Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Programme Name: Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences
Purpose:
Graduates from this programme will have an understanding of:
- The role of information technology in organisations and society.
- The methods, tools and techniques for planning, developing, and implementing information products and systems.
- Computer hardware and software principles.
- Network, data communications, internet, and multimedia technologies.
- Database principles and applications.
- Risks and opportunities in information management.
- Specialised field theories and techniques.
- Legal, ethical, and philosophical issues in information access and delivery.
Graduates will have the abilities and skills to:
- Apply common methods and tools for developing information products.
- Conduct basic research using various sources.
- Develop well-structured information products to meet user needs.
- Utilise computer hardware and software effectively.
- Apply theoretical knowledge across different environments.
- Think creatively, develop solutions, and communicate effectively.
- Exercise judgment and consider ethical dimensions in professional relationships.
The programme aims to nurture attitudes that enable students to:
- Take on the responsibilities of an IT professional.
- Work effectively in teams.
- Show initiative and work independently.
- Maintain accuracy and self-assessment.
- Understand social consequences of IT.
- Embrace lifelong learning.
- Adhere to professional conduct and ethics.
Rationale:
The programme aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of:
- Information technology in organisations and society.
- Tools and techniques for information products and systems.
- Computer hardware and software technologies.
- Legal, ethical, and philosophical issues in IT.
Graduates should acquire the abilities and skills to:
- Develop structured information products.
- Effectively use hardware and software technologies.
- Apply theoretical knowledge flexibly.
- Think critically and creatively.
- Communicate effectively and consider ethical considerations.
Graduates should acquire attitudes needed for an IT professional to:
- Be a team player.
- Work independently and show initiative.
- Be socially aware.
- Embrace lifelong learning and professional ethics.
Streams:
The programme consists of three major streams:
- Applications Development and Networks
- Business Systems
- Internet Systems
Applications Development and Networks:
This major focuses on network and internet technologies, system design and development, and networked applications. Graduates can pursue careers in various areas such as computer programming, network management, and web development.
Business Systems:
Ideal for future entrepreneurs or managers, this major focuses on using IT to solve business problems effectively. Possible careers include systems analysis, e-commerce consultation, and business analysis.
Internet Systems:
For students interested in internet technologies, this major covers web development, network administration, and mobile applications. Career options include internet development, Java programming, and mobile commerce development.
Further Studies:
Graduates can further their studies by pursuing Honours Degrees at Monash South Africa or other institutions. The programme aligns with the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework by enhancing education quality, facilitating access and progression, and contributing to personal and national development.
Note: The purpose, rationale, programme overview, and streams of the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences are detailed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the programme and its objectives.
Outcomes
- At the completion of this programme students will have developed the skills to use data mining tools to solve data mining problems.
- At the completion of this programme students will have developed the skills to analyse IT management related problems and devise appropriate IT management strategies.
- At the completion of this programme students will have developed the skills to develop a defensive strategy to counter security issues and vulnerabilities of e-Commerce servers, illustrating an awareness of the problems arising from active content technologies. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: As is evident from the integrated assessment methods discussed, the design of the programme provides for the development and obtainment of the critical cross field outcomes. Students are challenged, by a variety of teaching methods, especially in the tutorials, to identify and solve problems in a specific and structured context by means of individual and group activities. It is often expected of students to work effectively in teams, during discussions and in research projects. At least some of the assessment opportunities are devoted to presentations. Students are expected to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information and present the crux of the matter in a logically organised manner. This also contributes to the development of important technological, communication and effective language usage skills. Individual and group written assignments hone the students' skills in using technology to access and present texts. They learn to use science and technology effectively and critically, and then demonstrate their ability to identify, understand and present the inter-related parts of systems. Group discussions and oral presentations (individual or groups) develop the students' effective communication skills using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in formal and informal communications.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Apply the principles of methods and operations for data mining.
- Analyse a data mining problem presented as a case study.
- Design solutions to data mining problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Outline the operational management requirements of a system and its inter-relationships.
- Synthesise the philosophies and processes behind IT resourcing.
- Appraise the attitudes of consideration of ethical issues in IT and IT management.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Identify the threats to electronic commerce on the Internet and potential security problems.
- Design a secure system for specific situations.
- Develop an appropriate security protocol and procedure.
- Evaluate electronic payment mechanisms.
- Comment on the privacy and legal issues and be familiar with anonymity technologies.
Integrated Assessment:
- Theoretical class work and practical tutorial components are interwoven for learning, teaching, and assessment.
- Tutorials provide opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical exercises and problems.
- Various assessment activities, including programme snippets, interfacing with databases, and writing assignments, evaluate competency.
- Case studies and role playing are used as methods of assessment in some modules.
- Communication and presentation skills are honed through group work and individual presentations.
- Formative assessment opportunities include written tests on theoretical knowledge and application.
- Assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable, in accordance with institutional assessment policies.
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.