Building IT Systems

• • A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this unit will be provided in your study materials.

You are recommended to have completed the following subjects(s) or have equivalent knowledge before starting this subject:

• RMI-CPT120-Introduction to Programming
• RMI-CPT110-Introduction to Information Technology

Others

Exposure to user interface design (CPT112), databases (CPT140), web programming (CPT270) an advantage for more advanced projects incorporating such aspects of IT - not required for standard projects.

Additional requirements

• Equipment requirements - Webcam/microphone for video conferencing (common feature in most laptops). Desktop users can use a dedicated webcam and microphone/headset for video conferencing.
• Software requirements - Access to Windows, Macintosh or Linux computer system for project work.
• Other requirements -

  Some projects may have specific hardware and/or software requirements (dependent on project selection).

  Stable broadband connection required to access online learning materials and live chat sessions/recordings. (note: mobile broadband users may have difficulties participating in live chat sessions) This unit may also require downloading and/or uploading of large amounts of data across the study period, so a faster broadband connection (eg. ADSL2/2+ or NBN) might be an advantage.

IT today is everywhere and is involved in many aspects of life, including mobile devices, electronic voting and robotic fish. Many advancements have come from people passionately following an inspiration, and developing it into a concrete outcome. This subject is an opportunity for you to pursue an idea in IT and to work with a team of like-minded people to develop it. You will be provided with assistance to choose an appropriate topic, find a project team, generate a project plan, and to implement your project. This subject is designed to engage and inspire you with the wide world of IT, with a particular emphasis on finding appropriate tools, methodologies and techniques to meet your own personal challenge.

This subject will give you substantial hands-on, practical learning experiences and will motivate you through engagement in the creative, explorative and meaningful development of technological artefacts that operate in real world contexts.  

During the duration of the subject you will collaborate in a group with fellow students to progress through the full lifecycle of an IT project/product, from ideation to design to development to delivery.  

Formal project group formation and registration will occur during week 1 of the subject and regular (weekly) ongoing engagement with members and mentors will be required throughout the subject starting from week 2 onward, including synchronous online communication with your group and mentor using via live interactive chat, as well as asynchronous communication via collaboration tools/message boards.

• Project proposal (5%)
• Design Doc. & Progress Report (15%)
• Proj. Delivery/Report (10+30) (40%)
• Peer assessment (10%)
• Course / Group Participation (30%)

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).