Bachelor of Science in Informatics
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
Successful graduates of the Bachelor's degree program in Informatics should have the following:
- A systematic and coherent body of knowledge in Information Systems.
- An understanding of underlying concepts and principles of Information Systems with the ability to apply them in the workplace.
- The ability to access and evaluate scientific information.
- High-level cognitive and generic skills including problem-solving, written and spoken communication.
- Competence in applying knowledge through basic research methods and practice.
- Specific skills and applied competence in programming, system analysis and design, database design and implementation, interaction design, and project management.
- Continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society in science and technology.
Rationale:
The program focuses on the discipline of Informatics, which involves methods and approaches to information processing. It draws from Information Systems, Software Engineering, and Business Management. The curriculum emphasizes processing and managing information to meet requirements of timeousness, accuracy, and usability through techniques from database modeling, project management, systems analysis, and implementation.
This program is relevant to societal and economic development, addressing scarce skills in Information Systems, narrowing the knowledge gap, and enabling participation in the digital economy. It also contributes to redress and prepares learners for current and emerging opportunities in the workplace as professionals in various roles.
Bachelor's Degree Requirements:
The Bachelor's degree in Informatics requires a NQF Level 4 qualification and provides a core foundation in computer science and information systems knowledge. Research skills are embedded in the curriculum to prepare students for advanced study. The program covers statistical skills, end-user computer skills, mathematical modeling, and other fundamentals essential for graduates to design, maintain, enhance, manage, and evaluate computer software systems.
By completing this qualification, graduates are equipped to make constructive contributions to society, play leadership roles, and engage in innovative and ethical practices within the economy and society.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and principles, within a changeable context.
- Access, evaluate and synthesise scientific information.
- Generate scientific information.
- Demonstrate key scientific reasoning skills.
- Solve scientific problems.
- Apply scientific knowledge and ways of thinking to societal issues, taking into account ethical and cultural considerations. Critical Cross-Fields Outcomes:
- Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. Note: The ability of the candidate to apply fundamental Information Systems and Business Management principles, methodologies and techniques in order to identify and solve problems pertaining to the information systems in organisations.
- Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community. Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept work instructions pertaining to Information Systems management and maintenance, to interpret these correctly. To provide leadership in the field of specialisation or request assistance in an appropriate manner as a team member.
- Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Note: In making the necessary preparations for establishing proper procedure for designing, developing, implementing and maintain Information Systems the candidate must indicate what prerequisites and precautions are required and must be able to communicate this in writing.
- Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from various sources and examination of evidence relevant to the design, implementation, management and maintenance of the information systems.
- Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Note: The ability to present and communicate information and opinions related to the field of information systems in the appropriate notation, using well-structured arguments, showing awareness of audience and using professional discourse appropriately.
- Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. Note: The ability of the candidate to identify varying and diverse contexts in which Computer Science and Information Systems practices are conducted and operate with respect for best practices.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do no exist in isolation. Note: The ability to operate in variable and unfamiliar learning contexts, requiring responsibility and initiative### a capacity to self-evaluate and identify and address personal learning needs and to interact effectively in a learning group.
- Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively. Note: Meta-cognition as evident in the ability to reflect and monitor progress.
- Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities. Note: The ability to interact effectively in a global society by demonstrating an awareness and sensitivity to the specific local protocol.
- Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts. Note: The ability to operate across a range of social contexts by demonstrating an awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences.
- Explore education and career opportunities. Note: The ability of the candidate to progress with a career path by exploring education and career opportunities without fear, favour or prejudice.
- Develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Note: The ability of the candidate to create entrepreneurial opportunities.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Identify, describe, and explain core concepts and principles of the discipline.
- Understand and demonstrate relationships among core concepts and principles.
- Identify the range and limits of applicability of core concepts and principles.
- Apply core concepts and principles to standard problems.
- Describe and explain examples of changes in knowledge and understanding in the discipline.
- Appraise the limitations of basic techniques used in the discipline.
- Recognize the significance of contested scientific knowledge in a contemporary context.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how scientific information and ideas become generally accepted.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Use library, internet, and other data storage and retrieval facilities to access information.
- Evaluate the quality of information using scientific reasoning.
- Synthesize information from various sources, even if contradictory or divergent.
- Use scientific language correctly to produce clear and coherent written documents following appropriate scientific conventions.
- Present scientific information verbally to others.
- Use appropriate referencing conventions, avoid plagiarism, and respect intellectual property.
- Use non-verbal forms of representation correctly and appropriately.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Design, select, and apply appropriate procedures for generating relevant information, considering bias, ethical, and safety considerations.
- Conduct appropriate forms of enquiry using standard procedures within the discipline.
- Collect and record data accurately, truthfully, and in appropriate formats.
- Analyze data and scientific evidence to present valid arguments and conclusions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Demonstrate logical thinking and identify naive and flawed scientific reasoning.
- Distinguish between inductive and deductive reasoning and use them appropriately.
- Perform hypothetico-deductive reasoning.
- Discern cause-effect relations in the face of uncertainty or gaps in information.
- Reflect on thinking and reasoning processes.
- Demonstrate the capacity to judge when understanding has been achieved or a problem has been adequately solved.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Formulate, analyze, and solve concrete and abstract problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts.
- Integrate knowledge from different disciplines or modes of enquiry to solve scientific problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Identify scientific knowledge relevant to current societal issues.
- Critically evaluate public information on current scientifically related issues.
- Make ethically and culturally sensitive decisions on the effects of scientifically based activities on society.
- Identify the socio-economic impact of scientific interventions in society.
- Apply scientific knowledge for the direct benefit of others, such as junior students, schools, or the community.
Integrated Assessment:
-
Formative Assessment:
- Continual formative assessment providing feedback on specific learning outcomes.
- Self-assessment tasks with feedback in study guides.
- Assignments based on learning material with feedback.
- Continuous process focusing on smaller sections of work and limited outcomes.
- Assignment marks contribute a minimum of 10% towards the final mark.
-
Summative Assessment:
-
Judgement of learning in relation to Exit-Level Outcomes.
-
Integrated assessments testing ability to integrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes represented by the Exit-Level Outcomes.
-
Examinations, projects, laboratory reports, or equivalent to assess a representative selection of outcomes.
-
Tests ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge.
-
Integrated assessments must achieve:
- Integration of exit-level outcomes demonstrating achievement of the qualification's purpose.
- Evaluation of learner performance providing evidence of applied competence.
- Criterion-referenced assessment clearly explained to learners and applicable in recognition of prior learning.
-
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
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.