Recommended Study Sequence

As a first unit in computer programming, Programming Fundamentals covers basic computer architecture, basic data and file structures, concept of algorithms, programming constructs, programming language features and functions, program design, test design, basic documentation. A high level programming language is employed to solve problems in a structured manner.

This unit provides an introduction to systems analysis and design. Incorporating systems concepts, theories and methodologies, this unit provides students with elementary problem solving experience in computerised information systems. Students will gain the ability to derive systems requirements from problem definitions and to produce system models using process, data, object and network modelling. Design and implementation issues include, (but may not be limited to), elementary database design, input, output and user interface design and prototyping. Students are also introduced to roles and responsibilities in information systems development, selection of packaged solutions and the principles of software quality.

Building on material covered in Programming Fundamentals and Systems Analysis and Design, this unit introduces students to the basics of developing interactive and dynamic web applications. The unit covers web site design, web site development, user-centred design, web page accessibility, XHTML, CSS, client side and server side scripting, database interaction, web site promotion (SEO), legal issues and web security.

This is a final year unit that builds on foundation and intermediate computing units by preparing students for professional experience. The unit covers ethics and professional code of practice, legal, social and environmental issues relating to computing, I.T. and communications technology, security, privacy and freedom of information, team dynamics, project scheduling and management, project cost/benefit analysis, and quality assurance for systems and applications. This unit is a pre-requisite to the capstone project, covered in Professional Experience.

This introductory unit in computer systems networking covers basic networking topologies, Ethernet fundamentals, ISO OSI layers, routing, switching and sub-nets, the Internet architecture, networking protocols including TCP/IP, important networking devices such as repeaters, hubs, bridges, routers and gateways, basic management and security issues. This unit is also the first of three units which will prepare students for industry based networking certification.

This unit teaches in detail how to conduct business analysis and modeling of requirements using the object-oriented approach. It builds on the knowledge gained by students in Introduction to Analysis and Design unit. This unit uses the OMGs standard Unified Modeling Language version 2.0 (UML 2.0).

The main purpose of this unit is to provide students with an opportunity to gain a basic knowledge of database design and development including data modeling methods and techniques and database implementation using a database management system

A key component to the discipline of Information Systems is the understanding and the advocacy of the user in the development of IT applications and systems. IT graduates must develop a mind-set that recognizes the importance of users and organizational contexts. They must employ user-centered methodologies in the development, evaluation, and deployment of IT applications and systems. This unit examines human-computer interaction in order to develop and evaluate software, websites and information systems that not only look professional but are usable, functional and accessible.