Master of Information Systems

Program Overview

The Master of Information Systems (MIS) program equips graduates with advanced knowledge and skills in information technology and systems, specializing in areas such as cyber security, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. Through a combination of core units, specialization units, and elective units, students develop the ability to solve complex business problems, critically evaluate opportunities and challenges, and communicate effectively in the field of information systems. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths in the rapidly evolving IT industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Master of Information Systems (MIS)
• Overview: The MIS program is designed to meet the requirements of the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in modern and emerging areas of information technology and information systems.
• Objectives:
• Graduates will demonstrate achievement of the following Course Learning Outcomes and be able to:
• Apply advanced and contemporary information systems knowledge and skills to business and organisational problems.
• Critically evaluate opportunities and challenges in the development of information systems in organizations and society.
• Create justifiable and creative solutions to complex information systems problems through research and use of industry standard methodologies.
• Communicate complex information system concepts and solutions effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Apply and integrate ethics, sustainability, security and privacy principles into information system solutions.

Outline:

• Content: The program provides a foundation in core and key areas of information technology and systems.
Specialization units in the second year offer opportunities for study in current important IS areas including cyber security, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.
• Structure: The course is a 2-year full-time program comprising of 16 units (160 Credit Points).
• Course Schedule:
• Full-Time:
Students undertake 4 units of study during a study period.
• Part-Time: The course can be undertaken part-time for domestic students only.
The course is 4 years part-time comprising of 16 units (160 Credit Points).
• Modules:
• Core Units:
10 core units
• Specialization Units:
4 specialization units (Intermediate or Advanced Level)
• Postgraduate Elective Units:
2 postgraduate elective units (Foundational, Intermediate, or Advanced Level)
• Module Descriptions:
• MIS5101 Information Systems and Networks:
Introduces key concepts and technologies of information systems and computer networks. Topics include system components, computer networks, cloud computing, ubiquitous computing, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. Explores privacy, ethical, and security issues associated with modern information systems.
• MIS5102 Programming Principles: Provides a foundation in programming concepts and techniques using Python.
Students develop skills in designing, coding, and testing procedural and object-oriented programs.
• MIS5103 Project Management for IS: Teaches industry standard traditional and agile approaches in project management to effectively manage information systems (IS) projects.
• MIS5104 Database Systems: Introduces the fundamental concepts in database design and development, covering the conceptual level and physical level of database management systems (DBMS).
• MIS5105 Systems Analysis and Design: Covers the systems development life cycle (SDLC) and the latest tools and techniques used in systems analysis, design, and implementation.
• MIS5106 IS Operations and Service Management: Introduces principles, tools, quantitative models, and strategies used in IS Operations and Service.
• MIS5201 Cyber Security: Provides a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts and principles of cyber security.
Covers network security, cryptography, cyber threats and attacks, risk management, and incident response. Students gain insights into identifying and mitigating security risks, designing secure systems, and implementing best practices in cyber security.
• MIS5202 Data Analysis: Provides an overview of data analytics.
Students learn key statistical approaches, data analytics systems, and visualization tools to interpret data sets. They also learn about potential bias in data sets and the social and ethical dimensions of large-scale data collection and use.
• MIS5203 Applied IS Project – Part A: In combination with MIS5320 Applied IS Project – Part B, demonstrates the ability of a student to develop a solution to a complex business IS problem.
Students address a real-world complex business IS problem by applying an industry standard and modern IS iterative and incremental Project development methodology.
• MIS5301 Cyber Security Law and Ethics: Covers the legal and ethical issues related to cyber security.
Students examine the legal framework for cyber security, including data privacy laws, intellectual property laws, and cybercrime laws.
• MIS5302 Cyber Security Incident Response and Management: Centers on the cyber security incident response process and is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage cyber security incidents.
• MIS5303 Securing Software: Focuses on software security and is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to identify and mitigate security risks and vulnerabilities associated with software development.
• MIS5304 Cyber Security Risk Management: Focuses on the identification and management of cyber security risks.
• MIS5305 Data Mining: Provides a comprehensive understanding of data mining techniques and their applications in real-world scenarios.
Covers data pre-processing, pattern recognition, predictive modelling, and data mining algorithms and methodologies.
• MIS5306 Machine Learning: Provides a comprehensive understanding of machine learning techniques and their applications in real-world scenarios.
Covers machine learning algorithms, models, and applications in various domains.
• MIS5307 Predictive Analytics and Visualization: Develops advanced skills in predictive analytics and data storytelling.
Students learn predictive modelling techniques, data visualization techniques, and ethical and legal considerations in predictive analytics.
• MIS5308 Social and Web Analytics: Equips students with the skills and knowledge to effectively use data analysis techniques to understand and influence customer behaviour in the context of social media and websites.
• MIS5309 Natural Language Processing and Deep Learning: Covers advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) topics, including text pre-processing, deep learning for NLP, and ethical considerations in NLP practices.
• MIS5310 Intelligent Systems: Emphasizes the impact of intelligent systems on information systems architectures, designs, and implementations.
Students examine the fundamental concepts of intelligent systems, software bots, and robotic process automation.
• MIS5311 Autonomous Systems: Provides students with a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts in autonomous systems, including image and video analysis techniques.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods may include:
• Assignments
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Presentations
• Exams
• Assessment criteria may include:
• Knowledge and understanding of course material
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Communication skills
• Teamwork and collaboration skills

Teaching:

• Teaching methods may include:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Group projects
• Case studies
• Field trips
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced and qualified academic staff with expertise in information systems, cyber security, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.
• Unique approaches: The program includes:
• An end-of-program capstone project comprising two connected units that provide students with the opportunity to work in a team to solve a complex real-world business information systems problem.
• A focus on modern and emerging areas of information systems, including cyber security, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.
• Opportunities for students to participate in research and industry projects.

Careers:

• Potential career paths and opportunities include:
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Data Analyst
• IT Business Analyst and Consultant
• Information System Manager
• IS Project Manager
• Software Tester
• Systems Analyst
• Technical Support Officer
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Artificial Intelligence developer/ engineer/architect
• Career outcomes for Apex Master of Information Systems graduates include: