Click on the links below for information on the various MIT courses:
- CSC5004W Information Technology Minor Dissertation
- CSC5007Z Database Systems
- CSC5010Z MIT: Computer Networks
- CSC5011Z MIT: Object-Oriented Programming In Python
- CSC5012Z MIT: Human Computer Interaction
- CSC5017Z MIT: Research Methods
- INF5007W Information Technology Minor Dissertation
- INF5007Z MIT: Social Issues & Professional Practice
- INF5008Z MIT: System Security
- INF5009Z MIT: Software engineering
CSC5004W INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MINOR DISSERTATION
90 NQF credits at HEQSF level 9
Convener: Dr M Densmore
Course entry requirements: CSC5005H and CSC5006H or (CSC5010Z, CSC5011Z, CSC5012Z, CSC5013Z, CSC5014Z, CSC5015Z, CSC5016Z and CSC5017Z) or permission from the convener.
Course outline:
Upon successful completion of the coursework component (Two block modules (CSC5005H and CSC5006H) or all eight individual modules (CSC5010Z, CSC5011Z, CSC5012Z, CSC5013Z, CSC5014Z, CSC5015Z, CSC5016Z and CSC5017Z)), students will be required to register for this minor dissertation course and complete a one year research project under supervision of an appropriate computer science academic staff member.
Assessment: The minor dissertation must be presented for formal examination. The coursework and minor dissertation each count 50% towards the degree; each must be passed separately for the award of the degree.
CSC5007Z DATABASE SYSTEMS
12 NQF credits at NQF level 9
Convener: Associate Professor S Berman
Course entry requirements: Acceptance into the Master's degree, specialising in Data Science or Information Technology.
Course outline: This course will introduce students with little or no prior experience to the three cornerstone database technologies for big data, namely relational, NoSQL and Hadoop ecosystems. The course aims to give students an understanding of how data is organised and manipulated at large scale, and practical experience of the design and development of such databases using open source infrastructure. The relational part will cover conceptual, logical and physical database design, including ER modelling and normalisation theory, as well as SQL coding and best practices for performance enhancement. NoSQL databases were developed for big data and semi-structured data applications where relational systems are too inefficient; all four types of NoSQL architecture will be introduced. Distributed data processing is key in manipulating large data sets effectively. The final section of the course will teach the popular Hadoop technologies for distributed data processing, such as MapReduce programming and the execution model of Apache Spark. The course will be presented in an online format.
DP requirements: 40% for assignment component.
Assessment: Final examination: 50%; Practical assignments: 50%. A sub-minimum of 40% will be required for each of the assignment and exam components of the course.
CSC5010Z MIT: COMPUTER NETWORKS
12 NQF credits at HEQSF level 9
Convener: Dr M Densmore
Course entry requirements: Admission into the Master’s degree specialising in IT, or permission from the course convener.
Course outline:
In the course, a framework for describing the operation of computer networks is developed. Within this framework, we start with the operation of local-area networks, packet-switched networks and the Internet. After this, the module moves to the uses made of these networks, concentrating on business applications. The effect on organisations of introducing such networked applications is also examined.
DP requirements: 40% for assignment component.
Assessment: Final examination: 70%; Practical assignments: 30%. A sub-minimum of 40% will be required for each of the assignment and exam components of the course.
CSC5011Z MIT: OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING IN PYTHON
12 NQF credits at HEQSF level 9
Convener: Dr M Densmore
Course entry requirements: Admission into the Master's degree specialising in IT, or permission from the course convener.
Course outline:
The underlying aim of all courses is to develop a foundation in key topics related to the application of computer hardware and software in solving practical problems. This is a basic introduction to object-oriented programming in a modern language, namely, Python. Python is becoming increasingly popular as an effective means of introducing programming concepts to those who are new to programming. Students will be taught how to create simple applications in the Python language.
DP requirements: 40% for assignment component.
Assessment: Final examination: 70%; Practical assignments: 30%. A sub-minimum of 40% will be required for each of the assignment and exam components of the course.
CSC5012Z MIT: HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION
12 NQF credits at HEQSF level 9
Convener: Dr M Densmore
Course entry requirements: Admission into the Master's degree specialising in IT, or
permission from the course convener.
Course outline:
Introduction to the discipline of human-computer interaction. This module covers how knowledge from fields such as psychology and graphic design can be used to increase the usability of computer software.
DP requirements: 40% for assignment component.
Assessment: Final examination: 70%; Practical assignments: 30%. A sub-minimum of 40% will be required for each of the assignment and exam components of the course.
CSC5017Z MIT: RESEARCH METHODS
12 NQF credits at HEQSF level 9
Convener: Dr M Densmore
Course entry requirements: Admission into the Master's degree specialising in IT, or
permission from the course convener.
Course outline:
This module is intended to provide students with the insight and techniques required to allow them to write a successful postgraduate research project - the final module leading to the Master's Degree. Topics to be covered include: Introduction to IT Research; Ethics in Research; Conducting a Literature Review; Finding a Research Question/Goal; Project Management; Research Proposals; Experimentation; Prototypes; Case Studies; Surveys; Conducting Observations; Testing in IT Research; Modelling; Usability Analysis; Introduction to Statistics; The Writing Process; Research Presentations; and The Masters/PhD Thesis.
DP requirements: 40% for assignment component.
Assessment: Final examination: 70%; Practical assignments: 30%. A sub-minimum of 40% will be required for each of the assignment and exam components of the course.
INF5007W INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MINOR DISSERTATION
90 NQF credits at NQF level 9
Convener: W.Chigona
Course entry requirements: A non-IT honours degree, or equivalent
Course outline:
Upon successful completion of the coursework component, students will be required to register for this minor dissertation course and complete a one-year research project under supervision of an appropriate academic staff member from the school of IT.
Students will be able to plan and conduct research on a specialised area in IT or related areas independently; and critically analyse, evaluate the findings or outcomes in terms of existing frameworks and theories and draw logical conclusions. Students will also be able to present research findings and make appropriate recommendations.
DP requirements: In order to be permitted to sit the final exam a minimum average of 40% on the coursework must be obtained
Assessment: The minor dissertation must be presented for formal examination. The coursework and minor dissertation each count 50% towards the degree; each must be passed separately for the award of the degree.
INF5007Z SOCIAL ISSUES AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
15 NQF credits at NQF level 9
Convener: T. Chimboza
Course entry requirements: A non-IT honours degree, or equivalent
Course outline:
The underlying aim of the course is to provide students with the ability to independently and as a team member identify, analyse, discuss and report key social and human factors in Cyber Security and emerging technologies such as AI for both individuals and society. Students will also be provided with an opportunity to explore the human and design implications of Cyber Security and emerging technologies. On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Identify important social and human factor issues that impact professional behaviour linked to Cyber Security.
2 Research and analyse material and real-world situations that relate to social and human factor issues linked to Cyber Security.
3 Discuss and report the outcomes of investigations.
4 Provide advice and recommendations about how to tackle social and human factor issues linked to Cyber Security.
DP requirements: In order to be permitted to sit the final exam a minimum average of 40% on the coursework must be obtained
Assessment: 2 Assignments (50%) and an Exam (50%).
INF5008Z SYSTEM SECURITY
15 NQF credits at NQF level 9
Convener: M. Kyobe
Course entry requirements: A non-IT honours degree, or equivalent
Course outline:
The course aims to provide students with the ability to independently and as a team member identify, analyse, discuss and report key issues in Cyber Security for both individuals and society. Students will also be provided with an opportunity to explore the human and design implications of Cyber Security. This includes key topics such as risk, trust, and user research for security.
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Identify important issues that impact Cyber Security.
2. Understand cyber security frameworks and theories
3 Research and analyse material and real-world situations that relate to Cyber Security.
4 Discuss and report the outcomes of Cyber-Forensic investigations.
5 Provide advice and recommendations about how to tackle Cyber security issues
DP requirements: In order to be permitted to sit the final exam a minimum average of 40% on the coursework must be obtained
Assessment: 2 Assignments (50%) and an Exam (50%).
INF5009Z SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
15 NQF credits at NQF level 9
Convener: I. Brown
Course entry requirements: A non-IT honours degree, or equivalent
Course outline:
The underlying aim of all courses to develop a foundation in key topics related to the application of computer hardware and software in solving practical problems. This module aims to introduce a range of techniques within both structured and object-oriented methods, in order to enable you to analyse and design well engineered software solutions. You will be introduced to the practical use of CASE tools in modelling and documenting analysis and design specifications. Different life cycle models will also be discussed.
Upon completion of this course, students should have a grasp of basic software engineering concepts, including design processes (eg. Waterfall, agile) and software architectures (e.g. client-server, model-view- controller). They should be able to model large pieces of software using standard modelling languages and tools
DP requirements: In order to be permitted to sit the final exam a minimum average of 40% on the coursework must be obtained
Assessment: 2 Assignments (50%) and an Exam (50%).