Software and ITLincoln University

New Zealand’s specialist land-based university

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Where you want to be.With the IT industry constantly changing there’s increasing demand globally for IT graduates. This demand is projected to continue growing for the foreseeable future.

The applied nature of Lincoln University’s Bachelor of Software and Information Technology degree, together with other areas studied, means our graduates are very employable in New Zealand as well as overseas.

The broad range of opportunities they can access includes programming, software support, engineering, user support, database design and implementation, systems analysis, network design, website development, and end-user computing.

Lincoln University graduates can be found right across the economy, in areas as diverse as science, tourism, accounting, marketing, resource studies and transport and logistics. Employers range from technology focused manufacturers through to companies that require in-house IT expertise. Recent graduates have been employed at Alchemy, Contec, Gen-i, Jade Corporation, SunGard, PGG Wrightson, Mainfreight, Trimble, Christchurch Medical School, Regional Councils and many other public and private organisations in New Zealand and overseas.

Five reasons to choose our specialist university

We focus on understanding and evaluating existing techniques and theories and applying them to solve real world problems. Our software and Information Technology degree combines theory with hands-on practice in our modern computing suites.

You’ll have access to highly qualifi ed staff with a wide range of industry experience and expertise. Our small classes and open door policy means you will soon get to know your lecturers and feel happy to approach them for support and advice.

Software and IT

We work hard to stay on top of industry demands. Our Department of Applied

Computing receives excellent feedback from employers in the Canterbury region and

maintains great relationships through its Computer Industry Liaison Group.

We offer a wide range of topics within the degree such as programming, systems analysis, databases, operating systems, networking, end-user computing, web technologies and software engineering.

Because our Bachelor of Software and Information Technology (BS&IT) is such a fl exible degree, you can include a major or minor from other disciplines such as

commerce, resource studies and science.

PAGE 4 www.lincoln.ac.nz

The Programmes

Bachelor of Software and Information Technology

Lincoln University’s Bachelor of Software and Information Technology is a three year degree made up of 24 courses.

All students take courses that cover computer programming, algorithms, data structures and end-user application software. These courses are the ones listed in Schedule A and are compulsory.

Students must complete four courses from schedules B and C with at least three from schedule B. Most students choose to take more computing courses than this.

The degree structure is fl exible, allowing you to also study courses from other areas such as commerce, science, resource and environmental studies, mathematics and statistics, conservation and ecology, transport or tourism. Most IT jobs will see you applying your skills to other areas of expertise, so including other courses in your degree can be a good idea.

At Lincoln University you can include a minor (normally fi ve courses) or major in another subject. For example, you might include a minor in Marketing, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Business Management or Tourism.

See www.lincoln.ac.nz/majorsandminors for a full list of majors and minors available.

Course of StudySchedule A

COMP 101 Computing This course focuses on the use of application packages such as spreadsheets and databases and looks at the social implications of using information technology. It also includes an introduction to website design and development.

COMP 102 Computer ProgrammingThis course is an introduction to programming concepts and techniques including object-oriented programming and graphical user interface design.

COMP 110 Fundamental Concepts of ComputingThis course focuses on concepts that are essential for further study in computing. These include discrete mathematics, algorithms and data representation.

COMP 202 Computer Concepts and OrganisationThis course studies the structure and function of computer hardware and operating systems and how they affect performance and functionality. It also provides an introduction to data communications and security.

COMP 203 Problem Solving with End-User ToolsThis course studies end-user application software and its use to effectively solve a variety of real problems.

COMP 205 Development of Effective ProgramsThis course focuses on program development from problem defi nition to user interface design and testing in an object-oriented environment, incorporating the choice of appropriate data structures and algorithms.

Bachelor of Software and Information TechnologyDiploma of Software and Information Technology

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Schedule B

COMP 302 Analysis & Design of Information SystemsThis course studies structured techniques for the analysis of information systems requirements. It also looks at aspects of design, including interface design and protolyping.

COMP 303 Concepts & Organisation of DatabasesThis course covers the design and implementation of databases with particular reference to the relational model.

COMP 307 End-User ComputingThis course focuses on the advanced use of end-user software for developing reliable applications for use within an organisation and deployment over the internet. It also studies current issues in end-user computing.

COMP 311 Operating SystemsThis course studies the structure and functions of modern operating systems, system confi gurations and performance as well as the implications for system management.

COMP 312 Computer NetworkingThis course focuses on the structure and function of computer networks, network confi guration and the implications for network design and management.

COMP 314 Software EngineeringThis course looks at the professional development of large software projects including design, testing and project management.

COMP 315 Web DevelopmentThis course studies how to develop web applications and includes web architecture, server side scripting, database integration, web services and security considerations.

Schedule C

COMP 308 Computer Modelling and SimulationThis course focuses on using computer simulation to analyse systems in the natural sciences, commerce and engineering. It studies the development and validation of models and use of simulation systems.

COMP 313 Computer GraphicsThis course studies the underlying concepts of computer graphics as well as developing applications using industry standard software to generate realistic images of 3D scenes.

ERST 310 GIS and Applications in Natural Resource Analysis

This course studies the use of GIS and spatial analysis tools for resource applications, problem solving, decision-making and planning for environmental issues and sustainable management of natural resources.

Diploma of Software and Information Technology

If you’re interested in software and information technology but don’t have the time to do a full degree, you might want to consider the Diploma in Software and Information Technology. This is a one year programme of eight courses which includes at least four courses from schedule A.

PAGE 6 www.lincoln.ac.nz

Other study options

Other areas of study at Lincoln University

If you are interested in Software and Information Technology, you may also be interested in some of the other programmes on offer such as:

• Agricultural science

• Applied science

• Commerce

• Environmental policy

• Horticultural science

• Landscape architecture

• Ma-ori and indigenous planning and development

• Natural resources management and ecological engineering

• Parks, recreation, leisure and tourism management

• Resource studies

• Science

• Social science

• Viticulture and oenology.

You can include many of these areas as a named minor or major within your Bachelor of Software and Information Technology.

For further information contact us on 0800 10 60 10.

So you’re keen to further your study?

There is a range of graduate and postgraduate qualifi cations offered at Lincoln University that challenge you to achieve new levels of thinking, study and research.

Qualifi cations options include:

• Graduate Certifi cate

• Graduate Diploma

• Honours Degree

• Postgraduate Certifi cate

• Postgraduate Diploma

• Masters Degree

• PhD.

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Software and Information Technology Knowledge and skills are only relevant when they are applied to real world issues, social or business related. At Lincoln University, we endeavour to equip you with a variety of transferable software and information technology skills which you can then apply to real world problems.

We provide postgraduate courses in:

• Software engineering and data management

• Data visualisation

• Image processing and computer graphics

• Interaction design

• Neural networks and computer modelling.

Our focus in these courses is on understanding and evaluating existing theories and techniques and applying them to solve real problems.

For further information contact us on 0800 10 60 10.

PAGE 8 www.lincoln.ac.nz

Look where they’ve landed

Bachelor of Software and Information Technology graduate Michael Trengrove wanted a qualifi cation that taught him the practical skills needed in the workplace. “Lincoln University seemed to be the only university with the hands-on approach I was after.”

As Technical Services Specialist at Trimble Navigation he is part of a software team creating cutting edge mobile GPS applications. Trimble turns over $1.3 billion USD in revenue annually and employs 230 people in the Christchurch offi ce. In his spare time he works for his own company, Software Without Borders, creating software to teach literacy and numeracy skills to illiterate children and adults. For this project, he works out of the Canterbury Innovation Incubator, of which Lincoln University is a founding partner.

During his studies he says he learnt how to work in a team, communicate effectively, keep to deadlines and manage his time effi ciently. “The supervisors at Trimble want people who can hit the ground running and I believe the degree at Lincoln has enabled me to do this.”

Adding to this he says that the style of teaching matched his learning style, lectures followed by hands-on time during tutorials in the labs. “I enjoyed the practical projects which involved real world situations. Also, after the fi rst year class sizes are generally small which means lots of one-on-one time with lecturers and time to ask questions. The lectures are all recorded which really enhances study time for tests and exams and if you can’t make a lecture you can watch it later.”

ICT is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s biggest exports and Michael wanted to be a part of it. “The pay rates are great and the industry provides opportunities to work worldwide.”

MICHAEL TRENGROVEBACHELOR OF SOFTWARE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GRADUATETECHNICAL SERVICES SPECIALIST, TRIMBLE NAVIGATION

“The in-depth technical knowledge I learnt

at Lincoln I use every day in my job!”

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“... wherever I work, here or maybe back in China, I

will always be using the skills that I fi rst got with my

degree at Lincoln.”

LU YEBACHELOR OF SOFTWARE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GRADUATETUTOR, DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED COMPUTING AT LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

Lu Ye says that when the tutoring opportunity came up it was a great chance for her to put into practice the things she had learnt. “Basically, what I do daily is assist the examiners with the preparation and administration of laboratory exercises, projects, tests and exams and distribution of teaching material.” She also leads laboratory sessions and assists with administration tasks such as maintaining class web pages for courses.

The advice she has for starting students is to choose the area of study you are most interested in. “Don’t choose one just because it’s popular, ask many questions and fi nd out what will be offered in a particular area of study before doing it.” Lu decided to study Software & Information Technology because of the information-based age we are living in: “For most jobs out there, good computing skills are a requirement.”

She says she enjoyed the small classes and friendly people at Lincoln and recommends new students get involved in activities and events such as the garden party. “I made lots of friends here and they will last for a lifetime.”

“Whether or not I carry on in computing education or move into the IT industry I don’t know but I do know that wherever I work, here or maybe back in China, I will always be using the skills that I fi rst got with my degree at Lincoln.”

PAGE 10 www.lincoln.ac.nz

Frequently asked questions

What do Software and Information Technology students study?

You’ll study programming, software engineering, computer networking and operating systems, end-user computing, web technologies and information systems. The focus is on understanding and evaluating existing techniques and theories and applying them to solve real problems.

What is different about Lincoln’s degree?

Our degree is very fl exible so you can study courses from another discipline. You can include a major or minor in a number of areas including commerce, science, environmental management or any other subject area taught at Lincoln University. Employers especially value this breadth of knowledge in our graduates.

What is the difference between Computer Science and studying Software and Information Technology?

Software and Information Technology emphasises solving real world problems using the most appropriate techniques. Computer Science emphasises developing rather than applying techniques. Computer Science generally has a more technical focus than our Software and Information Technology programme.

Can I study Software and Information Technology without having studied computing at school?

Yes, you can. Our courses are designed so that previous experience is not required. In particular, computer programming is taught starting from fi rst principles.

Can I do Software and Information Technology without excelling at maths at school?

Even if you’ve had a bad experience with maths at school, that doesn’t mean you’ll fi nd studying Software and Information Technology hard, although people who are good at maths are usually good at computing. What is really important is that you enjoy solving problems.

Are there certain courses that I have to study?

The Bachelor of Software and Information Technology has relatively few prescribed courses. There are three compulsory 100 level and three compulsory 200 level computing courses. You must also study at least four 300 level computing courses.

How long will it take me to complete a BS&IT if I have an existing degree?

If you have a recognised degree in another discipline you should be able to complete this degree in two years. You might also want consider our Graduate Diploma in Software and Information Technology. This very popular programme can be completed in one year and is available to graduates of all disciplines.

What subjects should I study at school to best prepare me for this degree?

Studying maths, English and computing at school is recommended, but not essential.

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Want to know more?Phone 0800 10 60 10 in New Zealand or +64 3 325 2811 if you’re calling from overseas.

Text LAND to 5900 with your email or mobile details so that we can contact you, or

email us at land@lincoln.ac.nz

You can also visit the Lincoln University website - www.lincoln.ac.nz - to fi nd out more about: Scholarships Accommodation options Enrolment and Semester dates Fees And more ...

Lincoln UniversityNew Zealand’s specialist land-based university

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DisclaimerEvery effort is made to ensure that information in this publication is correct at the time of printing, but the content may be subject to change. Lincoln University reserves the right to make changes, amendments or deletions - including the withdrawal of courses - should circumstances change.Lincoln University does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any express or implied liability whatsoever to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether these errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause.

0800 10 60 10 in New Zealand

+64 3 325 2811 internationalwww.lincoln.ac.nzWant to fi nd out more?