Program: BIS Information Science

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Code Faculty
12131012 Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Credits Duration
Minimum duration of study: 3 jaar Totale krediete: 415
Contact:
Prof MA Holmner
[email protected]
+27 (0)124205215

Programinligting

The increasing amount of information available and developing information needs have necessitated the training of information intermediaries to effectively facilitate the bringing together of users and the information they require.

This package focuses on the use of information technology and the processing of information products and is designed to train students in the management, retrieval and organisation of information, as well as to teach them how to add value to, package and distribute information. Students will also have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in the management of one of the most important resources of enterprises – information and knowledge. Two or three specialisation options are available, depending on the electives chosen.

Admission requirements

  • The following persons will be considered for admission: a candidate who is in possession of a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required Grade 12 certificate with university endorsement; a candidate who is a graduate from another tertiary institution or has been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution; and a candidate who is a graduate of another faculty at the University of Pretoria.

  • Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.

  • Grade 11 results are used in the conditional admission of prospective students.

  • A valid qualification with admission to degree studies is required.

  • Minimum subject and achievement requirements, as set out below, are required. 

  • Should a candidate obtain an APS of 25 to 27, consideration for admission will be based on the results of the NBT, provided the quotas regarding student numbers have not been reached. If informatics is selected at first-year level, an achievement level of 5 is required in Mathematics.

  • Tuition will be presented in English only.

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

 

APS

NSC/IEB

AS Level

 

 

4

 

D

28

(25 - 27 admission based on the NBT)

* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission.

Other programme-specific information

Because credits are not calculated in the same way in all faculties, students should ensure note that the total number of credits required for this package is at least 415-458 depending on the choice of elective modules (as required for Group A, B or C).

Minimum krediete: 110

Elective modules: Select one group in consultation with the package organiser,  at least 30 credits from any modules at year level one OR Select 50 credits from the INF elective group. Students who obtained at least 4(50% - 59%) for Mathematics in Grade 12 will be admitted to Informatics 112 and students who obtained at least 5(60 - 69%) for Mathematics in Grade 12 will be admitted to Informatics 154, 164 and 171.

Fundamental modules

Core modules

  • Module-inhoud:

    This module is an introduction to the study field of information science and its various professions. Key concepts that will be discussed include the following: the human as information processor and user; the life-cycle of information in terms of processes, products and role-players; as well as the communication of information. The social-ethical impact of globalisation is included as a key concern, with reference to Africa.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Organisation and representation of information. This module provides the student with an introduction to the basic principles and processes underlying the organisation and representation of information. The process of organising information in documents and on the web, in multimedia formats, by means of document image processing and in databases are dealt with. Themes on the representation of information through the creation of metadata include various general and domain specific metadata schemas such as Dublin Core as a metadata standard for the Web, as well as various other metadata schemas.
    Practical classes include basic HTML and the design of Web pages incorporating and applying what was covered in theory.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Personal information management. This module focuses on personal information management within an organisational context. It deals with managing information and knowledge that is peculiar to an individual and which enables him/her to perform his/her job.
    Topics include: creating an environment in which the individual can manage his/her information and knowledge; the skills needed to be able to manage personal information and knowledge; information overloading which gives rise to personal information and knowledge management, as well as the manner in which individuals can switch from personal information management to personal knowledge management; personal information and knowledge management as a career.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Information and communication technology. This module offers a brief overview of hardware and software, telecommunications technology, LANs, WANs and intranets, the information highway, the internet and the World Wide Web, computer ethics, ICTs, e-commerce, mobile computing technology and the influence that new trends and developments have on the distribution of information.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    The entrepreneurial mind-set; managers and managing; values, attitudes, emotions, and culture: the manager as a person; ethics and social responsibility; decision making; leadership and responsible leadership; effective groups and teams; managing organizational structure and culture inclusive of the different functions of a generic organisation and how they interact (marketing; finance; operations; human resources and general management); contextualising Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in each of the topics.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Value chain management: functional strategies for competitive advantage; human resource management; managing diverse employees in a multicultural environment; motivation and performance; using advanced information technology to increase performance; production and operations management; financial management; corporate entrepreneurship.

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Elective modules

  • Module-inhoud:

    Taalkundekomponent: Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse taalkunde met klem op lees-en skryfvaardigheid. Letterkundekomponent: Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse en Nederlandse letterkunde aan die hand van kortverhale en gedigte.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Taalkundekomponent: Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse sintaksis, fonetiek en taalgeskiedenis. Letterkundekomponent:Inleiding tot die Romankuns Inleiding tot die Drama

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  • Module-inhoud:

    *Optional Field school usually in April
    Introduction to Archaeology
    An introduction as to how archaeologists study the past via the artefacts left behind by our ancestors. Basic introduction to archaeological theory and how it has contributed to interpretation of the past is discussed. Topics range from the origins of the human family in Africa over three million years ago to the study of more recent times.  

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  • Module-inhoud:

    African and world archaeology
    Africa is the home of humanity in both a biological and cultural sense and we have the artefacts and sites to prove it. Topics range from the famous 3 million year-old Australopithecine ‘Lucy’ ancestor found in Ethiopia to the ‘Out of Africa’ dispersal of modern humans, and the emergence of human symbolism, rock art and the emergence of complex societies at society at Lake Chad (Daima) and southern Africa (Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe). The main aim is to situate events in Africa in global perspective. 

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  • Module-inhoud:

    *Only for BCur students

    Introduction to industrial and organisational psychology
    Industrial and Organisational Psychology is an applied field of Psychology that is involved with employee and organisational behaviour, and which has become a study field and professional speciality in its own right. This module aims to introduce the student to: 

    • the history and development of psychology and industrial and organisational psychology, 
    • the different sub-fields in psychology with special emphasis on the sub-fields of industrial and organisational psychology, 
    • how the different theoretical approaches in psychology view the human psyche and their views on human behaviour,
    • genetics and the biological basis of human behaviour, to better understand the differences between people and to lay the foundation for ergonomical principles,    
    • how scientific research can be used to understand and handle human problems and to facilitate the optimal functioning of people in their work environments.

    Individual processes
    This section consists of the principles of learning as found in the work context. The role of perception in the work environment will be discussed by considering aspects such as shape, depth, distance and colour perceptions. Cognition, thought, reasoning, memory, creativity and decision-making will be included. Intelligence will be addressed and placed in an industrial and organisational psychology perspective.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    *Only for BNurs students

    Human development and personality
    This module consists of a discussion of the life span and important periods in human development with emphasis on their meaning in the work context.  With regard to personality, the following themes will be addressed:  the cultural context of personality, its formation and determinants of personality; personality as determinant of behaviour as well as the development and maintenance of self-image.  Attention will be given to the basic methods of personality measuring and personality assessment.

    Motivation and employee well-being
    One of the many factors that form part of individual processes is Motivation and Emotion. An understanding of individual processes will contribute to an understanding of how and why employees perform in their workplaces. The first part of this semester course aims to introduce the student to the foundational theories of motivation and emotion. The second part of this semester course is concerned with the recognition and classification of psychological disorders and the management and promotion of psychological well-being in organisations. A positive view of psychological health aims at facilitating people’s inner resources or strengths and resiliencies so that they stay healthy and cope effectively.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Introduction to the study of Heritage and Cultural Tourism; overview of South African resorts and nature conservation areas as tourist destinations within the broader context of heritage and cultural tourism. An introduction to the basic research skills in the HCT domain.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Archaeo-tourism
    Analysis of tourist and other visitations to archaeological sites. Topics cover international and local legislation, ethics and best practices debates on who interprets and who ‘owns’ the past and profits from it.  Also covered are site management plans, condition assessment and a consideration of the politics and ethics of ‘heritage’.  Case studies range from large UNESCO World Heritage Sites to small, almost forgotten ‘places of the past’ scattered across the globe.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    *Alternative evening classes - 2 discussion classes per week Introduction to Literature in English (1) This module introduces the study of literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, prose, drama). The texts studied here will be mainly from the pre-twentieth century era and may include texts written in English from both Africa and other parts of the world. The aim of this module is to equip students with the critical and analytical skills required for a perceptive reading of poetry, novels and plays.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    *Alternative evening classes: 2 discussion classes per week
    Introduction to Literature in English (2)
    This module introduces the study of post-nineteenth century literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, drama, prose). Texts will be from both Africa and other parts of the world. By the end of this module students should have the background and analytical skills to perceptively read modern and contemporary poetry, novels and plays.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Introduction to information systems, information systems in organisations, hardware: input, processing, output, software: systems and application software, organisation of data and information, telecommunications and networks, the Internet and Intranet. Transaction processing systems, management information systems, decision support systems, information systems in business and society, systems analysis, systems design, implementation, maintenance and revision.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Introduction to programming.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Programming.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    General systems theory, creative problem solving, soft systems methodology. The systems analyst, systems development building blocks, systems development, systems analysis methods, process modelling.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Part 1: Fundamental criminology
    A general introduction to criminology is provided. An overview of factors that contribute to crime, forensic criminology and forensic criminalistics are investigated.
    Part 2: Violent crime
    Various types of violent crimes receive attention in this section.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Part 1: Penology
    Attention is given to the roleplayers in the criminal justice system, namely the police, judiciary and corrections.
    Part 2: Crime prevention and control
    The nature and extent of crime, theories to explain criminal behaviour and crime prevention and control are investigated.

    The two sections will not necessarily be presented in chronological order.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    This module in public administration is designed specifically to assist students in understanding the role of public administration in a modern state, the unique characteristics of public administration, the schools and approaches in public administration and introducing the various generic administrative functions. The discipline of public administration has developed rapidly and by implication, has changed and shifted its paradigm over the years. The purpose of this module is to introduce public administration to the student as a field of study that makes a significant contribution to the effective administration and management of government institutions.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    This module in public administration will introduce the constitutional framework pertaining to public administration. The South African system of government, the functions, role and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government as well as the functioning of the three spheres of government will be discussed. The module will enable the student to understand how and where public administration is practiced.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    This module is a general orientation to Psychology. An introduction is given to various theoretical approaches in Psychology, and the development of Psychology as a science is discussed. Selected themes from everyday life are explored and integrated with psychological principles. This module focuses on major personality theories. An introduction is given to various paradigmatic approaches in Psychology.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    This module introduces the student to a basic knowledge and understanding of the biological basis of human behaviour. The module addresses the key concepts and terminology related to the biological subsystem, the rules and principles guiding biological psychology, and identification of the interrelatedness of different biological systems and subsystems. In this module various cognitive processes are studied, including perception, memory, thinking, intelligence and creativity. Illustrations are given of various thinking processes, such as problem solving, critical, analytic and integrative thinking.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Part 1: The individual and society
    An introduction to sociology, the classical sociological paradigm and the principles of sociological research.

    Part 2: The making of the South African order

    This section explores key factors involved in the making and shaping of the contemporary South African social order and considers the sociological implications thereof. Students will be introduced to the political economy of South Africa, with an emphasis on the nature of South Africa’s industrialisation, the process of proletarianisation and the introduction of the migration labour system. In addition, the racial state, the foundations of its social project, and the spatial form of its 20th century racial modernity will be considered.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Part 1: The sociology of institutions
    An introduction to the social dynamics of institutions such as the family, the state, the economy, religion, education, and civil society, with specific focus on Southern Africa.

    Part 2: Social stratification: Race, class and gender
    The nature and dynamics of social stratification and inequality will be explored. Race, gender and class are the foci of the section. The South African reality in this regard is highlighted.

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Minimum krediete: 160

Elective modules: Select one group in consultation with the package organiser,  at least 63 credits from INF elective group  OR Select 60 credits from INL elective group.

Fundamental modules

  • Module-inhoud:

    This project-orientated module is a form of applied learning which is directed at specific community needs and is integrated into all undergraduate academic programmes offered by the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. 
    The main objectives with the module are as follows:
    (1) The execution of a community-related project aimed at achieving a beneficial impact on a chosen section of society, preferably but not exclusively, by engagement with a section of society which is different from the student's own background.
    (2) The development of an awareness of personal, social and cultural values, an attitude to be of service, and an understanding of social issues, for the purpose of being a responsible professional.
    (3) The development of important multidisciplinary and life skills, such as communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
    Assessment in this module will include all or most of the following components: evaluation and approval of the project proposal, assessment of oral and/or written progress reports, peer assessment in the event of team projects, written report-back by those at which the project was aimed at, and final assessment on grounds of the submission of a portfolio and a written report.

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Core modules

  • Module-inhoud:

    Information seeking and retrieval. This module explores the theory and practice of effective information seeking and retrieval. It builds on supporting research paradigms such as the systems, user-centred, cognitive and socio-cognitive paradigms. The focus is on the complexities of effective information seeking and retrieval within the context of information behaviour on a personal level, as well as in the context of professional, academic or everyday information needs.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Representation and organisation. Information needs to be represented and organised in a system for it to be effectively retrievable. This module deals with the representation and organisation of information on the level of individual entities (e.g. indexing), from the perspective of the users (user profiling), as well as within a document collection (taxonomies and ontologies).

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Social and ethical impact. This module examines moral and legal regulation practices related to information in print and digital environments. Different ethical theories are identified and applied to privacy, access to information, information poverty and censorship. The interpretation and enforcement of rules and regulations are discussed.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Logistics management
    The role of logistics in an enterprise; definition and scope of customer service; electronic and other logistics information systems; inventory management; materials management with special reference to Japanese systems; management of the supply chain. Methods of transport and transport costs; types and costs of warehousing; electronic aids in materials handling; cost and price determination of purchases; organising for logistics management; methods for improving logistics performance.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Project management and negotiations:
    Introduction Project management concepts; needs identification; the project, the project manager and the project team; types of project organisations; project communication and documentation. Planning and control: planning, scheduling and schedule control of projects; resource considerations and allocations; cost planning and performance evaluation.
    Negotiation and collective bargaining: The nature of negotiation; preparation for negotiation; negotiating for purposes of climate creation; persuasive communication; handling conflict and aggression; specialised negotiation and collective bargaining in the South African context.

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Elective modules

  • Module-inhoud:

    Database design: the relational model, structured query language (SQL), entity relationship modelling, normalisation, database development life cycle; practical introduction to database design. Databases: advanced entity relationship modelling and normalisation, object-oriented databases, database development life cycle, advanced practical database design.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    An overview of systems infrastructure and integration.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Database management: transaction management, concurrent processes, recovery, database administration: new developments: distributed databases, client-server databases: practical implementation of databases.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Systems analysis. Systems design: construction; application architecture; input design; output design; interface design; internal controls; program design; object design; project management; system implementation; use of computer-aided development tools.

    Sien meer

  • Module-inhoud:

    Advanced programming.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    User studies and dissemination. This module focuses on the individual as seeker, user, reader and communicator of information. Various user groups are identified and their information use and communication patterns and requirements are analysed and investigated. This module covers methods of service provision to facilitate and enhance the use and dissemination of information in accordance with the user's needs.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Economics and politics of information. This module examines the economics and politics of information, with a special emphasis on South Africa's information sector. It aims to promote an understanding of the market and non-market qualities of information, and their consequences for the production, distribution and marketing of information goods and services. The ways in which information access and expression are regulated and the use of ICTs in crime and corruption is also addressed.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Indigenous knowledge and communication. This module focuses on the role and function of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in the information and knowledge society. Various categories and contexts of IK are explored within international and local perspectives.
    Issues pertaining to access and communication of IK, inter alia through Information and Communication Technology (ICT), are addressed in order to ensure sustainable development.

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Minimum krediete: 145

Elective modules: Select one group in consultation with the package organiser,  

Group A (70 credits) Select two INF modules and at least 40 credits OBS modules at year level 3.

Group B (90 credits) Select three INL modules

Group C (90 credits) Select two INF modules and at least 60 credits from Group B.

Core modules

  • Module-inhoud:

    Information Organisation. The module is concerned with the organisation of information in the digital environment focusing on the structure and use of document management and workflow systems, as well as distribution channels and virtual environments. The characteristics and application of the internet, intranets, as well as portals and applications use, are considered.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Information and Knowledge Management. This module focuses on information and knowledge management at an operational level and introduces information and knowledge management at a corporate strategic level. It deals with the management of information and knowledge, which enables the organisation to be competitive. In this module the focus is on four aspects, namely: the 21st century organisation, the external and internal stakeholders that have an interest in information products, as well as the infrastructure that should be in place in organisations to manage information products. The module concludes with a few topics relating to information management at a corporate strategic level.

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  • Module-inhoud:

    Experiential learning project. This module takes the form of a project and experiential training in co-operation with industry.

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Elective modules


Die inligting wat hier verskyn, is onderhewig aan verandering en kan na die publikasie van hierdie inligting gewysig word.. Die Algemene Regulasies (G Regulasies) is op alle fakulteite van die Universiteit van Pretoria van toepassing. Dit word vereis dat elke student volkome vertroud met hierdie regulasies sowel as met die inligting vervat in die Algemene Reëls sal wees. Onkunde betrefffende hierdie regulasies en reels sal nie as ‘n verskoning by oortreding daarvan aangebied kan word nie.

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