Bachelor of Information Science Honours

This qualification includes the various specialisations in Information Science. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

The overall purpose of this qualification is

• To provide qualifiers with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in a number of fields of Information Science, Multimedia and Publishing products.
• To provide in-depth knowledge of different theories for example infometrics, information organisation and retrieval theories, and communication theories

In addition to the overall purpose of this programme, the individual packages each has its own further purpose

Matriculation certificate

First degree: B IS specialising in Library Science, Multimedia, Publishing or Information Science or equivalent B degree

Other

In order to register for the programme Baccalaureus in Informationis Scientiae Honores (B IS Hons), a candidate should already have obtained a national first degree from any accredited institution for Higher Education and Training, and comply with the particular requirements prescribed in the admission procedures and faculty regulations for the Faculty of Humanities and the respective departments.

Those who intend to register at the University for the first time or who wish to resume their studies after a period of interruption, should apply or reapply for admission. All first applicants may be expected to write an admission test as well as language proficiency and computer skills tests. The Senate may place a limit on the number of students who may be admitted to register for a package, in which case the Dean concerned may decide who to admit from those who qualify

B IS Hons

Learning outcomes

The learner will have

• Good language proficiency required for the practice of science, a sound knowledge of Humanities, and the ability to apply skills effectively in his/her chosen field of expertise.
• The learner will have basic computer skills and will have mastered basic critical and creative thinking skills.
• Knowledge and skills are supplemented with in-depth guidance in approaches and methods for analysis, theories and models for application, management and development, growth, ethics, strategy, and achievement which equip the candidate with skills which can be immediately implemented and supplemented by lifelong learning.

Critical cross-field outcomes

Critical cross-field outcomes for the programme in social sciences include but are not limited to various competencies and applied competencies such as:

1. Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made concerning solutions for problems related to individuals, groups, families, communities and people with special needs.
2. Work intersectorally with other disciplines as a member of a team, group, organisation, community in both the public and private sectors.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between systems from an ecological approach by understanding social needs, problems and resource capacity within an international, national and local context.
4. Develop holistic, integrated strategies and programmes for social services founded on the collection, analyses, organising, implementation and critical evaluation of theory, information and processes.
5. Demonstrate effective utilisation of scientific strategies aimed at a service delivery framework.
6. Organise and manage their work load responsibly and effectively by means of a scheduled programme allowing for a learning environment such as reading scientific journals in the field as well as becoming a member of professional bodies, attending seminars and conferences, doing research and rendering voluntary services to facilitate professional growth and development.
7. Communicate effectively with people of all target groups, including people who are literate and illiterate, children and the youth, using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
8. Contribute to the full personal development of each learner regarding strategies for learning, such as furthering of studies for career enhancement, involvement in community life, developing a non-discriminating attitude across a range of social contexts based on the value of social justice and a sensitivity for cultural diversity and awareness of similarities, and to explore and develop career opportunities such as entrepreneurial initiatives to promote social and economical independence and opportunities for personal development.

The associated assessment criteria for the B IS Hons are derived directly form the learning outcomes and provide the criteria against which learner performance demonstrating the attainment of learning outcomes can be judged. The assessment criteria involve, at minimum

• that both norm-based and criteria-based modalities are used
• reliability is ensured via internal and external moderation
• the standards and levels of achievement required for "pegging" the qualification at NQF Level 6 are met.

Integrated assessment

Portfolios

Simulations

Work-place assessments through practical application

Written examinations

Oral examinations

Other

The modalities for integrated assessment permit the learner to demonstrate applied competence and use a wide range of formative and summative methods set according to specific guidelines for developing particular assessment tasks and allowing assessors to develop formative and summative methods related to credentialing purposes appropriate to contextual and situational readings of candidates presenting themselves for the recognition of learning achievements.

In addition to the above, modalities such as group discussions, presentations, peer group evaluations, observation/experiential learning and live application of competency in practical settings are also used.