Information Technology

Information Technology refers to the processes which are integral to the management of information in data communication systems and computers. In this specialisation you will learn the techniques and how to operate equipment that is involved in the storage, processing and transfer of this information. You begin by gaining a wide range of skills in complementary areas of physics, mathematics, information systems and programming. In later years you will specialise in selected topics from software design, database systems, data communications, computer vision and internet programming. In the final year of the programme, you will carry out a major project, usually in the form of an internship with an I.T. company, where you may like to take up future employment. The industry applicable skills you will learn in his programme include Java programming, databases, Internet technologies such as PHP, JSP and Javascript, media processing, client-server programming, and computer networks.

You will stand out as an I.T. graduate with relevant work experience and a broad range of skills, including key business courses. Computer systems are central to the running of our modern society, therefore skilled I.T. professionals are always in demand.

Your final year of your BTech may incorporate an industry-related project.

Postgraduate Information Technology

The BTech in Information Technology specialises in internet technologies, data communication and media processing. These are active research areas (as well as being of importance in industry) and students can proceed to an MSc and PhD in these areas. Research labs located on the Tamaki Campus include the Internet and Data Communications Lab, Computer Vision Lab, and a Robotics Lab.

Student projects can be part of interdisciplinary research projects (e.g. with the School of Medical and Health Sciences or Faculty of Engineering) or contribute to collaboration with industry. Broad international research contacts offer further possibilities.

Students are advised to contact the relevant Head of Department directly or the Information Technology coordinator for further information or details regarding possible research topics.

The BTech - Information Technology is a set programme of study. Courses in Parts I - IV must be passed to complete the degree. Please note: if you commenced this programme before 2012 you should still enrol in the courses below to meet the degree requirements.

Part I

• 30 points: COMPSCI 101, 105
• 30 points from MATHS 108-162
• 30 points from PHYSICS 120-160 (PHYSICS 140 recommended as one of these)
• 15 points from STATS 101-108
• SCIGEN 201 or 15 points from courses offered at this University

Part II

• 105 points from MATHS 208, COMPSCI 210-280, INFOSYS 220, 222, INNOVENT 202*
• 15 points from COMPSCI 215**, INFOSYS 224

Part III

• 30 points: COMPSCI 314, 335
• 15 points from INNOVENT 301, 302, BUSINESS 328***
• 60 points from Stage III Computer Science, INFOSYS 339, 341
• 15 points from approved General Education courses

Part IV

• 45 points: BTECH 451
• 15 points from 700 level Computer Science
• 30 points from 700 level Computer Science or Information Systems
• 15 points from 300 or 700 level Computer Science, INFOSYS 339, 341 (700 lvl courses recommended if you are considering postgraduate study)
• 15 points from approved General Education courses

* Although the regulations state BUSINESS 305 as a requirement for Part II, it is not being taught in 2012. Students should instead enrol in INNOVENT 202.

**Students should note that COMPSCI 215 is a prerequisite for COMPSCI 314.

*** Although the regulations state BUSINESS 306 as a requirement for Part III, it is not being taught in 2012. Students should instead enrol in INNOVENT 301, 302 or BUSINESS 328.

Information Technology is already a major sector of employment in New Zealand. It has experienced phenomenal growth in recent times and this is expected to continue well into next century - according to some pundits the "Information Age" is just beginning. There are many areas of specialisation within the general field of I.T. The particular slant towards internet technologies and data communications in our BTech means that many of our graduates will work in these areas. You could be designing medical software for doctor’s surgeries, building mobile phone software, internet applications or bank account systems for large banks.

We expect that initially most graduates will work as software developers or in supporting programming. The initial salaries of our graduates are relatively high and increase rapidly as they gain experience and move to positions of responsibility. Graduates work in a variety of firms ranging from small new companies through to large multinationals, and within service industries such as banking, insurance, communications or consultancy companies. Recent graduates have found employment with M-Com, Kiwiplan, Amazon.com, Intuit and YearOne Software.

For further information, refer to the Bachelor of Technology Handbook

or contact

Dr Sathiamoorthy Manoharan
Information Technology Coordinator
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 86837
Email: s.manoharan@auckland.ac.nz

Science Student Centre
Ground Floor, Building 301
Science Centre
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88199
Email: scifac@auckland.ac.nz

• How to apply
  
• General Education requirements for undergraduates
• Course descriptions
  
• Class timetable (Login to Student Services Online)