Bachelor of Information System
The Bachelor of Information Systems program equips students with the knowledge and skills to bridge technology and business needs. The program focuses on the effective use of information systems to support organizational operations, decision-making, and national digital transformation. Guided by ethical leadership and social responsibility, students gain expertise in software development, database management, networking, information management, system administration, and emerging technologies such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Graduates are prepared to manage, develop, and innovate technology solutions that enhance business and community outcomes.
-
Christian Ethics for Computing Professionals
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS110
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
The development of a basis in Christian ethics for the application of information technology in organizations involves reflection upon shared human values such as human dignity in the Judeo-Christian tradition, personal integrity, tolerance, respect, fairness, privacy, freedom and quality of life. It is also hoped that after the presentation of the major facets of Christian Ethical values, students will develop a better understanding of themselves as Christian professional people as well as the complex, multidimensional factors that affect the actions and decisions of individuals and society as a whole. This unit includes aspects of both the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Core Area of Computer Professional Conduct and the ACS Core Body of Knowledge (CBOK). -
Communication Skills
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS103
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
Study period: Semester 1
In education, the workplace, and the wider community, communication skills are regarded as vitally important for a person’s growth and advance in their career and lives.This unit introduces students to the theory and concepts of communication. Different types and forms of communication skills are introduced and practiced to assist students in their professional and personal communications. Consideration for computer-assisted communication is demonstrated in assisting students in developing word processing and power point presentation skills. -
PC Architecture
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS102
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
This unit provides students with knowledge of the principles of operation of PC based computer systems focusing on hardware. It is designed to take the student from being an end user of the computer to becoming a PC support technician. It also enables students to gain the practical, hands-on skills necessary to accomplish basic levels of identification, construction, fault-finding, and the customization of PCs utilizing common diagnostic software. -
Spreadsheet Modelling
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS107
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
This unit will develop student competency in most of the major features provided in any spreadsheet software application. Features that are used to develop a practical data-driven and model-based application approach to decision making. The level of skill attained should enable Diploma graduates to perform tasks required in a small office environment, such as basic routine bookkeeping, stock inventories, or payroll calculations. It provides students with the ability and capacity to develop Spreadsheets, which are applicable to them in both the business and IT world. Like all businesses, the IS and IT industry are businesses in themselves, and therefore, students are challenged to design and develop real Spreadsheet applications in this program.
-
Desktop Publishing
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS105
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
This unit introduces students to concepts of desktop publishing and principles of good design as well as develops student competence in most of the major features provided by Desktop Publishing applications. The level of skills attained should enable students to perform tasks required in a small office environment, such as designing a line of marketing materials, developing advertising promotions, or developing flyers and other published documents for a business or a community organization. -
Mathematics for Computing
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS104
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
A variety of important graphical, numerical and algebraic methods form a foundation for understanding the concepts, notation, and design of both hardware and software which have become part of Information Technology and its applications. This unit provides students with a first insight into the mathematics involved in computer-related studies. It uses spreadsheet modelling as an illustrative tool and by introducing models, algorithms and code prepare students for their programming units. It maps to the requirements of the ACS Core Area of Discrete Mathematics. -
Operating Systems Administration
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS106
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
Possessing a familiarity with the skills of the installation of currently used PC Operating Systems, such as the varieties of Windows or Linux provides the IS professional with the skills to interact with technicians, system supervisors, and system developers. Simple end-user problems can be solved without too frequent resort to technical help, which may not always be readily available. This unit further develops the Software aspects of the ACS Core Area of Computer Organization and Architecture -
Small Business Accounting
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS109
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
The language of accounting involves a variety of statements and techniques that can mystify non-accounting students and participants. This unit is written primarily for non-financial or accounting students who need to have basic knowledge about financing and accounting mainly for small businesses and organizations. The aim is to cut through as much of the jargon as possible and explain the various statements and techniques straightforwardly, using practical examples, that requires no prior training.
-
Data Analysis & Modelling
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS205
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
Study period: Semester 1
This unit follows from IS107 Spreadsheet Modelling and IS205 Data Analysis and Modelling. It further develops students’ competency in major features provided in Spreadsheet Analysis and Modelling. The focus here is more on financial applications of spreadsheet mainly using statistical and financial functions. The level of skill attained enable students to perform tasks required in an office environment, such as supporting project or investment decisions with discounted cash flow models, preparing forecasts and budgets and making a break-even analysis. -
Database Development
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS204
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
This unit develops student competencies in working with database features provided in Microsoft Access as a database software application. The level of competency attained should enable the performance of tasks required in a small office environment, such as keeping customer, product and sales records. -
Linux Administration
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS211
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
Linux is a Unix-like operating system for PC’s that features a fully functional graphical user interface (GUI). This GNU public licensed software is available free and is now a strong competitor for Windows operating systems. Possessing familiarity with the skills of managing the Linux operating system is now becoming an essential requirement for those entering the IT workforce. This unit complements the knowledge and skills students have gained in IS106, Operating Systems Administration which provided basic aspects of PC operating systems. Students learn to install, use and manage Linux for both servers and clients. This unit further develops the Software aspects of the ACS Core Area of Computer Organisation and Architecture. -
Website Development
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS202
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
The term ‘Web Development’ encompasses several different disciplines, from graphic design to programming and security. The first step is understanding the fundamentals of how the Web works, including a working knowledge of HTML, cascading style sheets (CSS), JavaScript, the role of the webserver, and the importance of web security. This unit introduces students to understanding the structures of web pages, the tags, attributes, and other features that provide a foundation for understanding the dynamics of HTML documents. In addition, students will gain an understanding of CSS to apply style properties to the contents and layout of the web document. Students will be expected to align their website design and styling principles based on World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards.
-
Computer Networks (CCNA 1)
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS212
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
Increasingly, Local Area Networks (LANs) are linked to other LANs via Wide Area Networks, (WANs) in a process known as internetworking. The largest example of this is the Internet to which most LANs today are connected. This unit adapts the CCNA R&S 6.0 curriculum module 1: Introduction to Networks (ITN). The unit covers networking architecture, structure, and functions and introduces the principles and structure of IP addressing. The fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations provide a foundation for the curriculum. This unit also addresses aspects of the ACS Core Areas of Data Communications and Networks as well as the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) curriculum. -
Mathematics for Computing II
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS208
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
A variety of important graphical, numerical and algebraic methods form a foundation for understanding the concepts, notation, and design of both hardware and software which have become part of Information Technology and its applications. This advanced unit follows on from IS104 and provides students with further insight into the mathematics involved in computer-related studies. By introducing models, algorithms and code students are prepared for their programming and database units. It maps to the requirements of the ACS Core Area of Discrete Mathematics. -
Network Management
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS210
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
Skills in managing a network environment using commonly available client and server network operating systems are becoming an essential requirement for those entering the workforce as IS / IT professionals in PNG. The unit further develops the knowledge students have gained in IS106, Operating System Management that provided the basic theoretical understanding of client and server operating systems. -
Programming
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS206
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
Software development requires knowledge of design principles used to ascertain user needs, design, code, test, validate and implement a system. This unit introduces the design of algorithms and their implementation in commonly used programming languages. There are three readily identifiable areas of programming to which lead to separate units. Procedural programming focuses on the program as a series of instructions coding an algorithm. More advanced work considers a second area, the use and coding of data structures. The third area, using Object-Oriented techniques focuses on modelling the complexity of related data belonging to an organisation as a system.
-
Database Design
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS302
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
Information is one of the most important resources in any organisation. Effective management and processing of information are crucial to the success of the organisation. IS302 Database Design aims to provide the student with the knowledge and skills on how to design and implement a small-scale database. However, this unit aims to provide the student with the knowledge and skills on how relational database systems work and function, and design and develop large-scale information systems to capture, process and manipulate information effectively and efficiently for the success of the organisation. It also equips the student to select the most appropriate database management system for the type of database chosen to be developed. Lectures will cover the principles and techniques of relational databases systems and laboratories will help students to develop a large-scale database system. -
Data Communications I (CCNA 2)
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS304
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
The Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (SRWE) course is the second course in the CCNAv7 curriculum. This unit focuses on switching technologies and router operations that support small-to-medium business networks. It includes wireless local area networks (WLANs) and security concepts. Students learn key switching and routing concepts. They can perform basic network configuration and troubleshooting, identify and mitigate LAN security threats, and configure and secure a basic WLAN. -
Structured Programming
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS301
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
This unit covers the fundamental principles and practices of structured programming. Students will gain an understanding of and practical experiences in analysing problems, designing algorithms, coding, testing and debugging structured programs to address these problems. They will have the technical competence to write structured programs in a modern programming language. Other topics include ethics in IT, program correctness, good programming practices and documentation, the role of compilers and execution of programs by computer hardware. This unit relates to aspects of the ACS Core Areas of Data Structures and Algorithms, as well as Program Design and Implementation, and Software Engineering and Methodologies. -
Web Application Development
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS312
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
The World Wide Web continues its meteoric growth. Websites have matured from simple collections of static HTML pages to data-driven web applications. Many technologies exist for developing data-driven web sites. This unit will use the Open-Source (free) technology to create web applications. Apache server is used to process PHP server scripts and MySQL as its backend database. PHP programming language will be used to create server-side scripts in the development of dynamic data-driven applications. Working knowledge of HTML 5 and Javascript and JQuery is required to help create web-based applications. The latter part of this unit will discuss the emerging mobile technology (Android programming) and will challenge the students to convert some of the web-based applications to mobile compatibility.
-
Data Communications II (CCNA 3)
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS308
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
Study period: Semester 2
This course builds on CCNA R&S v7 curriculum third course Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation (ENSA). This course describes the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks. This course covers wide area network (WAN) technologies and quality of service (QoS) mechanisms used for secure remote access. Students gain skills to configure and troubleshoot enterprise networks and learn to identify and protect against cybersecurity threats. The unit addresses aspects of the CCNAv7 3 (Cisco Certified Network Associate) Routing & Switching curriculum. -
Enterprise Systems
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS311
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
Information systems are vital to the success of modern organisations. Many of these organisations have a traditional arrangement of information systems, where each has different systems, supporting only the activities, functions and business processes of individual functional areas. This arrangement can result in having separate databases, which do not communicate with each other and making it difficult for managers to assemble the data required to see a complete view of the organisation’s performance. Separate systems may function well within their own functional areas. However, to be successful in a competitive business environment with rapidly changing technology, organisations need to integrate their areas so that processes in those areas could work together through the sharing of information. Organisations are now implementing enterprise systems to respond to these problems and gain from its benefits. This unit aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to develop and document enterprise systems to automate and integrate processes from different areas by using a common database to enhance organisational performance and operational efficiency. -
Financial Modelling
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS309
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
This unit follows from IS107 Spreadsheet Modelling and IS205 Data Analysis and Modelling. It further develops students’ competency in major features provided in Spreadsheet Analysis and Modelling. The focus here is more on financial applications of spreadsheet mainly using statistical and financial functions. The level of skill attained enable students to perform tasks required in an office environment, such as supporting project or investment decisions with discounted cash flow models, preparing forecasts and budgets and making a break-even analysis. -
Object-Oriented Programming
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS305
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
Object-oriented programming focuses on modelling the complexity of related data belonging to an organization as a system of interrelated and interacting user-defined data types known as objects, which have attributes and accompanying methods. This unit introduces the major concepts of classes, encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism with programming examples. A small project such is developed to illustrate the application of object-oriented principles. This unit relates to aspects of the ACS Core Areas of Data Structures and Algorithms, as well as Program Design and Implementation, and Software Engineering and Methodologies.
-
Advanced Network Management
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS410
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
The unit further develops the competencies of installing and configuring a Windows Server 2012 gained in IS210, Network Management. Topics studied in IS210 are revised with an emphasis on those, which are more challenging. The unit focuses on administering Windows Server 2012. It also assumes that students have acquired a strong understanding of data communications concepts studied in IS308. More advanced topics are then discussed including: Deploy and manage Server Images, Configuring Distributed File System (DFS), Configuring DNS Zones and Records, configuring VPN and Routing, configuring Domain Controllers, configuring Security Policies, configuring Account Policies, configuring Application Restriction Policies, and configuring Windows Firewall. On completion of these units, it is anticipated that graduates are eligible to apply for positions as beginning network administrators. -
Data Communications III (CCNA 4)
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS404
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
This unit builds on the Scaling Networks concepts gained in IS308. The first few topics will revise Routing Protocols (EIGRP & Multi-Area OSPF) and then the focus is on the different WAN technologies. The benefits, configuring and troubleshooting of common WAN protocols like PPP, PPPoE, GRE and single-home eBGP will be covered. The course covers extended IPv6 ACLs and mitigating common LAN security attacks, QoS operation and troubleshooting end-to-end connectivity in a small to medium-sized business network using a systematic approach. The first WAN protocol you will encounter is PPP with CHAP authentication. You will configure access lists to limit network access and determine the IP addresses that are used in NAT. You will also configure a GRE tunnel to allow BGP updates between the East and West domains. You will also configure SNMP and SPAN for network monitoring. Network configurations and connectivity will be verified throughout the assessment by using common CLI commands. Students design and document a major multi-campus internetwork for a hypothetical PNG enterprise as the capstone project. -
Project Management
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS401
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
This unit is aimed at providing undergraduate students with fundamental project management knowledge and an introduction to the key features of modern project management practices within organizations. Students undertaking this unit will gain an understanding of the factors required to manage projects successfully by learning how projects are successful by applying tools and techniques to project justification, planning, estimation, scheduling and execution. While the acquired skills are applicable to all kinds of projects, the focus is on information technology/systems projects. Students work on practical case studies in small teams, using commercial project management software to plan a project, monitor and control the progress, and report on the status. -
Systems Analysis & Design
Study Period: Semester OneUnit code: IS403
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
This is a practical field and is designed to equip students with the concepts and principles to effectively analyse and design a system. This unit allows students to explore both traditional and object-oriented approaches to systems analysis & design and integrates key modelling concepts that apply to both traditional and object-oriented approaches. The traditional approach is based on modern structured analysis & design. The objected-oriented approach is based on Unified Modelling Language (UML) from Object Management Group (OMG). Additional concepts are also included in response to the realities of system development today.
-
Electronic Commerce
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS402
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
A rapidly developing application of extranet and Internet technology is providing for online commercial transactions known as Electronic Commerce. An organization becomes virtual when it presents itself largely electronically (rather than, for example, a physically existing building) as a web page to be accessed through Internet access. Commerce takes place via online catalogues, email, and credit cards and electronic payment systems. Only physical delivery of purchased goods takes place outside the electronic system. Online Publishing, Internet Banking, Business-to-Business transactions also introduce a virtual aspect to organizations. Issues of trading legislation, security and ethics are important issues for providers and consumers. There are also important social implications as these technologies bring about lifestyle changes, render many employee positions redundant, and lead to bank branch, and traditional commercial outlet closures. -
End User Support
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS405
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
The main purpose of this unit is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the helpdesk environment and the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to work in the user support field. Students will learn problem solving and communication skills that are imperative when providing user support. Through hands-on exercises and case study projects students will learn how to apply their knowledge and develop their skills and ideas. They will also learn how to work individually and in a team that will prepare them for a team-oriented work environment. -
IS Project & Presentation
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS406
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
This unit enables students to work independently on a project, such as a particular information system, which requires them to bring together a broad sector of the undergraduate knowledge they have gained on a chosen problem. This unit will also foster currency of knowledge in an environment which is rapidly changing. Students may also find it an advantage to choose a project with which they could demonstrate their competence to a prospective employer. This unit also enables final year students to consider “cutting edge” research and developments by developing a guided report, presented in a series of draft forms, using recent journal literature. Topics may be chosen from a provided list containing key suggested references. Literature research, report writing and oral presentations at a formal IS seminar are all aspects of the experience in this unit. -
Wireless Networking
Study Period: Semester TwoUnit code: IS411
Credit points: 15
Campus: Madang
In the areas of networking, data communications and telecommunications, wireless technologies are gaining ever-increasing importance. Well-known examples include the cordless phones in the home to cellular phones that are used throughout the world. The traditional wired telephone line is rapidly being replaced by wireless local, metropolitan, and wide-area networks. With the techniques of wirelessly counting the inventory of products on store shelves and paying for purchases without using hard currency, wireless data communications are ubiquitous. Many towns and cities are installing wireless networks that allow residents and visitors to access the Internet from anywhere, using notebook computers and handheld devices. Students will gain background and an overview of the available range of wireless data communications technologies.
Entry Requirements
· Successfully completed 4 years of Secondary education from a recognized school.
· Minimum grades
· English - B
· Mathematics A – C
· All other subjects – B
· Special entry applicants whose educational qualifications do not satisfy the requirements for admission to these programs, but who have a sound and sufficient basis for application supported by documentation, may be granted admission if they satisfy special admission criteria, determined by the Academic Board of Divine Word University.
· Credit may be given under certain circumstances. Provision exists within the University for recognition of prior learning. Students applying for transfer of credit or recognition of prior learning must follow the proper processes and procedures of the University. The maximum credit that may be allowed in any program is half of the program units.
· Network engineers
· Helpdesk support
· Systems Analyst
· Systems Administrator
· ICT Support
