Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to register and practice as autonomous and socially responsible Information Technology (IT) professionals. This is in accordance with the regulations and standards set by the Information Technology Association of South Africa (ITA) and Computer Society of South Africa (CSSA). Additionally, graduates should possess advanced research, academic knowledge, and technical skills applicable in the field of IT. The broad objective of the qualification is to provide a solid knowledge base in database administration and mining, project management, business analysis, research methodology, professional practice in Information Technology, and programming.
Rationale:
The qualification aims to provide responsible Honours level learners with an advanced understanding of specialized academic-related topics in Information Technology, grounded in a fundamental body of computing and Information Systems (IS) knowledge. The graduates should be well trained, competitive in the job market, and motivated to continuously learn and develop their skills throughout their professional careers. Emphasizing the ethical responsibility of IT professionals, the qualification encourages them to stay knowledgeable and up-to-date in data administration, software development, project management, and research on new technologies. It stresses the importance of improving and expanding knowledge and skills through research, continuing education, and critical thinking.
The qualification prepares learners academically for the competitive job market, as graduates will have a stringent academic qualification and research experience. Encouraging interaction between industry members and faculty in related academic areas, such as Software Development, Project Management, Data Administration, Data Mining, Business-Oriented Service Architecture, and Soft Skills Development in IT, the qualification aims to produce graduates who embody ethical dimensions of justice and beneficence. Graduates are encouraged to conduct themselves in a way that promotes good citizenship and the greater good of the IT profession in South Africa, Southern Africa, and the rest of Africa.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to perform effectively in a career in the field of Information Technology.
- Demonstrate an appropriate knowledge base as preparation for further learning.
- Conduct research on a relevant topic in IT. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: Identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems, creatively and responsibly in fields related to Information Technology and Information Systems. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community, and contribute to the group output in tasks growing out of the fields related to Information Technology and Information Systems. Manage and organise own activities and life responsibly and effectively, including own studies and career. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information as required in pursuit of the qualification. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation, in sustained discourse. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well-being of others, in community, national and global contexts. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader business community. Plan and execute a research project using acceptable scientific methodologies and to show a complex level of engagement of their results with professional literature in the field.
Assessment Criteria
Set One
- Demonstrate understanding of the principles involved in project management methodologies.
- Distinguish between different project management methodologies and their application in an organization.
- Demonstrate understanding of platform components and relevant API documentation.
- Knowledge of Small Mobile Device Technologies and Consumer Embedded Device Technologies.
- Understanding of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles and application to platform components.
- Knowledge of the Consumer environment and Middleware.
- Integrate assembly environment and asset management knowledge.
- Develop a service infrastructure and monitor applications.
- Understanding of web service protocols.
- Knowledge and understanding of data mining principles.
- Understanding of Decision Support Systems and their strategic advantage.
- Differences in database design for a Data Warehouse.
- Principles of soft skills and their implementation in an organizational environment.
Set Two
- Understanding of the research process, qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
- Search electronic databases, construct research questions, and develop a research proposal.
- Writing a literature review following academic writing criteria and ethical considerations.
- Explaining data collection methods, sample plan development, questionnaire construction, and statistical data analysis.
- Writing and presenting research outcomes.
Integrated Assessment
- Continuous assessment through class tests, assignments, projects, and examinations.
- Formative and summative assessment methods used.
- Final mark components determined separately for each module.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- 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.