Yearbooks

Programme: BISHons Information Science

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Code Faculty Department
12240006 Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology Department: Information Science
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120 NQF level:  08

Admission requirements

  1. BIS (Information Science) degree with a weighted average of at least 60% for relevant third-year modules or BIS (Multimedia) degree with a weighted average of at least 60% for relevant third-year modules or BIS (Publishing) degree with a weighted average of at least 60% for relevant third-year modules or relevant bachelor’s degree with a weighted average of at least 60% for relevant third-year modules

Additional requirements

Consult G Regulations G.16 to G.29.

Other programme-specific information

Subject to the provisions of G Regulation G.18.3, a full-time student must complete his or her studies for an honours degree within two academic years (four semesters) and an after-hours student within three academic years (six semesters) after first registration for the degree. However, the Dean may, on the recommendation of the relevant head of department, extend the period of study in both cases by a maximum of two semesters.

Please Note:

The semester in which the module is offered may vary from year to year. Please see the departmental website.

Minimum credits: 120

Select any three electives (45 credits) in collaboration with the package organiser.

Fundamental modules

  • Module content:

    Research methodology and the application thereof to resolve research problems and to create new knowledge, is a valued advantage to any student. The module is compiled with the following objectives in mind: to instruct the student in the basic principles of research and to avail them the opportunity to execute research projects in a professional manner. Students are guided from the selection of a problem to the presentation of a complete research report with practical suggestions based on a solid theoretical framework.

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  • Module content:

    Students are expected to write a research report (5 000-7 000 words) (10 000-12 000 words) on a topic to be selected in collaboration with the lecturers.

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Core modules

  • Module content:

    This module consists of two main sections. A theoretical framework of information and knowledge management will be addressed in section one. Section two covers the enablers of information and knowledge management. These include: leadership, corporate culture, organisational learning, strategy, laws and policies, measurement and information technology.

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  • Module content:

    In any context, understanding of information behaviour (i.e. information activities such as information seeking, retrieval, sharing and avoidance) is essential in the design and evaluation of information retrieval and organisation systems. This includes individual and collaborative information behaviour. Traditional and contemporary theories, models and practices of information behaviour, information retrieval and information organisation are considered in a variety of contexts reflecting contemporary interest. 

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    This module focuses on the main moral ethical issues pertaining to information and ICT, globalisation, privacy and knowledge flow. It covers amongst others the following fields: information and computer ethics; cyber warfare and terrorism; information philosophy; information security; privacy and the right to information; digital identity management; cyber law; e-waste; globalisation and the impact on society.

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  • Module content:

    This module offers students the opportunity to become conversant with various knowledge management programmes as well as the development, implementation and evaluation of knowledge management strategies. It introduces students to traditional and advanced knowledge management models and frameworks, a selection of knowledge management theories, knowledge management’s resiliency management role, and trending issues in the field of knowledge management.

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  • Module content:

    The prevalence of data in almost all aspects of today’s knowledge economy requires that graduates develop specific advanced competencies and skills related to the management of data and research data. The Fourth Industrial Revolution requires well managed data of reliable quality. This module addresses topics such as big data and long tail data, data life cycles, FAIR data, data curation, data quality, data visualisation, international data management standards, legal implications, citizen science, and other related issues. The re-use of data for knowledge creation, data citation as well as the storage and long-term preservation of data and research content in repositories, will also be addressed.

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  • Module content:

    This module evaluates the evolution of previous industrial revolutions to the fourth industrial revolution. It compares and critiques the fourth industrial revolution in the light of concepts of the information and knowledge societies, and examines relevant themes in the literature. It also discusses the implications for knowledge workers.

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  • Module content:

    This module focuses on the theory and practice of Competitive Intelligence (CI) as a strategic tool in the workplace by examining competitive intelligence as a product, process and organisation.

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  • Module content:

    The module focuses specifically on the theory and practice of (competitive) Intelligence Analysis and a variety of aspects and techniques from related disciplines which apply to intelligence analysis. The module exposes students to new (intellectually challenging) and useful methods for conducting intelligence analysis as embedded in relevant theory and practices.

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  • Module content:

    Informed by the participatory approach to communication this module reflects in depth on methods for the effective communication of information. In order to achieve this, the nature of information within the context of Information Science will be investigated. Thereafter, communication media will be identified and discussed and students will learn how to create a target audience profile to determine the appropriate media and content for the dissemination of information. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the communication of information will be investigated along with multiliteracy and media literacy. The communication of information will form a central focus of this module. Therefore the role of traditional, interpersonal, as well as modern media will be addressed. The processes of creating meaningful and effective messages for the communication of information as well as intercultural communication will also be undertaken.

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The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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