UDBSINFY - BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology (including foundation year)

The BSc Business Information Technology (including Foundation Year) is an inclusive course for those seeking a general qualification to become competent professionals in the IT industry. The 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. In the first year of the four-year degree programme, students will have the opportunity to develop basic skills in the fundamentals of Computing, Programming and Problem-solving which underpin subsequent learning and practice. The foundation year will provide a broad, varied and simulating experience which allows students to assess their aptitudes and interests and thus prepares them for modules at higher levels.

The foundation year is designed to develop key academic skills and competencies in a way integrated into the curriculum, and to model the theoretical approach coupled with practice-based learning that is developed later in the curriculum. Assessments at this level are aimed to introduce and develop key skills integral to academic success at higher levels including writing, presenting, researching, and mathematical and technological skills. Also, at this level, early formative assessment is useful as an early indicator of students’ strengths, in addition to giving a hands-on training of submission processes.
Students are provided with opportunities to develop an understanding of, and the necessary skills to demonstrate, good academic practice. Particularly, students will be encouraged to complete weekly tutorial and workshop exercises as well as periodic formative diagnostic tests to enhance their learning. During tutorial and workshop sessions students will receive ongoing support and feedback on their work to promote engagement and provide the basis for tackling the summative assessments.
Teaching materials such as lecture content are conveyed in different ways e.g. using diagrams, speech, text, discussion and practical tasks. Use is also made of multimedia technologies such as videos, podcasts and screencasts in lectures which are then made available on the University VLE (Weblearn). All materials such as lecture notes, tutorial materials, workshop tasks and additional support learning materials are accessible on WebLearn on a module by module structure. Delivered lectures are recorded and available online. 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. Students are encouraged to use the study facilities in the university library and learning centre (including e-books and e-journals).
Competency with software and hardware tools is achieved through weekly practical sessions, demonstrations from external software vendors, signposted access to online technical guides, encouragement of participation in Computing online forums, access to all required equipment.

A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. Module assessment typically consists of a combination of assessment instruments including courseworks, in-class tests and unseen exams. Coursework can include an artefact such as a website, a database or program code in addition to a written report/essay. The volume, timing and nature of assessment enable students to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the intended learning outcomes.
Formative and summative feedback will be provided using a variety of methods and approaches, such as learning technologies, one to one and group presentation of the submitted work, at various points throughout the teaching period and will adhere to University policy regarding the timing of feedback. Students will also receive feedback from tutors and peers enabling them to reflect on their progress based on the evidence available.

The main aim of the course is to equip students with the core academic and technical skills needed to progress through higher education, via a structured and scaffolded pathway, and on to relevant employment in the IT industry. The 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 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.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

LO1: Apply basic problem-solving and analytical techniques, presenting findings, explain results and justifying choice of methods;

LO2: Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental aspects of the main body of knowledge in computing

LO3: 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

LO4: Identify, specify, analyse and evaluate business problems within an information systems and information technology environment

LO5: Understand the structure and functioning of contemporary computer systems, including software and hardware

LO6: 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

LO7: Understand the needs of end-users, and plan, design, develop and implement an information system solution to meet the requirements of end-users

LO8: Work effectively as an individual or as part of a team and develop the skills associated with problem solving, relationship management, communication and time management in the context of a work-related learning experience

Mathematics MA3101
Programming CS3101
Cyber Security Fundamentals CC3101
Design and Communication Skills CT3101
Visual Programming CC4001
Introduction to Information Systems CC4057
Fundamentals of Computing CS4051
Logic and Problem solving MA4001
Computer Hardware and Software CT4005
Databases and Web-based Information Systems CC5002
Project Planning and Systems Development CC5006
Risk, Crisis and Security Management CC5052
Data Science for Business CC5053
An Introduction to Networks and Operating Systems CS5051
Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law CS5052
Advanced Database Systems Development CC6001
Ecommerce and Ebusiness CC6002
Project CS6P05
Work Related Learning II FC6W51
Creating a Winning Business MN6W50

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO8

Computing 2016, principally,

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/SBS-Computing-16.pdf

Section 6, page 14.

A variety of methods are in use, and each is specified in the appropriate module specification and 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)

The 15-credit Work Related Learning module is a core at level 6.

The School of Computing and Digital Media offers opportunities to enhance employability skills, gain real experience and 'earn while you learn' through placements into real client-driven projects - working with business and industry.

Students taking BSc BIT are prepared for the first stage of Oracle Certification

British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation is awarded according to the following additional course regulation:

The project must be passed in order for a student to obtain BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology.

The project must be passed without compensation.

All modules are compulsory except the choice of optional modules at level 6.

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.

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).

This course is accredited as fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration.

On graduating, you'll be eligible to apply for Membership of the British Computer Society (MBCS).

This degree would be suitable if you wish to work in project management, database developer, risk consultancy, consultancy or management. You could also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level to become an advisor in cyber security.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.