Information Technology

In order to obtain the BSc. Computing and Information Systems (Honours) degree, five (5) core courses must be completed together with two (2) optional courses.  The choice of options allows one to attain a specialism, please note, however, that the title of the degree remains the same, regardless of the options chosen.  The specialism is not reflected on the degree certificate; however, your transcript will state in detail the courses you covered.

This Masters degree is offered by SBCS in collaboration with the University of Greenwich.

Pre-requisites:
It is highly recommended that students have knowledge of data and file structures, file organisation and a basic knowledge of Entity Relationship Modelling.

Aims:
1. To explain the need for a database system and its role in a business and other types of organisation.
2. To provide a detailed understanding of the principles of database processing.
3. To enable students to acquire and apply skills and techniques for the design and implementation of database using a suitable relational database package.
4. To discuss future DB applications and their requirements.


Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course students will be able to:

A Develop a sound understanding and knowledge of database technology, its importance, its architectures, user's roles, and the central role that database technology plays in information systems.
B Critically evaluate various database design options at conceptual, logical and implementation levels.
C Evaluate various file organisation methods, distribution strategies, concurrency mechanisms, query optimisation techniques, and database recovery and security procedures.
D Critically examine and reflect on the theoretical aspect of the process of normalisation and its practical implementation.
E Evaluate and use various modern database management systems tools in building a small but realistic database system.
F Describe advances in trends and emerging standards in database technology; understand the comparative features and crucial aspects of data and knowledge management technology and the impact of the Internet on database technology.


Indicative Content:
1. Database Architecture and Environment
Three-level schema architecture; Data Independence; Database languages and interfaces; The differences between Conceptual, Logical and Physical data models; Functions of a DBMS; Data and Database Administration.
2. Conceptual Database Modelling
Entity-Relationship Model concepts; Problems with ER Models; The Enhanced Entity-Relationship Model and various notations.
3. Relational Database Design
Representing Data Model; Mapping EERD into a Relational Schema; Functional Dependency and Normalisation
4. The Relational Database Languages
Relational Algebra; Relational calculus; Structured Query Language; Relational DB Application Development tools.
5. Database Administration
Physical DB organisation; Transaction Management and Concurrency Control; Database Recovery; Database Security; Query Evaluation, Processing and Optimisation.
6. Distributed Databases
Client/ Database Server Architecture; Homogeneous, Heterogeneous and Federated Distributed Database Management Systems; Schema Architecture for Distributed DBMS; Design Issues: Data Fragmentation, Allocation and Replication;
7. Object-Oriented Databases
Object Modelling Concepts and Object-Oriented DBMSs: Weaknesses of Relational DBMSs; Architecture of OODBMS; The OODBS manifesto; Object-Relational Database management system; Comparison of ORDBMS and OODBMS; The ODMG Standards; SQL extensions.
8. Advances in Databases
Data Warehousing; OLAP vs. OLTP; Multidimensional Modelling; Data Mining techniques and knowledge discovery; Database and the Internet Technology; Web enabled Databases and XML technology.


Learning and Teaching Activities:
Students are expected to have formal lectures on theoretical aspects followed by classroom tutorials or discussions to consolidate the issues covered. Instructors may refer to some of the review and exercise questions which can be found at the end of related chapters in the recommended textbooks or use his/her own material. Instructors may also find some relevant material on the course website. Laboratory exercises usually follow these classroom exercises. The aim of most laboratory work is to enable students to acquire necessary skills that are essential in completing their courseworks. The coursework usually covers some data analysis, design and an implementation of a small prototype for an appropriate business application based on the Relational model, and therefore the coursework requirements should be reflected in these laboratory exercises, and laboratory work should focus on building the relational tables and business rules using Structure Query Language (DDL and DML) plus familiarisation exercises with the DBMS?s tools available.

Pre-requisites:
Students should have a good knowledge of modern business processes and an understanding of basic project management concepts. They should have a high level of IT skills, particularly in the use of spreadsheets.

Aims:
In order to be able to function effectively as a Project Leader or Quality Assurance Manager students need advanced skills in using a project management software and spreadsheets combined with the ability to apply appropriate modelling and design techniques. This course will both deepen and broaden the students' existing business and management skills. It will focus on project management (e.g. using MS Project), modelling (using MS Excel) and quality assurance.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:

A. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of project management and quality management techniques and practices.
B. Develop a complex project plan for a business solution.
C. Model a complex business application using a spreadsheet.
D. Evaluate different project management methodologies.
E. Evaluate different quality management methodologies.


Indicative Content:
Level 2 Content
1. Project Management concepts and practice (Work Breakdown Structure, Gantt Charts, Network diagrams, Critical Path Analysis)
2. Professional report writing skills
3. Advanced Spreadsheet concepts and techniques (data analysis using pivot tables, complex formulae and functions, statistical analysis, effective charts)

Level 3 Content
4. Project Management and IT Context
5. Project Management Process Groups
6. Project Integration Management
7. Project Scope Management
8. Project Time Management
9. Project Cost Management
10. Project Quality Management
11. Project Human Resource Management
12. Project Communication Management
13. Project Risk Management
14. Project Procurement Management
15. Case Studies



Learning and Teaching Activities:
Theoretical aspects of topics will be introduced through lectures and reinforced through classroom-based tutorials. Practical skills will be taught and reinforced through supervised laboratory-based tutorials. Students will also need to work unsupervised in order to strengthen their practical spreadsheet modelling and project management skills.

This computer repairs program from CompTIA enables students to deal with the most common technical problems associated with a PC and acquire the skills to install, configure, upgrade and troubleshoot both PC hardware and software. Students will also be able to recognise every major PC component and understand how the components work together.

This course is covered in 72 contact hours

This is the premier certification from CompTIA for network technicians beginning their IT careers. Students will learn to describe the features and functions of networking components and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols and services. This course meets the most recent Network+ certification objectives.

This course is covered in 42 contact hours

Security+ is a foundation level certification from CompTIA for IT professionals who have day-to-day information security responsibilities. Students will build on their knowledge and professional experience in securing network devices and network traffic. It reinforces their knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems networks as they acquire the specific skills required to implement basic security services on any type of computer.

This course is covered in 30 contact hours

This CompTIA course is for professionals who want to certify their technical knowledge in basic installation, operation and troubleshooting for Linux operating systems. Students will be able to explain fundamental open source resources/licences, demonstrate knowledge of user administration, understand file permissions/software configurations and manage local storage devices and network protocols.

This course is covered in 30 contact hours

The CCNA certification will give students experience with the latest technical knowledge of CISCO LAN and WAN routers and switches. Students will learn to configure a network to increase bandwidth, improve response times and enhance reliability and quality of service. This course meets the most recent CISCO CCNA certification objectives.

This course is covered in 48 contact hours.

The MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification allows you to demonstrate your skills in Windows infrastructure design and your readiness to excel in working with Windows Server 2008.

This certification replaces the MCSE 2003 programme and consists of the 5 modules listed below. Any one of the first 4 modules can be done to obtain the relevant Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification.  To obtain the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification, the first four modules must be completed before moving on to the Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator (70-647) module.

This course will introduce students to Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), Dynamic Hyper Text Markup (DHTML) and Cascading Style Sheets(CSS) using Macromedia Fireworks and Website animation application package. Simple websites will be developed that include frames, tables and CSS.

This course is covered in 24 contact hours

This course will introduce students to webpage design with an emphasis on the importance of careful planning as the key to a successful website. Advanced Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) will be introduced and students will learn to create webpages to include text, images, hyperlinks, lists,tables, frames and forms fields using Macromedia Dreamweaver and Macromedia Fireworks. Topics on formatting a webpage and refining a website will be covered. Students will also be introduced to advanced Dynamic HTML (DHTML) using JavaScript, a scripting language used to control the behaviour of objects on a webpage.

This course is covered in 30 contact hours

This course teaches the significance of object oriented programming, the keywords and constructs of the Java Programming language and the steps required to create simple Java programmes. It is applicable to individuals who work in the IT industry, web developers, technical managers, individuals with technical, non-programming backgrounds, novice programmers and those programmers who choose to start learning the Java programming language at an introductory level. Persons with some programming experience other than Java may find this course useful in expanding their skills.

This course is covered in 30 contact hours

This course is designed to guide students through the Internet, the creation of Web Pages and Networking Concepts and Practices. It is divided into three levels: Foundation, Site Designer and E-Commerce.

The Advanced Java Programming course is a good starting point for users to learn object-oriented programming with the Java programming language.  Programmers familiar with object-oriented concepts can learn how to develop Java technology applications. This course is also for persons who wish to enhance their skills, or programmers wishing to add Java to their list of skills.

This course is covered in 30 contact hours

The MCTS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 – Configuration certification highlights the area of expertise and validates the knowledge and skills required to deploy and administer an enterprise messaging environment with Exchange Server 2007. At the end of this programme, students will have experience installing, managing, monitoring, and troubleshooting Exchange Server 2007, and managing messaging security and recovering messaging servers and databases.

When you pass the Exchange Server 2007 - Configuring module (Exam 70-236), you complete the requirements for the following certification:

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Exchange Server 2007 - Configuring

This course is covered in 42 contact hours

The MCTS: SQL Server 2005 certification provides database developers and system administrators with an in-depth look at the various implementations and the maintenance of SQL Server 2005.  SQL Server 2005 is a database management program that delivers increased security and availability to enterprise data while making them easier to build and manage. At the end of this programme, students will have experienced installing, configuring, implementing, maintaining and troubleshooting SQL Server 2005.

When you pass the SQL Server 2005 module (Exam 70-431), you complete the requirements for the following certification:

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): SQL Server 2005

This course is covered in 36 contact hours

The MCITP: Database Administrator is the premier certification for database server administrators.

Candidates should be able to install or configure Microsoft SQL Server, manage or maintain databases, user accounts, recovery, reporting, implement security or server automation and monitor and troubleshoot SQL Server activity.

To earn this certification you must pass three exams:

• The prerequisite MCTS exam: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - Implementation and Maintenance (70-431),

and the following professional exams:

• Designing a Database Server Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (70-443)
• Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (70–444)

Fundamentals of Computer Repairs is a practical course that allows participants to understand how computers work by focusing on various components and operating systems. This course acts as a pre-requisite to the internationally recognised Comptia A+ certification course.

This course is covered in 24 contact hours

The CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator) certification is a foundation level wireless LAN certification.  Your CWNA certification will get you started in your wireless career by ensuring you have the skills and knowledge for when entering into or advancing in the wireless networking industry to successfully administer enterprise-class wireless LANs.  From basic RF theory to 802.11 frame exchange processes, this course delivers hands on training that will benefit the novice as well as the experienced network professional.

This course is covered in 36 contact hours.

The Certified Ethical Hacker Certification will show students how to test, scan, hack and secure their own systems.  Students will learn how perimeter defenses work and what steps can be taken to secure a system.  Students will also learn about DDoS Attacks, Intrusion Detection, Virus Creations and Buffer Overflows.  At the end of this programme, students will have the hands on experience and understanding in Ethical Hacking.  This course prepares you for EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker exam 312-50

This course is covered in 42 contact hours.

Computer hacking forensic investigation  is the  process of detecting hacking attacks and properly extracting evidence to report the crime and conduct audits to prevent future attacks.  It enables the systematic and careful identification of evidence in computer related crime and abuse cases.  CHFI investigators can draw on an array of methods for discovering data that resides in a computer system, or recovering deleted, encrypted, or damaged file information.

Electronic evidence is critical in the following situations:
    •  Disloyal employees
    •  Computer break-ins
    •  Possession of pornography
    •  Breach of contract
    •  Industrial espionage
    •  E-mail Fraud
    •  Bankruptcy
    •  Disputed dismissals
    •  Web page defacements
    •  Theft of company documents

 The CHFI course will benefit:
    •  Police and other law enforcement personnel
    •  Defense and Military personnel
    •  e-Business Security professionals
    •  Systems administrators
    •  Legal professionals
    •  Banking, Insurance and other professionals
    •  Government agencies
    •  IT managers

EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) complements the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification by exploring the analytical phase of ethical hacking. While CEH exposes the learner to hacking tools and technologies, ECSA takes it a step further by exploring how to analyze the outcome from these tools and technologies.

The objective of EC-Council Certified Security Analyst is to add value to experienced security professionals by helping them analyze the outcomes of their tests. ECSA leads the learner into the advanced stages of ethical hacking.

This course is designed to allow users to understand and implement all of the foundation modules that are required to create commercial quality images and animations with 3DS Max 2010.

This course is covered in 36 contact hours

This course explains how to start developing Java applications for the BlackBerry device using BlackBerry Java Development Environment.  You will be introduced to the Java Development Environment tools and how they can be used to create, build, test and debug your applications.  This course also focuses on the key concepts used to develop Java applications for the BlackBerry device.  These concepts includes the BlackBerry device user interface, connecting to the wireless network and storing data on the BlackBerry device.

This course is covered in 36 contact hours.

This course covers how to quickly get started in building powerful Facebook applications, how to work with data stored in Facebook including photos and how to handle multimedia and other custom data within Facebook applications.  Developers will have the ability to create their own custom applications and deploy them to members of the Facebook community.

This course is covered in 30 contact hours.

This degree prepares you to develop systems that can grow to meet new and changing needs in modern business environments.

The Diploma in Computing and Information Systems is a qualification in its own right that provides an alternative entry route to degree study. The Diploma can be completed in a minimum of two years.On successful completion of the Diploma you may transfer directly to Level two of the BSc.