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

Programme information

Refer also to G16-G29.

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

Other programme-specific information

Subject to the provisions of G18.3, a full-time student must complete his or her studies for an honours degree within two academic years (four semesters) and a part-time 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.

Examinations and pass requirements

Refer also to G18 and G26.

  1. The examination in each module for which a student is registered, takes place during the normal examination period after the conclusion of lectures (i.e. usually October/November or May/June).
  2. G18(1) applies with the understanding that under exceptional circumstance an extension of a maximum three years may be approved: provided that the Dean, on recommendation of the relevant head of department, may approve a stipulated limited extension of this period.
  3. A student must obtain at least 50% in an examination for each module where no semester or year mark is required. A module may only be repeated once.
  4. In modules where semester or year marks are awarded, a minimum examination mark of 40% and a final mark of 50% is required.
  5. No supplementary or special examinations are granted at postgraduate level.

Pass with distinction

The degree is conferred with distinction if students registered for the degree for the first time, complete the degree within the minimum prescribed time and pass all modules with a weighted average of 75% (not rounded).

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 topics: information and computer ethics; information security; privacy and the right to information; digital identity management; information legislation; e-waste; artificial intelligence; globalisation and the impact on society, etc.

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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, the role of knowledge management for resiliency management, 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, research data, data life cycles, FAIR data, data curation, data quality, data visualisation, standards, legal implications, citizen science, and 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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General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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