Academic regulations for the Bachelor's degree programme in IT
(1) Degree
A completed Bachelor's degree programme provides graduates with the title Bachelor of Science in IT (BSc in IT), specifying elective subjects, if applicable.
(3) Academic line and main subject areas of the degree programme
The Bachelor's degree in IT is a research-based study programme with a focus on theoretical, experimental and practical subjects that give students a basic introduction to the disciplines in IT (Information Technology).
In addition, the Bachelor's degree programme provides students with the academic skills in Mathematics and Statistics that are necessary for the understanding and application of the disciplines in IT.
The Bachelor's degree programme also includes study components from other subject areas, profiling the programme according to the individual interests and wishes of the student.
(4) Academic skills and qualifications
The degree programme provides the Bachelor with the academic basis for assuming independent job functions in private or public sector companies and organisations that require basic insight and skills in IT.
By completing the degree programme, the Bachelor acquires and develops a number of intellectual, academic and practical skills:
The Bachelor has general knowledge of IT and detailed knowledge of key disciplines, methodologies, theories and concepts within IT.
The Bachelor can participate in the planning and implementation of projects, and apply the results of these in relevant contexts.
The Bachelor can apply and reflect on the methodologies used to analyse and solve academic questions and issues.
The Bachelor can structure his/her own competence development.
The Bachelor can familiarise himself/herself with new subject-related topics.
The Bachelor can relay and communicate academic questions and issues.
The Bachelor can collaborate constructively on a scientific basis to solve subject-related issues.
(5) Standard ECTS credits
The Bachelor's degree in IT has a prescribed duration of three years of full-time study, corresponding to 180 ECTS credits
(6) Authority
The academic regulations for the Bachelor's degree in IT are determined in accordance with:
Executive Order no. 338 of 6 May 2004 regarding the Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes at universities (the Education Executive Order) with subsequent amendments in accordance with Executive Order no. 805 of 19 August 2005.
The Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation guidelines no. 5 of 18 January 2006 regarding university degree programmes aimed at teaching at upper secondary schools.
Additional rules relating to degree programmes can be found in the Aarhus University electronic rules and regulations at www.au.dk/en/rules.
(7) Prepared by:
The Board of Studies, Bachelor's Degree Programmes, at the Faculty of Science, Aarhus University.
(8) Approved by
The Dean of the Faculty of Science on 1 August 2008.
(9) Effective date
The academic regulations take effect on 1 August 2008.
(10) Number of places available and admission procedures
For details regarding the number of places available and admission procedures, go to www.au.dk/en/admission.
(11) Admission requirements and prerequisites
Admission to the Bachelor's degree programme in IT requires completion of an upper secondary school examination with an A level in Mathematics, as well as an A level in Danish and a B level in English.
(12) This degree qualifies students for admission to
The Master's degree programme in IT and, depending on the optional subjects, other science degree programmes.
(13) Transitional rules
(14) General content and academic progression provisions of the degree programme
The Bachelor's degree programme in IT consists of a compulsory introductory programme in basic IT disciplines and a compulsory programme of auxiliary subjects in Mathematics and Statistics. The remainder of the Bachelor's degree programme consists of a Bachelor's project in IT, as well as elective Bachelor's and Master's courses in the three special study areas in IT, provided all prerequisites are met.
The compulsory introductory programme takes place as shown in the following timetable:
The Bachelor's project takes place during the third year of the degree programme. Students choose optional subjects with the aid of a supervisor. When composing the degree programme, the individual student's interests and desired competence profile are taken into account, and this ensures that the academic progression and integrity in the degree programme comply with the requirements of a Bachelor's degree.
(15) Description of the aim of the individual programme components
A description of the aim of the individual courses is available in the Course Catalogue and the Catalogue of additional qualification packages at www.science.au.dk/en/students.
(16) Description of the general content of the degree programme:
The Bachelor's degree programme in IT amounts to a total of 180 ECTS credits. Study components in IT amount to at least 105 ECTS credits, including a Bachelor's project relating to IT equalling 10 ECTS credits. The Bachelor's project takes place during the third year of the degree programme
The degree programme includes compulsory courses (auxiliary subjects) in Mathematics and Statistics equalling 15 ECTS credits.
The remainder of the Bachelor's degree programme is used to supplement the basic skills acquired in the compulsory programme in IT. Students can supplement their degree programme with elective Bachelor's and Master's courses in IT, provided all prerequisites are met.
The student's combined study programme for the degree must be approved by the Board of Studies, Bachelor's Degree Programmes, cf. Section 24
The Bachelor's degree programme consists of the following:
The compulsory programme in IT (75 ECTS credits):
- Great IT Innovations (5 ECTS credits)
- Introduction to Programming (5 ECTS credits)
- Business Models (5 ECTS credits)
- Programming 2 (5 ECTS credits)
- Interaction Design (5 ECTS credits)
- Physical Design (5 ECTS credits)
- Web Technology (5 ECTS credits)
- Development Methods (5 ECTS credits)
- Interactive Media (5 ECTS credits)
- Pervasive Computing (5 ECTS credits)
- Innovation and Project Management (5 ECTS credits)
- Information Systems (5 ECTS credits)
- Computers and Networks (5 ECTS credits)
- Algorithms and Data Structures 1 (5 ECTS credits)
- System Development (5 ECTS credits)
- Philosophy of Computer Science (5 ECTS credits)
IT Product Design Project (15 ECTS credits)
Auxiliary subjects (15 ECTS credits)
- Calculus 1 (5 ECTS credits)
- Calculus 2 (5 ECTS v)
- Statistics and Data Reduction (5 ECTS credits)
Specialisation (40 ECTS credits)
During the second year of studies, students must choose between three special study areas: Product Design, Software Development or Business Models
Bachelor's project (10 ECTS credits)
Optional courses (20 ECTS credits)
Any specific requirements for participation in a given course are indicated in the corresponding course description in the Course Catalogue.
(17) Description of each course based on the framework requirements in the teaching administration (UVA) system, including a description of the rules for methods of examination and the approval procedures of the Board of Studies
Twice a year, the Faculty of Science publishes a Course Catalogue and a Catalogue of additional qualification packages with descriptions of all approved courses and qualification packages within the degree programmes offered by the faculty. Twice a year, prior to course enrolments, the course and additional qualification catalogues are reviewed and approved. The catalogues are available at www.science.au.dk/en/students.
(18) Regulations for first-year examination
The first-year examination in IT consists of the following courses (45 ECTS credits):
- Calculus 1 (5 ECTS credits)
- Calculus 2 (5 ECTS credits)
- Great IT Innovations (5 ECTS credits)
- Introduction to Programming (5 ECTS credits)
- Business Models (5 ECTS credits)
- Programming 2 (5 ECTS credits)
- Interaction Design (5 ECTS credits)
- Physical Design (5 ECTS credits)
- Web Technology (5 ECTS credits)
Before the end of the first year of studies for the Bachelor's degree in IT, students must participate in ordinary tests/examinations in the courses included in the first-year examination in order to be allowed to continue with the degree programme.
It is also a requirement for all courses that they must be passed before the end of the second year after commencing studies.
(19) Credits and flexibility
Subject to individual assessment, the Board of Studies can approve courses from other degree programmes as part of the Bachelor's degree in IT. The maximum number of credits a student can obtain for the degree programme, however, is 120 ECTS credits.
(20) Examinations
The method of assessment and examination for the individual courses appears in the course description in the Course Catalogue. The catalogue also indicates when students sit for the ordinary course examination as well as any re-examination.
Participation in a re-examination in a given course is subject to participation in the ordinary course examination.
All courses must be completed with one of the following methods of examination:
1. Written examination.
2. Oral examination.
3. Home assignment(s) (written examination)
4. Multiple choice (written examination)
5. Approval of compulsory assignments and/or reports followed by a discussion, if applicable.
6. Active participation in the course followed by a discussion, if applicable, e.g. attendance at a minimum of 80% of compulsory lessons, seminar contributions, submission (and approval) of compulsory assignments, etc.
7. Skills test (practical test)
8. Combinations of 1–7
The examination can be with or without the aid of materials. For methods of examination that include a discussion (methods 5 and 6) in which the final discussion was unsatisfactory, a second examination attempt can consist of an internal oral examination.
Information about the materials permitted, including the use of a computer, preparation, etc., is available in the individual course descriptions.
If the university considers it necessary, it can offer special examination conditions for students with a physical or mental disability, a first language other than Danish, and similar difficulties, in order to provide such students with the same examination opportunities as other students. It is a requirement that the level of the examination remain unaffected by this offer.
Applications for special examination conditions must be submitted to the Board of Studies no later than four weeks before the start of the examination.
(20.1) Enrolment and cancellation
Course enrolment takes place via the self-service facility for students at www.science.au.dk/en/students. The registration periods are as follows:
Courses in first and second quarters (autumn): enrolment period 1–15 May
Courses in third and fourth quarters (spring): enrolment period 1–15 November
The course description states whether enrolment must take place via the self-service facility.
Study plans and a personal timetable for each student are published on the faculty's website at www.science.au.dk/en/students no later than one week prior to commencement of the instruction period.
For new Bachelor's degree students, the faculty's Studies Office handles registration for courses during the first and second quarters of the first year of studies. With effect from the third quarter of the first year of studies and onwards, the students are personally responsible for course enrolments.
Students must submit a study plan for the Bachelor's degree programme no later than the time of enrolment in the first optional course (cf. Section 24) stating the expected overall composition of the degree programme. The Bachelor's degree programme must be approved by the Board of Studies, and there should subsequently only be enrolments in courses stated in the approved Bachelor's degree programme.
Enrolment in examinations
Students are automatically enrolled in the examination when registering for a course.
Students are responsible for checking that examination enrolment is correct via the notice boards of the Board of Studies and the departments and www.nat.au/eksamen
The examination schedules are published approximately one month prior to commencement of the examination period on the notice boards of the Board of Studies and at www.nat.au.dk/eksamen.
Enrolment in re-examinations
The time of re-examination in a course is indicated in the course description. Students enrol for re-examination via the self-service facility for students (www.science.au.dk/en/students) during the following periods:
For courses with re-examination after the second quarter, the enrolment period is 1–15 November
For courses with re-examination after the third quarter, the enrolment period is 1–15 February
For courses with re-examination after the fourth quarter, the enrolment period is 1–15 May
For courses with re-examination in August, the enrolment period is 1–15 July
Cancellation of examination
Cancellation of an examination takes place via the self-service facility for students (www.science.au.dk/en/students). The deadline for cancellation of a given examination is one week prior to the first day of examination in the course. If students are late in cancelling, the cancellation is not accepted and an examination attempt is recorded in their study programme.
The Examination Executive Order stipulates that students participate in examinations in the courses included in the first-year examination.
The examination results are published in the self-service facility for students (www.science.au.dk/en/students), as soon as they have been recorded.
Illness and other circumstances in connection with an examination
See www.au.dk/da/eksamen (available in Danish only) for the university's rules and examination guidelines.
20.2 Skills in spelling and written expression
In all major written examinations, regardless of the language used in the examination, the student's skills in spelling and expression form part of the assessment. The academic content carries the most weight, but skills in spelling and written expression affect the assessment of whether the student meets the overall aims.
20.3 Regulations for major written submissions
Requirements regarding written submissions are available in the individual course descriptions for each programme component.
The following applies to the Bachelor's project:
The Bachelor's project takes place during the third year of the Bachelor's degree programme. In the Bachelor's project, students demonstrate their ability to formulate, analyse and process IT issues within a defined academic topic.
The Bachelor's project must include a summary in English. The summary is included in the overall assessment of the student's written expression skills in connection with the project.
The Bachelor's project is assessed in accordance with the Danish 7-point grading scale, with the participation of an external examiner appointed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The assessment of the Bachelor's project must be published no later than two months after submission of the project for assessment. July is not included in the calculation of these two months.
20.4 Use of computers at examinations
A computer can be used for text processing purposes at written examinations if stated in the course description (the method of examination will be described as a computer examination). For further information (in Danish only), see www.au.dk/da/eksamen/pc.
A computer can also be indicated as permitted material at written examinations, e.g. as a pocket calculator or as a note reference tool. It should be noted that, in such cases, a computer can only be used for the mentioned purposes – i.e. not for text processing, printing or submission. The assignment is written by hand. The conditions for use of a computer in this manner are available (in Danish only) at www.science.au.dk/eksamen.
20.5 Project-oriented training
Project-oriented training in private sector companies and institutions can form part of the Bachelor's degree programme. The project agreement and formulation are subject to prior approval by the Board of Studies, which also decides on the method of examination for the project-oriented training.
(21) Exemptions
In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Studies can grant exemptions from the rules set out in the academic regulations. An application for exemption must be submitted to the Board of Studies. If another authority has the power to grant an exemption, the Board of Studies forwards the application to the appropriate authority (e.g. the dean, rector or ministry). An application for exemption must be made in writing, stating reasons, and submitted as soon as possible. For the application to be processed immediately, it must include a precise account of the regulation from which exemption is sought, and what such exemption is intended to achieve (e.g. permission to use special aids, extension of examination time, postponement of time limits). Documentation for the unusual conditions that justify exemption must be enclosed with the application. Normally, no importance is attached to such conditions, unless they are documented.
(22) Appeals and complaints
Complaints regarding matters governed by the academic regulations must be submitted to the Board of Studies. It is a prerequisite for immediate processing that the complaint is made in writing, stating reasons.
Complaints regarding examinations, including examination results, must be submitted to the dean. Students are recommended to contact a supervisor before submitting a complaint. A complaint must be specific and submitted in writing, stating reasons.
The complaint must be addressed to:
The Dean of the Faculty of Science
Ny Munkegade, Building 1521
DK-8000 Aarhus C
The complaint must reach the Faculty of Science no later than 14 days after publication of the examination results.
See also www.au.dk/da/eksamen for university rules and examination guidelines (available in Danish only).
(23) Guidelines for degree programme rules
Acts and executive orders relating to education are available in the electronic rules and regulations of Aarhus University at http://www.au.dk/?id=245687&L=1/index.html.
(24) Study plan and student guidance
Students must submit a study plan for the degree programme no later than at the time of the first enrolment in an optional course. The study plan is prepared at www.science.au.dk/en/students and subsequently approved by the Board of Studies. In connection with the preparation of the study plan, students are given an opportunity to talk to a counsellor. Students are also offered a personal discussion if they are behind with their studies compared with the prescribed duration for the Bachelor's degree programme.