Information Technology Degree Programs Undergraduate Prospectus 2014/2015 Faculty of Information Technology HORIZON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY Ministry of Higher Education and University Grants Commission Approved Degree Awarding Institute Millennium Drive, Malabe, Sri Lanka +94 718622727 (voice) +94 11 2413610 (fax) www.horizoncampus.edu.lk
Welcome to the Faculty of Information Technology Welcome to the Faculty of Information Technology of the Horizon College of Business and Technology (HCBT). We are pleased to know that you have decided to pursue a course in Information Technology, one of the most diverse and relevant fields within this century. Information Technology, as an academic stream, is concerned with issues related to advocating for users and meeting their needs within an organizational and societal context through the selection, creation, application, integration and administration of computing technologies. At HCBT, we provide a modern teaching and learning atmosphere that includes state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment in which students and teachers interact via computer-based learning tools. This paperless environment allows students to access their learning material from anywhere using an Internet connection. After completing the degree, your employment prospects will be excellent as our degrees are designed to equip yourself with an in-depth knowledge of how computers work and how that knowledge can be applied to design and implement the systems of the future. Coupled with an impressive range of important transferable skills such as entrepreneurship, problem solving, project management, internship independent research project, you will be well positioned to secure a position with companies that seek graduates having the most recent skills in Information Technology such as Mobile Computing and Software Engineering. We look forward to meeting you at HCBT Prof. R.G.N. Meegama Dean Faculty of Information Technology Why Study Information Technology at Horizon Campus? A student who has completed the degree program in IT should be able to explain and apply appropriate information technology skills and employ appropriate methodologies to help an individual or organization achieve its goals and objectives. A degree in Information Technology will enable you to understand how to program today s computers and also how to design and implement the systems of the future, from traditional computer systems to the most modern smart phone. Mission The mission of the Faculty of Information Technology (FIT) is to provide the students with a modern curriculum in information technology that will equip them with problem solving and decision making skills required for lifelong learning.
Recognition HCBT is recognized as a degree awarding institute by the Ministry of Higher Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC), Sri Lanka. Also, all Information Technology degree programs offered by us are in compliance with IEEE and ACM guidelines for IT and Software Engineering. Moreover, the HCBT is a member of the Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQN). Such internationally accepted recognition enables a student qualified with a degree in IT to secure employment or further higher studies in the respective field not only in Sri Lanka but also anywhere in the world. Degree courses B.Sc. Honors in Information Technology (Networking and Mobile Computing) B.Sc. Honors in Information Technology (Software Engineering) During the first two years, students in both streams undertake the same modules while the 3 rd and 4 th year involves specialized modules in the two degree programs. All the students enrolled for the BSc Information Technology program will be offered the following facilities absolutely FREE of charge upon registration: - Microsoft Office 365 Account - WiFi account within the campus premises for Internet access Our 4-year degree course structures are designed in compliance with the most recent guidelines of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). We are one of the first non-state higher education institutions in the country to be in line with these internationally recognized educational recommendations offering Networking/Mobile Computing and Software Engineering as core subjects. Lateral Exit and Entry Points Our flexible lateral entry and exit points in our program allow a student to obtain a professional certification at different stages of the degree program as follows: Completion of 1 st year Diploma in Information Technology Completion of 2 nd year Higher Diploma in Information Technology Completion of 3 rd year B.Sc. in Information Technology Completion of 4 th year B.Sc. Honors in Information Technology
Three or four years? While a three year BSc degree program provides broad skills in Information Technology, the fourth year equips you with further opportunities to experience an internship opportunity in an industry as well as study specific topics in greater detail together. The fourth year also involves undertaking an advanced research project in Information Technology. We encourage the students to publish results of this research projects in International Conferences and Journals. Students without programming experience Your enthusiasm to learn and explore the arena of Information Technology is all what we expect from a student wishing to apply for a degree program in IT. As such, programming or any other experience in computers is not compulsory for entry to our courses Industry placements All students who opt for an Honors 4-year degree program in Information Technology will have the advantage of being placed in an industry for one whole semester (6 months) to apply knowledge gained during the first three years of study. Students who take advantage of these opportunities find there are a number of benefits to doing this, including: - opportunity to make professional contacts and possibly secure a job for immediately after graduation. In most cases, a student who goes for an internship at an industry continues to work at that place after graduation. - gaining valuable experience in an industry something which is highly attractive to employers - developing a wider perspective and a better understanding of how the knowledge learned relates to real life Careers and employment prospects If you wish to follow the Honors degree program in Networking and Mobile Computing, the following career opportunities are available in plenty in the industry with an attractive salary: Mobile Computing Networking Starting Salary Mobile Phone System Engineer Mobile Applications Developer Mobile Applications Testing Specialist IPad Developer Game Developer Mobile Phone Verification Manager Network Security Analyst Network Administrator Information Security Manager Network Auditor Network and Systems Manager Systems Engineer Rs. 45,000 [source: www.salary.lk, July 2014]
On the other hand, a BSc Honors degree program in Software Engineering opens up the following career paths for you upon graduation. Software Engineering Analyst/Programmer Games Developer Software Developer Software Engineer Test analyst/engineer Software Solutions Architect Systems engineer Integration Specialist Starting Salary Rs. 60,000 [source: www.salary.lk, July 2014] Admission policy Our admission policy is very flexible in that students having three Passes G.C.E. (A/L) or equivalent foreign qualifications are eligible to apply for the degree programs. As students come from various streams, you will sit for an aptitude test for the selection to the first year. Those who already possess a Diploma or a Higher Diploma (HND), can register for lateral entries as shown in the following chart:
Course structure While all the students study together during their first 2 years, specialization avenues are set at the 3 rd and 4 th year of the degree program as follows: Year one Year two Core modules Core modules - IT and Computing Fundamentals - Social and Professional Issues - Programming fundamentals - Management Communication - Mathematics - Object Oriented Programming - Psychology - Systems Analysis and Design - Data Structures - Web Systems and Technologies - Philosophy of Science - Information Architecture and web development - Leadership and communication skills - Operating Systems - Entrepreneurship - Information Management - Business and IT Law - Statistics - Enterprise Resource Planning - Integrative Programming & Technologies - - Emerging Technologies - Computer Organization & Architecture BSc Honors in IT (Networking and Mobile Computing) Year three Year four Core modules Core modules - Parallel and Distributed Systems - Routing and WAN Networking - Networking and Communication - Information Assurance & Security - Network Optimization - Network security - Mobile computing - Linux Network Administration - Human Computer Interaction - Cloud Computing - Mobile application development (Lab) - E-Commerce - Systems Admin & Maintenance - Seminar - System Integration and Architecture - Networking Project - Seminar - Research Methods and Scientific writing - Socket Programming - Embedded Systems - Service Oriented Computing - Wireless sensor networks - Intelligent Systems - Internship Optional modules - Computer Animation - Game Design and Development Optional modules - Service oriented computing - Embedded Systems
BSc Honors in IT (Software Engineering) Year three Year four Core modules Core modules - Software Design and Implementation - Professional Practice - Software Construction Technologies and Tools - Software Validation and Verification Techniques - Requirement Engineering - Network security - Networking and Communication - Software Safety and Reliability - Software Architectures and Design Patterns - Seminar - Software Process - Research Methods and Scientific writing - Software Modeling - Software Development Project - Software Maintenance and Evolution - Software Project Management - Software Quality - Seminar Optional modules - System Integration and Architecture - Computer Animation - Systems Administration & Maintenance - Game Design and Development - Internship - Bio Computing Optional modules - Service oriented computing - Embedded Systems How will I study and learn? Teaching and learning methods At HCBT, all the students will get the opportunity to learn through a wide variety of activities including class room face-toface lectures, small-group tutorials, laboratory-based practical sessions and self-directed study. Anytime, Anywhere learning Each of the class room-based face-to-face modules will usually involve approximately two to three hours of study per week and include a combination of formal lectures and associated supporting activities such as tutorials, quizzes, group work and practical sessions. Lecture material and other supporting documents for each module are uploaded to the campus-wide Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) based on Moodle, YouTube and Facebook allowing you to go back and revisit topics in your own time providing a state-of-the-art student-centered learning environment.
What will I learn in the degree programs? BSc degree program in Networking and Mobile Computing In this degree program, you will learn from basic theories in networking and data communication to hands-on practical sessions in planning, designing, simulation of computer networks together with administration of larger networks using Linux operating system. Such techniques, policies, operational procedures, and technologies are required to design, implement, administer, secure, and troubleshoot enterprise-level networks. Using network simulator tools to design and test the performance of a computer network A computer network designed using a network simulator tools The mobile computing curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills in mobile computing and communications. You will obtain an understanding of mobile/wireless technologies, how these technologies are utilized and integrated to meet specific needs in the industry. You will learn specific skills required for developing mobile/wireless applications, current technologies used in mobile-enabled enterprise computer systems, designing software systems for advanced network technologies supporting web services in mobile platforms and mobile game design Using mobile phone emulators to create mobile applications
BSc degree program in Software Engineering The BSc degree program in Software Engineering provides you the opportunity to learn the cost effectiveness, usability, modeling, analysis and design of software systems, measure the reliability, analyze quality requirements and testing of software, teamwork and management skills that are essential to work in a large software development project. The curriculum in this degree program is designed for you to undertake a comprehensive software development project in the 4 th year which provides you with increased professional skills in communication, critical thinking and independent learning. The program is built on the concepts of engaged, discovery and exploration-based learning. The goal of this degree program is to produce software engineers who are capable of meeting the challenges of creating innovative solutions using software engineering principles to better the society. SDLC: Systems development life cycle Eclipse Integrated Development Environment is used to write and test computer programs Software system developed to perform mathematical analysis
Who are my teachers? Your lecturers are eminent professors and senior academics in the country together with experts in the industry. Given below are a few of the well-qualified teaching staff who will guide you along the path of learning throughout your undergraduate studies at HCBT. You may type any of the names given below in Google Scholar and see for yourself the academic credentials of each lecturer. Prof. R.G.N. Meegama Professor Meegama has obtained his PhD in computer science from Singapore and has conducted extensive research in image processing, mobile computing and sensor networks. Recently, two of his undergraduate students won the best research paper awards at international conferences. Dr. Gamini Wijayarathna Dr. Wijayarathna is a well-known expert in software engineering and has carried out research leading to publications in international conferences and journals. He has done the PhD in Japan in the field of software engineering. Dr. B.L. Peiris Dr. Peiris is an expert in statistics and plant breeding and has won many awards including the Fulbright and Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship offered by the US. He has obtained his PhD from Iowa State University, US. Dr. Salinda Premadasa Dr. Premadasa is a professional expert in the fields of mobile computing, mobile learning and wireless technologies in the country. He has a PhD in the field of mobile learning and has research publications in international conferences and journals. Dr. Prasad Jayaweera Dr. Jayaweera is a renowned academic in the field of information systems engineering and has authored many high quality publications in international conferences and journals. He has obtained the PhD in information engineering from Sweden.
Are scholarships and bursaries available? We offer full tuition fee waivers for high-achievers at the GCE/London AL and SAT examinations. What support do you have for students with children? Horizon International is the school affiliated to our campus and supports kids from day care up to high school. For more information, please visit: www.horizoncollegeinternational.com Do I have to purchase my own computer? No, you don t. When you bring this brochure with you for regisration, you will get a FREE Laptop. We also provide a Microsoft Office 365 account and a WiFi connectivity to access Internet within the campus premises free of charge. This offer is for students who make a commitment to registar for at least one academic year of the program. Do I have to take an English proficiency test? Depends on your proficiency, but it is not required. You must be able show that you understand rapid, idiomatic English and is capable of expressing yourselves easily in both spoken and written English. How do I apply for a degree course? You may apply online or send us the completed application form together with supporting documents via mail. For more information about the application procedure, please visit: www.horizoncampus.edu.lk
Visiting and contacting us If you wish to make an informal visit to the campus prior to applying, you are welcome to do so, but you should contact us in advance. Contact us Faculty of Information Technology Horizon College of Business and Technology Millennium Drive, Malabe Sri Lanka. 10115 T: +94 718622727 E: kumi@horizoncampus.edu.lk W: www.horizoncampus.edu.lk/it F: www.facebook.com/hcbtit Printed December 2014 The Horizon Campus has made every effort to ensure that the information in this brochure was accurate at the time of publication. Please note, however, that the nature of the content means that it is subject to change from time to time, and you should therefore, consider the information to be guiding rather than definitive. Your passion is your success. The world is becoming increasingly mobile and information technology has recently been rapidly penetrating to almost every sphere of our lives. Your enthusiasm and our commitment will make this world a better place.