Bachelor of Information Technology (BITC) - BIT

QTAC code (Australian and New Zealand applicants): Toowoomba campus: 903741; Online: 903745; Springfield campus: 923741

CRICOS code (International applicants): 007490J

This program is currently undergoing internal reaccreditation. This may result in changes to the program for 2022.

Notes

The Information Technology Management major and Networking and Security major are available at Springfield campus.

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Professional accreditation

The Bachelor of Information Technology program is accredited at professional level by the Australian Computer Society and, through the Seoul Accord, is recognised in other countries.

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Program aims

The Bachelor of Information Technology is a vocationally-oriented program which emphasises problem solving through the use of information technology. This program focuses on the effective analysis development and management of information and communication technologies in organisations.

The program’s foundation is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills in key areas of IT as well as professionally relevant knowledge, qualities and skills in such areas as problem solving, project management, teamwork, communication and ethics.

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Program objectives

The objectives of the Bachelor of Information Technology are to enable graduates to:

• apply principles of information technology

• apply problem-solving skills and use information technology for problem solving as an individual or within a team

• think critically, constructively and logically about project management principles and tools to plan project completions

• communicate clearly and coherently to present relevant knowledge and ideas to a range of audiences

• identify, collect, analyse and manage information for a broad range of information technology issues and challenges

• demonstrate an understanding of ethical standards and socially responsible information technology practices.

Major objectives

Applied Computer Science major

On completion of the Applied Computer Science major, graduates should be able to:

• display detailed knowledge of and be competent in the fundamentals of structured programming, and the application of basic algorithms and data structures

• evaluate the difference between the major programming language paradigms, and be able to select the paradigm best suited to solve a problem

• demonstrate sound knowledge of operating systems principles and display familiarity with various modern operating systems

• demonstrate a sound knowledge of web technology and techniques both at the client and the server side

• design and implement web-based user interfaces in accordance to technical, stylistic, and open access standards

• evaluate and apply methods for planning and managing large software projects, including design, development and maintenance aspects

• demonstrate detailed knowledge of the fundamental principles of database systems and be able to apply these using database software.

Data Analytics major

On completion of the Data Analytics major, graduates should be able to:

• capture, manage and analyse large volumes of data (big data) both structured and unstructured using appropriate techniques and technologies

• effectively communicate information and knowledge obtained from large volumes (big data) in appropriate formats for the intended audience

• analyse large volumes of data in a critical ethical and professional manner.

Information Systems Development major

On completion of the Information Systems Development major, graduates should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the electronic business framework for areas such as marketing, supply chains and mobile commerce

• demonstrate an ability to design and analyse business systems including database design and use, network architectures, organisation and human-computer interaction issues

• demonstrate abilities with object-oriented development of systems, particularly Internet applications and enterprise systems in .NET and Java

• demonstrate expertise with the Oracle (SQL) environment.

Information Technology Management major

On completion of the Information Technology Management major, graduates should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the electronic business framework for areas such as marketing, supply chains and mobile commerce

• demonstrate an ability to design and analyse business systems including database design and use, network architectures, organisation and human-computer interaction issues

• demonstrate an understanding of information systems security and control issues

• recognise the importance of IT service management and demonstrate understanding of the important best practice frameworks

• identify information needs appropriate to their area of specialisation, and apply the techniques required to gather and interpret such information

• demonstrate skills in the analysis and determination of technological issues at management level.

Networking and Security major

On completion of the Networking and Security major, graduates should be able to:

• design, install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain networks and their operating systems

• install, configure and manage network, system, user, and security services

• demonstrate acquired skills in development of new systems to operate networks

• interface networks with wide area networks such as the Internet and newer network architectures

• demonstrate sound knowledge of the operating systems that are used to provide services on networks, including at least Linux and Windows

• demonstrate detailed knowledge of the fundamental principles of database systems and be able to apply these using database software.

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Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a single national, comprehensive system of qualifications offered by higher education institutions (including universities), vocational education and training institutions and secondary schools. Each AQF qualification has a set of descriptors which define the type and complexity of knowledge, skills and application of knowledge and skills that a graduate who has been awarded that qualification has attained, and the typical volume of learning associated with that qualification type.

This program is at AQF Qualification Level 07. Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning.

The full set of levels criteria and qualification type descriptors can be found by visiting www.aqf.edu.au.

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Program Information Set

View USQ’s admission criteria, student profiles and a summary of all offers made under Course Admission Information Set via the QTAC website.

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Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Have achieved a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 62.7, or equivalent qualification.^

• English Language Proficiency requirements for Category 2.

Applicants are advised to also address the following:

• Assumed Knowledge expectations: English (Units 3 & 4, C). Data Analytics major - General Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent.

• Recommended Prior Study:
  Applied Computer Science major and Networking and Security major - General Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)^* (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent.
  Data Analytics major - Mathematical Methods ^* (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent.

All students are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements.

If students do not meet the English language requirements they may apply to study a University-approved English language program. On successful completion of the English language program, students may be admitted to an award program.

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Program fees

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth supported place is where the Australian Government makes a contribution towards the cost of a students' higher education and students pay a student contribution amount, which varies depending on the courses undertaken. Students are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Commonwealth Supported students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called HECS-HELP.

Domestic full fee paying place

Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. Students are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called FEE-HELP provided they meet the residency and citizenship requirements.

Australian citizens, Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders, Permanent Resident visa holders and New Zealand citizens who will be resident outside Australia for the duration of their program pay full tuition fees and are not eligible for FEE-Help.

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. Students are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

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Program structure

The Bachelor of Information Technology is comprised of 24 units as below. Students may not complete more than 10 first-year level courses in the Bachelor of Information Technology.

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Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 9 years to complete this program.

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Core courses

Compulsory courses per major:^*

Applied Computer Science major, Data Analytics major and Networking and Security major

Information Technology Management major

Information Systems Development major

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Major studies

All students in the Bachelor of Information Technology must complete at least one major study. A major study is a set of courses that make up a coherent, in-depth study of a specific discipline.

Specific majors

In this section:

• Double Major Studies
• Applied Computer Science major
• Data Analytics major
• Information Systems Development major
• Information Technology Management major
• Networking and Security major

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Double Major Studies

Students may choose to complete two majors from the Bachelor of Information Technology or they may choose to complete a second 8-unit major from the undergraduate degree programs in the area of Business, Law or Sciences. Alternately they may choose a major from the undergraduate degree programs in another area at the University of Southern Queensland. A program in which there is a first and second major is known as a 'double major'. Where a second major from another program contains less than 8 units, students must complete extra elective units, chosen from undergraduate courses offered at the University of Southern Queensland to ensure that their program contains 24 units in total. The sets of courses that make up each major in the Bachelor of Information Technology are summarised in the following tables:

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Applied Computer Science major

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Data Analytics major

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Information Systems Development major

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Information Technology Management major

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Networking and Security major

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Minor Studies

A minor study is a coherent group of four units of courses that provides students with an appropriate breadth of study in their program. All students, except those undertaking a second major, must complete a 4-unit minor study. Students who wish to take a minor study not listed in the recommended minors must obtain permission from the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts. Before undertaking any course, the pre-requisite courses must be completed or exempted.

Please note:

When students select a minor(s), courses will only count towards that minor(s) if they have not already counted towards another selected major or minor. Not all minors are available on-campus at all campuses. Students may choose courses from those listed in the Minor Studies section of this Handbook. Enrolment requirements must be satisfied for any course selected.

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Electives/Approved courses

Students not completing a double major must select 4 units of elective courses from courses offered at undergraduate level in the area of Business, Law or Sciences or, with the approval of the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, from other undergraduate courses offered at the University of Southern Queensland. Pre-requisite enrolment requirements must be satisfied for any course selected.

CSC1402 will not be approved as an elective.

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IT requirements

For information technology requirements please refer to the minimum computing standards. Students completing either the Applied Computer Science major or the Networking and Security major will be required to install the Linux operating system as well as a Microsoft Windows operating system. A Linux installation DVD, together with instructions, is available from the USQ Bookshop.

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Other program requirements

Students must maintain good standing in this program. Please refer to the Academic Standing, Progression and Exclusion Procedure.

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Articulation

Students enrolled in the joint Diploma of Information Technology/Bachelor of Information Technology must complete the Diploma at TAFE Queensland before continuing enrolment at USQ.

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Exit points

Students not wishing to complete the Bachelor of Information Technology may be permitted to exit with the Diploma of Information Technology (DITC) if they have completed 8 courses as follows:

• at least 2 core courses from the Bachelor of Information Technology

• 6 other courses from the Bachelor of Information Technology.

Please note that students who exit with the Diploma of Information Technology (DITC) may need to undertake further study to be eligible for membership of the Australian Computer Society.

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Credit

Candidates for admission to the Bachelor of Information Technology program may be eligible for up to 16 units of credit on the basis of successful completion of relevant, equivalent undergraduate study from a recognised university or institution offering equivalent study. Credit approved in this program will not automatically apply to other programs offered by USQ. Claims for credit for previous study should be submitted prior to or at the time of enrolment. Each claim will be assessed on individual merit in line with USQ policy.

Note: Where credit is granted, maximum and minimum duration will be adjusted in the same proportion as credit, e.g. where 8 units of credit is granted, maximum time will be 6 years and minimum time will be 4 semesters.

Recommended enrolment patterns

In this section:

• Recommended Enrolment Patterns
• Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Applied Computer Science
• Recommended Enrolment Pattern – Data Analytics
• Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Information Systems Development
• Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Information Technology Management
• Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Networking and Security

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Recommended Enrolment Patterns

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

Students should plan their enrolment making sure that they have fulfilled all core, major, minor and elective requirements as shown in the program structure information. Enrolment requirements must be satisfied before enrolling in a course.

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Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Applied Computer Science

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

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Recommended Enrolment Pattern – Data Analytics

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

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Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Information Systems Development

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

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Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Information Technology Management

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

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Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Networking and Security

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.