Bachelor of Science (Hons)/ Diploma in Information Technology

AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

The primary aim of this programme is to equip students with Diploma/Degree level competence in Information Technology. It also aims to equip students with a critical appreciation of the potential application of Information Technology to the processes of administration, management and innovation.

The programme should be of particular relevance to those working in management, administration, enterprise or institutional development, and industrial training and teaching, and to those aspiring to positions in these areas.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

Students register for the Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology awarded by Dublin City University but may exit the programme with a Diploma in IT, also awarded by Dublin City University, on completion of the eight modules at levels 1 and 2.

The programme consists of an integrated series of modular courses covering four main areas of study. They are:

• Communications Technology
• Computing
• Human Sciences
• Management Science

Figure 2 shows the modules of the programme and the module codes.

Diploma Level

The Diploma is divided into two levels with each subject area presented at both Level 1 and Level 2 - the combination of the four modules at each level correspond to approximately one year of full-time study on a conventional honours degree programme.

Degree Level

The Degree consists of a single level with each subject area contributing two modules. Students take a total of six modules at degree level. Students must take four core modules as follows:

• Systems Planning (CB)
• Modern Data Communications Networks (CTA)
• The Cultures of Technology (HSA)
• Management of Information Systems (MS00B)

and any two modules from the following:

• Databases (CA)
• The Social Context of Information Technology (HSB)
• Business Information Systems (MSA)

Figure 2 Module Map of IT Programme

All of the BSc module syllabi are available here (2009-2010) (currently being revised for 2010-2011)

PROGRESSING THROUGH THE PROGRAMME

It is not recommended to take more than two modules in your first year of study. You progress up through the levels, taking modules from adjacent levels at the same time. You cannot study the same subject at different levels at the same time, each year. For example, you cannot study Human Sciences at Levels 1 and 2 in the same academic year.

Please note: The non-core degree modules (CA, CTB, HSB and MSA) may not be presented each year. This information will be available at registration. If a non-core degree level module, which you wish to complete, is being presented, you are advised to register for it.

How Long Does it Take?

It is expected that a student who is not exempted from studying parts of the programme will complete their degree studies in five or six years. Of our graduates to date more than 85% completed the degree in six years or less. 70% of those completing their diploma studies did so in three years or less.

Students admitted directly to the degree stage of the programme (see Credit for Prior Qualifications below) can complete their degree studies in two or three years. In order to qualify for an honours degree, students must complete their six degree level modules within three years of registration.

Tutor Support

The main form of tutorial support on this programme is online tutorial support through discussion forums and scheduled live online classes. Face to face study centre tutorials are also provided in DCU.

Mathematics - Recommendations

Certain modules (specifically Management Science 1 and Communications Technology 1) require a competence in mathematics roughly equivalent to pass Leaving Certificate level. While a Leaving Certificate mathematics qualification is not mandatory, students without recent exposure to mathematics should consider updating their skills by enrolling in a Leaving Certificate mathematics course or reading through some Leaving Certificate mathematics textbooks.

Because of the way the course is structured, you do not have to defer commencement of the course, while you develop your competence in mathematics. You could still take a preparatory mathematics course in parallel with other modules not requiring competence in this area (specifically Human Sciences 1 and Computing 1). Also, it is not recommended to take the Communications Technology 1 module before undertaking the Management Science 1 module (unless you have a strong background in mathematics and/or physics / electronics).

CREDIT FOR PRIOR QUALIFICATIONS

If you have a Diploma, Certificate or ordinary degree in an area related to the course, it may be possible for you to receive an exemption from studying level 1 and level 2 modules of the course. Or if you have studied towards a qualification and completed modules but never actually qualified you may also be eligible.

If you get exemptions you still need to pass at least three level 2 modules to qualify for a Diploma. Please note that you will not obtain exemptions on the basis of work experience only, you cannot get exemptions from degree level modules and you cannot use a degree to gain an exemption (only qualifications lower than degree level ).

Students already registered on the programme can apply for exemptions. However, if you wish to know if you are eligible for exemptions before registering for the programme, early application is required.

For further information please refer to BSc Module Syllabi, Exemptions and Direct Entry Information. All applicants will be issued an application form also available here. Please note these two documents are currently being revised for 2010-2011

Entry Requirements

Students aged over 23 years on January 1st in the year of entry are eligible for admission to the BSc programme. Applicants under 23 years on January 1st in the year of entry must satisfy the normal minimum degree entry requirements of Dublin City University which are: Irish Leaving Certificate Grade C3 in two Higher Level Subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects including Mathematics AND English or Irish.

Non-native speakers of English must provide evidence of competence in the English language. Please see English language requirements of Dublin City University.

MODULE SYLLABI - Subject Outlines

COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

DIPLOMA STAGE

Communications Technology 1: Telecommunications and the Development of Networks (CT1) This course aims to introduce you to the enabling science of telecommunications and the functions and services of the evolving telecommunication systems.

Communications Technology 2: The Principles of Telecommunications Systems (CT2) This course introduces concepts in the operational principles of modern communication systems and networks. Further topics in the science of electronics are also presented.

DEGREE STAGE

Communications Technology A: Modern Data Communication Networks (CTA) This course aims to describe key mechanisms for maintaining network integrity, to demonstrate contemporary network transmission methods and routing protocols and to raise awareness of management methods.

Communications Technology B: Communication Engineering (CTB) This course aims to describe the engineering of key functions in electro-optical telecommunication networks and to raise awareness of methods for the design, management and security of networks.

COMPUTING

DIPLOMA STAGE

Computing 1: Introduction to IT, Programming and the Internet (C1) This course provides you with an overview of Information Systems. It also introduces web development and programming.

Computing 2: Programming with C++ (C2) This course equips you with a foundation in the theory and practice of computer programming with C++. It also introduces concepts from software engineering such as UML and Agile methodologies.

DEGREE STAGE

Computing A : Databases (CA) This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the theory and practice of the construction and use of databases.

Computing B: Systems Planning (CB) This course provides you with an understanding of the theory and practice associated with the development of Information Technology-based applications and solutions.

HUMAN SCIENCES

DIPLOMA STAGE

Human Sciences 1: Human Computer Interaction (HS1) Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
This course centres around Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and human-centred design of technology including: Human abilities and implications for HCI; Interaction Design;and Evaluating HCI.

Human Sciences 2: Information, Technology and Organisations (HS2) This course aims to raise awareness of ICT in organisational life. It examines: The influence of ICTs on ways of organising (e.g. structural rules and resources, developing cultures, etc); Culture, power and information in organisations as ICTs become more pervasive; ICT, communication and coordination; ICT and change.

DEGREE STAGE

Human Sciences A: The Cultures of Technology (HSA) This module aims to raise awareness of the variety of experiences people have with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and to place the understanding of ICTs in the social and cultural contexts in which they are experienced and used.

Human Sciences B: The Social Context of Information Technology (HSB)

This course provides a critical awareness of the role of communications in society and the workplace and explores some of the social and organisational consequences of changes in Information Technology.

MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

DIPLOMA STAGE

Management Science 1: Mathematical and Statistical Methods (MS001) This course in mathematics and statistics equips you with the foundation in mathematical sciences required for the study of courses at subsequent levels.

Management Science 2: Management Science / Business Modelling (MS002) This course aims to introduce you to topics in Management Science and Business Modeling.

DEGREE STAGE

Management Science A: Business Information Systems (MSA) This module aims to give you an understanding of issues in the strategic application of Information Systems in modern enterprises and of Management in the IT/IS sector.

Management Science B: Enterprise and Emerging Technologies (MS00B) This course aims to equip you with an understanding of emerging technologies and their impact on business. It explores the idea of innovation and enterprise with particular reference to the ICT sector.