Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science aims to train computer professionals who possess a fundamental theoretical understanding of integrated digital platforms. They should be able to translate this understanding into solutions for complex theoretical and practical problems in the industry. The program aims to produce highly skilled professionals with ample career opportunities on a national level. The expected knowledge and skills go beyond technical knowledge of specific products or programming environments. The program emphasizes problem analysis within a theoretical context, solution design, and practical implementation, forming the core of the module structures.
The curriculum provides a solid theoretical foundation by offering mathematically based courses throughout the three years of the qualification, including Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Practical programming aspects are extensively covered in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, and Operations Research modules. The inclusion of pure mathematics courses for mathematical foundations allows for deeper coverage of computer-specific topics.
There are four possible sample curricula that allow learners to focus on theory, hardware design, software engineering, or data science. Regardless of the concentration, core computer science subjects embody both foundational theory and practical programming aspects. Electives offer broader exposure to different fields relevant for potential postgraduate studies or careers.
Rationale:
The establishment of this degree addresses the national and international shortage of skilled computer professionals. More computer science content in the undergraduate curriculum meets the needs of the profession and has been endorsed by industry stakeholders consulted during the qualification development. Industry feedback highlighted the advantage of having graduates with enhanced Computer Science knowledge.
While there is no single recognized professional body for computer scientists, the program aligns with industry demands and industry-academic partnerships. It caters to mathematically strong learners who may progress to postgraduate studies, as well as technically-oriented learners looking to pursue further studies in the field.
The qualification offers an additional pathway for technically-oriented learners who may not be as mathematically inclined but can excel in technically-oriented postgraduate studies. This wider curriculum meets the needs of learners seeking highly desired qualifications with numerous job opportunities in the current economy's demand for trained computer professionals.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate integrated knowledge and an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of the specific subject field of the chosen curricula.
- Recognise and explore a range of methods of inquiry in the selected field.
- Identify, analyse, evaluate and critically reflect on and address complex problems, current theories, models and techniques, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
- Make informed decisions on effective solutions/methods to solve a problem, implement the method efficiently and interpret the results in a meaningful way.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the building blocks of the web.
- Work effectively alone and as a member of a team to develop quality software.
- Communicate scientific understanding in writing, orally and/or other forms of representation.
- Demonstrate the ability to design appropriate solutions in one or more application domains using software engineering approaches that integrate ethical, social, legal, and economic concerns.
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for the importance of negotiation, effective work habits, leadership, and good communication with stakeholders in a typical software development environment.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Apply modelling principles and mathematical concepts.
- Be familiar with vectors and vector operations, especially in mechanical systems.
- Develop problem-solving skills for more complex problems.
- Discuss fundamental concepts of problems and algorithms.
- Explore concepts such as automata, regularity, context-free, computability, decidability, etc.
- Explain the boundaries of computability.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Organize tasks and data to select the appropriate algorithm structure.
- Understand performance analysis including efficiency, speedup, and overheads.
- Understand the operating system's role in managing processes.
- Compute with matrices and vectors.
- Apply matrix theory to solve practical problems.
- Discuss fundamental concepts of problems and algorithms.
- Explore concepts like automata, regularity, context-free, computability, decidability, etc.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Construct mathematical models for various problems.
- Visualize vectors, lines, and planes in 2D and 3D.
- Solve practical problems using automata-based programming.
- Formulate algorithmic solutions.
- Design effective algorithms.
- Use decomposition and mapping techniques for concurrency.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Analyze models analytically or by computer.
- Interpret solutions in the context of the original problem.
- Formulate algorithmic solutions using various data structures.
- Understand space and time requirements for implementations.
- Make informed decisions on effective computer methods.
- Implement chosen methods efficiently.
- Interpret results and improve algorithms if necessary.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Design and develop web user front-end and back-ends.
- Understand building scalable solutions.
- Effectively test websites.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Resolve conflicting project objectives within limitations.
- Collaborate with team members on complex problem-solving.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Use scientific language in written documents.
- Communicate findings orally and in writing.
- Present scientific information to an audience.
- Use appropriate referencing and communication conventions.
- Utilize non-verbal forms of representation effectively.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Design production systems using the scientific method.
- Plan and develop web user front-end and back-ends.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Stay updated on new models, techniques, and technologies.
- Communicate confidently on human-environment interaction issues.
Integrated Assessment:
- Modules follow university assessment policies.
- Assessments can be flexible or examination-based.
- Formative assessments include practicals and tutorials.
- Summative assessments include tests and examinations.
- Internal and external moderation for third-year modules.
Experiential Learning:
- Utilize Kolb's model of experiential learning.
- Practical programming components match the experiential learning cycle.
- Tutorial sessions reinforce abstract concepts through practical problem-solving.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.