Yearbooks

Programme: BISHons Information Science

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty
12240006 Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Credits Duration
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120
Contact:
Prof I Fourie
[email protected]
+27 (0)124205216

Admission requirements

  • Any person who wishes to register at the University for the first time, or after an interruption of studies, should apply or reapply for admission. Application for admission to all programmes closes on 30 September.
  • BIS in Information Science, Information and Knowledge Management, Library Science or an equivalent degree.
  • A minimum average of 60% in the undergraduate studies.

 

 

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 Head of Department concerned, 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.

    View more

  • 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.

    View more

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.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Information retrieval covers the problems relating to the effective storage, access, and searching of information required by individuals.
    This module will introduce students to the theory and operative requirements of information organisation and retrieval and the evaluation of information retrieval systems, as well as information seeking behaviour.

    View more

Elective modules

  • Module content:

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

    View more

  • Module content:

    This module offers the student the opportunity to become conversant with various knowledge management programmes as well as the development, implementation and evaluation of knowledge management strategies. Knowledge representation and the development of an Intranet will be covered. New key issues in the field of knowledge management conclude this module.

    View more

  • Module content:

    "Information is continuing to grow exponentially, diversifying into many forms and media. In this complex labyrinth there is a definite need for increased effort aimed at tailoring IR performance to user demands" (Ingwersen, 1992).
    In this module students will study information retrieval from a systems perspective, but with the human user in mind. Best-match and Boolean systems will be studied in some detail, focussing on the different aspects of human and machine relevance. Information seeking behaviour studies that can support the enhancement of IR performance will also be covered.

    View more

  • Module content:

    This module evaluates approaches to and concepts of the information/knowledge society. It questions the origins and political motives for the promotion of an information/knowledge society, and examines a number of relevant themes in the literature.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Establishing an effective competitive intelligence programme is an integral part of every enterprise that wants to survive in the new millennium. This module focuses on the competitive nature of the business environment, the aim of competitive intelligence, Porter's Competitive Forces Model, the distinction between competitive intelligence and industrial espionage, the intelligence process as well as the tools and techniques for the development and implementation of a competitive intelligence programme.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Competitive intelligence (CI) provides the decision maker with analysed information about the competitive environment, aimed at satisfying decision-making needs. This module focuses on the role of analysis in the intelligence cycle, applying analysis techniques to a case study, CI and corporate governance, the setting up of a CI capability in an organisation and the problems facing CI professionals in South Africa.

    View more

  • 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 on information within the context on 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 literacy 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 addressed.

    View more


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.

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

To contact the University during the COVID-19 lockdown, please send an email to [email protected]

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences