Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is to provide learners with practical skills and knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Autonomous Systems and Robotics, Cyber Security, Programming, and Big Data, among others. The qualification ensures that learners are not only gaining practical knowledge but also empowered to think critically and creatively in designing innovative solutions for the dynamic problems in society. The qualification is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice through simulations and practical cases that enable learners to implement solutions and apply their skills and knowledge to solve complex problems. The qualification will equip learners with the various disciplines in the information technology (IT) field. This is crucial given the interconnectedness of various IT disciplines and the need for versatility of skills in the IT field. The qualification puts learners at the forefront of technological progress and exposes them to technologies in various industries which contribute to their holistic learning and diverse skill sets.

The qualification will enable learners to operate and thrive in AI-powered and rapidly evolving industries. The qualification is diverse in skillsets and innovative in content. It provides learners with a robust mathematical foundation and a firm grounding in programming, software development, database systems, networking, and emerging technologies. From the Data Science module, learners acquire skills for data analysis, data manipulation and data visualisation. They will apply knowledge of various programming languages in Java, C-Sharp, JavaScript and others to build strong software engineering frameworks and models across various platforms. They will be empowered to build models, discover patterns in data, make predictions and implement big data technologies. In the software engineering module, learners are trained to design, develop, test, and maintain robust software systems. From human-computer interaction, learners gain crucial skills in designing intuitive and interactive platforms and interfaces where they integrate augmented reality and virtual reality to give users a great experience. Across all areas of the curriculum, such as networks, robotics, business analytics, Big Data, and Internet of Things (IoT), learners learn to leverage and apply emerging technologies and innovative models to ensure they are operating on the cutting edge of technology and gaining practical skills and experience that make them stand out as innovators, creators, and problem solvers.

The qualification culminates in an IT project in the final year where learners identify a problem in industry and design robust solutions that are based on emerging and disruptive technologies. Learners apply all the knowledge and skills obtained from the course to create a functional and practical solution to a real-life problem. The project empowers learners to integrate different skills in cyber security, block-chain, artificial intelligence, Big Data and IoT, and machine learning, among others to build a cohesive and innovative solution. The experience of the project also builds collaborative and teamwork skills, as well as presentation skills which prepare learners for complex and dynamic work environments and give them the capacity to tackle complex issues.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Critically evaluate the organisational problems and needs to build and apply appropriate technological solutions.
• Identify and critically examine the modern tools, techniques, and methodologies in Information Technology, and apply them to build intelligent systems.
• Examine the trends and emerging technologies and critically apply them to various.

industries and contexts

• Critically assess the legal, ethical, and environmental issues pertaining to the design, deployment, and usage of systems and applications.
• Critically evaluate organisational strategy, policies, and procedures with respect to

emerging technologies and ensure they address all facets of emerging technologies and are integrated and aligned to enable the organisation to operate on the cutting edge of technology.

The graduate attributes will include the following

• Ability to address real-world complex problems by applying emerging technologies.

and to develop innovative solutions across industries and sectors

• Collaborate and work effectively with other people to achieve common goals.
• Make autonomous ethical and professional decisions in the development and

deployment of systems and technologies

• Analyse complex data, make data-driven decisions and conduct research in various areas of information technology.
• Integrate trends, new insights and emerging technologies into systems and applications to build more intelligent and optimal solutions.
• Present and communicate complex information technology ideas to a diverse range of audiences including both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Rationale

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is profoundly permeating and affecting all elements of contemporary societies and economies. Automation is increasingly ubiquitous in many sectors of the South African economy, especially in Manufacturing and Banking sectors.

According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2023 Report, analytical thinking, creative thinking, AI and big data will be top in-demand skills by 2027. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is identified as a scarce skill in the National Labour Scarce Skills Document. The qualification is intended to stimulate economic growth and address regional, national, and international needs. The qualification will empower learners with knowledge and skills which match the complexity and the innovativeness inherent in today's AI-drive world. The qualification will provide a solid knowledge base of emerging and disruptive technologies which will equip learners with the problem-solving skills required in the emerging technologies. Learners need a strong and focused set of skills to be effective and innovative.

The qualification will integrate emerging technologies and focuses on preparing learners for the dynamic world of work that is driven by innovation and modern technologies. Benhamou (2022) contends that technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and others will lead to the disappearance of most jobs. This implies that the skills must be in tandem with the shifts that are happening and preparing learners for this new world of work that is rapidly unfolding. The advances in emerging technologies are revolutionising industries and the skills must be relevant and aligned to the current and future digital transformation across various industries, (Abdi, Ahmed, Abdulmunim, 2021). The qualification is using cutting-edge technology and incorporates skills in cloud computing, Big Data, Cyber Security, Data Science, Autonomous Systems and Robotics, among others. Benhamou (2022) further argues that even though automation and advances in technology will cause the disappearance of many jobs, a door will be opened for new opportunities that require new skills and expertise.

The qualification is designed in consultation with academic experts in the field and industry practitioners and leaders to ensure that the curriculum is aligned with the latest trends and at the forefront of technological progress. Corporates such as Old Mutual and others employ graduates who possess cutting-edge skills in the various areas of information technology. The qualification will provide learners with in-demand skills and safeguard their future. The World Economic Forum on the future of work in the article Digital skills: How businesses and policymakers can respond to future demand in the labour market, highlights five areas where digital skills play a key role and these are: Advanced data analytics, cybersecurity, programming, automation, and internet of things (IoT). The World Economic Forum further advises that due to the business adoption of the cloud as more companies and organisations move their operations to the cloud, there is a surging demand for expertise in the fields afore mentioned. The qualification integrates these skills as highlighted by the World Economic Forum and ensures that a learner is well-prepared for the future.

Furthermore, the qualification will prepare learners to be innovators and leaders in information technology. The curriculum incorporates simulations, use cases and practical experiments that build practical and problem-solving skills, and innovation expertise, as well as the capabilities of analysing complex problems in society and designing creative solutions that leverage the power of emerging and disruptive technologies. Reimers (2020) reinforces the point of transformative education. Learners must be trained to innovate and invent their own future. Therefore, the qualification integrates entrepreneurial skills, problem-solving and creativity with deep technical knowledge and expertise that empower learners and graduates to lead in their respective fields in the Information Technology industry.

The qualification integrates Python programming, data science and robotics which are sought-after skills in industry and the current world of work. Smaldone, et al. (2022) published an article on employability skills: profiling data scientists in the digital labour market where skills in data science and Python are listed as essential skills that employers are seeking. Organisations are dealing with vast stores of big data which are complex and heterogeneous, therefore graduates that have these skills are in high demand. This qualification ensures that learners have these skills, and their skillsets meet the demands of industry, especially in the context of rapid technological shifts and the dynamic and complex world of work. This qualification is designed to create Python developers, data scientists, AI professionals, Machine Learning Engineers, AI Solutions Architects, Algorithm specialists, AI Analysts, AI Developers, Data Scientists, Python programmers, Block-chain developers, and Cloud Solutions Architects among others.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Information Technology, NQF Level 5.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Information and Communication Technology, NQF Level 5.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6, and 7 totalling 370 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 5, 110 Credits

• Information Systems IA, 10 Credits.
• Information Systems IB, 10 Credits.
• Programming IA, 10 Credits.
• Programming IB, 10 Credits.
• Web Technology IA, 10 Credits.
• Web Technology IB, 10 Credits.
• Networks IA, 10 Credits.
• Networks IB, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics IA, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics IB, 10 Credits.
• Data Science, 10 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 6, 90 Credits

• Information Systems IIA, 10 Credits.
• Information Systems IIB, 10 Credits.
• Programming IIA, 15 Credits.
• Programming IIB, 15 Credits.
• Database Systems, 10 Credits.
• Big Data and IoT, 10 Credits.
• Cloud Computing, 10 Credits.
• Machine Learning, 10 Credits.

Elective modules, Level 6, 30 Credits (Choose two modules from the following)

• Business Analysis IA, 15 Credits.
• Business Analysis IB, 15 Credits.
• Data Manipulation and Visualisation, 15 Credits.
• Statistics for Data Science, 15 Credits.
• Computer Architecture, 15 Credits.
• Server Technology, 15 Credits.
• Internet Programming A, 15 Credits.
• Internet Programming B, 15 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 7, 120 Credits

• Human-Computer Interaction, 10 Credits
• IT Project, 10 Credits
• Programming IIIA, 15 Credits.
• Programming IIIB, 15 Credits.
• Cyber Security, 10 Credits.
• Operating Systems, 10 Credits.
• Software Engineering, 10 Credits.
• Mobile App Development, 10 Credits.
• Artificial Intelligence, 10 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning, 20 Credits.

Elective modules, Level 7, 10 Credits (Choose one module from the following)

• IT Strategic Management A, 10 Credits.
• IT Strategic Management, B, 10 Credits.
• Machine Learning, 10 Credits.
• Autonomous Systems and Robotics.
• Networks A, 10 Credits.
• Networks B, 10 Credits.
• Programming IVA, 10 Credits.
• Programming IVB, 10 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the organisational problems and needs to build and apply appropriate technological solution
2. Demonstrate the ability to identify and critically examine the modern tools, techniques, and methodologies in Information Technology, and apply them to build intelligent systems.
3. Demonstrate the ability to examine the trends and emerging technologies and critically apply them to various industries and contexts
4. Demonstrate the ability to assess the legal, ethical, and environmental issues pertaining to the design, deployment and usage of systems and applications
5. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate organisational strategy, policies, and procedures with respect to emerging technologies to address all facets of emerging technologies, integrate and align to the organisation to operate on the cutting edge of technology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Evaluate organisational and industry problems to build and implement appropriate and innovative solutions.
• Critically assess the tools, techniques, and methodologies for assessment of organisational technological needs to ensure suitability and efficacy.
• Critically examine the platforms and technologies for the implementation of solutions to complex problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify, critically evaluate, and implement modern tools, techniques, and methodologies in information technology.
• Critically assess appropriate methodologies for building and implementing emerging technologies to ensure suitability and efficiency.
• Critically evaluate intelligent systems for various functions to ensure optimal performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify, critically examine, and explain trends and emerging technologies.
• Apply the trends and emerging technologies to existing processes and systems in various areas of information technology.
• Critically examine Artificial Intelligence's new strategies and approaches to ensure the production of desired results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Discuss and apply the legal, ethical, and environmental issues in information technology.
• Identify the standards of application and assess the usage of emerging technologies and processes.
• Explain the frameworks for the deployment of emerging technologies.
• Discuss and critically examine frameworks, systems and models for securing information and systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Critically discuss the organisational policies and procedures with respect to emerging technologies.
• Define and evaluate the organisational strategies with respect to emerging technologies.
• Critically assess organisational objectives pertaining to emerging technologies.

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 include summative and formative assessments to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning.

Formative assessment

• Written assignment (case studies, problem scenarios and presentations) = 100%
• Continuous Assessment Test (case studies, simulations, practical coding tests and problem scenarios).
• Formative assessment: constitutes 60% of the final mark.

Summative assessment

• Examination (3 hours online examination is completed on Moodle)
• The final examination papers include case study questions, problem scenarios, and practical coding scenarios = 100%.
• Summative assessment: constitutes 60% of the final mark.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a compulsory module which is credit-bearing and

essential for learners to gain exposure of the workplace and be able to deploy their skills,

expertise and knowledge obtained from the qualification in a real-life work environment. Learners go to an organisation relevant to their expertise to apply their theoretical

and practical knowledge from the qualification. This is an opportunity for them to translate their professional practice into meaningful skills that contribute to the organisation's. operations and success. This experiential learning enhances their employability and gives them crucial experiences that are highly sought after by employers.

IT Projects

This is a capstone project where learners engage in hands-on and technical project work aimed at solving a real-life problem in industry. It is an integral component of the curriculum and learners can apply theories, methodologies, and technical skills to create innovative solutions to intractable problems in society. The project involves a presentation to the panel which also develops their communication and presentation skills. This experience produces graduates who are strong in critical thinking, and problem-solving and demonstrate agility in a dynamic, fast-paced and rapidly evolving technological landscape.