Major study areas for Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems

APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKS MAJOR (Gippsland, South Africa*, off-campus)

This major is ideal for technically minded problem solvers who like to get behind the scenes. Build your knowledge and skills in developing systems using networks and web technology. Learn how to build new systems and applications from the ground up using current technologies and tools. You learn about analysing users' needs, designing and creating the software and databases and managing computer based information systems and applications. Networks are the single most powerful technology driving the present universal use of computers. This major also focuses on network and internet technologies, their use and management, the design and development of networked systems, and networked applications in industry and government.

BUSINESS SYSTEMS MAJOR (Gippsland, South Africa*, off-campus)

This major is ideal for future entrepreneurs or managers who want expertise in providing effective business solutions. The Business systems major focuses on the use of computers and information systems to understand, model and solve complex problems in the world of business. You will learn about computers, networks and databases and how they can be harnessed to make business more effective. You will also learn how to use computers to aid the problem solving process itself, and how to lead IT teams in developing and managing an organisation's systems. Business systems students can choose options that will develop strong business skills, deeper technical knowledge or a blend of both. Your preparation is highly relevant to the current business environment that integrates information technology into all aspects of the business operations and management.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT MAJOR (Caulfield)

As the use of information technology grows exponentially in all areas of our lives, we have become overloaded with the amount of information available to us. Today, more than ever, business and government organisations are recognising the strategic importance of managing information in a timely and effective manner. This major is for students who want to work with and deploy information and communication technologies to manage information content, resources and services to meet the needs of individuals, organisations and society. Students can elect to specialise in librarianship, records management or archival systems. This major will lead to careers in information management in a wide range of business, government and community sectors. Students who wish to obtain professional recognition from the Australian Society of Archivists (ASA), the Records Management Association of Australasia (RMAA), or the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), will be directed towards selection of relevant units.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS MAJOR (Caulfield, Sunway)

Today, most IT expenditure in organisations involves enterprise-wide systems that support various business functions. This expanding use of information systems has created many challenges for the business community. The focus of the Information Systems major is to address those challenges in the development, implementation and management of these systems. This major has a strong practical focus to ensure graduates are ready for work. Students develop and practise a range of skills, which they apply to the stages of analysis, design and implementation for varied information systems. These include the organisational, inter-organisational and technological issues in e-business systems, the development of web-based systems, and the portfolio of information systems needed to support large-scale organisations.

INTERNET SYSTEMS MAJOR (Caulfield, South Africa*)

The advent of the internet has seen the development of a new phase of constructing computer systems that exploit the internet's capabilities. There is an on-going demand for powerful, yet flexible, internet-based systems which enable users to perform a myriad of commercial, educational, governmental or social tasks. Using the web is an integral part of life. This major is for those students with a keen interest in the Internet. As well as the core units common to the other majors of this degree, it includes study in network administration and web applications development. Internet applications study includes several web development languages. Students also complete a significant group project, building an industry strength internet site.

MULTIMEDIA APPLICATIONS MAJOR (Berwick)

Prepare yourself for a high-flying career in IT across the wide-ranging spectrum of the industry. Experience what it is like to develop multimedia systems and products as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The multimedia major gives you a broad understanding of the diverse disciplines involved in developing multimedia systems. You'll learn about digital and interactive systems and the important links between technological and presentation skills. You'll also learn how to build content for CD ROM/DVDs, explore animation and 3D concepts, and delve into topics including multimedia imaging, educational multimedia, sound and video. You'll acquire a clear understanding of the principles and uses of multimedia in both distributed and stand-alone environments. You'll learn how to develop interactive web site interfaces, 3D animation programming and a range of all-encompassing multimedia skills.

MULTIMEDIA GAMES DEVELOPMENT MAJOR (Caulfield)

To succeed in the dynamic field of games development, you require a strong theoretical basis along with practical skills in games design and development. This major is designed to provide students with the ability to apply a core knowledge of programming to game creation through a curriculum that emphasises game and interactive software development. Students will master the tools and software used by the game industry; produce game design concepts and documents; develop analytical skills for examining game play and game design; focus on complex concepts such as game artificial intelligence, level design and testing; create complete works in character design, level design and game concepts and participate in every level of game development, from concept to final creation.

NET-CENTRIC COMPUTING MAJOR (Caulfield, Sunway)

The BITS degree, with major studies in Net-centric computing, covers all the fundamentals of computing, but in the context of network and communications technologies. Areas of study include computer communication, network concepts and protocols, web standards and technologies, network security, wireless and mobile computing, and distributed systems development, including web based systems. Students can focus on areas such as network applications, mobile computing, web development and the implementation and management of network technologies.

SECURITY MAJOR (Caulfield)

Individuals, governments and organisations depend on computers and networks. Students who complete the Security major are prepared to meet the challenges of securing and managing these vital resources. Graduates gain expertise in technical areas, such as cryptography, authentication, and software application security. Management and business issues are also addressed, including risk assessment, risk management, and strategic planning. Information security is an area of growing importance with significant employment opportunities worldwide.

SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT MAJOR (Caulfield)

This major provides you with the skills to develop computer-based systems, with a focus on software development, computer technology and information systems. A key feature of the course of the use of the Caulfield School of Information Technology's studio precinct, which is designed to replicate an industry workplace. As a student of the Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems (majoring in Systems development), you'll gain practical experience throughout your course in this professional studio environment, where you are mentored by academics. and industry representatives. * degree name pending local government (HEQC) approval.