Bachelor of Information Technology

If you enjoy giving IT technical advice and are keenly interested in software architecture, systems analysis and creating and managing websites, then you will find your niche studying for the Bachelor of Information Technology.

Course Outline
If you enjoy giving IT technical advice and are keenly interested in software architecture, systems analysis and creating and managing websites, then you will find your niche studying for the Bachelor of Information Technology.

• Solve real problems for real industry clients by exploring progressive technologies and developing e-commerce and business solutions.

Drawing on both computer science and information systems, this degree covers:

• The study of computers and the programmes that run on them
• The creation of computer systems
• Computer languages, programming (including the study of algorithms, data structures and networks), system development and implementation and network design as well as managerial aspects like strategic planning and operational management

The first year provides a foundational knowledge in software development and design fundamentals, operating systems, computer networks and programming. The second year builds on this base knowledge with more advanced programming, databases, networking, web applications and managing computer projects.

The final year pulls it all together with topics in networking, databases, web applications, and a full year, full scale project.

Students are assigned their own state of the art computer for the duration of their studies.

Year One 
Compulsory

• ITC501 Information Technology Operations- The learner will apply essential knowledge and concepts of computer hardware, operating systems, applications and networks.
• ITC502 Fundamentals of Programming and Problem Solving- Apply the principles of software development to create simple working applications.

ITC514 Fundamentals of Project Management

• To enable students to understand the requirements of project planning and control, and use project management software to manage tasks.
• To provide students with the knowledge to apply professional, legal and ethical principles and practices in a socially responsible manner, and apply communication, personal and interpersonal skills relevant to IT roles.

ITC515 Fundamentals of Information Systems Development

• To assist students in developing the knowledge, skills and understanding of information systems development, to provide organisational IT solutions, including interface design elements, to support and improve systems and processes.

Elective

• Four of the following papers may be chosen from the list below. Electives 1, 2 and 3 may be from any other programme with permission of the Programme Manager. Papers must be at a minimum of Level 5.

ITC505 Introduction to Networks

• To introduce fundamental concepts and technologies in networking and implement a simple network.

ITC506 Operating Systems

• To introduce key operating systems concepts and administer a computer system.

ITC509 Web applications Implementation

• To provide students with the skills to select and use appropriate development methodologies, develop user interfaces using software development standards, create scripted components to given specifications, and install and configure frameworks and applications.

ITC513 Programming 

• Write and maintain programmes using appropriate design patterns, data structures and algorithms.

Year two 
Compulsory

ITC601 Project Management

• To enable students to understand the requirements of project planning and control and use project management software to manage tasks.

ITC604 Systems Analysis and Design

• To enable students to apply structured and object-oriented systems analysis techniques
• To enable students to produce and present well designed inputs and outputs and systems design documentation

Compulsory - one of the following papers to be chosen:

IT606 Object Oriented Databases

• To reinforce the principles of object-oriented design
• To develop database applications using an object-oriented database

ITC607 Data management

• To develop the skills to produce data models and to design and implement database management systems.
• To provide students with a thorough understanding of SQL

Elective

A minimum of three of the following "GEN' coded or "IT/ITC" coded Level 6 electives must be taken plus up to 30 credits at Level 5 or above from this or other programmes with permission of programme manager:

ITC605 Web Services and Design Methodologies

• To design and implement programmatically controlled web-based interfaces for electronic commerce
• To programme the main sub-components of electronic commerce
• To apply and analyse functionality design issues in online commerce

IT607 Advanced Programming

• To give the student experience in further software development methods
• To enable the student to write software which interacts with other software
• To enable the student to effectively use existing software libraries in software projects

IT608 Game Development I

• Introduce the student to the variety of disciplines involved in the gaming industry
• Introduce physics and mathematic skills needed for developing games
• To give the students an understanding of the electronic game development process

IT611 Applied Computing

• Students will use software applications in developing computer-based solutions for business problems.

IT617 Mobile Application Development

• Prepare students for development of applications for Mobile devices for recognised marketplaces.

IT620 Routing and Switching    

• To plan, configure and implement simple routing and switching protocols, and associated technologies, including SSH and access control lists.

Year Three
Compulsory

IT701 Project

• To provide students with the opportunity to research, select, integrate and apply a range of techniques and technology to solve a workplace problem.

Elective Options to the value of 120 credits

• A minimum of three of the following Level 7 electives must be taken from "IT/ITC' coded courses plus 45 credits at level 5 or above from this or other programmes with permission of programme manager:

IT610 Help Desk

• To provide students with knowledge, skills and practical experience related to supporting users in an IT environment.

IT703 Database Design and Implementation

• To give practical experience in the implementation of designed database models
• To enable students to design and develop database-driven applications
• To focus on implementation of good data base design to produce systems with useful outputs
• To enable students to extend their experience of Fourth Generation Languages (4GLs)

IT705 Human Computer Interaction

• To introduce the principles of Human-Computer Interaction in relation to design and implementation of components and systems
• To give experience of different application development tools in the design, implementation, and documentation of reusable components in graphical and physical user interfaces

IT708 Information Systems in Management

• To gain an understanding of how information systems (IS) provide solutions to organisational problems and challenges
• To understand the importance of plans and strategies relating to the management of the IS function
• To enable learners to understand the nature and role of management support systems as aids in management decision-making, with particular emphasis given to decision support systems

IT709 Web Applications

• Prepare the student for web-based application development
• Give the student knowledge of industry application software
• Become familiar with industry standards for web design

IT710 Game Development ll

• Introduce the student to software tools and techniques used in the creation of computer-based games the variety of disciplines involved in the gaming industry
• Creation of a game as part of a development team

IT711 Advanced Networking

• To provide students with the skills needed to success in networking-related degree programs and help them prepare for industry recognized certification
• Help students develop the skills necessary to fulfill the job responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators and network engineers
• To provide a theoretically rich, hands-on approach to networking

IT712 Professional Skills for Information Technology

• Provide students with IT Service Operations Management knowledge concentrating on skills and practices to for delivering quality IT services.

IT715 Embedded Systems

• To provide students with an introduction to microcontrollers and embedded systems and their use in interacting with their environment.

IT717 System Security

• To extend the students’ knowledge of security practices
• To be able to use industry tools to provide good system administration to the infrastructure
• To give student experience in troubleshooting security incidents

IT721 Software Engineering

• To develop expertise in a particular computer language(s)
• To enhance knowledge of existing problem-solving strategies
• To further develop problem solving skills
• To provide the students with hands-on experience in analysing and designing software systems based on a recognised methodology

IT722 Algorithms and Problem Solving

• To develop knowledge of a selection of recognized algorithms
• To enhance knowledge of existing problem-solving strategies
• To further develop problem solving skills

Career Opportunities
At the successful completion of this programme, students will have the required competencies to function successfully and effectively at entrance levels within the information technology sector. It is anticipated that graduates from the degree programme will be able to pursue professional careers in the following areas within the information technology industry:

• Management: Entry level management/team leader in information systems development analysis, design and production of information systems to meet prescribed specifications and needs within an organisational context.
• Database: Creation and support of database systems, analysis of processes and data flow leading to building effective database systems within an organisation's information system.
• Technical: Information systems support selecting, configuring and supporting hardware, operating systems, networks, and software components of an organisation's information system.
• Web Applications: Analysis, design and production of web interfaces and the back-end systems that support them.
• Programming: Creating and supporting a variety of software applications.

Satisfactory Completion

• Every candidate for the qualification of Bachelor of Information Technology is required to follow a programme of study for a minimum period of three years.
• The overall programme of study for every candidate requires 360 credits for successful completion of the qualification.
• In order to be awarded the Bachelor of Information Technology, the student will have been credited with all required papers and electives as specified in the programme schedule.
• A student completing the Bachelor of Information Technology will normally be expected to complete the three-year programme (full-time equivalent) within 5 years.
• Please note students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours may forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.