| Degree Profile of
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems |
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| Institution: | Midlands State University |
| Type of Degree: | Honours |
| Credit Load: | 516 credits |
| Level: | SADC-QF – Level 8 |
| Accreditation Organisation(s): | Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education |
| Period of reference: | Accredited by ZIMCHE in 2012 |
| Purpose of the Programme |
| 1. The aim of this unique programme is to combine an in-depth coverage of computing and its applications with a systematic approach to the design and construction of high quality software and systems.
2. By the end of the degree programme the student should be able to:- • design and implement a programming task • use a wide of range of tools available to the software engineer • show knowledge of the current state of technology across a broad spectrum. • demonstrate a sound educational basis to cope with future technological developments. • pursue postgraduate degree(s) in the field of Information Systems
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| Entry Requirements |
A pass at ‘A’ level in at least two of the following subjects or their equivalents: Mathematics, Accounts, Economics, Management of Business and Computer Studies. 2. Special Entry National Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Information Technology or any related fields. 3. Mature Entry Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Regulations. 4. Visiting School either: A National Diploma in an Information Technology related field or any equivalent Tertiary qualification or : At least two (2) passes in relevant “A” level subjects and proof of employment |
| Programme Characteristics | |
| Areas of Study: | Programming; Computer networking hardware software; computer graphics; artificial intelligence; management accounting; financial accounting and management information systems: financial mathematics ; statistics and business law. |
| Specialist Focus: | Information systems and technology in business and industry with a special focus on computer applications in business. |
| Orientation: | Research and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning are professionally oriented and focused on practical aspects |
| Distinctive Features: | The programme builds the research-technology-innovation continuum and focuses on knowledge development and application using a student-centred approach |
| Career Opportunities and Further Education | |
| Employability: | Careers in computer programming, research scientists, software developers and consultants, systems analysts, business analysts, forensic auditors. |
| Further Studies: | Master’s and doctoral studies in Information Systems or in interdisciplinary programmes related to Information Systems |
| Programme Delivery | |
| Teaching and Learning Methods: | Lectures, tutorials, computer practical, group work, work related learning report, mini WRL research project, individual independent study |
| Assessment Methods: | Written and oral examinations, tests, computer project, presentations, work related learning report, mini WRL research project, final year research project report, continuous assessments |
| Programme Competences |
Generic:
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Discipline specific:
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| Intended Learning Outcomes |
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PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
A student will not be allowed to register for a module with a pre-requisite if the pre-requisite is not passed.
Electives will be offered subject to availability of personnel.
Level 1 Semester 1
Code Module Description Prerequisites Credits
INFO 101 Introduction to Computers and
Computer Applications 12
INFO 102 Fundamentals of Computer Architecture 12
BM 101 Principles of Management 12
EC 101 Micro Economics 12
ACC 105 Financial Accounting for Business 1A 12
CS 101 Basics of Communication Skills 12
Level 1 Semester 2
*INFO 103 Introduction to Programming 12
*INFO 104 Systems Analysis and Design 12
Electives (choose any three from the list)
BM 102 Business Communication 12
ACC 102 Quantitative Analysis for Business 12
BM 105 Business Law I 12
MM 101 Principles of Marketing 12
ACC 106 Financial Accounting for Business 1B (ACC 105) 12
Level 2 Semester 1
INFO 201 Models of Database & Database Design 12
INFO 202 Advanced Programming (INFO 103) 12
GS201 Gender Studies 12
ENT 205 Entrepreneurship 12
Electives (choose any two from the list)
INFO 203 Operating Systems (INFO 104) 12
INFO 204 Introduction to Management Information Systems 12
ACC 210 Financial Accounting for Business 2A 12
Level 2 Semester 2
INFO 205 Software Engineering (INFO 104) 12
INFO 206 Data Communications and Networks 12
INFO 207 Project 1 (INFO 104) 12
Electives (choose any two modules from the list)
INFO 208 Simulation and Modelling 12
INFO 209 Internet (INFO 101) 12
ACC 215 Cost Accounting and Control 12
ACC 211 Financial Accounting for Business 2B (ACC 210) 12
*Student will not proceed for Work Related Learning if INFO 207 is not passed.
Level 3 Semester 1 and 2
INFO 301 Work Related Learning Report 45
INFO 302 Academic Supervisor’s Report 45
INFO 303 Employer’s Assessment Report 30
Level 4 Semester 1
INFO 401 Object Oriented Programming I (INFO 202) 12
INFO 402 Decision Support Systems 12
INFO 403 Management Information Systems (INFO 204) 12
INFO 404 Advanced Databases (INFO 201) 12
*INFO 405 Advanced Data Communications and
Computer Networks (INFO 206) 12
Electives (choose any one from the list)
INFO 406 Software Project Management (INFO 205) 12
INFO 407 Artificial Intelligence 12
Level 4 Semester 2
INFO 408 Computer Project (INFO 207) 24
INFO 409 Computer Security 12
INFO 410 Object Oriented Programming II 12
INFO 411 Computer Graphics 12
MODULE SYNOPSES
INFO 101 Introduction to Computers and Computer Applications
Basic Computer Concepts, Data Processing Cycle, Number System. Computer Arithmetic, Types of Computer, Computer Peripherals, System Software and Application Software, Data Communications(Wired, Hybrid and Wireless networks),Introduction to Application Packages:- Word Processors, Spreadsheet, Graphics, etc.
INFO 102 Fundamentals of Computer Architecture
Variations in Computer Architectures including buses, internal and external Memory, I/O and Interfacing, Instruction Sets and RISC Computers.
INFO 103 Introduction to Programming
The module aims to develop the student’s ability to design, analyse, implement and document computer programs as solutions to problems. It also aims to give the student the opportunity to develop the confidence needed to program solutions to problems. Students will develop skills in programs and projects development using console application and windows form applications.
INFO 104 System Analysis and Design
This course introduces established and evolving methodologies for the analysis, design, and development of an information system. Emphasis is placed on system characteristics, managing projects, prototyping and systems development life cycle phases. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze a problem and design an appropriate solution using a combination of tools and techniques.
ACC 102 Quantitative Analysis for Business
Refer to Accounting Department.
ACC 105 Financial Accounting for Business 1A
Refer to Accounting Department.
ACC 106 Financial Accounting for Business 1B
Refer to Accounting Department.
BM 101 Principles of Management
Refer to Business Management Department.
BM 105 Business Law I
Refer to Business Management Department
CS101 Communication Skills
Refer to Communication Skills Department.
EC 101 Micro Economics
Refer to Economics Department.
MM 101 Principles of Marketing
Refer to Marketing Management Department.
INFO 201 Models of Database and Database Design
The module aims to develop: an understanding of the basic terms used in databases including the structure of the relational model, a critical awareness of the integrity and security constraints that should be enforced when creating databases so as to maintain data integrity, consistency and reduce redundancy, a detailed understanding of models used to create databases through ER diagrams and normalization.
INFO 202 Advanced Programming
Event driven vs Traditional Programming. VB IDE Elements. Application Building. VB Language concepts and structure. File handling. VB and Databases, Conditional logic, loops, Menus, Debugging, Arrays, Functions and subs.
INFO 203 Operating Systems
Introduction of fundamental concepts of operating systems. Case studies of different types of operating systems such as Windows and Linux. Modern operating systems design. Evolution of functions of different types of operating systems with emphasis to essential operating systems concepts such as process management, file system management, memory management and operating systems security.
INFO 204 Introduction to Management Information Systems
This module allows students to acquire the core knowledge of the field of Management Information Systems, identify and give examples of the components, resources, and activities of an information system as well as analyze how the business applications of information systems and information technologies can support a firm’s business processes, managerial decision making, and strategies for competitive advantage.
INFO 205 Software Engineering
Introduction to issues of quality and productivity in Software development. Issues to deal with the improvement of both the product (software) and the method of producing the software (The Software process): Requirements specifications, Software metrics, Cost and schedule estimations, Software process models, software design fundamentals, Team dynamics, Software quality Assurance and Software configuration Management.
INFO 206 Data Communications and Computer Networks.
This module thus seeks to introduce students to these fast evolving methods of data communications and computer networking (Internet works). Students should have a thorough understanding of these introductory components to prepare them for advanced courses in the same area of study.
INFO 207- Project I
Students will work on a systems analysis and design project under the supervision of a department member and submit a suitable report on the work carried out.
INFO 208 Simulation and Modeling
This module gives a brief introduction to models, applications areas of simulation and modeling, discrete event simulation, input analysis, output analysis, random number generation, tests for randomness, Queuing models. It also allows students to simulate queuing systems using ARENA. Simulations are also done using different programming languages.
INFO 209 Internet
The module will explain basics of web design, Site development processes, Design principles; page layout navigation. The module explains HTML, CSS and PHP programming language. The hands on PHP Programming course provides the knowledge necessary to design and develop dynamic, database-driven web pages using PHP.
ACC 210 Financial Accounting for Business 2A
Refer to Accounting Department.
ACC 211 Financial Accounting for Business 2B
Refer to Accounting Department.
ACC 215 Cost Accounting and Control
Refer to Accounting Department.
ENT 205 Entrepreneurship
Refer to Entrepreneurship Department.
GS201 Gender Studies
Refer to Gender Studies Department.
INFO 401 Object-oriented Programming
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of object orientation and equips them with object oriented programming skills. Students will understand, write, modify, debug and assess the design quality of simple C++ applications at the beginner’s level. Students will learn various object oriented programming topics such as classes, objects, abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism.
INFO 402 Decision Support Systems
Introduction and overview of Decision Support Systems, need for computerised decision support and supporting technologies, role of models, decision making concepts, development of decision support systems, group decision support systems, GDSS software and scenarios, business intelligence concepts and tools, data marts, data warehousing and data warehouse design methodologies, data mining, data visualisation and multi-dimensionality.
INFO 403 Management Information Systems
The module also corresponds to the recent call made by Eric Schmidt, chairman of Google, for education to bring humanities and social science perspectives to the understanding of computer and information related issues. Appropriate methodologies for understanding issues in management and information systems are developed, through the study of the specific topics in the module.
INFO 404 Advanced Databases
This module builds upon the theoretical foundation covered in INFO 201- Models of Database and Database Design. Other areas to be covered include normalization from 1NF up to BCNF, Enhanced Entity Relationship Diagrams Database Security and Authorization, Distributed DBMS, Object Oriented Databases, UML Modelling, Class Diagrams, Data Warehousing, OLAP and Data Mining.
INFO 405 Advanced Data Communications and Computer Networks
Review of data communications and computer networks, digital/ analog transmission, wireless LANS, students will discuss IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth LANS, cellular Telephones and satellite Networks, security protocols in the internet, IP level security, transport layer security, application layer security, firewalls, virtual private networks.
INFO 406 Software Project Management
Project management vs software project management, project stakeholders and stakeholder analysis, project team development, lease/purchase decisions, project evaluation, cash flow forecasting, step-wise approach to project planning, network planning models (CPM/PERT), software development methodologies, software effort estimation, project risk management, software quality management, managing contracts, tenders and the tender procedure.
INFO 407 Artificial Intelligence
Scope of Artificial Intelligence. Expert Systems, Agents, Problem Solving Strategies, Logic, Backward Chaining & Forward Chaining, Heuristics and Natural language processing.
INFO 408 Computer Project
The programme finishes with a supervised project which allows the student to design systems of specific interest to him/her. Its weight is equivalent to that of two core modules. The dissertation should be presented to a panel comprising of 3 members from the Departmental Board who will determine the score.
INFO 409 Computer Security
Accidental and malicious damage; viruses, hacking and fraud; physical security, authentification procedures; backup and recovery regimes; encryption and decryption; privileges and access control schemes; memory protection; surveillance and eavesdropping, network and communications security; computer auditing, legislation.
INFO 410 Object Oriented Programming II
This module provides advancement to object-oriented software development and is an extension to C++. Students will learn how to design and implement applications using a popular object-oriented programming language. The module will look at how to design graphical presentations such as animations using applets. Aspects of Object Oriented Programming such as inheritance, encapsulation, interfaces, abstraction and encapsulation are looked at.
INFO 411 Computer Graphics
Introduction to computer graphics, applications of computer graphics, video display devices, color CRT monitors, output primitives, point and lines, line drawing algorithms etc, two dimensional geometric transformation, basic transformation, homogeneous coordinates, composite transformation, two dimensional viewing, viewing pipeline, window to viewport coordinate transformation and Computer Animation.