Bachelor of Information Science Honours

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with foundational, reflexive and practical competence in Information Science with a view to the delivery of comprehensive library and information services to society. The Bachelor of Information Science Honours Degree is a Postgraduate specialisation qualification in the field of Information Science, including its subfields of library studies, and Information and Knowledge Management.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification recognises

Formal prior learning

• Learners need a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree to register for the Honours BA.
• Learners' prior accredited learning at tertiary level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units is recognised.

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

• Learners will be given RPL for individual modules if they can produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for that module. They may also be awarded blocks of credits towards elective modules. A policy is currently being drawn up.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• An appropriate Bachelor's Degree in the relevant discipline or a discipline closely associated with it, with 60% or more.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 48 Credits

• Research Methodology in Information Science, 12 Credits.
• Research Report in Information Science, 36 Credits.

Elective Modules: 72 Credits (Select three modules)

• Information Technology for The Organisation and Retrieval, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Aspects of User Studies and Collection Development, 24 Credits.
• Social Impact of Information and Communication Technology, 24 Credits.
• Theory of Information Science, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Information and Knowledge Management, 24 Credits.

1. Identify, analyse, formulate and solve convergent and divergent problems and issues related to the natural and human environments.
2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
3. Manage and organise own activities and life responsibly and effectively, including own studies within the open and distance learning context.
4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as required.
5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and for written presentation, often in pieces of sustained discourse.
6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well-being of others, in community, national and global context.

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes.

1.

• Identify, analyse and solve complex and advanced abstract problems by drawing on their own experience and theoretical knowledge and on the experiential base of a single discipline or across interdisciplinary lines in the humanities.
• Use their knowledge and experience to offer informed suggestions, or to generate alternative strategies, for dealing with problems at a community, national, international and global level.
• Solve problems by generating alternative strategies for dealing with those problems.
• Critically evaluate various theoretical standpoints and compare them to their own views.
• Offer evidence in a variety of ways (from a theoretical knowledge base, from an experiential base, etc.) To support their stated views.
• Analyse the global, national and local community in terms of problems, needs and opportunities.

2.

• Use and propagate 'people skills' (tolerance, empathy, listening skills, etc.) In group situations.
• Demonstrate respect for the opinion of others through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
• Demonstrate tolerance of diversity through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
• Undertake projects of a theoretical and/or practical nature to provide evidence of successful interaction with others.
• Use advanced communication skills within the group.
• Act as supportive followers and group participants.
• Organise themselves and others into effective working groups.
• Communicate the evidence of these group interactions through (written and/or oral) reporting.

3.

• Demonstrate the requisite theoretical skills and learning strategies.
• Organise their study plans and engage in effective time management.
• Assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop organisational strategies.
• Evolve strategies best suited to their personal situations and contexts.
• Think independently, and offer sustained theoretical evidence to support their decisions.

4.

• Demonstrate research skills within a discipline or field of study.
• Use library and other resources effectively to suit the needs of the particular area of research.
• Integrate information from a variety of sources.
• Act responsibly as researchers and scholars (e.g. Appropriate referencing, avoiding plagiarism, etc).
• Follow relevant discipline-related conventions and guidelines to their academic and personal purposes.
• Critically evaluate theories, examples, experiences, etc.
• Argue appropriately within the relevant discourse community.

5.

• Communicate their ideas logically and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.
• Evaluate conclusions and premises in academic arguments and produce sound arguments.
• Use language competently, showing awareness of written (and/or oral) conventions relevant to the discipline.
• Use appropriate models of organisation and presentation as required in the relevant discipline.
• Use statistics (where necessary) effectively in support of their ideas.
• Identify and illustrate discipline-specific jargon.
• Analyse, evaluate and critique the ideas of others.

6.

• Demonstrate a responsible attitude towards scholarship and technology.
• Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
• Select technology to suit the needs of the individual or group.
• Use natural resources in a sustainable way.
• Show respect for and a responsible/ethical attitude towards science and technology.
• Show respect and openness towards the psychological, health and physical environment of others.

7.

• Demonstrate their prior knowledge and experience as it is relevant to their discipline.
• Connect the abstract knowledge of theory to the reality of their individual contexts.
• Draw upon their prior knowledge (personal and abstract) and personal experience as appropriate when investigating and analysing the world around them.
• Look beyond and across traditional disciplinary boundaries for possible solutions.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment is done by means of activities in study guides, self-assessment questions in study guides and self-assessment assignments as well as written assignments that have to be submitted for assessment. The assignments are either in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short questions, essays or a combination. Students must submit assignments for each module. The marks obtained for these assignments contribute a minimum of 20% towards the final mark for the module. The remaining mark is made up of the examination mark.

Feedback on activities and self-assessment questions are provided in study guides and tutorial letters. Individual feedback on assignments is provided by assessors in marked assignments while general feedback on these assignments is provided in tutorial letters. Summative Assessment is conducted by means of a two-to three-hour examination per module. Feedback on Summative Assessment (examinations) is provided to individual students upon request.