Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Network Engineering

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to qualify learners for a career in Network Engineering. The proposed qualification will provide learners with the knowledge, skills and applied competencies identified by industry as critical for employees to enter the world of work as network engineers in either the private or public sector. Learners will also be well-prepared with the insight and skills that are relevant to further specialised study in support of the principles of life-long learning. Upon completion of the qualification the learner will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate key theories in the analysis, design and implementation of network systems and infrastructures.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply methodologies and theoretical foundations to the analysis, design and implementation of network systems and infrastructures.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage a network and data communications environment incorporating management skills and strategies.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to conduct research related to network engineering.
• Critically analyse ethical and legal issues within the network engineering context.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a member of a team in network engineering-related initiatives.

Rationale

This qualification will provide learners with a thorough theoretical grounding and knowledge base in the key principles of network engineering, enterprise network management and systems analysis and design. These are the key disciplines that inform the professional practice of network engineering and design. Learners will be able to integrate network design goals, network infrastructure and services requirements and technologies to produce enterprise network solutions.

The design for this qualification has been informed by a demand identified in industry for specialised network engineers and to learner solution-focused, logical and creative thinkers geared for designing and managing networks for both South African and international markets. This qualification will also develop learners' abilities to design, implement, and manage innovative, integrated network solutions, and will nurture an understanding of the role network engineering and design play in terms of information systems and applications, connectivity, high availability, redundancy and security in a networked environment. Learners will be able to engage appropriately with non-technical management executives and stakeholders in planning and designing corporate networking solutions.

This qualification will qualify people to work in various network engineering related roles in the private and public sectors. The aim is to produce competent network engineers who, by understanding emerging technologies and trends in the context of network engineering and design, will contribute to the success and growth of the enterprise. Learners will gain a critical understanding of network engineering and information science theory and practice, and will develop the ability to critically analyse and apply this knowledge to the benefit of the organisation and in support of its business objectives in an ethical and socially responsible manner.

Career opportunities for learners of this qualification include

• Network Engineering.
• Network Administration.
• Database Administration.
• Network Support.
• Network Architecture and Design.
• Systems Analysis.
• Enterprise Architecture.
• Enterprise Management.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners can achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior Learning. The IIE RPL Policy (IIE010) and the IIE Academic Credit and Qualification Completion Policy (IIE004) guide this process.

RPL for formal learning (Credit recognition)

Learners may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects already passed in-house or at other recognised institutions.

RPL for informal and non-formal learning

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

The IIE RPL Policy and the IIE Academic Credit and Qualification Completion Policy guide the process whereby skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competence acquired through formal and non-formal learning are assessed. All RPL submissions are managed by an academic committee under the supervision of the Academic Manager and Registrar.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have one of the following qualifications in order to be considered for admission

• National Senior Certificate (NSC), allowing entry to Bachelors' Degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4, allowing entry to Bachelors' Degree studies.

This qualification comprises 29 compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 370 Credits.

NQF Level 5 modules, 119 Credits

• Network Engineering 1A, 10 Credits.
• Computer Fundamentals, 10 Credits.
• Programming Logic and Design (Intro), 10 Credits.
• Digital Law and Ethics, 5 Credits.
• Applied Communication Techniques 1, 9 Credits.
• Operating Systems 1A, 10 Credits.
• Network Engineering 1B, 10 Credits.
• Database Management Systems 1, 15 Credits.
• Mathematical Principles for Computer Science, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Network Programming, 15 Credits.
• Operating Systems 1B, 10 Credits.

NQF Level 6 modules; 126 Credits

• Network Engineering 2A, 15 Credits.
• Network Administration A, 15 Credits.
• Wireless and Mobile Communication, 10 Credits.
• Web Server Management, 15 Credits.
• Database Management Systems 2, 15 Credits.
• Network Engineering 2B, 15 Credits.
• Emerging Network Technologies, 15 Credits.
• Project Management, 11 Credits.
• Network Administration B, 15 Credits.

NQF Level 7 modules; 125 Credits

• Network Engineering 3A, 15 Credits.
• Database Management Systems 3, 15 Credits.
• Enterprise Architecture, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Research, 10 Credits.
• Enterprise Resource Planning, 15 Credits.
• Network Engineering 3B, 15 Credits.
• Enterprise Risk Management, 15 Credits.
• Principles of Information Security, 10 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate key theories in the analysis, design and implementation of network systems and infrastructures.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply methodologies and theoretical foundations to the analysis, design and implementation of network systems and infrastructures.
3. Demonstrate the ability to manage a network and data communications environment incorporating management skills and strategies.
4. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to conduct research related to network engineering.
5. Critically analyse ethical and legal issues within the network engineering context.
6. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a member of a team in network engineering-related initiatives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The theoretical foundations and principles of best practice in the analysis, design and implementation of computer network systems, architectures and strategies are evaluated.
• The roles of network systems and infrastructure within an organisation with special reference to operational, managerial, professional and strategic requirements are critically evaluated.
• The advantages and disadvantages of technologies used in network information systems are critically evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Knowledge and understanding of business principles in the analysis and design of network solutions is demonstrated.
• Advanced techniques in the analysis, design and implementation of network systems and infrastructures are critically applied.
• A database management system, network information security systems, and network application systems are analysed, designed and implemented on a variety of platforms.
• Various operating systems and applications are integrated into a single operating environment.
• Professionally prepared documentation that is relevant to the network engineering context is produced.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Appropriate management skills in the administration and control of a network and data communications environment are applied.
• Programming and scripting techniques are applied in order to automate network administration tasks.
• Appropriate interventions for the effective management of Information Technology in general, and of networks in particular are developed and implemented.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Various research techniques to analyse and design effective solutions for IT problems in the network engineering context are evaluated.
• Research on topics related to network engineering using a research method appropriate to the topic is conducted.
• A written report on research conducted on a topic related to network engineering is presented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Insight into legal practices and ethical strategies relating to a variety of network solutions is demonstrated.
• Network solutions that are ethical and unbiased are designed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Effective contributions to a range of team activities are made.
• The outcomes of group work effectively acknowledging the contributions of each team member are communicated.
• Organisational skills in managing group work are applied.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment

Continual formative assessment includes assignments based on the learning materials.

Summative assessment

Summative assessments include examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence.