Information Systems
Information systems involves creating computer systems that satisfy individual and organisational needs. Information systems encompasses issues such as strategic planning, system development, system implementation, network design and management, operational management, end-user needs and education. Rather than being about developing and enhancing the performance of computers, information systems is about making computer systems work for people.
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How do you study Information Systems?
Students in the three-year Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science and Technology or four-year Bachelor of Liberal Studies can major in information systems. Students interested in information systems can also study these subjects as part of the Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology and Bachelor of Information Technology degrees, or the Bachelor of Arts (Digital Media and Technology) degree.
What will you study?
FIRST YEAR
All students, whether or not they study IS further, can benefit from the Foundations of Information Technology unit (INFO1003). This is a unit on the use of IT to process and transform information; it introduces “systems thinking”, which is a fundamental approach for IS.
SECOND YEAR
There are three units in second year. IS in Organisations is an introductory course on the role and functions of information systems within the organisational context. The unit Data Systems 1 includes database design and application development using SQL. In Systems Analysis and Design you will learn methods for the analysis of existing systems, including fact-finding, problem diagnosis and solution recommendation.
THIRD YEAR
To complete a major in information systems, all students must complete four third-year subjects, including IT Project Management and a substantial group project for an industrial client. Other subjects can be chosen from a range of topics including Human-Computer Interaction, E-Business Analysis and Design, and Database Internals.
What else will you study?
This will be your choice. Information systems is an important skill to add to any major career interest and will significantly increase your employability in any profession. One natural route is to combine information systems with a major in computer science. Another is to study IS with a major appropriate to your interests, such as psychology, biology, physics or geography. This will provide a basis for a career in guiding the use of information technology in that profession. Information systems can also be combined with arts or economics majors.
Further Studies
If you are a high performing student you will find Honours extremely rewarding. In the Honours program students are able to study an area of specialisation of their own choosing. They are supported by staff to carry out a substantial project that enhances their confidence and ability to cope with significant difficulties in their professional careers. Postgraduate degrees consist of programs of research under the direct supervision of a staff member working on important industrial research.
What do Information Systems professionals do?
Many IS graduates begin work as systems analysts. A systems analyst works with people to introduce or expand appropriate technology within their business or organisation according to their needs. The emphasis is on understanding the human need and ensuring that the final solution satisfies that need.
The IS professional has two principal roles within an organisation. They have to be able to manage the change processes that are inevitably initiated by the introduction of new technology into their workplace, and they have to manage the operational aspects of business and organisational activities founded on computing and communications technology, including the development of new computer based activities. Hence an IS professional is a leading figure in both organisational change and organisational performance. IS professionals must have high competencies in understanding the emergent properties of computer and communication systems, and superior competencies as change agents which must include interpersonal communication, intellectual rigour of thought and emotional balance.