Bachelor of Information Technology

[Yendall]

Just wondering if anyone has studied this and if its worth taking?

[MJRomeo81]

I haven't studied IT at RMIT but here's some relevant info:

http://www.rmit.edu.au/programs/bp162

Elective choices: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=v36kaxdv5ryr

Program structure

The first and second years include core courses in programming, database systems, software engineering, web programming, data communication and networks, and Professional Computing Practice.

In the second year, you will choose your major area (see list below) of focus within the IT discipline. Furthermore in the second year, you will also choose one of the following options:

- A minor study in one of the following areas: Accounting and Law, Applied Communication, Economics, Finance, and Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Logistics, Management and Statistics.

- A second major or four more IT electives.

You will then choose the remainder of your courses from a wide range of IT electives and student electives. Upon completion you will graduate with a specialist IT degree that explicitly lists the chosen major:

• Application Programming
• Business Applications
• Multimedia Design
• Network Programming
• System Administration
• Web Systems

[Yendall]

Cheers man

I think it looks promising. Doesn't look much different to the one you're studying now!

[MJRomeo81]

Cheers man

I think it looks promising. Doesn't look much different to the one you're studying now!

Yeah exactly. Most IT courses are really similar. First year consists of broad subjects, then in 2nd year you start to select your areas of specialisation. Final year has a subject/s that involves a real world industry project.

If you're interested in IT, don't worry about the prestige factor that is common in other professions. There is no such thing in IT anyway - even some TAFE grads with a bunch of irrelevant industry certs command more respect than people with bachelor degrees.

Select your course based on travel time + relevant subjects / majors that you would like to take.

[Yendall]

I finally had that realisation today when I was in Melbourne and I saw the accessibility of RMIT in relation to me. It's right next to the state library, walking distance to Melbourne Central and just, really, the perfect position for everything. It's close to Parkville as well.

I think if I don't like it, I can always do a semester or two of Info Tech and then transfer to Comp Sci with ease. What do you think?

[MJRomeo81]

Sounds good to me man The first year subjects are extremely similar in both degrees.

[Yendall]

Yeah I noticed that! I think Comp Sci would be looked upon more highly when I graduate so it could be wise to do that. Might study a methods equivalent as my minor to ensure I have mathematical background to back me up when I apply for a transfer (if I do)

[MJRomeo81]

I think Comp Sci would be looked upon more highly when I graduate so it could be wise to do that. Might study a methods equivalent as my minor to ensure I have mathematical background to back me up when I apply for a transfer (if I do)

Comp sci vs IT largely depends on what type of career you're after. Computer science definitely requires an aptitude for mathematics, whereas IT is more hands-on with the existing technologies. Basically, if you want to become a programmer then definitely look into comp sci.  Supporting systems (networking, database administration, business analytics or business intelligence, etc.) is perhaps better suited to IT. Of course I am generalising but hopefully you get the idea.

BTW keep an eye out for any discrete math classes. Discrete math is the mathematics of computing.

[Yendall]

What type of jobs does Computer Science actually lead to? Is it like software engineering and software design?

I'm thinking of making my minor discrete mathematics or equivalent.

[MJRomeo81]

What type of jobs does Computer Science actually lead to? Is it like software engineering and software design?

Obviously software development but also Sys/Network Admin, Business Analysts, IT Auditor, Project Manager, Solution Architect, and the list goes on. However this is after experience in junior roles (depending on which path you followed).

In computing you aren't locked into specific jobs due to your degree. There's always the opportunity to pick up some industry certifications and learn new technologies (this is expected if you work in IT). Your degree is just the stepping stone to your first job. After that, it's all about experience.

The field is extremely flexible.

[Yendall]

I think that's what I like about the field so much; it's versatility. I think I've made the right choice with RMIT, and switching to Comp Sci will have to be another I make in the near future! Don't be surprised if I PM you constantly next year man haha :p