Bachelor in Information Technology

The educational objectives of the DSIT program are centred on the graduation of qualified information technology scientists with solid foundations in all areas of computer sciences and information technology. The proposed Dual Study Information Technology (DSIT) program is a new and multidisciplinary approach that covers the latest trends in the field of the use of soft- and hardware in computer sciences:

• Apply relevant knowledge of mathematics, science, and computer sciences to real-life problems
• Analyse and interpret IT problems to design IT solutions for businesses and other beneficiaries.
• Design a system, a component, or a process to meet desired IT and Information Systems’ needs.
• Identify, formulate, and solve computer science problems.
• Understand and practice professional and ethical responsibility.
• Provide the broad education necessary to understand the impact of Computer Science & IT solutions in a global and social context.
• Provide a comprehensive knowledge of contemporary and actual professional issues.
• Transfer and apply theoretical knowledge into practical applications.
• Develop social and professional competences.
• Increase the work-readiness of CS & IT graduates
• Understand customers’ problems and to suggest appropriate solution

Thus, upon completion of this program, students will have:

•  An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and computer sciences.
• An ability to design IT solutions, to analyse and interpret IT problems.
• An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired IT needs.
• An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve computer science problems.
• An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
• An ability to communicate with customers effectively.
• The broad education necessary to understand the impact of computer science solutions in a global and societal context.
• A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
• A knowledge of contemporary and actual professional issues. 18 | Page
• An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern IT tools necessary for computer science practice.
• An ability to transfer and apply theoretical knowledge into practical applications
• A knowledge of the professional environment
• Well-developed social competences
• An enhancement to increase the work-readiness of IT graduates
• An ability to understand customers’ problems and to suggest appropriate solutions

To be able to register for the Dual Studies Program, the student must fulfil the following: Good grades through high school sophomore and junior years Accomplishment of Tawjihi exam with a general grade of at least 75% in Science or Technology Good level in English determined through an assessment English test provided by Al-Quds University

DSIT graduates can be employed in the positions of: Software Application Developers, Technical Managers for Companies in the IT sector, Network Administrators, System Programmers, Security Service Specialists, Sales managers for companies of IT, IT System Designers and Analysers, Graphic and Multimedia Specialists and Entrepreneurs setting up his/her own IT related business.

DSIT Program Requirements by Category:

University Requirements (14 Credits):

Course No.	Course Name	Credits
1800070	History of Jerusalem	2
1800071	Palestine: Nature and Environment	2
1800072	Language and Logic	2
1800002	Low-Intermediate English	2
1800003	Intermediate English	2
1800004	Upper-Intermediate English	2
1800010	Advanced English	2
	Total Credits	14

Table 9: University Requirements

Dual Studies College Requirements (10 Credits):

Course No.	Course Name	Credits
1800001	Basics of Business Administration	2
1800005	German I	2
1800006	German II	2
1800011	Entrepreneurship	2
1800012	Communication Skills	2
	Total Credits	10

Table 10: Dual Studies College Requirements

DSIT Specialization (Mandatory) Requirements (114 Credits):

Course No.	Course Name	Credits
1820103	Mathematics I	3
1820101	Introduction to Computer Science	3
1820102	Fundamentals of Programming	3
1820104	Mathematics II	3
1820108	Introduction to Networks	2
1820109	Software Engineering	3
1820203	Data Structures & Algorithms I	3
1820204	Information Systems	2
1820205	Object-Oriented Programming	3
1820206	Introduction to Research Methods	1
1820207	Computer Organization & Architecture	2
1820208	Data Structures & Algorithms II	3
1820209	Statistics and Probability	2
1820210	Operating Systems	3
1820211	IT Project Management	2
1820302	Human-Computer Interaction	3
1820303	Database I	3
1820304	Mobile and Web Development	3
1820305	Information Ethics	2
1820306	Compiler Design and Language Processing	3
1820307	Database II	2
1820308	Computer Graphics and Image Processing	2
1820402	Knowledge Systems	3
1820403	Software Quality Control	3
1820401	Special Topics	3
1820407	Parallel & Distributed Computing	3
1820480	Project Study I	3
1820481	Project Study II	3
1820190	Practice I	5
1820191	Practice II	5
1820290	Practice III	5
1820291	Practice IV	5
1820390	Practice V	5
1820391	Practice VI	5
1820490	Practice VII – Graduation Project I	5
1820491	Practice VIII – Graduation Project II	5
Total Credits		114

Table 11: DSIT Specialization (Mandatory) Requirements

DSIT Specialization (Elective) Requirements (2 Credits):

The student should choose one of the following courses (which are labeled as 1820XXX DSIT Elective in the rest of the tables)

Course No.	Course Name		Credits
1820260	Serious Gaming Fundamentals		2
1820450	Automata Theory		2
1820451	Secure Software Development		2
		Total Credits	6

Table 12: DSIT Specialization (Elective) Requirements

Total Credits: 14 + 10 + 114 + 2 = 140 Credit Hours. Execution Plan and Course Distribution The Dual Studies IT combines academic learning with the direct application and expansion of knowledge in professional practice. A Dual Study student will spend an essential part of his study time (approximately 50%) in a training company and the rest at the University. The Dual Study IT B.Sc. degree program lasts four years. The year is divided in 2 semesters of 24 weeks and 4 weeks leave:

• 2 Semesters per year , each 24 weeks
• each semester (24 weeks) consists of 12 weeks theory and 12 weeks practice (4 quarters)
• 4 weeks leave (only taken in practice periods)

The students will generally change every 3 months between the two places of learning. However, the two partners can arrange within one academic year the periods also in different ways. Therefore, it may be an advantage if the last two theoretical phases follow each other very soon – only with a short break-. The two practice phases of 4th year are then at the end of the study time and allow them enough time for the graduation project and a smooth transition into the professional career.

1st Year of Study		Credits
Total credits per year	35	Semester 1		Semester 2
Course	Course Code	Theory	Practice	Theory	Practice
Communication Skills	1800012	2
Low-Intermediate English	1800002	2
Mathematics I	1820103	3
Introduction to Computer Science	1820101	3
Fundamentals of Programming	1820102	3
Practice I	1820190		5
Intermediate English	1800003			2

 

Mathematics II	1820104			3
Introduction to Networks	1820108			2
Software Engineering	1820109			3
Basics of Business Administration	1800001			2
Practice II	1820191				5
Total		13	5	12	5

 

2nd Year of Study		Credits
Total credits per year	35	Semester 3		Semester 4
Course	Course Code	Theory	Practice	Theory	Practice
History of Jerusalem	1800070	2
Upper-Intermediate English	1800004	2
Data Structures and Algorithms I	1820203	3
Information Systems	1820204	2
Object-Oriented Programming	1820205	3
Introduction to Research Methods	1820206	1
Practice III	1820290		5
Computer Arch. & Organization	1820207			2
Data Structures and Algorithms II	1820208			3
Statistics and Probability	1820209			2
Operating Systems	1820210			3
IT Project Management	1820211			2
Practice IV	1820291				5
Total		13	5	12	5

 

3rd Year of Study		Credits
Total credits per year	36	Semester 5		Semester 6
Course	Course Code	Theory	Practice	Theory	Practice
German I	1800005	2
Human-Computer Interaction	1820302	3
Database I	1820303	3
Mobile and Web Development	1820304	3
Information Ethics	1820305	2
Practice V	1820390		5
Compiler Design and Language Processing	1820306			3
Database II	1820307			2
Computer Graphics and Image Processing	1820308			2
DSIT Elective	1820XXX			2
Palestine: Nature & Environment	1800071			2
German II	1800006			2
Practice VI	1820391				5
Total		13	5	13	5

4th Year of Study		Credits
Total credits per year	34	Semester 7		Semester 8
Course	Course Code	Theory	Practice	Theory	Practice
Language and Logic	1800072	2
Knowledge Systems	1820402	3
Software Quality Control	1820403	3
Advanced English	1800010	2
Project Study I	1820480	3
Practice VII – Graduation Project I	1820490		5
Special Topics	1820401			3
Parallel & Distributed Computing	1820407			3
Entrepreneurship	1800011			2
Project Study II	1820481			3
Practice VIII – Graduation Project II	1820491				5
Total		13	5	11	5

Table 13: Courses distribution per academic year

Courses descriptions, objectives and their relations to the IT objectives

1800070 History of Jerusalem  (2 credits)

This course offers historical accords of Jerusalem and discusses the important historical phases that Jerusalem has gone through. It starts with the era of establishing the city until recent times, focusing on the process of political, economic, and social circumstances in each era.

1800002  Low-Intermediate English  (2 credits) 

This course is the first of a series of four English courses which is designed for English language learners who can communicate in familiar topics and texts which contain common vocabulary, and understand the main points of a conversation, but with some difficulty and with the need of much more vocabulary. The course aims at enhancing students’ competency in comprehending passages of medium length, and improving students’ fluency in expressing themselves orally and in writing through conducting short conversations and forming simple and compound sentences. It promotes students’ real life listening skills and enables them to comprehend spoken English in conversations and talks of average length. It develops students’ writing skills at the level of forming a well-structured sentences based on the given input.

1820103 Mathematics I  (3 credits) 

System of linear equations and elementary row operations, linear transformations and matrix representation and vectors.

Derivate: the derivate as a function and as a rate of change, derivate of products, quotients and negative powers, derivates of trigonometric functions , the chain rule, implicit differentiation and related rates. Integral: definite integral, application of integrals, mean value

1820101  Introduction to Computer Science  (3 credits) 

The course provides a comprehensive introduction to computers and computer science as a problem solving discipline.  Topics covered in the course are: technical representation of information, digital number systems, basic architecture of processors, components of a computer system, connections and peripheral devices, memory hierarchy (cache, virtual memory), processing of instructions in a simple processor (data path, control), role and basics of operating systems, problem solving and  programming languages basic structures of data processing systems.

1820102 Fundamentals of Programming  (3 credits) 

The course is a supplement of Introduction to Computer Science with focuses on software, algorithmic problem solving and fundamentals of programming. It communicates the basic principles of programming as well as elementary abstraction mechanisms of software development. The students learn to write small software modules; hence it includes a substantial part of lab work using computers. Overview of software development and its importance, technical and formal basics of programming, basic linguistic aspects (syntax and semantics of programming languages),  Introduction to programming (value, elementary data types, function, variable, condition, control structures, statement, procedure)

1800003 Intermediate English  (2 credits) 

This course is the second of a series of four English courses which is designed for learners who have good knowledge of English, understand the main points when listening to a native speaker if the topic is familiar and understand the main ideas in texts which contain high frequency or job related vocabulary, and can use basic tenses, but have problems with more complex grammar and vocabulary. It aims at developing students’ levels of accuracy and fluency in English speaking and writing, awareness of the writing process and reading and listening sub-skills. During this course, students will have the opportunity to practice the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. Reading materials will range from notices and brochures to short articles and letters. Different types of spoken English used in a range of social situations will be used for listening comprehension, and students will be encouraged to write accurate English.

1820104 Mathematics II  (3 credits) 

Infinite series: limit of sequence of numbers subsequence’s and bounded sequences, infinite series, test for convergence, alternating series, absolute and conditional convergence, trigonometry, 3 D system, algorithm of numerical mathematics and logics.

1820108 Introduction to Networks (2 credits) 

This course covers topics around principles, design, implementation, and performance of computer networks, Internet protocols and routing, local area networks, TCP, performance analysis, congestion control, switching and routing, mobile IP, peer-to-peer overlay networks, network security, and other current research topics.

1820109 Software Engineering (3 credits) 

This course introduces software engineering as a discipline, discusses stages of the software life cycle, compares development models such as waterfall, agile development, v-model, prototyping and incremental/iterative, covers requirements analysis, effort and cost estimation, compares structured and object-oriented analysis and design methods.

1800001 Basics of Business Administration (2 credits) 

Important business terms (costs, revenue, profit, return on investment), factors of location decisions, production & operation management, basics of marketing; management structures and decisions.

1800071  Palestine: Nature and Environment  (2 credits) 

This course provides basic introduction to the geography and demographics of Palestine. It presents Palestine’s geographical areas, before focusing on the demographic changes; Palestine has went through its history.

1800004  Upper-Intermediate English (2 credits) 

This course is the third of a series of four English courses, which is designed for learners who can understand lectures of familiar topics, understand the news on television reasonably well, interact with some fluency and spontaneity and take an active part in discussions on familiar topics. It aims at developing students’ levels of accuracy and fluency in English speaking and writing, awareness of the writing process and reading and listening sub-skills. At this course, students can understand the main ideas of complex texts, including technical discussions in their field of specialization, interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers. In addition, they will be able to produce clear and structured texts on familiar subjects.

1800010 Advanced English (2 credits) 

This course is the fourth of a series of four English courses which is designed for learners who can understand lectures in the target language on both familiar and unfamiliar topics, and understand news on television and radio well, taking an active part in discussions on both familiar and unfamiliar topics, but still make mistakes and fail to make themselves understood occasionally. During this course, students will develop accuracy and fluency in speaking and writing, awareness of the writing process and reading and listening sub-skills. Learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning. They can also express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions, use English flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes and produce clear, well-structured and detailed texts on different subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns connectors and cohesive devices. In addition, it aims at familiarizing students with the internationally recognized proficiency tests such as (TOEFL & IELTS) to ensure students have the integrated skills needed in taking the proficiency tests.

1800011 Entrepreneurship (2 credits) 

The course will cover the basic skills needed to improve the personality characteristics and enhance the interpersonal skills of the students. Broadening the student’s visions and focusing on internal success factors are key elements of the course. The course will tackle issues like; entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial life, SMEs successes and failures, motivation and self-management, creativity and innovation, leadership and teamwork, networking and negotiation and developing personal goals and objectives, basic fundamental skills and functions needed to start a new business. Thinking of being unique, able to produce and sell and understanding the product life cycle are issues to be covered in this course.

1800012 Communication Skills (2 credits) 

This course provides the engineering student with vital knowledge that will expand his skills in aspects regarding technical terminology including scientific prefixes and suffixes, writing short and correct technical definitions, writing headings and titles, connecting ideas and sentences, writing a scientific paragraph and essay, writing scientific abstracts, and finally writing a technical report with a correct bibliography and citation. Oral, written and graphical communication principles are covered and exercised through the study of case histories, practical workshops and detailed assignments.

1820203  Data Structures & Algorithm I (3 credits) 

This course introduces basic algorithms design and asymptotic analysis of algorithms complexity followed by introduction of elementary data structures and their operations mainly Lists, Linked lists, Stacks, Queues, Sequences, and trees.

1820204  Information Systems  (3 credits) 

This course introduces students to information systems, distinguishing the different types of information systems, systems analysis and design, data analysis and management and surveying information/systems technology for the management of enterprise information. Information systems are strongly database-oriented applications, often having several users (thousands and more). They are transaction-processing systems, i.e., they perform their services in many little steps for the concurrently accessing users. At the same time, they must guarantee data integrity and accomplish high throughput together with short response times. Nowadays, information systems typically runs in-memory on a powerful server and are client/server systems which provide graphical user interfaces, increasingly also via the internet.

1820205  Object-Oriented Programming (3 credits) 

This course teaches practical aspects of designing, implementing, and debugging object-oriented software. Topics covered include reusing design patterns and software architectures and developing, documenting, and testing representative applications using object-oriented frameworks and Java. Design and implementation based on design patterns and frameworks are the central themes to enable the construction of reusable, extensible, efficient, and maintainable software. There’s a heavy lab work related to the course.

1820206  Introduction to Research Methods (1 credit) 

The course will introduce to the principal research methods applicable to Computer Science and Information Systems:  case studies, surveys and qualitative and quantitative methods. This is a first base for the student’s’ reports writing during the practice periods.

1820207  Computer Architecture and Organization (2 credits) 

This course includes examining the hardware of a computer and figuring out how it works as well as computer functions, Central Processing Unit organization, Bus interconnection, Cache memory, internal and external memory, input output, BIOS, PC and mobile devices like tablets.

1820208  Data Structure& Algorithm II (3 credits) 

This course is a continuation of Data Structures & Algorithms I. Sorting, searching algorithms, Dictionaries, Heaps, and graph theory. The course focuses on design of data structures and relevant common algorithms and their complexity analysis. Brute Force, Dynamic programming, Divide and conquer, decrease and conquer, and greedy algorithms design techniques and strategies are introduced.

1820209  Statistics and Probability (2 credits) 

The course teaches statistical inference and introduction to experimental design.

It covers the fundamental concepts of statistical methods and probability, and focuses on the aspects that are specific to Computer Science and Information Systems applications. Like blending of algorithms and statistics, many variables, short response time and high degree of automation, queuing theory, randomized algorithms, game theory, transmission of information, distribution functions (continuous and discrete), linear and nonlinear regression.

1820210  Operating Systems  (3 credits) 

The course will introduce the basic concepts, design and implementation of modern operating systems for PC and mobile systems. Topics to be covered include: operating system structures, process management, memory management, file systems and input/output systems.  Concurrent programming and primitives will be covered with hands on using UNIX, windows and Android based systems. Comparative study between various modern operating systems will be conducted.

1820211  IT Project Management (2 credits) 

Project Management concepts, lifecycle of a project, project team, planning, scheduling, controlling and monitoring, resource allocation, performance measurement and computer assisted systems….

1800005  German I (2 credits) 

This is an introductory course that aims to provide students with the ability to understand, speak, read and write simple German. Primary goals are to introduce beginning students to basic structures of the German language by developing vocabulary and a command of idiomatic expressions; to familiarize students with sentence structure through written exercises and short compositions; to give students a basic foundation in German history and culture; and to interest students in traveling to German-speaking countries.

1820302  Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits) 

HCI draws on a variety of disciplinary traditions, including psychology, ergonomics, computer science, graphic and product design, anthropology and engineering.

This course is concerned with designing interactions between human activities and the computational systems (also mobile systems) that support them, with constructing interfaces to afford those interactions, and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them.

The emphasis of the course is on practical understanding, application and evaluation of HCI concepts and methods.

1820303  Database I (3 credits)  

This course discusses the state of practice in modern database systems, with an emphasis on relational systems. Students gain hands-on experience with commercial database systems and interface building tools.  Projects are required in the lab programming. Topics include database concepts, database design, modelling, relational model, relational algebra, query language SQL, storage and file structures and query processing.

1820304  Mobile &Web Development (3 credits) 

In this course students are introduced to web and mobile applications, developing frameworks, tools and best practices of web and mobile software engineering. All development life cycles related to web and mobile applications are covered and students work on projects to have good exposure to activities that enhance their web and mobile development skills.

1820305  Information Ethics (2 credits) 

In this lecture, the relationship between computer science and society are discussed. For example: what are socio-technical systems and how you can model them? How to discipline people online and offline? Which legal or moral issues may arise from IT systems? Which business models are available in web-based systems?

1820306  Compiler Design and Language Processing (3 credits)  

Students get knowledge and skills for the systematic construction of compilers and other language processing tool (e.g. programming environments, XML-processors) and deepen their understanding of programming and languages. Context free analyses: parsing, parser generation, design and use of abstract syntax, processing of XML documents, compilation techniques for procedural and object-oriented languages, intermediate languages for compilation, semantical aspects and optimization techniques and code generation.

1820307  Database II  (2 credits) 

An advanced course in database systems and a continuation and deepening of Database I. The   management of very large, distributed database systems based on relational model and nonrelational (NoSQL) systems are studied. Topics include data modelling, normalization theory, transaction management, distributed and object-oriented databases, in- memory systems and GPU for analysing.

1820308  Computer Graphics and Image Processing  (3 credits) 

An introduction to the principles, algorithms, and devices (GPU) for display of images. Interactive graphic techniques are also covered including vector, char, and curve generations, in addition to applications and transformation in 2D and 3D, practical techniques for digital manipulation of images, image acquisition, pre-processing, segmentation, Fourier domain processing and compression.

1800072  Language and Logic   (2 Credits) 

This course introduces foundations of languages and the logical built of their structure. It discusses issues such as language as a set of cognitive abilities, humans and acquiring of a language, realization of linguistic abilities in the brain, structure and content of human thoughts and their representation within a language.

1800006  German II  (2 credits) 

This course emphasizes on conversation skills and aims to enable students to effectively communicate with German speaking people. It focuses on interactive teaching materials.

1820410  Special Topics (3 credits) 

The final content of this course will be decided in the 3rd study year. The course shall give the opportunity to deal with important topics in the field of Information Technology. As IT is a very dynamic area with very short product cycles, new services and actual trends shall be discussed.

1820402  Knowledge-Base Systems (3 credits) 

Topics include knowledge, knowledge representation, formal logic, database programming, and recursive programming as well as knowledge base construction, inference engines, reasoning from incomplete or uncertain information and user interfaces. Students learn the most important methods in Data Mining and to use them in practice.  Further topics are: Clustering, anomaly/outlier detection, classification and pattern recognition, and regression techniques.

1820403 Software Quality Control (3 credits) 

This course allows students to have good understanding of issues and techniques related to software testing and quality assurance. Topics covered include test planning, test   design, coverage analysis, complexity, levels of testing (such as unit, integration, system, performance and stress testing) methodologies of testing, verification and validation, quality assurance processes and techniques and software quality metrics.

1820480 Project Study I  (3 credits) 

In the study project, which runs over one semester, the students will be assigned a specialized IT problem of limited scope under the supervision of a faculty member. The problem definitions spans from gathering all pertinent information and data through studying, analysing and recording the problem. This study project must be done at Al-Quds University and may be a design project, an analytical paper or an experimental work in Hard- or Software. The project should be related to the state-of-art in IT and to one of the passed courses. The associated work is an individual effort that demands initiative, creativity and individual responsibility. The project allows the staff to do research or realize internal projects, where they are supported by students’ projects.

At the end of the project, the result of the students’ findings must be provided in form of a report, and an additional system demo and/or an oral examination.

1820407  Parallel and Distributed computing (3 credits) 

An introduction to concurrent and parallel programming, with an emphasis on language constructs. Major topics include: exceptions, co-routines, atomic operations, critical sections, mutual exclusion, semaphores, high-level concurrency, deadlock, inter-process communication, process structuring, shared memory and distributed architectures. Students will learn how to structure, implement and debug concurrent programs.

1820xxx  Electives  (2 credits) 

Course descriptions of elective courses (1820260, 1820450, and 182045); see Table 12 below.

1820481  Project Study II  (3 credits) 

In the study project, the students will be assigned a second specialized IT problem of limited scope under the supervision of a faculty member. The 2nd problem should be from another area as the first study project. One of the cooperating companies can also initiate the problem, but then it should be from general interest and open for publication. This study project must also be done at Al-Quds University and may be a design project, an analytical paper or an experimental work in Hard- or Software. The associated work is an individual effort that demands initiative, creativity and individual responsibility. The project allows the University staff to do research or realize internal projects, where they are supported by students’ projects.

At the end of the project, the result of the student’s’ findings must be provided in form of a report, and an additional system demo and/or an oral examination.

Practice Courses 

General Objectives of Practice Periods in Dual Study Information Technology

In the practice periods, students link their acquired knowledge from the theory phase with the practical activities in their company. According to a plan drawn up by the company an “Education Plan” is set up. It has to be regarded that not for each theory module will be an equivalent activity in the company, i.e. courses and work in company have not fit 1:1. This is obvious for example in math but also in other subjects. The practice schedule should be adapted in time and content to the specificities of the company and take into account the individual level of knowledge of students. Adjustments of the plan according to the priorities and needs of the company are possible.  The students transferred projects and tasks to contribute to the personal and professional development and creating value for internal and external customers.

The following non-academic qualifications and learning outcomes must be learned and deepened throughout the practice periods in companies:

• Communication and cooperation skills, teamwork
• Problem-solving ability and creativity
• Reporting and documentation creation
• Learning, working and presentation techniques

 

The practice period should therefore be designed not only for deepening the professional experience but also for developing the important broad spectrum of non-professional soft qualifications and competences. Industry and the labour market claim that there is a broad gap and lack of competences from regular graduates.  The Dual Study model aims to improve the employment conditions for graduates by having them incorporate for almost 4 years in the IT work environment.

First Year: 

• Practice I (5 Credits)

• Practice II   (5 Credits)

In the first year, the basics of computer science will be taught. They enable students to understand the function of computer systems and to use them as tools. In addition, multidisciplinary basic knowledge is taught and skills are built up for personal development.

In the practical phases of the first year the IT students get to know the organization and area of business of their company. The students have learnt in theory to understand the basic expiries of IT processes of development and service aspects just as the economic connections and will apply this in this period under intensive monitoring. In addition to the understanding of the workflow processes, out of the knowledge and skills acquired in the theory modules, they will be applied and deepened through little practical tasks.

In the company, students are part of a team and gain insight into the business processes. The student has to write a practice report and to submit it.

Examples (take only samples out of the list):

1. General computer science knowledge 
   • Hard- and software components of computers/workstations/networks
   • Internet and internet-services (WWW, FTP…)
   • Networks Technology (WAN, LAN, Topologies)
   • Data back-up, file management
   • Programming – any high level language
   • Software Engineering  – smaller parts for a project
   • Use of operational systems (Windows, Linux, Android, iOS…)
   • Application of mobile IT Systems

2. Introduction to computer operation and use:  
   • Phases of software engineering in the business environment
   • Importance and basics of IT security

3. Structure and organization of the training company 
   • Organisation
   • Teamwork
   • Project Management and Control
   • Documentation
   • English

Second Year: 

• Practice III        (5 credits)

• Practice IV (5 credits)

In the second year of theory, the software components of computer systems and the development and application of IT systems are in the foreground. Furthermore, the soft skills are further developed.

The practical phases of the second year are typically characterized by use in projects in which the students already perceive small, independent tasks. Ideally, the knowledge of the theory phases is immersed in at least one or two of the module topics. A personal project of the practical phase shall be documented as a practical report and be provided as a presentation for discussion.

Examples:

• Internet-services (WWW, FTP…)
• IT Security, Malware –  recognize and fight
• Networks (WAN, LAN, Topologies)
• Programming (Java, C++, HTML, XML…)
• Boot
• Shell scripts
• Software Engineering
• Operational systems  server systems, Kernel
• Mobile systems, OS
• Single and multi-user systems
• Software- Quality processes

Additional skills: 

• Costs and budgets
• Time management
• Product quality assurance
• Production
• English

Third Year: 

• Practice V  (5 credits)

• Practice VI   (5 credits)

The third year will take care of the professionalization of students. It will deepen existing knowledge and topics and at the same time expand the horizon by treating specific methods and research-related technologies. They can specialize in this year towards their future professional focus, normally in line with the demand of their employer. The students become in this year   valuable, esteemed staff members in their companies and take over responsibility for limited tasks. They are integrated in teams and are socialized within the company. In addition to acquiring technical and methodological skills they learn entrepreneurial standards and rules for successful cooperation and communication. The students are accustomed to work under supervision on their own and to deliver their problem solutions in time.

Examples   

• Android, iOS systems
• Database Applications
• Data warehouse and Data Mining
• Distributed storage and processing system for large data base (like Hadoop)
• NoSQL Database
• IT Security
• Application Programming
• System Programming
• Network design and administration
• Cloud and distributed systems set-up

Additional skills: 

• Cost and budget
• Time management
• Project management
• Business  skills

Fourth Year: 

• Practice VII – Graduation Project I  (5 credits)

• Practice VIII – Graduation Project II  (5 credits)

The last year will take care of the professionalization of students. Theory and practice have to match and the students show how they are capable of solving market related problems. The graduation project demonstrates the student’s ability to deal and solve practice-related problems from the respective field by using practical and scientific knowledge and methods.

The graduation project is a specific, well described task out of the company. The students have to apply their acquired complex theoretical knowledge and practical experiences to solve this task by a scientific and systematic approach.

The project will be monitored and assessed by 2 counsellors:

• A lecturer from the university  and
• A qualified supervisor from the company

Competences and Skills proven by the graduation project

(Extended Intended Learning Outcomes)

Knowledge and Understanding 

• The students demonstrate in an autonomous work that he/she can work out or develop solutions for complex technical problems in IT by applying scientific methods.
• The students understand the scientific basis of IT and can apply it in practice.
• The students know the current state of research in his/her specific project area.
• The students write the project report according to the rules of scientific work.
• The students can create a project plan for monitoring and tracking   a project.

Cognitive / Intellectual / social skills  

• The students have analysed the problems and evaluated alternative solutions.
• The students can expand their knowledge and interpret current knowledge.
• They can formulate subject-specific solutions and communicate with customers and colleagues. • As a team member, he/she takes over responsibility of a task.