Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is to equip learners with the knowledge, practical skills and competencies to understand and apply Computer Science principles. The learner is also trained in research methodology with the intention of continuing with MSc studies and further specialisation.

The purpose of the qualification is to develop the practical skills and knowledge further that was contained in the BSc Computer Science qualifications. The qualification's curricula emphasises enquiry, innovation and science within social development, and which develop skills such as observation, problem-solving, effective personal and interpersonal communication, analysis, entrepreneurship and critical thinking.

The qualification provides learners with a solid grounding in computing science aspects in software development, programming, database systems, artificial intelligence and communication networks, which lends itself to many jobs related to computing in a wide variety of industries, or further studies in a selected area.

The learner will further benefit from being able to produce higher quality and intelligent software solutions to real-world problems and use modern and new technology to provide better solutions.

Rationale

The qualification will embody aspects of practical training essential for functioning as a professional computer scientist in a work environment. The qualification will also equip learners with the tools necessary for them to enter a path to be professional academic practitioners in their particular disciplines: as the minimum entry standard for further postgraduate training. Accordingly, the qualification embodies aspects of academic training such as understanding of the scientific literature as well as furtherance of the requirements of literacy, numeracy and computer literacy first introduced in the BSc qualifications.

The qualification is likely to provide South Africa with significant numbers of learners in the computer sciences to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity in these fields is widened.

The Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science is not a professional qualification. It is an essential Honours qualification in computer science with a typical structure that parallels similar computer science honours qualifications at other universities with strong focus on computer sciences. The qualification meets the needs of the ICT sector by ensuring learners graduate with more knowledge and practical skills related to modules covered in the undergraduate qualifications.

The qualification can further open doors in the field of Big Data and machine learning which will help learners to be positioned for the fourth industrial revolution career opportunities.

As ICT evolves and more innovative technology enters the market, more and more demand for such learners is forecasted. Learners can be employed in several jobs, including, software developers and engineers, systems engineers, project leaders and developers, network management and applications, strategic ICT planners, distributed and concurrent software developers, multimedia communications engineers, and much more. The Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science qualification is aligned specifically towards computer science and information technology career learning pathway.

The qualification will equip the learner with knowledge and practical skills for the job market and also necessary research skills for further academic training in the field of computer science. Learners also acquire professional behaviour to enhance their profile while gaining access to a wide range of career opportunities.

It will provide the Eastern Cape and South Africa in general with significant numbers of postgraduates in computer sciences who will help to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened.

South Africa needs a highly skilled workforce with sound computer knowledge to take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Hence this qualification is going to produce much-needed skills and expertise to deal with these challenges.

This qualification is for learners who wish to enter a computing profession, such as software development, network engineer and AI specialist. Also, learners who intend pursuing higher qualifications will find that the deeper level of knowledge in the qualification is essential for then to commence with MSc studies in Computer Science.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An applicant who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer, but with prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to the qualification after the procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the institution's RPL policy has been completed successfully. Such recognition is within the sole discretion of the institution and within the context of faculty requirements.

The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that RPL constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected qualification at Honours level.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 8, 75 Credits

• Programming Mobile Applications Systems, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Data Communications and Networking, 15 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 15 Credits.
• Research Project, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Algorithm and Data Structures, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules NQF Level 8, 45 Credits (Choose Three)

• Advanced Programming, 15 Credits.
• Web Engineering, 15 Credits.
• Advance Artificial Intelligence, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Enterprise Application Development, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Database Systems, 15 Credits.

- Demonstrate an understanding of

1. The role of research in computer science by providing support to organisations and society.
2. The research theories and techniques used in computer sciences and IT.
3. A wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods which may be utilised in Computer Science research.
4. The roles of research ethics, peer review and collaborative research.

• Apply the fundamentals of conceptual methodological computer science related research.
• Think creatively in developing solutions to problems.
• Critically analyse research literature and conduct a literature review.
• Conduct independent research, applying methods, tools and techniques appropriate to the research question.
• Document and communicate research results and the methods of presenting these orally and in written reports.
• Consider and respond appropriately to the ethical dimensions of professional relationships and responsibilities.
• Take initiative and work independently.
• Objectively assess their own performance.
• Be aware of the social consequences of the role of information technology.
• Enthusiastically pursue lifelong education in their discipline.
• Function within the code of professional conduct in computer science and IT practice.
• Act in the parameters of best practice, industry standards and professional ethics.
• Implement software solutions to problems that require intensive planning and error-free coding.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a software development team.
• Combine human factors, IT and business concepts in problem-solving.
• Collect analyse, organise and critically evaluate information needed for solving a software-related problem.
• Show responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
• Reflect on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
• Participate in local, national and global civic and professional communities.
• Demonstrate culturally and aesthetically sensitivity across a range of social contexts.
• Explore further educational and career opportunities.
• Explore entrepreneurial opportunities based programming skills developed in certain courses.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Both formative and summative assessment methods to be used in the individual modules making up the qualification.

Formative

Formative or continuous assessment serves as a monitoring instrument to enable learners to determine their progress in the learning process and to enable lecturers to determine the effectiveness of their teaching. This will also enable lecturers to make timeous adjustments to ensure that the teaching and learning process is more effective. The assessment will be aimed at determining that the learner has achieved the requisite level of knowledge required at this level, as well as the ability to use and apply skills obtained in the qualification, and in most cases to formulate and carry out a research project, to report on it, and to critically review current literature in the subject area. This assessment may take the form of:

• Class tests/quizzes, homework, written/practical assignments, report writing, projects, class discussions, semester tests, review of essays and/or oral presentations

Summative

Summative assessment serves to determine whether the learners have achieved the Exit Level Outcomes. This type of assessment will be used to formally measure the learning of particular skills and knowledge. Marks obtained by learners in summative assessments will be recorded mark. All summative assessments will count towards the Duly Performed (DP) mark (also called the year mark) in the module.