As a first unit in computer programming, Programming Fundamentals covers basic computer architecture, basic data and file structures, concept of algorithms, programming constructs, programming language features and functions, program design, test design, basic documentation. A high level programming language is employed to solve problems in a structured manner.

This unit provides an introduction to systems analysis and design. Incorporating systems concepts, theories and methodologies, this unit provides students with elementary problem solving experience in computerised information systems. Students will gain the ability to derive systems requirements from problem definitions and to produce system models using process, data, object and network modelling. Design and implementation issues include, (but may not be limited to), elementary database design, input, output and user interface design and prototyping. Students are also introduced to roles and responsibilities in information systems development, selection of packaged solutions and the principles of software quality.

Building on material covered in Programming Fundamentals this unit introduces students to the basics of developing interactive and dynamic web applications from both the client and server perspective. The unit covers web site design, web site development, web page accessibility and usability, XHTML, CSS, client side and server side scripting, database interaction, web site promotion (SEO), legal issues and web security.

The main purpose of this unit is to provide students with an opportunity to gain a basic knowledge of database design and development including data modeling methods, techniques for database design using a set of business rules that are derived from a case study and finally implementation of the database using a commercial relational database management system. The unit also examines a number of important database concepts such as database administration, concurrency, backup and recovery and security. At the same time student learning and intercommunication skills are enhanced by running tutorial presentations and group assignments.

A key component to the discipline of Information Systems is the understanding and the advocacy of the user in the development of IT applications and systems. IT graduates must develop a mind-set that recognizes the importance of users and organizational contexts. They must employ user-centered methodologies in the development, evaluation, and deployment of IT applications and systems. This unit examines human-computer interaction in order to develop and evaluate software, websites and information systems that not only look professional but are usable, functional and accessible.

In this unit students further develop their theoretical and practical skills in designing and developing web based information systems using systems analysis, programming, database, human computer interaction and web technologies skills that they have learnt in previous units. Current web development technologies and/or frameworks will be utilised to build a complex web information system in a collaborative web development team. Techniques of porting web systems to mobile platforms will also be explored.

This third year unit provides a comprehensive coverage of XML, related emerging technologies and their use in web applications. Students will be given opportunities to develop web based information systems which rely upon these technologies. This unit is heavily oriented to practical based work.

This unit provides a detailed overview of system implementation stages taking into the consideration steps necessary to place the newly developed system into production, educate consumers and system users, confirm accuracy of data needed for the system’s accurate functionality and assure that all business functions that interact with the system are performing properly. In addition, this unit aims to portray how project management skills are crucial in timely production and delivery of the final product. At the completion of the successful deployment system is usually transitioned to system support and maintenance therefore the overview of the transition process is also portrayed.