Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science

Purpose

The primary purpose of this module as an integral part of the Bachelor of Science Honours (Information Technology) qualification is to provide Information Technology(IT) professionals with expertise to develop and implement a working IT system. The main objective of this module is to allow the learner to research and develop a programmable project in a wide variety of fields endorsed by the lecturers in the University of Johannesburg's Academy for IT, thereby enriching and opening job opportunities in the specialised research field. The module is designed to give learners more freedom in the choice of their research topic.

Rationale

The qualification is a specialisation in the field of Computer Science to prepare the learners for research-based postgraduate study. The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in Computer Science and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Computer Science. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learners' expertise in Computer Science and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Computer Science.

This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence

• The Bachelor of Science Honours Computer Science, being accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), allowing graduates professional recognition.
• Bachelor of Science Honours qualification develops learners in applied and cognitive competencies; this includes acquisition interpreting, understanding and application in the specialisation field of Computer Science at this level.
• The learner must be able to carry out research under guidance and mastering the required technological skills and competencies required for this level.
• The learners must be able to demonstrate reflexive competencies such as innovation, decision making, strategic thinking and organisational skills required for this level.

The learner must have an average of at least 60% in his or her final year of study for Computer Science or Informatics in a relevant Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Commerce Degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is done in accordance with the UJ RPL Policy. In cases of students not complying with the formal entry requirements, RPL will be determined in accordance with the policy and guideline of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF) level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning, learners may gain access on condition that they continue their studies at University of Johannesburg(UJ).

The minimum entry requirement

• Bachelor of Science Computer Science National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 7.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 8 and totalling at 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 43 Credits

• Ethical and Legal Aspects of It, 13 Credits.
• Project (2 Modules), 30 Credits.

Elective Modules, 77 Credits

• Optimisation, 14 Credits.
• Information Security Governance, 13 Credits.
• New Systems Development Paradigms, 13 Credits.
• Data Communications,13 Credits.
• Compiler Construction, 13 Credits.
• Parallel Programming,13 Credits.
• Software factories,13 Credits.
• Artificial Intelligence, 13 Credits.
• Biometrics, 13 Credits.
• Services Computing,13 Credits.
• Information Security Risk Analysis, 13 Credits.
• Functional Programming, 13 Credits.
• Introduction to Information Technology(IT) Project Management, 13 Credits.
• Graphics, 13 Credits.
• Critical Information Infrastructure Protection, 13 Credits.
• IT Aspects of Knowledge Management, 13 Credits.
• Mobile Programming, 13 Credits.
• Computer Forensics, 13 Credits.
• Systems Programming, 13 Credits.
• WWW Programming, 13 Credits.
• Network Information Security,13 Credits.
• Information Security, 13 Credits.
• E-Business Strategy, 13 Credits.
• Advanced Artificial Intelligence, 13 Credits.
• Information Security in WWW, 13 Credits.
• Advanced Information Technology Project Management, 13 Credits.

1. Identify, interpret, analyse and address complex problems, using both routine and advanced skills, conceptual and/or evidence-based enquiry and theory-driven arguments.
2. Work effectively with others in a team by being answerable for their own work and the work of others.
3. Identify, evaluate and address their own professional and on-going learning needs Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills, using appropriate Information and Communications Technology(ICT).
4. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and critical knowledge and understanding of the principles, scope, theories and epistemologies of Computer Science.
5. Evaluate their own and others academic work and initiatives against informed criteria.
6. Present and communicate ideas and texts, offering professional insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Computer Science.
7. Use science and technology in complex and challenging contexts and make autonomous ethical decisions on complex professional issues in accordance with recognised professional and/or ethical standards.
8. Critique current research and advanced scholarship in Computer Science and make sound theoretical judgements based on evidence.
9. Identify, select and apply a range of research methodologies and Methods or techniques to research problems in Computer Science.
10. Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data, and to engage with and evaluate current research.

• Identify, describe and explain core concepts and principles of selected subject areas of information technology.
• Demonstrate the relationships among the core concepts and principles in a subject area and between different subject areas.
• Apply the core concepts and principles to problems in a subject area.
• Identify the limitations of concepts in a subject area.
• Identify a project of the correct scope in a relevant area of application.
• Analyse a practical project in a relevant area of application.
• Design the project in a relevant area of application.
• Develop (implement) the project in a relevant area of application.
• Identify a project of the correct scope in a relevant area of application on a module level.
• Analyse a practical project in a relevant area of application on a module level.
• Design the project in a relevant area of application on a module level.
• Develop (implement) the project in a relevant area of application on a module level.
• Function as a responsible team member.
• Contribute to the viability of the completed project.
• Identify a suitable individual year project.
• Create reports critically discussing the synergism between different subject fields in the information technology domain.
• Create reports identifying technologies in the Information Technology(IT) domain that is applicable to the wider community.
• Demonstrate concepts and principles in written examinations, oral presentations or projects developed.
• Identify unethical behaviour in the information technology domain.
• Identify unlawful practices in the information technology domain.
• Demonstrate the potential to become a responsible and ethical IT citizen by his actions during the development of an individual year project.
• Identify cultural and aesthetic issues in different subject areas of information technology.
• Present oral project presentation.
• Meetings with projects leaders.
• Correctly identify the individual practical year project and other practical module level projects.
• Justification that the learner has obtained theoretical knowledge by writing a semester test and exam evaluated by the lecturer.
• The semester test can be replaced by a practical or theoretical project.
• Continuous evaluation done through assignments and practical projects that are evaluated by the lecturer.
• Writing of class tests, evaluated by the lecturer.
• Project definition evaluated by lecturer.
• High level design evaluated by lecturer.
• Beta program evaluated by lecturer.
• Complete system design evaluated by the lecturer.
• Final project evaluated by lecturer and external examiner.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. Computer Science are: essays, computer-based assessments, theory tests, cases and open problems, practicals and interpretative skills evaluation, reporting on practicals and applications, presentations, analysis and problem solving assessment in the specific field of Computer Science. The research module is assessed against specific criteria to provide evidence of research capacity in the methodology and techniques in Computer Science. The assessment methods are selected to suit the related learning outcomes, high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence and governed by decisions about its purpose, validity and relevance. A range of assessment methods are applied to cater for different learning styles of the diverse student population studying Computer Science.