School of Computing prospectus 2012 - Walter Sisulu University

11.1.1.3 RATIONALE OF PROGRAMME
Computer scientists are required locally, nationally, and internationally in the
scientific, business and manufacturing industries.
11.1.1.4 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Computer scientists devise new ways to use computers. Progress in the Computer
Science areas of networking, database, and human-computer-interface enabled
the development of the World Wide Web. Now Computer Science researchers are
working with scientists from other fields to make robots become practical and
intelligent aides, to use databases to create new knowledge, and to use computers
to help decipher the secrets of our DNA. They develop effective ways to solve
computing problems. For example, computer scientists develop the best possible
ways to store information in databases, send data over networks, and display
complex images. Their theoretical background allows them to determine the best
performance possible, and their study of algorithms helps them to develop new
approaches that provide better performance.
Computer science spans the range from theory through programming. While other
disciplines may produce graduates with more immediately relevant job-related
skills, computer science offers a comprehensive foundation that permits graduates
to adapt to new technologies and new ideas.
11.1.1.5 EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES
The qualifying learner should have the ability to:
1) Work in a broad range of positions involving tasks from theoretical work to software
development and demonstrate:
a) an intellectual understanding of, and an appreciation for, the central role of algorithms
and data structures;
b) an understanding of computer hardware from a software perspective, for example,
use of the processor, memory, disk drives, display, etc.
c) those fundamental programming skills to permit the implementation of algorithms and
data structures in software;
d) those skills that are required to design and implement larger structural units that
utilize algorithms and data structures and the interfaces through which these units
communicate;
e) an understanding of software engineering principles and technologies so as to ensure
that software implementations are robust, reliable, and appropriate for their intended
audience.
2) Understand the possibilities and limitations of what computer technology (software,
hardware, and networking) can and cannot do. There are three levels:
a) an understanding of what current technologies can and cannot accomplish;
b) an understanding of computing’s limitations, including the difference between what
computing is inherently incapable of doing vs. what may be accomplished via future
science and technology;
c) an awareness of the impact on individuals, organizations, and society of deploying
technological solutions and interventions.
3) Understand the concept of the lifecycle, including the significance of its phases
(planning, development, deployment, and evolution), the implications for the development
of all aspects of computer-related systems (including software, hardware, and human
computer interface), and the relationship between quality and lifecycle management.
4) Understand the essential concept of process, in at least two meanings of the term:
a) process as it relates to computing especially program execution and system operation;
b) process as it relates to professional activity especially the relationship between product
quality and the deployment of appropriate human processes during product development.
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING
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