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INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Information and its associated
technologies are having an every increasing role in many aspects of modern
life affecting work, home and leisure activities. This is recognised in the
inclusion of information technology as a core skill within many contemporary
qualifications and a centre piece of numerous activities. Technological
developments in hardware and software permit a wide range of data types to
be stored and processed in digital form to provide useful information. Such
information is used extensively by individuals and organisation when making
decisions and is becoming increasingly integrated into everyday practice and
thinking across many disciplines.
Developments in communication
technologies and the Internet have ensured that information is widely
accessible. Such developments are themselves generating demand for further
access to information. This inclusiveness has led to the development of an
e-culture relying on information systems. In parallel with these
developments has come the recognition of the need to adopt a systematic
approach to using information and working with information systems. For
example, disciplined approaches to the provision of information to meet user
requirements have long been recognised and are well established to database
design. Methodical approaches should be underpinned by technical
considerations in collecting, storing, processing and communicating data in
a meaningful form.
Information is a vital resource
to the requirements of individuals and organisations and, as such, is worthy
of detailed study and lifelong learning. The Information Systems courses
offer a progressive study from Intermediate 2, through Higher, to Advanced
Higher, building on the generic skills offered within the SQA framework
(Intermediate 1 and Standard Grade Computing Studies) and other awarding
bodies. The courses examine what is meant by information, how that
information is produced, what purpose it serves, and, what value the
information has. The course develop candidates’ database and information
skills and allow them to focus on specific aspects of Information Systems
such as the Internet, Multimedia and Expert Systems.
The development of the
candidate’s knowledge and understanding of contemporary database systems and
information skills is of primary importance, so these are the basis of the
two mandatory units in all Information Systems courses. The courses also
focus on the value and characteristics of information in a variety of
contexts, including personal, professional and educational applications.
Information Systems is more than using computing tools: it develops
candidate fluency and literacy in areas of critical skills, understanding of
concepts, problem solving abilities, and the use of vast amounts of
information with analytical skills.
The aims of the courses are:
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To
provide candidates with knowledge and understanding of Information
systems.
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To
develop candidates skill in the process of systems analysis and design.
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To
develop critical skills, practical problem solving abilities and
analytical skills in the use of a range of Information Systems.
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To
develop an awareness of modern trends in Information Systems.
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To foster
an application and awareness of the social, professional, ethical and
legal implications of Information Systems.
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To foster
an appreciation of the value of information as a resource.
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To foster
the use of Information Systems and associated technologies.
The knowledge and skills gained
as part of this course should enable the candidate to play a full and active
role within the e-culture of the information society.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS – INTERMEDIATE 2
(Entry
level for this course is Standard Grade Computing Studies at General Level)
STRUCTURE
Mandatory Units
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Using Information
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Database Systems
Optional Units (one selected
from)
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Applied Multimedia
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Expert Systems
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The Internet
The course has a core-and-option
structure. Database systems are a central theme within all Information
Systems courses. The Database Systems unit at this level
focuses on practical skills in the use of database systems. The Using
Information unit is a mix of practical and cognitive competencies
and encompasses a wide range of contemporary computer hardware and
software.
The option units allow
specialisation into a particular aspect of information technology.
The Internet unit allows focus on this particularly important
information system : and the Applied Multi Media is designed
to develop knowledge and understanding of multimedia applications and
practical skills related to the development of multimedia applications
through the use of contemporary hardware and software : Expert Systems
Unit through the development and use of expert systems demonstrating
knowledge and understanding and practical skills.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS - HIGHER
(Entry level for this course is Standard Grade
Computing Studies at Credit pass)
STRUCTURE
Mandatory Units
-
Using Information
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Database Systems
Optional Units (one selected
from)
-
Applied Multimedia
-
Expert Systems
-
The Internet
The course has a core-and-option
structure. Database systems are a central theme within all Information
Systems courses. Another central theme is an appreciation of the value of
information as an important resource for individuals and organisations.
These dual objectives are reflected in the choice of the core units (Database
Systems and Information Using). These core units have
a degree of commonality : one refers to the organisation of information and
the other requires students to design database structures.
The optional units provide
opportunities for a degree of specialisation. The Applied Multimedia
unit extends the student’s knowledge of multimedia. This technology
is emerging as a key tool for information structuring and is widely used
within contemporary information systems (such as the Internet). A wide
range of computer application packages can be used to create and manipulate
information. The Internet unit aims to develop advanced
skills in the use of and understanding of Internet services and wed
design. The Expert Systems unit returns the focus to a
specific type of information system and one that is likely to increase in
importance during the next ten years.
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