Certificate

1 Information Systems
Rationale:
This module covers the following topics: systems analysis and design, database systems, data analysis and management, systems and organizations.
Primary Texts:
Britton & Doake, Software Systems Development – A Gentle Introduction, McGraw-Hill, 2002, 0-07-7099745
Date, C. J., An Introduction to Database Systems, Addison-Wesley (8th Ed), 2003, ISBN: 0-321189566

2 Software Development
Rationale:
Programming, using many styles and languages, provides solutions to a wide variety of scientific, engineering and business problems. Programming is a core skill that will be used throughout a computer practitioner’s career. It is a skill acquired largely by practice and experience. Learning how to program requires a disciplined and structured approach in order to encourage good practice and to assist in the development of easily maintained systems. This module introduces candidates to the fundamental concepts of programming with the emphasis being laid on the whole
Primary Texts:
Shackleford, R. L., Introduction to Computers and Algorithms, Addison Wesley, 1998, ISBN: 0-201-31451-7 A solid foundation to the study of algorithms in computer science
Bell, D. Software Engineering for Students: A Programming Approach, Addison Wesley (4th Ed), 2005, ISBN: 0-321261275

3 Technology
Rationale:
This module provides a foundation for all professional computer personnel in computer technology and related topics, in particular the areas of: number systems, hardware, operating systems, systems software, networks
Primary Texts:
Capron, H. L., Computers (Tools for an Information Age), Addison Wesley (8th Ed), 2003, ISBN: 013-405-640 Introductory book – sets the module in context. Also covers systems software.
Clements, A., The Principles of Computer Hardware, Oxford University Press (4th Ed), 2006, ISBN: 0-19-856453-8
Tanenbaum, Andrew, S., Modern Operating Systems, Prentice Hall, (2nd Ed) 2001, ISBN 013-092641-8  

Diploma

1 Core Module: Professional Issues in Information Systems Practice
Rationale:
In order to function effectively, professional Information Systems Engineers need not only appropriate technical knowledge, skills and experience, but also a broad understanding of the context in which they will be expected to work. This does not mean that they must become experts in Regulations 2002, and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Relevant provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
Primary Text:
The following book has been written especially to support this module. To buy direct at a discount from the BCS go to www.bcs.org/books/professionalissues
Bott M. F., Professional Issues in Information Technology, The British Computer Society, 2005. ISBN: 1-902505-65-4
ISBN: 0333-77-62-67
Holt, J and Newton, J, A Manager’s Guide to IT Law, BCS, 2004, ISBN: 1-902505-55-7

2 Architecture
Rationale:
This module provides the underpinning knowledge of computer hardware and digital communications required to understand the constraints that computer systems necessarily
impose on the development of software applications. These constraints are explored at all levels from the interaction of the major system’s components down to the individual logic gates from which the latter are constructed.
Primary Texts:
Clements A., Principles of Computer Hardware, Oxford (3rd Ed), 2000, ISBN: 0-19856453-8
Tanenbaum A. S., Computer Networks, Prentice Hall (4th Ed), 2003, ISBN: 013-038488-

3 Computer Networks
Rationale:
Virtually every computer is connected, or has the potential to be connected, to other computers. When connected locally, they provide vital services such as printing, file servers, CPU servers and electronic mail. When connected over a wide area they support the exchange of information in many forms. Millions of people world wide have been exposed to the World Wide Web of computers and the information they provide. The explosion in the use of such intranets and the long established use of local area networks has made the study of computer networks and the underlying communication technology as important as the more traditional foundations of computer science such as computer architecture, operating systems and programming.
Primary Texts:
Halsall Fred, Computer Networking and the Internet, Addison Wesley (5th Ed), 2005, ISBN: 0321263588 Stallings William, Data and Computer Communications,

4 Database Systems
Rationale:
A database system is nowadays the central software of most data processing applications. A Database Management System supports the operation of database applications within an integrated, controlled and accessible framework.
Primary Text:
Howe D. R., Data Analysis for Database Design, Butterworth Heinemann (3rd Ed), 2001,
ISBN: 0-75065086-9
Other Texts:
Groff & Weinberg, SQL: The Complete Reference, McGraw Hill (Osbourne Media), 2nd Ed., 2002, ISBN: 0-07-222559-9
McFadden J.A., & Hoffer F.R., Modern Database Management, Benjamin Cummins (7th Ed), 2004, ISBN: 0-131453203

5 Object oriented Programming (Version 2)
Rationale:
Object Technology has been in development for over forty years. It is now embedded in such diverse areas as requirements engineering, software architecture, analysis, design, programming, testing, deployment and maintenance. The most widely used modern programming languages C++, Java and VB.Net all embrace an object-oriented approach. This module examines the application of object oriented technology to programming. Candidates should have practical experience of at least one object oriented programming language.
Primary Texts:
Budd T., An Introduction to Object-oriented Programming, Addison-Wesley (3rd Ed), 2001, ISBN: 032121028X
Fowler M., UML Distilled, Addison-Wesley (3rd Ed), 2003, ISBN: 0-321-19368-7 Link, Johannes, Unit Testing in Java: How Tests drive the Code, Morgan Kaufman, 2003, ISBN: 1-55860-868-0
Shalloway A. and Trott J., Design Patterns Explained: A New Perspective on Object-oriented Design, Addison-Wesley (2nd Ed), 2004, ISBN: 0321247140

6 Project Management
Rationale:
The project approach is more prevalent in industry today than ever before. It is therefore necessary for candidates to have an understanding of the methods and techniques used in Project Management early in their studies and careers.

Field, Mike and Keller, Laurie, Project Management Open University, International Thomson Press, 1998, ISBN: 1861522746
Hughes, Bob and Cotterell, Mike, Software Project Management, McGraw-Hill (3rd Ed), 2002, ISBN: 007709834X

7 Service Management
Rationale:
Services Management, and indeed management at all levels in the Information Technology industry, requires a specific set of competencies. The management competencies include skills required in general services management and more specific competencies associated with, and specific to, Information Systems and Technology. The Diploma syllabus is designed to develop an awareness of the variety of skills necessary to manage successfully in an Information Systems environment.
Primary Texts:
McNurlin & Sprague, Information Systems Management in Practice, Prentice Hall (6th Ed), 2005, ISBN: 0-13-1968777
Fidler C. & Rogerson S., Strategic Management Support Systems, Financial Times Management, 1996, ISBN: 0-273-61418-5

8 Software Engineering
Rationale:
This module is for those who wish to understand an introduction to Software Engineering and the skills necessary to create software products and applications that are effective, maintainable and value-for-money.
Primary Texts:
Pressman R.S. and Ince D., Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach, McGraw Hill (5th Ed), 2000, ISBN 0-07-709677-0
Sommerville I.,Software Engineering: (7th Ed.), Addison Wesley 2005, ISBN 0321-210-263

9 Systems Analysis
Rationale:
Systems Analysis is a central part of systems development. It comprises the process of turning a set of user requirements into a logical system specification and encompasses various activities to achieve this end. The traditional systems lifecycle has been challenged by alternative models, for example the spiral (iterative and incremental) lifecycle and rapid application development. There are a variety of systems development approaches including the structured approach, the object-oriented approach, soft systems methodology and agile or lightweight’ approaches. Systems Analysis activities will be studied in the context of these trends. Candidates should be familiar with at least one structured approach (e.g. SSADM) and one object-oriented approach (e.g. the Unified Process).
Primary Texts:
Avison D. & Fitzgerald G., Information Systems Development: Methodologies, Techniques and Tools, McGraw Hill (3rd Ed), 2002 ISBN: 0-07-709626-6
Bennett, S., McRobb, S. & Farmer, R. Object-Oriented Systems Analysis and Design, McGraw-Hill (2nd Ed), 2002, ISBN: 0-07-709864-1
Goodland M. with Slater C., SSADM Version 4: A Practical Approach, McGraw-Hill, 1995 ISBN: 0-07-709073-X

10 Systems Design
Rationale:
Systems Design is a central part of systems development. It comprises the process of turning a set of user requirements into an implementable system and encompasses various
activities to achieve this end. Alternative models are challenging the traditional systems development life cycle.
Alongside this, two approaches to systems development are emerging: the traditional structured approach; and the object-oriented approach. The systems design activity will be studied in the context of these trends. Candidates should make themselves familiar with at least one traditional approach (e.g. SSADM) and one object-oriented approach
(e.g. UML)
Primary Texts:
Bennett, S, NcRobb, S & Farmer, R., Object oriented Systems Analysis & Design, McGraw-Hill, 2002, ISBN: 0-07709864-1
Fowler, M with Scott, K., UML Distilled, Addison-Wesley, 2003, ISBN: 0-321-19368-7
Hoffer J.A., George J. F., Valacich J.S., Modern Systems Analysis and Design, Benjamin/Cummings (4th Ed), 2004, ISBN: 0131273914

11 The Internet and World Wide Web
Rationale:
The last decade has seen a revolution of global proportions. From the simple desire to network computers for academic use has come a phenomenon which is leaving few aspects of our daily lives untouched. This module examines the origins, technology and applications of the Internet and World Wide Web.
Primary Texts:
Gralla P., How the Internet Works, Que Publishing (7th Ed), 2003, ISBN: 0-789-729733
Perry J. et al, The Internet – Illustrated Introductory, Course Technology (3rd Ed), ISBN: 0-619-1095-80  

Professional Graduate Diploma

1 Advanced Database Management Systems
Rationale:
Database management systems are standard tools that enable the storage and retrieval of data within modern information systems. Units introducing database concepts are now an accepted part of most computer science courses. These introductory units tend to concentrate on the use of relational database systems. This advanced module, in contrast, deals with implementational aspects of relational systems and tests the candidates’ knowledge of the current enhancements to relational database systems and object-oriented database systems.
Primary Texts:
Date C. J., An Introduction to Database Systems, Addison-Wesley Longman (8th Ed), 2003, ISBN: 0-321189566
Eaglestone B. and Ridley M., Object Databases, McGraw-Hill ,1997, ISBN: 0-07-709354-2
Silberschatz A., Korth H. and Sudarshan S., Database System Concepts, McGraw-Hill (5th Ed), 2001, ISBN: 007124476X

2 Computer Services Management
Rationale:
Successful management of computer services requires a set of specific competencies in addition to a good general knowledge of Information Technology. These competencies include general service management competencies that may apply to many types of service provider and other competencies that are specific to IT services. planning and control; need for and methods of charging of services to customers.
Primary Texts:
McNurlin & Sprague, Information Systems Management in Practice, Prentice Hall, 2005, (6th Ed.) ISBN: 0131968777

3 Distributed and Parallel Systems
Rationale:
The programmer has available a range of distributed and parallel systems. Choosing a relevant one and then using it appropriately is a complex matter. The aim of this module is to provide the candidate with an overview of the available hardware and software, along with a detailed understanding of how to use such systems and an understanding of their shortcomings.
Primary Texts:
Coulouris G., Dollimore, J., and Kindberg T., Distributed Systems, Addison-Wesley (3rd Ed), 2001, ISBN: 0201-61918-0

A best selling text on open distributed systems. Covering foundations, including networking and communications. Important issues are also addressed in depth, including security and integrity.
Magee J. and Kramer J., Concurrency, John Wiley, 1999, ISBN: 0-471-98710-7

4 Knowledge based Systems
Rationale:
This module is designed to provide an overview of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) field with particular emphasis on knowledge representation. It will be of particular interest to candidates whose work requires them to build intelligent systems although no previous AI experience is expected. As well as covering the various mechanisms and systems used
to represent knowledge, methodologies for knowledge engineering will be studied. The module also covers the emerging area of Adaptive Computing which includes the use of artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms.
Primary Text:
Rich E., Knight K., Artificial Intelligence, McGraw-Hill, 1993, ISBN: 0-07-100894-2
Other Texts:
Goldberg D. E., Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimisation and Machine Learning, Addison-Wesley, 1989, ISBN: 0-20-115767-5
Michalski, Bratko, Kubat, Machine Learning and Data Mining, Wiley (3rd Ed), 1999,
ISBN: 0-471-97199-5

5 Management Information Systems
Rationale:
This module is designed for those candidates who are, or will be, in a position to make or influence decisions related to the selection, design and support of management information systems (MIS).
Primary Texts:
McNurlin and Sprague, Information Systems Management in Practice, Prentice Hall (6th Ed), 2005, ISBN: 0131968777
or
Fidler C., and Rogerson S., Strategic Management Support Systems, Financial Times Managament, 1996, ISBN: 0-273-61418-5

6 Network Information Systems
Rationale:
Network information systems have in many ways become the public face of the profession. In most developed and developing cultures, the NIS use is almost ubiquitous, for functions as diverse as medical treatment scheduling and road traffic management.
Chaffey D., Groupware, Workflow and Intranets: Reengineering the Enterprise with Collaborative Software, Digital Press, 1998, ISBN: 1-55558-184-6
Collins T. & Bicknell D., Crash: Ten Easy Ways to avoid a Computer Disaster, Simon and Schuster, 2000, ISBN: 0-684-868350
Coulouris G., Dollimore, J., and Kindberg T., Distributed Systems, Addison-Wesley (3rd Ed), 2001, ISBN: 0-201-61918-0
Garfinkel, A., Spafford, G, Schwartz, A Practical UNIX & Internet Security, O’Reilly & Associates, 2003, ISBN: 0596003234
Robson W., Strategic Management & Information Systems, Pitman (2nd Ed),1997, ISBN: 0-273-61591-2 Stalling W. & Van Slyke R., Business Data Communications, Prentice Hall (5th Ed), 2004, ISBN: 0131276336

7 Programming Paradigms
Rationale:
Much software has been developed in procedural programming languages which make use of similar control constructs and which differ only in the application area with which the software is associated. The modern programmer, however, may choose from a wide selection of languages, each of which offers a new perspective on the task of software construction. This module aims to provide the candidate with an overview of modern programming languages and the programming paradigms they implement.
Clark R. G., Comparative Programming Languages, Addison-Wesley (3rd Ed.), 2000, ISBN: 0-201-71012-9
Sebesta, R. W., Concepts of Programming Languages, Addison-Wesley (7th Ed.), 2005, ISBN: 0321312511
Tucker A. and Noonan R, Programming Languages: Principles and Paradigms, McGraw Hill, 2001, ISBN: 007112280X

8 Software Engineering
Rationale:
In order to develop high quality software it is imperative that Information Systems Professionals have an understanding of software development as an engineering discipline. This understanding should be focused on both the practical and theoretical aspects of the discipline.
Primary Texts:
Sommerville I., Software Engineering Addison-Wesley (7th Ed), 2005, ISBN: 0321210263
One of many books that give an overview of Software Engineering.
Ould M.A., Managing Software Quality & Business Risk Wiley, 1999, ISBN: 0-471-99782X

9 System Design Methods
Rationale:
System design methods constitute the framework that enables the building of information systems to be treated as a disciplined engineering activity rather than as a craft. The range of methods available varies from very informal sets of guidelines to highly formal and mathematical approaches. While claims that some method is universally applicable are often made, all methods are, in practice, applicable only to certain classes of application. All information systems engineers should be familiar with at least one system design method. This option is intended for the large numbers of candidates who need to go beyond a simple familiarity with the method used in their own organisation because they have to:
• choose a method appropriate for a new class of application
• monitor the implementation of a new method
• create a method appropriate to a special set of circumstances
Avison D. Fitzgerald G., Information Systems Development: Methodologies, Techniques & Tools, McGraw-Hill (3rd Ed), 2002, ISBN: 0077096266
Sommerville I., Software Engineering, Addison Wesley (7th Ed), 2005, ISBN: 0321-210-263

10 User Interface Design
Rationale:
The proliferation of textbooks attempting to explain the operation of reputedly user-friendly software packages is one indicator of the need for effective user-interface design. Another, and more important, indicator is the problem of poor interface design in safety critical systems. Effective and efficient user interface design is thus of crucial importance in all aspects of information and control systems.
Primary Texts:
Hill S., A Practical Introduction to the Human-Computer Interface, Thomson Learning, 1995, ISBN: 1-85805-119-3
Shneiderman B., Designing the User Interface- Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction, Addison- Wesley (4th Ed.), 2003, ISBN: 0-32120058-6
Preece J., (Ed.), Human-Computer Interaction, Addison-Wesley, 1994, ISBN: 0-201-62769-8
Preece J. (Ed.), A Guide to Usability, Addison-Wesley, 1993, ISBN: 0-201-62768-X

11 World Wide Web – Beyond the Basics
Rationale:
This module is a progression route from the Diploma module The Internet and World Wide Web. Developing some of the issues introduced in the Diploma module, it takes a more strategic view of the World Wide Web and its applications.
Primary Texts:
Niederst, J., Web Design in a Nutshell, O'Reilly & Associates (2nd Ed), 2001, ISBN: 0-596-00196-7
Schneier, B., Secrets and Lies, Digital Security in a Networked World, (with CD Rom) John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2004, ISBN: 0-471-453803