide evidence of applied competence.
• Criterion-referenced assessment which is clearly explained to, and understood by, the students and which can be applied in the recognition of prior learning.