Master of Commerce in Informatics

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip qualifying students with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of Informatics; to develop students as effective researchers with critical research skills to generate new knowledge in this chosen field of study; and to identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions in order to contribute towards the development of knowledge and understanding of Informatics. Successful completion of this qualification also provides candidates with the possibility of further study at Doctoral level.

Rationale

The first rationale of the qualification is to provide graduates with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Applied Mathematics that provides opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, and prepares the graduate for employment and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society. The second rationale of the qualification is to provide South Africa with experts in the field of Informatics in order to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This includes the requirement of high level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research.

Successful graduates will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with further postgraduate studies. Graduates who complete this qualification will be employable nationally/internationally in different organisations, as teachers, lecturers at universities and other higher education institutions, as researchers, etc. and ready to commence with Doctor of Philosophy studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, qualifications and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to the Master's Degree is

• A Bachelor of Commerce Honours or other qualification which is suitable and similar to the Honours Degree in Informatics.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 116 Credits.

• Dissertation, 100 Credits.
• Research Communication, 8 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 8 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9, 64 Credits.

• Decision Support Systems, 32 Credits.
• Databases, 32 Credits.
• Data Warehouses, 32 Credits.
• Computer Security, 32 Credits.
• Information Systems Engineering, 32 Credits.
• Image Processing, 32 Credits.
• Artificial Intelligence, 32 Credits.

1: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Informatics and of the ethics of research and practice in this field of study.

2: Think critically and creatively, while working as an individual and in research teams within a multidisciplinary environment, showing leadership and performing critical functions.

3: Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with scientific and lay audiences, and finally.

4: Use appropriate research methods, techniques and principles underlying the research project, plan and execute research work, gather, analyse, evaluate and interpret appropriate scientific literature and data, and be competent to report in detail on such work by writing reports and a dissertation according to the requirements specified by the University.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• 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.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• 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.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• 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

The supervisor continuously assesses the student's progress (formative assessment) while the dissertation is being written. Assessment of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialization. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.