BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATICS

INTRODUCTION

Informatics is the science of information, the practice of information processing, and the engineering of information systems. Informatics studies the structure, algorithms, behavior, and interactions of natural and artificial systems that store, process, access and communicate information. Informatics can also be considered as a bridging discipline that is fundamentally interested in the application of information, information technology and information systems within organisations.
The need for Informaticists all over the world is very high, especially at the degree level. In Kenya there is great demand for information system managers, ICT managers, systems developers, programmers, system designers, web designers, among others. The job market for these graduates justifies the need to mount a BSc. in Informatics course to facilitate training of these professionals to enable graduates to participate fully in the global information society.

RATIONALE
The BSc. in Informatics degree programme is designed to produce competent informatics professionals to work in modern organisations and/or self-employment. The course blends theory and practice and the teaching of each topic is well adapted to the use of all forms of multimedia technologies. Teaching methods consist of lectures, seminars, laboratory practical, demonstrations, written assignments, project work, field visits, individual reading, research, problem solving and practical attachment.
The programme aligns well with the Moi University vision of nurturing innovation and talent in science, technology and development. Further, it fits within the Moi University mission of developing scientific and technological knowledge through quality teaching and research for the betterment of society. The Kenya Vision 2030 recognizes the importance of education and training which may be improved through a continuous development and review of curriculum. This blue print also recognizes the importance of ICT infrastructure and personnel in reducing the communication distance between various regions. This would then remove the aspect of remote regions. Further, business processes outsourcing which is IT enabled is recognized as an important aspect of the modern world hence Moi University is expected to play a role in training competent graduates who can make use of this technology.

AIM
The BSc. in Informatics aims to produce competent graduates in informatics and related professions who are capable of harnessing the power of Information and Communication Technology to solve current and future problems.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the programme are to:

Introduce students to current thought and practice in informatics;
Acquaint students with the principles of management of information systems and services;
Equip students with necessary knowledge, techniques and skills to respond intelligently with ICT solutions to business, socio-economic and management problems;
Improve the professional standards and status of the ICT discipline;
Produce Informatics professionals ready to enter a range of technical and business focussed careers in the ICT field.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must satisfy the minimum entry requirements of Moi University as stipulated in the statutes and will be selected on the basis of their performance in the following cluster of subjects in KCSE: English or Kiswahili, Mathematics, best remaining subject in group (iii), and best remaining subject in group (iv) or group (vi).
Admission may be granted to candidates who meet minimum entry requirements of the university and who are also holders of a relevant diploma qualification in information technology or any other related field recognized by the Moi University Senate, so long as the diploma has been obtained with distinction or credit. Such candidates may be admitted directly into the second year of study.
Admission may be granted to candidates who meet minimum entry requirements of university and who are also holders of a relevant Higher National Diploma qualification in information technology related field so long as the Higher National Diploma has been obtained with distinction or credit. Such candidates may be admitted directly into the third year of study.
Admission may be granted to candidates who are holders of Diploma in Informatics of Moi university, such candidates may be directly admitted to third year of study.
DURATION AND STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE
The duration of the BSc. in Informatics degree programme shall normally extend over eight semesters (four academic years). In the first year, students are introduced to informatics and follow university common courses. In the second, third and fourth years, students take courses which are core and common to all the Informatics profession. In second and fourth years, the students will be required to do an Informatics Project. The Project at fourth year will have to be demonstrated to examiners. This demonstration will account for 50% of the total marks while the remaining 50% is from the project documentation. At the end of the final year, students will be required to spend eight (8) weeks on practical attachment.

MID-TERM EXIT PROGRAMME
Students may exit at the end of second year of study after successfully passing the courses offered so far. The students can later be readmitted to third year when they resume after a duration of not more than five (5) years. Students exiting at the end of second year of study may graduate with a Diploma in Informatics.

EXAMINATIONS
The Common University Rules and Regulations for Undergraduate Examinations shall apply. The programme combines both theory and practical courses. For the theory courses the mark distribution will be, Cats 30% and main exam 70%. For the practical courses, the CATs will comprise 40% and the main exam 60%

Programme Structure: