LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY Course Specification BSc BIT The University s course specification template has been developed to fulfil three main functions; it shall act: as a source of information for students and prospective students seeking an understanding of a course and as a basis for gaining feedback on the extent to which the opportunities for learning were successful in promoting the intended outcomes to ensure that there is clarity concerning the aims and intended learning outcomes for the course for the University during the approval and periodic review process to provide information for external examiners, professional, statutory and regulatory bodies and employers as to the skills and other transferable abilities developed by the course Section One: ABOUT THE COURSE 1 Name of course and highest award Bsc (Hons) Business BSc (Hons) Information Technology 2 Level of highest award (according to FHEQ) Level 6 (UG/PG) 3 Possible Interim Awards BSc 300 credits Dip HE 240 credits Cert HE 120 credits 4 Awarding/validating institution London Metropolitan University 5 Teaching institution(s) London Metropolitan University 6 Total credit for course (for highest award) 360 7 Faculty responsible Computing 8 Mode of attendance Autumn start Full Time/Part Time (delete as appropriate) Spring start Full Time/Part Time (delete Other as appropriate Full Time/Part Time (delete as appropriate 9 About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning. Please include details of access to learning facilities, including flexible/open-learning spaces within the Faculty. The delivery of modules involves face-to-face teaching in lectures, supported by seminars, tutorials and workshops as appropriate to the needs of each module. Teaching and learning materials are made available online through the university's VLE (virtual learning environment). In addition, students are encouraged to participate in, and are supported by, module leader blogs, use of video, role playing, visits to external organisations, presentations and workshops presented by external guest speakers. In addition to timetabled use of PC workshops, students are encouraged to make use of PC provision in their personal study time, as well as using the study facilities in the library and learning centre (including ebooks and ejournals). 10 Course aims. Course aims are broad statements of intent and should be written to show how the content of the course meets the aims. Where a course sits within a framework the course aims should incorporate framework aims. This degree is specifically designed for those students who wish to specialise in the design and implementation of modern computer-based applications in a business context. Students work on case studies to hone their skills in systems analysis and database design, and project management, and utilise this skills in a significant design and development exercise in a final year project. The Page 1 of 13
course fosters skill development across a range of tools and development platforms, and encourages students critically to evaluate the role of computer-based systems in business. Emphasis throughout is on what the student learns and can achieve by putting what has been learned into practice. The aims are: To provide an education in the development and use of information systems and computer applications that will equip students with intellectual, practical and problem-solving skills; To provide graduates with transferable skills to enable progression in management or technical areas, with the ability to master new developments and have flexibility in career structure in an era of rapid organisational change and technological innovation; To equip graduates with the necessary skills to progress to advanced postgraduate courses in related areas of study, and enable them to be effective and independent lifelong learners; To provide industry, commerce and research laboratories with the effective and adaptive specialists in business information systems and technology that society demands. The specific aims of the course are: to develop students knowledge of computer software and hardware systems to provide students with a sound foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of business information systems and technology to develop students awareness, understanding and skills in the design, development and implementation of business information systems to build an awareness the professional, legal, ethical and social issues in business information systems and technology 11 Course learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are statements of what a student is expected to understand or be able to do after completing the process of learning. LO 1 To demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental aspects of the main body of knowledge in computing LO 2 To demonstrate an awareness of key legal, social, ethical and professional issues pertinent to information systems and information technology, and their use in the business environment LO 3 To able to select and applying appropriate problem-solving strategies in the context of information systems and information technology LO 4 To be able to identify, specify, analyse and evaluate business problems within an information systems and information technology environment LO 5 To understand the structure and functioning of contemporary computer systems, including software and hardware LO 6 To be able to demonstrate professional skills in a work-related context (including e.g. presentations, report-writing, ability to work as part of a team) and reflect upon personal development LO 7 To be able to understand the needs of end-users, and plan, design, develop and implement an information system solution to meet the requirements of end-users 12 Indicative learning and teaching hours for the course. Learning hours comprise face-to-face and virtual contact hours plus self-managed and directed learning and time spent on placements. Please give an indication of the percentage of anticipated learning hours for the course at each level, taking into account core modules and indicative options. Students should note that these figures may change depending on the exact combination of options taken. Page 2 of 13
Method Scheduled learning and teaching activities Guided independent studies Workplace observation/placement/fieldtrips/study abroad Description and percentage of learning hours Level 3 N/A Level 4 360 hours Level 5 360 hours Level 6 360 hours Level 7 N/A Level 3 N/A Level 4 840 hours self-directed learning Level 5 840 hours self-directed learning Level 6 840 hours self-directed learning Level 7 N/A Level 3 N/A Level 4 N/A Level 5 N/A Level 6 N/A Level 7 N/A TOTAL LEARNING HOURS FOR THE COURSE 3600 13 Describe the arrangements for promoting reflective learning/personal development planning on this course Students are encouraged to write blogs/log books to illustrate what they have learned each week, and to maintain a personal development portfolio. Formative feedback is provided during the course of the academic year so that students are able to show draft work to lecturers in seminars and workshops in order to refine and enhance their work before final submission. 14 Description of course and its structure. Around 150 words, written to be accessible to a lay audience, to be used for marketing purposes. Identify the course s distinctive features (and unique selling point). What is the pattern of delivery? The BSc Business Information Technology is a three-year full-time honours degree programme (which may also be studied part-time over a longer period) which prepares students for careers in systems analysis, database design or project management. Graduates may also progress to postgraduate study. Students have an integrated pattern of study including systems analysis and usability, database design and development, web-based information systems, ecommerce and ebusiness together with project management to provide a portfolio of up-to-date information technology skills appropriate to the modern business environment. 15 Teaching site(s) for course north [click to select location] [click to select location] 16 PSRB accreditations (where relevant) 17 Exemptions from Professional Body examinations (where relevant) 18 Principal QAA Subject Benchmark Statement (where relevant) 6 Benchmark standards 6.1 Benchmark standards are defined at threshold and typical levels and some further comments are made about excellence. Threshold level 6.2 The threshold level is interpreted to mean that all students (taken over all years), graduating with an honours degree in the discipline of computing will have achieved this level of performance. 6.3 On graduating with an honours degree in computing, students should be able to: demonstrate a requisite understanding of the main body of knowledge for their programme of study understand and apply essential concepts, Page 3 of 13
principles and practice of the subject in the context of well-defined scenarios, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques produce work involving problem identification, the analysis, the design or the development of a system with appropriate documentation, recognising the important relationships between these. The work will show some problem-solving and evaluation skills drawing on some supporting evidence, and demonstrate a requisite understanding of the need for quality demonstrate transferable skills and an ability to work under guidance and as a team member identify appropriate practices within a professional, legal and ethical framework and understand the need for continuing professional development discuss applications based upon the body of knowledge. Typical level 6.4 This is the average standard attained (taken over all years) of all the students graduating with an honours degree in the discipline of computing. 6.5 On graduating with an honours degree in computing, students should be able to: demonstrate a sound understanding of the main areas of the body of knowledge within their programme of study, with an ability to exercise critical judgement across a range of issues critically analyse and apply a range of concepts, principles and practice of the subject in an appropriate manner in the context of loosely defined scenarios, showing effective judgement in the selection and use of tools and techniques produce work involving problem identification, the analysis, the design or the development of a system, with accompanying documentation, recognising the important relationships between these. The work will show problem-solving and evaluation skills, draw upon supporting evidence and demonstrate a good understanding of the need for quality demonstrate transferable skills with an ability to show organised work as an individual and as a team member and with minimum guidance apply appropriate practices within a professional, legal and ethical framework and identify mechanisms for continuing professional development and lifelong learning explain a wide range of applications based upon the body of knowledge. Excellence 6.6 While the benchmark standards above are defined for just threshold and typical levels, it is Page 4 of 13
nevertheless expected that programmes in computing will provide opportunities for students of the highest calibre to achieve their full potential. 6.7 Such students will be: creative and innovative in their application of the principles covered in the curriculum, and may relish the opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial activity able to contribute significantly to the analysis, design or the development of systems which are complex, and fit for purpose, recognising the important relationships between these able to exercise critical evaluation and review of both their own work and the work of others. 6.8 In as much as human ingenuity and creativity has fostered the rapid development of the discipline of computing in the past, programmes in computing should not limit those who will lead the development of the discipline in the future. 19 Other external reference points 20 Expected length of course Full Time 3 years Part Time 6 years Other (please specify) 21 Admissions requirements, to be demonstrated through certificated or experiential learning (around 30 words) Candidates should have 200 points at GCE A Level (or equivalent). In additional to the university standard entry requirements, applicants are required to have GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent international qualification). 22 Details of organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad available during the course (if applicable) Work placement modules are available as options at level 6. 23 Other external links providing expertise/experience available during the course Students are able to gain work experience through WOW (World of Work) Agency projects. SEW (Student Enterprise Workshops) are run during the academic year, giving students the opportunity to gain knowledge from computing and IT industry speakers. Students taking BSc BIT are prepared for the first stage of Oracle Certification 24 Arrangements on the course for careers education, information and guidance The university careers service offers guidance to students on a one-to-one basis or in group sessions. SEW (Student Enterprise Workshops) are run during the academic year, giving students the opportunity to gain knowledge from computing and IT industry speakers. 25 Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development. Around 35 words, written in language which is as accessible as possible to a lay audience, to be used for marketing purposes. Should include examples of potential career destinations and how the skills and abilities gained through the course contribute to career development. The BSc Business Information Technology prepares students for a range of opportunities upon graduation. Recent graduates have entered consultancy, systems analysis, application support, etc. (e.g. Logica, JP Morgan Chase, Universal Pictures), teacher training and postgraduate studies (MSc Information Technology, MSc Data Mining). Section Two: COURSE STRUCTURE AND ASSESSMENT 26 Course assessment strategy A variety of methods are in use, and each is specified in the appropriate module specification and Page 5 of 13
handbook. Methods of assessment include: Case study focussed reports Research reports Presentations Software development and testing Unseen examinations Part-seen examinations (e.g. with seen case study) 27 Course Structure Diagram Level Four (Delete as appropriate) Semester Code Title Status Credits Notes CC4002 Information Systems Core 30 CC4001 Visual Programming Core 30 CT4005 Computer Hardware and Software Architectures Core 30 MA4001 Logic and Problem Solving Core 30 Level Five (Delete as appropriate) Semester Code Title Status Credits Notes autumn spring CC5001 CC5003 CC5002 CS5051 CS5052 Project Planning and Project Management Systems Analysis, Design and Usability Databases and Web-based Information Systems An Introduction to Networks and Operating Systems Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law Core 30 Core 30 Core 30 Core 15 Core 15 Level Six (Delete as appropriate) Semester Code Title Status Credits Notes CC6001 Advanced Database Systems Development Core 30 CC6002 Ecommerce and Ebusiness Core 30 FC6P01 Project Core 30 CS6004 Application Development Option 30 Page 6 of 13
autumn CC6004 Network and Cloud Security Option CC6003 Digital Crime Investigation Option FC6W51 Work Related Learning II Option 30 30 15 spring FC6W51 Work Related Learning II Option 15 spring CC6051 Ethical Hacking Option 15 Year long autumn FC6W02 Long Work Placement CC6052 Management Support Systems Option ( Subject - Option 30 15 spring Extension of knowledge module Option (Extention of Knowledge) 15 28 Mapping matrix of modules delivering the course learning outcomes Course learning outcome (list all) Met by module aim/learning outcome (list all relevant module titles) LO 1 To demonstrate an understanding of the MA4001 Logic and Problem Solving fundamental aspects of the main body of LO1 Create algorithmic methods of real-world knowledge in computing problems, and to develop and present the solutions. CC4001 Visual Programming LO 1Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental programming concepts, language features, key user interface design principles and issues relating to the software development process. LO 2 Specify, analyse and evaluate simple business programming problems. LO 3 Design, implement, test and document simple business applications using appropriate constructs and programming language features. CT4005 Computer Hardware and Software Architectures LO1. Understand how the modern PC systems work, and the interrelation between hardware and software; LO2. Explain the basic structure of modern PC Page 7 of 13
hardware; LO3. Identify the role and importance of operating systems; CC4002 Information Systems LO2: explain the role of information processing within businesses, and the relationship between business strategy and ICT provision; LO3: explain, and apply as part of a team, the processes involved in information systems development; LO4: apply a limited range of Information Systems modelling techniques; LO5: explain the basic principles underlying database management systems and develop a simple database application; LO6: explain a limited range of internet technologies and develop a simple website; LO 2 To demonstrate an awareness of key legal, social, ethical and professional issues pertinent to information systems and information technology, and their use in the business environment CC4002: Information Systems LO1: describe the main legal frameworks for business organisations, typical internal structures together with their rationale in terms of business aims; LO7: demonstrate an awareness of key legal requirements related to information systems and relevant professional and ethical issues and standards; CS5052: Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law LO1 Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of Legal, social, ethical and professional issues underpinning the IT discipline. LO2 Appreciate and explain current regulations governing the IT discipline. CC6002: Ecommerce and Ebusiness LO 6 Appreciation of legal, ethical, social and global issues in the context of ecommerce and ebusiness. LO 3 To able to select and applying appropriate problem-solving strategies in the context of information systems and information technology FC6P01: Project LO 7 Formally and correctly report on the progress and outcomes of the process; LO4 Apply project management techniques to ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner, meeting the requirements of the appropriate professional body or industry standards; MA4001 Logic and Problem Solving LO2 Understand the meaning of mathematical definitions of sets/propositions and perform set/logic operations. CC5001 Project Planning and Project Management LO 2 Make a realistic plan, with timings and costings, for a project LO 2 Monitor the progress of a project plan, and be able to recommend corrective actions if necessary LO 3 Identify and evaluate risks associated with a project plan, identify and evaluate suitable Page 8 of 13
containment actions and contingency plans, monitor risk LO 4 Select an appropriate deployment approach for installation of a new system based of the characteristics of the target organisation CC6002: Ecommerce and Ebusiness LO 5 Critically evaluate and reflect on the problemsolving process. CC6001: Advanced Database Systems Development LO 2 Gain a considerable exposure to the practical issues, as well as their theoretical underpinning, pertinent to the development of modern database applications, including database development environment and tools (e.g Oracle SQL developer, Oracle.NET developer). LO 5 Design and develop substantial real life database applications for a given business scenario, with a professional approach to the system documentation. LO 4 to be able to identify, specify, analyse and evaluate business problems within an information systems and information technology environment FC6P01: Project LO 1Carry out independent research and investigative work; LO 2 Apply knowledge, skills and abilities to the solution of a previously unfamiliar real-life problem; LO 3 Apply a structured design process to the development of the solution; LO 5 Select from a range of alternatives the optimal solution to a problem and to justify that selection, giving due consideration to risk management and security issues; LO 6 Carry that solution through to final implementation; CC4002: Information Systems LO2: explain the role of information processing within businesses, and the relationship between business strategy and ICT provision; CC4001 Visual Programming LO 2 Specify, analyse and evaluate simple business programming problems. LO 3 Design, implement, test and document simple business applications using appropriate constructs and programming language features. CC5001 Project Planning and Project Management LO 1 Use key project management tools and techniques, e.g. Gantt chart, network diagrams, critical path analysis, cost-benefit analysis, earned value, work breakdown structure, risk analysis and management LO 2 Make a realistic plan, with timings and costings, for a project LO 3 Monitor the progress of a project plan, and be able to recommend corrective actions if necessary Page 9 of 13
CC5003: Systems Analysis, Design and Usability LO 1 describe and compare a number of system development methods, and make an appropriate selection for a given context; LO 2 apply a range of systems analysis techniques (including requirements elicitation, modelling, analysis), to practical case studies; LO 3 produce outline system designs (including Human Computer Interaction (HCI), database, software architecture, human activities); CC5002: Databases and Web-based Information Systems LO 6 appreciate business related issues in the context of database and web-based information systems. CC6001: Advanced Database Systems Development LO 5 Design and develop substantial real life database applications for a given business scenario, with a professional approach to the system documentation. CC6002: Ecommerce and Ebusiness LO 2 Appreciation of the e-business opportunities in a variety of application contexts LO 3 Develop effective e-business strategies for the delivery of products and services. LO 5 to understand the structure and functioning of contemporary computer systems, including software and hardware FC6P01: Project LO 1 Carry out independent research and investigative work; LO 2 Apply knowledge, skills and abilities to the solution of a previously unfamiliar real-life problem; LO 3 Apply a structured design process to the development of the solution; LO 4 Apply project management techniques to ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner; LO 5 Select from a range of alternatives the optimal solution to a problem and to justify that selection, giving due consideration to risk management and security issues; LO 6 Carry that solution through to final implementation; CT4005: Computer Hardware and Software Architectures LO1. Understand how the modern PC systems work, and the interrelation between hardware and software; LO2. Explain the basic structure of modern PC hardware; LO3. Identify the role and importance of operating systems; CS5051: An Introduction to Networks and Operating Systems LO 1 demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts Page 10 of 13
LO 6 To be able to demonstrate professional skills in a work-related context (including e.g. presentations, report-writing, ability to work as part of a team) and reflect upon personal development of computer networks and distributed systems LO 2 demonstrate an understanding of organisational features of network systems LO 3 describe and critically evaluate existing electronic-based services LO 4 demonstrate an understanding of main processes behind the control of computers, computer systems resources, and interactions. CC4002: Information Systems LO1: describe the main legal frameworks for business organisations, typical internal structures together with their rationale in terms of business aims; LO3: explain, and apply as part of a team, the processes involved in information systems development; LO7: demonstrate an awareness of key legal requirements related to information systems and relevant professional and ethical issues and standards; CC5001 Project Planning and Project Management LO 1 Use key project management tools and techniques, e.g. Gantt chart, network diagrams, critical path analysis, cost-benefit analysis, earned value, work breakdown structure, risk analysis and management CC5003: Systems Analysis, Design and Usability LO 4 demonstrate an understanding of the role of users in various software development approaches; LO 5 demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the principles of interaction design; CS5052: Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law LO4 Provide evidence of personal reflection and evaluation on the importance of academic, professional and technical skills, their relationship to employability and the need to plan for improvement and continuing professional development. LO5 Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of ethical issues underpinning academic research and professional accountability. LO6 Effectively research, plan, structure and deliver an academic report and presentations. CC6001: Advanced Database Systems Development LO 5 Design and develop substantial real life database applications for a given business scenario, with a professional approach to the system documentation. CC6002: Ecommerce and Ebusiness LO 5 Critically evaluate and reflect on the problemsolving process LO 6 Appreciation of legal, ethical, social and global issues in the context of ecommerce and ebusiness. Page 11 of 13
LO 7 To be able to understand the needs of endusers, and plan, design, develop and implement an information system solution to meet the requirements of end-users FC6P01: Project LO4. Apply project management techniques to ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner, meeting the requirements of the appropriate professional body or industry standards; LO6. Carry that solution through to final implementation, demonstrating an ability to work in a team, if appropriate; LO7. Formally and correctly report on the progress and outcomes of the process, and reflect upon their personal development; CC4001 Visual programming LO 2 Specify, analyse and evaluate simple business programming problems. LO 3 Design, implement, test and document simple business applications using appropriate constructs and programming language features. CC5001 Project Planning and Project Management LO 1 Use key project management tools and techniques, e.g. Gantt chart, network diagrams, critical path analysis, cost-benefit analysis, earned value, work breakdown structure, risk analysis and management LO 2 Make a realistic plan, with timings and costings, for a project LO 5 Specify the requirements for data migration for transfer to a new IS LO 6 Identify end-user groups and their training need and plan arrangements for end-user support LO 7 Understand the importance of postimplementation review and take account of the findings CC5003: Systems Analysis, Design and Usability LO 4 demonstrate an understanding of the role of users in various software development approaches; CC5002: Databases and Web-based Information Systems LO 4 design and implement a database system from a conceptual data model LO 5 develop a dynamic website that interacts with a database using ASP.NET LO 6 appreciate business related issues in the context of database and web-based information systems. CC6002: Ecommerce and Ebusiness LO 2 Appreciation of the e-business opportunities in a variety of application contexts LO 3 Develop effective e-business strategies for the delivery of products and services LO 4 Design and develop a themed on-line interactive ecommerce web site. 29 Which modules are core-compulsory and thus required to be taken to gain specific awards? Please specify if there are any combinations of modules that a student is required to take to gain either the highest level of award or one of the interim awards listed in section3. Page 12 of 13
All modules are compulsory except the choice of designate modules at level 6. Section Three: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS 30 Courses shall conform to both framework and University Academic Regulations. Where a course in addition has course specific regulations which have been formally approved by the University, these should be included below. Section Four: OFFICIAL USE AND CODES responsibility for completion is as indicated 31 (Faculty) Course Leader at time of approval Dr Kay Dudman 32 (Faculty) Source of funding [click to select source of funding 1] [click to select source of funding 2] [click to select source of funding 3] Other: please complete as appropriate 33 (QEU) Original date of approval 34 (QEU) Course approved to run from 35 (QEU) Course specification version number 36 (QEU) Revision date (specify cohort) 37 (Academic Registry) London Met course code 38 (Academic Registry) Route code 39 (Planning Office) JACS code Page 13 of 13