Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to give learners opportunity to explore a broad range of aspects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and to equip them with knowledge and relevant skills in a variety of key areas of ICT for a lifelong career.

This qualification also provides both a theoretical and practical focus, which aims to develop technological understanding and skills that are in high demand throughout the ICT industry. Graduates will be capable of understanding and improving organisational processes through the use of ICT.

Graduates will be up-to-date with current issues in ICT, understand the changing technical and commercial nature of the ICT industry, and have the skills to implement industry-standard technology.

The Degree further produces ICT graduates who are confident and articulate team players, and who are attuned to the needs, methods and attitudes of business and society. It further develops the necessary analytical and research skills to prepare a qualifying learner for further studies in ICT at Postgraduate levels.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology is designed to reflect the latest workplace-based needs of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, to ensure that qualifying learners will have accessibility to be employed within the industry. It is grounded in a fundamental body of computing knowledge.

Learners will gain a solid knowledge-base of systems analysis and design, programming, databases, project management and information technology. They will be able to provide professional services to various types of businesses as Systems Analysts, Database Administrators, Network Administrators and Programmers, or to work as members of Information Technology (IT) project teams.

This qualification contributes to regional and national goals by making it possible for a greater number of learners to enter and succeed as learners of ICT at a tertiary level. The curriculum is structured in such a way that learners, during the course of their studies will be exposed to certain generic competencies that will assist them in their future careers. Such competencies include:

• Communicate effectively using written and spoken English in a professional context; adapt personal interaction style to a given audience; work efficiently in a team, guide and direct other team members; identify the pertinent legal and ethical issues and be familiar with the generic and specialised software tools used by IT professionals.
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills to apply technologies to new situations when implementing, maintaining, documenting and troubleshooting small-scale systems.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community.
• Take initiative and work independently.
• Use abstraction and computational, creative and critical thinking to problem solve.
• Continue lifelong learning.
• Be aware of the social consequences of their work.
• Adhere to codes of professional conduct and practice.
• Respond appropriately to economic, social, legal, and ethical considerations.
• Commitment to lifelong learning.

The structure and content of this qualification enables a learner to build a solid knowledge base in the core fields of ICT and its related subjects.

This qualification is intended to enhance readiness for further study in ICT and related fields at Honours and Master's education levels, as well as providing for employment in the industry. The qualification provides a graduate learner with the flexibility to articulate within the ICT industry into a wide variety of specialisations and to operate in other industries where ICT is a key component.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. Learners may be admitted into this qualification via the RPL route, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

If a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned above.

RPL is to be done in accordance with standard of the Institution policies and procedures.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission to Bachelors Studies are

• A Senior Certificate with endorsement.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) granting admission to Bachelor Degree studies.

Or

• National Senior Certificate granting admission to Bachelor Degree studies.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5, 6, and 7, and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 376 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 76 Credits

• Cornerstone 101 (Inst GE), 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Computing, 12 Credits.
• Software Development Fundamentals, 12 Credits.
• Interpersonal Communication and Self (Inst GE), 8 Credits
• Systems Fundamentals, 12 Credits.
• Law for Life (Inst GE), 8 Credits.
• Organisational Behaviour 2, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 172 Credits

• Business Fundamentals 1 (FGE), 12 Credits.
• Discrete Structures, 16 Credits.
• Mathematics for Computing 1A, 12 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship Spirit (FGE), 12 Credits.
• Business Fundamentals 2 (FGE), 12 Credits.
• Algorithms and Data Structures 2, 12 Credits.
• Information Assurance and Security 2, 16 Credits.
• Programming Languages 2, 12 Credits.
• Mathematics for Computing 1B, 12 Credits.
• Networks and Operating Systems 2, 16 Credits.
• Computer Organisation and Architecture 2, 16 Credits.
• Systems Analysis and Design 2, 12 Credits.
• Information Management 2, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 108 Credits

• Platform Based Development 3, 16 Credits.
• Project 3A, 16 Credits.
• Project 3B, 16 Credits.
• Integrative Programming and Technology 3, 16 Credits.
• Industry Exposure, 12 Credits.
• Social and Professional Issues 3,16 Credits.
• Software Engineering 3, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 32 Credits (select two)

• Strategy Acquisition and Management 3, 16 Credits.
• Parallel and Distributed Computing 3, 16 Credits.
• Human Computer Interaction 3, 16 Credits.
• Graphics 3, 16 Credits.
• Machine Intelligent 3, 16 Credits.
• Web Systems and Technology 3, 16 Credits.
• Business Intelligence 3, 16 Credits.
• Project Management 3, 16 Credits.

1. Develop and implement effective ICT based solutions to complex problems.
2. Apply sound software engineering principles to design and implement medium-to-large scale information systems.
3. Solve difficult computing problems using critical, creative and scientific reasoning skills.
4. Apply current technical knowledge and practices in the core ICT technologies.
5. Apply mathematical foundations and algorithmic principles in the modeling and design of computer-based systems.
6. Evaluate current and emerging technologies and assess their applicability to address user needs.
7. Analyse the impact of technology on individuals, organisations and society, including ethical, legal, security and social issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Design, develop and implement IT-based solutions according to user needs.
• Design, develop and implement a project plan.
• Execute the process with due consideration for issues of relevance when integrating the solution into an existing user environment.
• Execute the process using a collaborative approach, in a team striving to accomplish a common goal by integrating personal initiative and group cooperation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and formulate the design problem to satisfy user needs.
• Analyse and model software requirements.
• Formulate implementation and deployment plans for new systems.
• Apply and evaluate correct principles and software design tools.
• Identify the effect of information systems on the way a business operates.
• Evaluate alternatives and preferred solution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate logical thinking.
• Reflect upon thinking and reasoning processes.
• Formulate, analyse and solve concrete and abstract problems, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
• Apply knowledge of theory to real-world contexts.
• Integrate knowledge, e.g. from various disciplines or modes of enquiry, in solving problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify and explain concepts and practices related to core information technologies.
• Apply concepts and practices related to core information technologies.
• Identify key characteristics of computer network infrastructures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Recognise the foundation that IT is built upon in the various aspects of Mathematics.
• Apply Mathematical concepts and procedures in a programming environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify current and emerging technologies that may impact on business systems success and efficiency.
• Evaluate current and emerging technologies to assess their applicability to address user needs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Assess the impact of technology on individuals, organisations and society, including ethical, legal and policy issues.
• Recognise and apply principles of teamwork, including (but not limited to) conflict resolution, group dynamics, leadership styles, collaboration and cross-functional teams.
• Assess the impact of technology on group work in project teams collaborating in IT-related projects.
• Implement the security features and the various levels of security in existing applications.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification makes use of assessment practices that are integrated as far as possible with other aspects and makes use of practical contexts wherever possible. A variety of methods are used in assessment and tools and activities that are appropriate to the context in which the student is working or will work. Where it is not possible to assess the student in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques are used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment. Theoretical and practical components are assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Continuous assessment is provided through:

• Portfolios.
• Simulations.
• Practical workbooks.
• Written assignments.
• Written tests.
• Case studies and case presentations.
• Peer group evaluation.
• Competency evaluations of practical skills.
• Face to face contact with student.

Assessment practices ensure that all the outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner.