| Overview and Aims of the Program |
This major is designed to provide coverage of the core capabilities in web development and so prepare students to work in this industry, and to take the lead in developing the next generation of web applications. The design and development of web applications involves a range of skills from software development to graphic design. This major provides a grounding in the full range of skills that can then be augmented with a student’s other studies in, for example, software development or media studies to allow them to find their own place in the web eco-system. The major includes both technical aspects of software development for the web and elements of culture and design that are important in developing a successful web application. Final year units bring together each student’s experience and encourages them to apply their knowledge to new and innovative web development projects. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. examine and critically evaluate digital media theory and practice in relation to the web (K, T)
2. design and implement web applications to meet client requirements (K, P, I)
3. critically evaluate contemporary and emerging web technologies (K, T, J)
4. advise on best practices relating to security and the privacy of information on the web (K, P, E, A)
5. describe the role of web standards in the profession and identify the drivers for the development of new standards and techniques (K, T, I, J, L)
6. solve design and development problems with the application of appropriate technologies (K, T, P, I)
7. communicate with clients and end users about web design, development and usability issues (C, E)
8. engage with clients and the community in a professional, ethical and socially responsible manner (C, E, A, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The Major in Web Design and Development is designed to prepare graduates as IT professionals for work in industry, research organisations and academia. The program is intended to meet the Australian Computer Society professional standards for ICT courses which includes the underlying core body of knowledge in IT and the professional and ethical responsibilities relevant to working in the IT industry.
The learning activities in the degree are designed to provide opportunities for students to meet all of these standards. The academics involved with this program are active researchers, which enables them to integrate cutting-edge research into the units that they teach. The majority of the units in this program have practical components supported by small-group teaching sessions in our computing laboratories. Some units utilise small groups where students work in a team to achieve a goal. Communication skills are developed through oral presentations.
The theoretical components of units are presented in lectures and develop the underlying theory, in addition to developing analytical and problem solving skills. All units have weekly face-to-face activities. Assignments are used for formative and summative purposes. As knowledge in IT is continually evolving, learning and teaching methods support the capacity for students to become independent learners.
The major culminates with a Capstone unit that involves students being part of a small team assigned to an industry partner to carry out an industry relevant project. Students work autonomously under the guidance of academic staff and using industry staff as 'clients'. The project allows students to apply in an integrated manner the knowledge and skills they have developed in their studies on a substantial design, analysis or development problem. |
| Assessment |
Units in the Bachelor of Information Technology all have at least three different types of assessment. These assessments are designed not just to test discipline-specific knowledge, but all aspects of professional competency include professional practice, project work, design and communication skills. In addition to formal assessments, students are provided with informal feedback from staff and their peers throughout the semester.
Assessment types are very diverse and include:
• assignments - test the understanding of a learning outcome by means of small size problems
• programming assignments - allow students to demonstrate their competency in developing software of varying complexity
• reports and documents - beside essay style questions to analyse and critique different topics they also assess relevant skills involving documentation such as requirements documentation and project plans
• oral presentations - test students ability to communicate the results of their work
• group reports - are used when group projects or group laboratory work is conducted.
• final exams - the majority of the units will have a final examination where the ability to synthesize and apply knowledge is assessed
• quizzes and in-class tests - assess student learning part-way through the unit and provide feedback to students on learning progress
• tutorial assessment - assess students work in formal tutorial sessions where students receive the support of tutors and other staff. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
Web design and development is a growing sector of the Information Technology industry which touches most if not all organisations that might employ a graduate from our BIT degree program. This major is designed to provide a solid grounding in web technology and design and provide students with the opportunity to develop a portfolio of web projects, designs and writing to prepare them to work in this field. Since the web is a new and developing field, the major emphasises an understanding of the core design goals of the web rather than specific tools and so encourages students to adapt to ideas as they emerge.
"Employment for Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers to November 2017 is expected to grow very strongly. Employment in this small occupation (11,100 in November 2012) rose very strongly in the past five years and in the long-term (ten years), although with small occupations employment estimates can fluctuate." (Source Federal Govt. Job Outlook report: http://joboutlook.gov.au/occupation.aspx?search=keyword&tab=prospects&cluster=&code=2612)
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| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
