REGULATIONS FOR BACHELOR OF COMMERCE HONOURS DEGREE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS (BS31)
- Duration 4 years
- Credit Load 528 credits
- Minimum Credit Load 480 credits
- Maximum Credit Load 540 credits
- Maximum MBKs Credit Load 380 credits
- ZNQF level Level 8
- PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
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.
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
- analyse, design, implement and maintain information systems
- ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For all entry pathways candidates must have at least five Ordinary Level subjects/ National Foundation Certificates including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject at grade C or better.
Normal Entry
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.
Special Entry
National Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Information Technology or any related fields.
Mature Entry
Should be at least 23 years old for females and 25 years old for males AND should have at least 2 years relevant industrial experience.
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 of hardware-software; Computer graphics; artificial intelligence; Software development; Information Systems Security; Managing information systems; Ethics and Professionalism |
| 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 interdisciplinary programmes related to Information Systems
- PROGRAMME DELIVERY
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Lectures (face-to-face and online), tutorials, computer practicals, group projects, work-related learning reports, mini WRL research projects, individual independent study
Assessment Methods: Written and oral examinations, tests, computer projects, presentations, work-related learning reports, mini WRL research projects, final year research project reports, continuous assessments
- LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the programme a graduate will be able to:
- Model organizational processes and data
- Utilize different cloud services in their computing environments
- Apply artificial intelligence to optimize processes at workplaces
- Apply techniques for acquiring, converting, transmitting, and storing data and information including those related to data quality
- Design and implement systems to solve a business need
- Evaluate and possibly act on current ethical issues in the IS field by applying professional codes of conduct
- Extract raw data and uncover patterns to extract valuable insights for the business
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to detect current and future attacks on an organization’s computer systems and networks
- Demonstrate an ability to engage in critical thinking by analysing situations and constructing and selecting viable solutions to solve problems
- GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree programmes are normally studied over four levels and shall normally include a period of Work-Related Learning during Level Three.
- The Visiting School programme caters for students who are in fulltime employment and is studied over three levels.
- The Work-Related Learning for the Visiting School programme will run concurrently with the second level. The period that students are at their work places during the second level (outside the one week per month during the semester when the students attend lectures at the University) shall constitute the Work-Related Learning.
- The Special Departmental Regulations shall prescribe the total number of modules per programme per semester, and the degree structures.
- In level Four (Level Three for Bachelor of Commerce Visiting School), each student shall be required to write a Dissertation on a chosen subject or topic within his/her field programme of study and this work may be based on tasks and research performed during the Work-Related Learning period.
- Exemption is a process of crediting a student with the module(s) already passed in programmes similar or equivalent to the one on offer. A student may be exempted from studying such modules.
However, the student has to apply for the credit transfer. In his/her application the following should be attached:
- A transcript of the module(s) to be credit transferred.
- A synopsis of the module(s) from the University/College where the module was attained.
- A support letter from the Registrar’s Office of the institution where the module(s) were attained.
- The respective Departmental Boards will sit and assess applications for credit transfers and will recommend accordingly to the Senate. No student shall be exempted from more than 50% of the modules offered in the programme.
- PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT
- Evaluation of students shall normally be based on continuous assessment as well as formal university examinations that are held at the end of each semester.
- Continuous Assessment will account for 30% of the overall assessment. No continuous assessment shall be carried over to the next semester.
- Final examination accounts for70% of the overall assessment.
- PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION
- Students shall progress from Semester One to Semester Two at each Level after they have passed more than 50% of modules taken in a semester.
- The Faculty Board of Examiners shall meet at the end of the first semester of the level to ratify the marks obtained by candidates and considered by Departmental Boards.
- The Faculty Board of Examiners shall meet at the end of the second semester of a level to ratify the marks obtained by candidates and make recommendations to the Senate on issues of progression by students to the next level. In the case of repeat-level students, the Faculty Board of Examiners may, however, make a recommendation to withdraw or discontinue the student at this stage.
- For a student to proceed from one level to the other, he/she must have passed at least 75% of the number of modules normally scheduled in a particular level of a programme.
12. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
A student will not be allowed to register for a module with a pre-requisite if the
pre-requisite is not passed.
| Level 1 Semester 1 | Code | Module Description | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core | CS131 | Communication Skills | – | 12 |
| BM 131 | Principles of Management | – | 12 | |
| INFO 132 | Foundations of Information Systems | – | 12 | |
| INFO 134 | Principles of Programming Languages | – | 12 | |
| GSB211 | Gender Studies for Business | – | 12 | |
| INFO 133 | Computer Architecture and Organization | – | 12 | |
| INFO 135 | Ethics and Professionalism | – | 12 | |
| BM131 | Principles of Management | – | 12 | |
| Electives (Choose 1) | ACC 135 | Financial Accounting | – | 12 |
| INFO 141 | Introduction to Computers and Applications | – | 12 |
| Level 1 Semester 2 | Code | Module Description | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core | INFO 138 | Software Engineering | – | 12 |
| INFO 140 | Operating Systems | INFO 132 | 12 | |
| INFO 137 | Database Systems | INFO 132 | 12 | |
| INFO 136 | Data Structures and Algorithms | INFO 134 | 12 | |
| INFO 139 | Applied Statistics | – | 12 | |
| Electives (Choose 1) | MM 131 | Principles of Marketing | – | 12 |
| BM 138 | E-Commerce | – | 12 |
| Level 2 Semester 1 | Code | Module Description | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core | GS201 | Gender Studies | – | 12 |
| ENT 205 | Entrepreneurship | – | 12 | |
| INFO 232 | System Analysis and Design | – | 12 | |
| INFO 231 | Object Oriented Programming | – | 12 | |
| INFO 233 | Information Systems Research Methods | – | 12 | |
| INFO 234 | Data Communications and Computer Networks | – | 12 |
| Level 2 Semester 2 | Code | Module Description | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core | INFO 237 | Group Project | INFO 232 | 12 |
| INFO 238 | Simulation and Modelling | – | 12 | |
| INFO 239 | Cyber Security | – | 12 | |
| INFO 235 | Web Technologies | – | 12 | |
| INFO 236 | Project Management | INFO 232 | 12 | |
| Electives (Choose 2) | INFO 240 | Data Analytics | – | 12 |
| INFO 241 | Network Management | – | 12 | |
| INFO 242 | Embedded Systems Design | – | 12 | |
| Note: Must pass INFO 237 to proceed to Work-Related Learning. |
| Level 3 Semester 1 | Code | Module Description | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core | INFO 340 | Work-Related Preliminary Report | – | 40 |
| Level 3 Semester 2 | Code | Module Description | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core | INFO 341 | Work-Related Learning Continuous Assessment | – | 40 |
| INFO 342 | Work-Related Learning Report | – | 40 |
| Level 4 Semester 1 | Code | Module Description | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core | INFO 431 | Human Computer Interaction | – | 12 |
| INFO 432 | Artificial Intelligence | – | 12 | |
| INFO 433 | Information Security | – | 12 | |
| INFO 434 | Management Information Systems | – | 12 | |
| INFO 435 | Decision Support Systems | – | 12 | |
| INFO 442/INFO410 | Object Oriented Programming II JAVA | – | 12 | |
| Electives (Choose 2) | INFO 436 | Introduction to Data Mining | – | 12 |
| INFO 443 | Distributed Systems | – | 12 |
| Level 4 Semester 2 | Code | Module Description | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core | INFO 438 | Information Systems Audit and Control | – | 12 |
| INFO 440 | Research Project | – | 24 | |
| INFO 441 | Cloud Computing Fundamentals | – | 12 | |
| INFO 437 | Enterprise Architecture | – | 12 | |
| INFO 439 | Computer Graphics | – | 12 | |
| Electives (Choose 1) | INFO 444 | Strategic Management | – | 12 |
- MODULE SYNOPSES
INFO 132 Foundations of Information Systems
This module is designed to introduce students to contemporary information systems and demonstrate how these systems are used throughout global organizations. The focus of this module will be on the key components of information systems – people, software, hardware, data, and communication technologies, and how these components can be integrated and managed to create competitive advantage. Through the knowledge of how IS provides a competitive advantage students will gain an understanding of how information is used in organizations and how IT enables improvement in quality, speed, and agility. This module also introduces systems and development concepts, technology acquisition, and various types of application software that have become prevalent or are emerging in modern organizations and society.
INFO 133 Computer Architecture and Organization
This module studies the basic instruction set architecture and organization of a modern computer. Topics include Assembly language, The Von Neumann Machine Instructions, Registers, translating high level arithmetic into Assembly, Memory and Registers Addressing Modes, Logic Gates, Truth Tables, implementing Truth Tables, Latches and Memory Reading, Multicycle implementations, the concept of a Cycle. Finite State Machines, Balancing the work into Single Cycles, ROMs, PLAs, Microcode, RISC/CISC, Pipelines, Principle of Locality, Direct
INFO 134 Principles of Programming Languages
This module examines the concepts and structures governing the design and implementation of programming languages. It presents an introduction to the concepts behind compilers and runtime representations of programming languages; features of programming languages supporting abstraction and polymorphism; and the procedural, functional, object-oriented, and concurrent programming paradigms. programs are required in languages illustrating each of these paradigms.
INFO 135 Ethics and Professionalism
This module covers ethical and social issues related to the development and use of computer technology. Topics include ethical theory, social, political, and intellectual property (IP) and other legal considerations. Scenarios in problem areas: privacy, reliability and risks of complex systems, and responsibility of professionals for applications and consequences of their work.
ACC 135 Financial Accounting
The module is intended to introduce the student to information technology with emphasis on its significance to accounting. It also covers communication in a technological environment as well as the role of accounting systems and their functions. The module will equip learners with knowledge on accounting systems and ensure students are aware of their components and database and examine how accounting systems improve the processes in the accounting environment
INFO 136 Data Structures and Algorithms
This module introduces and discusses the fundamentals of the discrete as applied to computer science, focusing on providing a basic theoretical foundation for further work. Students are exposed to logic and proof techniques, set theory, elementary number theory, functions and relations, graphs, trees, modelling computations and abstract algebra. This module integrates symbolic tools, graphical concepts, and numerical calculations. Techniques of counting: permutations, combinations, recurrences, and algorithms are also covered. Mapped Caches, I/O Polling and Interrupts.
INFO 137 Database Systems
The module focuses on concepts and principles related to database management systems and link these to Relational Database Systems. Topics covered include Database Systems Evolution, Database Systems in the Organization, Principles of Conceptual Design, Database Models, The Relational Data Model, Data Modelling, Database Design Theory, Data Definition and Manipulation Languages, Storage and Indexing Techniques, Query Processing and Optimization, Concurrency Control and Recovery and Database Programming Interfaces.
INFO 138 Software Engineering
The module gives the students practical experience in applying Software Life Cycle Models, standards and technologies. Topics covered include Software Processes and Problems, Requirements, Specifications and Software Design approaches, Modular Designs, CASE tools, Case Studies. Object Oriented Analysis and Design using the Unified Modelling Language (UML) to capture Requirements, Model User Interactions and Business Processes, Verification and Validation, Implementation and Integration Issues, Reuse Concepts and Maintenance.
INFO 139 Applied Statistics
This module covers Introduction to statistics: definition, uses of statistics, Probability, Probability distributions, Measures of central tendency and dispersion, Sampling techniques, Data types, Presentation and Summary techniques, Regression and Correlation, and Simple Statistical Inference.
INFO 140 Operating Systems
This module explores the design and implementation of computer operating systems. Topics include historical aspects of operating systems development, systems programming, process scheduling, synchronization of concurrent processes, deadlocks, virtual machines, memory management, virtual memory and paging, I/O and file systems, system security, OS/architecture interaction, and distributed operating systems.
INFO 141 Introduction to Computers and Computer Applications
The module addresses the following: Hardware: Computer Systems – micros, mini, mainframes, networked computers; computer system components – types and trends; computer peripherals – input, output, and storage. Software: System Software- operating systems (command, GUI, network); application software – end user applications; packages- word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing
GSB211 Gender Studies
This module examines gender issues including all aspects and concerns related to women’s and men’s lives and situations in society, to the way they interrelate, their differences in access to and use of resources, their activities, and how they react to changes, interventions, and policies. Gender equality is one of the objectives of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
INFO 231 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 232 System Analysis and Design
This module will cover the principles of Information Systems including analysis and design. Students will learn techniques in data requirements collection and analysis along with methods to modelling data needs. Modelling of data will occur at the conceptual, logical, and physical levels along with an ability to compare the different approaches. Students will understand the importance and constraints imposed by the domain of the information system along with business rules that guide the design. Functional dependencies and domain normalization will also be discussed as part of the requirements analysis. Object-oriented information system modelling and User-centred design techniques will be explored.
INFO 233 Research Methods
This module equips students with research techniques including the definition of research objectives, research framework, design, research problem, experimental research, experiment data acquisition and processing, population and sampling methods, research methods and instruments, data processing and analysis, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, data presentation and interpretation. research ethics, report writing.
INFO 234 Data Communications and Computer Networks
This module explores the principles underlying the design of computer networks. Topics covered include: Computer network technologies and applications, Transmission Media, Signalling, Communication protocols, Communication architectures, Network connections, Network types, Routing and routing algorithms, spanning tree protocol and IP addressing.
INFO 235 Web Technologies
Students will cover Web design fundamentals and internet technologies. They will have an appreciation of Web communication protocols and methods. They will learn how to use Scripting languages, interface design tools, Application Programming Interface (API), Web Services and design patterns in Web Application Development.
INFO 236 Project Management
Software Project Management is the practice of controlling the cost, time, manpower, hardware and software resources involved in the development activity that commences with a problem statement and ends with the delivery of a complete software product to the customer. It will include planning, monitoring and controlling, Project evaluation, scope management, team building, stakeholder management, risk assessment, scheduling, quality and conflict management.
INFO 237 Group Project
The students work in a group to produce a working product including a Project Proposal, a Project Plan, a System Specification, and User Documentation and perform Project Management Activities to ensure the product is delivered on time.
INFO 238 Simulation and Modelling
This module gives a brief introduction to models, applications areas of simulation and modelling, 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 239 Cyber security
The module covers the introductory concepts in cyber security. These concepts include cyber security theory and basic techniques for optimizing security on personal computers and small networks. It will include differentiating the various types of security from a computer systems perspective, describing the various basic security practices, file backup techniques, basic incident response techniques, and threats to wireless networks and creating a risk analysis for a network in a small business.
INFO 240 Data Analytics
The module covers the foundational skills in data analytics, including preparing and working with data; abstracting and modelling an analytic question and using tools from statistics, learning and mining to address the question. Concepts to be covered include introduction to analytics, basic tools (command line tools, plotting tools, programming tools), statistics probability recap, distributions, significance tests, hypothesis testing), data quality, data cleaning, clustering, classification and graphs.
INFO 241 Network Management
This module teaches students how to plan, configure, maintain, and scale a routed network. It focuses on using routers connected in LANs and WANs typically found at medium-to-large network sites. IP routing concepts and routing protocols are explored in depth. Students spend considerable time implementing laboratory networks that utilize IP routing. Topics include OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS, BGPv4, route summarization, route redistribution, route filtering, VLSM, NAT, and advanced Access Control Lists. After completing this course, students will be able to select and implement the appropriate IOS services required to build a scalable, routed network.
INFO 242 Embedded Systems Design
Micro controllers, microprocessors, history, current trends, assembly programming, iteration, looping, selections, interrupts, interfacing, inter device communication,
INFO 340, INFO 341, INFO 342 Work-Related Learning
Work-related learning is a “work-based experience programme” providing a real-life organizational context for students to develop specific or generic skills, valuable to their professional development. Students can apply and enhance their skills, contribute to the Organization, and, at the same time, obtain invaluable guidance from their mentors. Work-Related learning is also an excellent way to learn more about a career, find out what it is like to work in one’s potential career, gain valuable experience to build a resume, get to know employers and make a solid network.
INFO 431 Human Computer Interaction
This module introduces the behavioural concepts and technology necessary to manage the design and implementation of “user-friendly” software. Students learn how to implement user-centred design which identifies the goals, tasks, and skills of the eventual end-users of the system and ensures that these are successfully considered in the development cycle.
INFO 432 Artificial Intelligence
The module develops among students a working knowledge of expert systems as well as an understanding of the application of artificial reasoning in industrial processes. Topics covered include An introduction to intelligence, historical and current trends and characterization of knowledge-based systems, Search, logic and deduction, Knowledge representation, production system, expert systems, architecture of expert systems, criteria for selecting expert system shells, end-user interface, developer interface, system interface, inference engine, knowledge base, data interface.
INFO 433 Information Security
This module covers Computer security issues such as Policy goals and mechanisms, Security services, mechanisms, and countermeasures, Cyber-attacks and detection, High assurance systems, Vulnerabilities, threats, and risk, Anonymity systems, Usable security, Cryptography overview, Malware fundamentals, Mitigation and recovery, Personal information, Operational issues, Reporting requirements.
INFO 434 Management Information Systems
The module focuses on developing managerial skills in students, equip them with knowledge of basic management tools and techniques to solve practical IT application related problems and develop IT project management skills. Management objectives, responsibilities, functions, styles, principles and environment. Management tools: element of management economics, financial and management accounting, costing, budgeting and budgetary control. Marketing management, business management, HRM, production and contract management. Project planning and management. Management of expectations, change, system evaluation and selection, vendors and consultants.
INFO 435 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 436 Introduction to Data Mining
The module is an introductory module on data mining. It introduces the basic concepts, principles, methods, implementation techniques and applications of data mining with a focus on two data mining functions: pattern discovery and cluster analysis. Concepts to be covered include why pattern discovery is important, how to apply pattern discovery in applications, methodologies for cluster analysis, algorithms and applications for cluster analysis.
INFO 437 Enterprise Architecture
This module explores the design, selection, implementation and management of enterprise IT solutions. The focus is on applications and infrastructure and their fit with the business. Students learn frameworks and strategies for infrastructure management, system administration, data/information architecture, content management, distributed computing, middleware, legacy system integration, system consolidation, software selection, total cost of ownership calculation, IT investment analysis, and emerging technologies. These topics are addressed both within and beyond the organization, with attention paid to managing risk and security within audit and compliance standards. Students also hone their ability to communicate technology architecture strategies concisely to a general business audience.
INFO 438 Information Systems Control and Audit
This module introduces the fundamental concepts of the information technology audit and control function. The main focus of this module is on understanding information controls, the types of controls and their impact on the organization, and how to manage and audit them. The concepts and techniques used in information technology audits will be presented. Students will learn the process of creating a control structure with goals and objectives, audit an information technology infrastructure against it, and establish a systematic remediation procedure for any inadequacies. The challenge of dealing with best practices, standards, and regulatory requirements governing information and controls is addressed.
INFO 439 Computer Graphics
The module covers characteristics of graphics I/O devices, 2D/3D transformations including scaling, translation, and rotation. It also explores Graphics Pipeline, Data Structures for Graphics, Geometrical representation, OpenGL programming, vertex processing, lighting and shading, rasterization including line and polygon drawing, ray casting, ray tracing, spline curves and surfaces, colour models, fractals, computer graphics in games and Computer Animation; visualization.
INFO 440 Research Project
The Research project involves supervision. This project is intended for the student to demonstrate skills acquired to develop systems for an organization of their choice. Candidates must be able to demonstrate the highest level of innovation. A level of research is expected to ensure some level of originality and critical thinking in the project design and implementation.
INFO 441 Cloud Computing Fundamentals
The module provides a primer to help students understand cloud computing and the concepts behind cloud computing. Concepts to be covered include an introduction to the cloud computing terminology, cloud deployment models, and cloud service models. Cloud computing use cases, compute virtualization, network basics for cloud computing, storage basics for cloud computing and cloud computing trends.
INFO 442 Object-Oriented Programming II
Concept and techniques of object-oriented programming. Object classes, data abstraction, encapsulation, methods, inheritance, virtual function, polymorphism, memory management of objects and windows systems; Software reusability concepts, Classes inheritance and class categories. Foundation and collection classes. Design and implementation techniques, OOP and databases.
INFO 443 Distributed Systems
Detailed coverage of the distributed systems, with particular focus on operating systems issues: client-server paradigm, remote-procedure call as OS support for client-server, distributed shared memory, distributed memory coherency; distributed file system; distributed process management, including load sharing and process migration; concurrency control; fault tolerance, recoverability and distributed transactions; naming; industry standards, case studies.
INFO 444 Strategic Management
Concept of Strategy, Analysis of the Environment, Competitive Advantage, Strategy formulation, organisational culture, change, resistance to change.