Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to qualify learners to follow a career in Software Application Development. The outcomes for this qualification were identified as critical to drive a successful career in software development providing competent desktop and mobile application developers in the private and the public sectors. By understanding business processes in the context of business rules, learners will be able to solve business problems and meet business needs through software application development.
Learners will be suitably prepared to demonstrate competencies in application development, and to contribute to the economic well-being of their organisation in a responsible manner. The qualification design supports the logical progression in learning throughout the programme by introducing learners to the foundational and mathematical concepts, theories and fundamental knowledge in the first year to position them to master the more complex skills of analysing, interpreting and developing the principles and theories of desktop software development, mobile application development, cloud computing development and dynamic web development in the context of current IT trends and requirements.
The design of the qualification will facilitate critical learning through the exposure to and application of specialised learning areas plus relevant support learning areas to enable the learner to manage the versatile and dynamic context of application development. This qualification is designed to graduate learners with the ability to think and act strategically and professionally and to contribute meaningfully to the organisations that employ them. The programme design thus facilitates the development of a well-rounded software developer.
Rationale:
In line with the Higher Education Qualification Sub-framework (HEQSF) purpose and characteristics of a Degree, this qualification will provide learners with a thorough theoretical grounding and knowledge base in the key principles of Information Technology (IT), programming, mobile application development across platforms, web development, database design, troubleshooting, testing, connectivity, customisation and project management. Learners will develop meaningful software development acumen grounded in a deep understanding of holistic application programming and development.
This qualification has been designed to develop learner abilities to design, implement and manage solution-focused, systemic thinkers who can develop software solutions for any device or platform in the South African economy. There has been a rapid annual growth in smart phones and tablets, which has resulted in increased demand for mobile applications for these devices. Furthermore, the emergence of Cloud Computing as a technology requires traditional and mobile application as well as web development processes. This qualification addresses both the need for mobile application development and the need for Cloud Computing development on both the server- and the client-side.
In keeping with the purpose of Bachelor's Degrees, this qualification will therefore enable learners to apply a well-rounded strategic knowledge base to professional entry practice across a broad range of enterprise types and industries. Career opportunities for learners of this qualification exist as an:
- Application Developer for non-mobile platforms.
- Mobile Application Developer for all mobile platforms.
- Cloud Computing Developer.
- Cloud Computing Consultant.
- Cloud Integrator.
- Dynamic Web Developer.
- Database Developer.
- Data Analyst.
- Software Development Project Manager.
- Software Development Program Manager.
This qualification will prepare learners to continue their software application development studies at HEQSF Level 8 qualification.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to apply key theories in the design and development of software applications.
- Provide ethical and professional software solutions.
- Design software applications on a variety of platforms.
- Communicate effectively and professionally as a member of a software design and development team.
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct research related to IT programming and Cloud Computing.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Application of mathematical theories to software application design and development.
- Evaluation of the development process through logical thinking.
- Critical examination of theoretical foundations and best practices in application software development.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Identification of legal practices and ethical strategies for software application solutions.
- Designing ethical and context-appropriate software solutions.
- Providing software application solutions for various purposes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Identification of network, hardware, software, and audience requirements in software application conceptualisation.
- Application of requirements and limitations to software solutions for different platforms.
- Demonstration of understanding of appropriate User Experience Design.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Display of high group dynamic intelligence.
- Professional engagement with team members and external stakeholders.
- Debate on strategies and design elements of software applications in the context of design thinking and software development.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Exploration of research techniques to analyze and design effective solutions in programming and cloud computing.
- Conducting research on programming and cloud computing topics using appropriate research methods.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative Assessment: Continuous feedback on learner progress with smaller sections of work and limited outcomes.
- Summative Assessment: Judgement of learning in relation to Exit Level Outcomes through integrated assessments testing integration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
Integrated assessments will aim for:
- Integration of Exit Level Outcomes to demonstrate achievement of qualification purpose.
- Evaluation of learner performance for evidence of applied competence.
- Criterion-referenced assessment explained clearly to students for recognition of prior learning.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 365
- 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.