Bachelor of Science Honours in Computing

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with an advanced theoretical and practical knowledge about the nature of computing. It prepares the learners for research-based Postgraduate study. This qualification serves to deepen the learner's expertise in the computing discipline and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of computing.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification recognises

Formal prior learning

Students need a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree to register for the Honours BSc.

Students' prior accredited learning at tertiary level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units is recognised.

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

Students 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.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• A Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree (or equivalent qualification) with 60% in a relevant major subject.

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

Compulsory Modules at Level 8

• Honours Research Report, 24 Credits.
• Research Methods and Proposal, 24 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 8: (Select 6 modules)

• Formal Program Verification, 12 Credits.
• Machine Learning, 12 Credits.
• Logic-Based Reasoning, 12 Credits.
• Ontology Engineering, 12 Credits.
• Formal Logic, 12 Credits.
• Enterprise Architecture, 12 Credits.
• E-Learning: Concepts and Principles, 12 Credits.
• Information Security, 12 Credits.
• Software Project Management, 12 Credits.
• Human-Computer Interaction, 12 Credits.
• Software Engineering, 12 Credits.
• Natural Language Processing, 12 Credits.

1. Identify, analyse, formulate and solve convergent and divergent problems.
2. and issues related to the natural and human environments.
3. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
4. Manage and organise her or his activities and life responsibly and effectively, including her or his studies within the open and distance learning context.
5. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as required.
6. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills.
7. In the modes of oral and for written presentation, often in pieces of sustained discourse.
8. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility.
9. 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 as well as theoretical knowledge within a major discipline or field of study.
• Identify, analyse and solve concrete and abstract problems by drawing on the theoretical knowledge and experiential base of a single discipline or across interdisciplinary lines in science and technology.
• Identify, analyse and solve problems in a variety of routine and non-routine contexts within a discipline or field of study.
• Use their knowledge and experience to offer informed suggestions for solving 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 own views.
• Offer evidence in a variety of ways (from theoretical knowledge base, from experiential base, etc.) to support their stated views.
• Analyse the global, national and local community in terms of problems, needs, opportunities related to science and technology.

2.

• Show evidence of 'people skills'(tolerance, empathy, listening skills, etc.) in group situations.
• Demonstrate respect for the scientific opinion of others 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 scientific communication skills within the group.
• Lead people effectively within the limits of their own competence.
• Are supportive followers and group participants.
• Organise themselves and others into effective working groups.
• Communicate the evidence of these group interactions through (written, oral, and/or modern data and telecommunication media) reporting.

3.

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

4.

• Demonstrate research skills within a discipline or field of study.
• Use library and other resources such as computers effectively to suit the needs of the particular area of research.
• Integrate information from a variety of sources.
• Act responsibly as a researcher and scholar (e.g. appropriate referencing, avoiding plagiarism, etc.).
• Follow the conventions of scholarship in the discipline under study.
• Apply relevant discipline-related conventions and guidelines to their academic and personal purposes.
• Critically evaluate theories, examples, experimental results, etc.
• Argue appropriately within the relevant discourse community.

5.

• Communicate their ideas and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.
• Responsibly use the ideas of others in support of their own (without plagiarism, etc.).
• Evaluate conclusions and premises in academic arguments.
• Follow the literacy and numeracy conventions of written (and/or oral) use in the respective 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.
• Use language to analyse, evaluate and critique the ideas of others.

6.

• Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation (see number critical cross-field outcome 1).
• Select technology to suit the needs of the individual or group.
• Use natural resources in a sustainable way.
• Show respect for and a responsible attitude towards science and technology.
• Demonstrate a consideration of the ethics involved in science and technology issues.
• Show respect and openness towards psychological, health and physical environment of others.

7.

• Draw upon their prior knowledge (personal and theoretical) and personal experience as appropriate when investigating and analysing real world problems.
• Use interdisciplinary methods to solving science and technology related problems.
• Follow an integrated approach to learning and studying.

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 three assignments per 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-hour examination per module. Feedback on summative assessment (examinations) is provided to individual students upon request.