ET21SP Degree Programme in Information Technology

This curriculum is a translation of the curriculum of the Finnish degree program.

Curriculum responsibility: Pasi Liimatainen

Basis of Education

The degree program in information technology leads to a polytechnic degree in the field of information technology, the degree title being an engineer (Bachelor of Science). The scope of the studies is 240 credits and the duration is 4 years. The skills produced by the degree correspond to the level of higher education defined jointly in the European Union, which enables the movement of labor and experts.

The degree program provides the student with the professional knowledge and skills to work as an engineer in an internationalizing ICT field. Engineers graduating from the degree program also master basic mathematical and scientific knowledge, project work methods and communication skills, as well as know the key operating principles of business life.

The IT degree program focuses in particular on information systems implementation technologies that implement and integrate a variety of software, user interfaces, databases, computer networks, servers, and terminals. Students can focus their studies on software engineering or computer network engineering.

Engineers who graduate from the degree program in Information Technology are placed in software and computer network design and implementation positions, as well as in supervisory, training, sales, and marketing positions. Employers can be Finnish or international companies, such as design offices, companies specializing in information systems, data processing and software production, companies engaged in product trade in the field, and various public and private sector organizations.

Competence Standards

Engineering education equals to level 6 at European and Finnish Qualification Framework.

The competence profile of an IT engineer consists of competencies.

Structure of Studies

The studies of an IT engineer are 240 credits. According to the curriculum, one year of study corresponds to 60 credits, which means 1,600 hours of student work. The student's work consists of e.g. short hours, distance and independent study, e-learning and internships. The study includes working life-oriented research and development activities.

Development of Expertise

In Savonia's curricula, the courses form broader study modules. In this way, they are not detached but support the overall development of the student and the development of expertise. At the same time, it is possible to combine teaching and work-based research and development.

The IT engineer curriculum is designed to
- the degree produces the skills required in working life
- the training ensures the development of the student's expertise.

Student
- prepares a personal study plan to support his / her studies, in which previously acquired competencies are identified (includes at least 5 credits of studying in a foreign language)
- is responsible for the progress of his / her studies.

Savonia teachers and other staff guide and support in defining and achieving personal goals.

Annual themes:
- Year 1: Acquisition of basic knowledge and experimental learning
- Year 2: Analysis and solution skills
- Year 3: Advanced Design Skills
- Year 4: Development skills

1 year:
The student becomes acquainted with the study of technology and is oriented towards his / her professional field. The student acquires basic knowledge in the field of information technology and basic mathematical, communicative and foreign language skills. The student also learns the basics of project work skills.

2nd year
The professional competence base of 1st year studies is expanded so that the student is able to analyze different solutions and master the basic principles of design work. Knowledge and skills related to teamwork are also developed. At the same time, mathematical and scientific knowledge will be deepened.

3rd year
The student is able to design, implement and maintain extensive systems.

4th year
The student becomes more familiar with economics and masters the basics of development competence as well as the roles of different project actors.

Methods and implementation

In Savonia, the pedagogical starting point is the combination of high-quality education with research and development activities close to working life. Work-related education emphasizes students' motivation and commitment to studies. The development of students' expertise is promoted in various learning environments, by enabling diverse, time- and place-based year-round study and by making extensive use of the study of work. Comprehensive student guidance and the identification and recognition of prior learning are part of the students' personal study plan.

The working life orientation of Savonia's education is realized through the diverse networking of teachers. Networks also ensure the continuous development of substance expertise. The staff creates learning situations and supports student learning. The study office, library and information services, international services and other support services help with studying. The training follows the principles of accessibility and sustainable development.

In the degree program in information technology, teaching is carried out in classrooms, laboratories and group work rooms. The course material designed for independent study is available to the student in the school's information systems. The training includes project study in CDIO format. During the 1st and 2nd year of study, the Department of Computer Science of the University of Eastern Finland lectures at least one study period each semester. The degree program includes a minimum of five credits in foreign language instruction (other than language studies).

1st year students have their own teacher and student tutor and 2nd - N class students have their own teacher tutor. They help students solve study-related problems and do internship and graduation work. The school's study counselor also helps students with study-related dilemmas. In addition, students can take advantage of the degree program’s international contacts in connection with their study, internship, or dissertation. After graduating with a bachelor's degree, an IT engineer can continue his or her studies in the master's program of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Eastern Finland.

The studies in the curriculum can be implemented either in full or in part as online studies. Some of the studies are organized as online studies throughout the year, regardless of time and place. The course may also include part-time courses, the study and completion of which is supervised and supported online. Online implementation can also be an alternative way of completing the course.

Some of the courses are either entirely or partly in English, as language skills are an essential part of an engineer's professional skills. The English-language implementations also enable exchange students to participate in study courses, thus promoting the growth of the international skills of all students. In connection with the implementation of English-language courses, learning is ensured, if necessary, with support material in Finnish and a professional vocabulary.

Studying is a flexible way to study, especially in the final stages of studies. The competence included in the degree is acquired in part by doing work and performing agreed tasks. Studying is not an automatic recognition of work experience. In some cases, the student's leisure activities and hobbies can also develop his or her professional skills so that studying is possible.

Studying begins at the student's initiative and the related plan is made and approved by the course teacher in advance. If the student's work tasks fit the competence objectives of the course, it is possible to study. The curriculum may also include a study course designed specifically for study (eg project studies).

Learning in the workplace or in hobbies is planned on the basis of the competence objectives of the course in cooperation with the teacher of the course. The work tasks presented by the student are assessed whether they in themselves produce sufficient competence in relation to the objectives or whether additional performance is required to achieve the competence. Competence can be supplemented, for example, with a presentation or a report.

Course Table

Course Descriptions

4 EXX8000 Tools for Technical Studies