Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies

A man turning the digital globe
 

Computing and Information Technologies
Bachelor of Science Degree

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Program Contact
Dr. Muhieddin Amer, Department Head
Offered within the
Department of Computing and Electrical Engineering


Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education

An information technology degree where you'll implement complex computing systems and become well versed in their management.

Overview

Information technology is found in every aspect of our lives: the workplace, our homes, the way we communicate, and in much of the entertainment we consume. IT professionals, therefore, are in great demand and highly valued. IT professionals are solution architects, identifying complex problems and creating custom solutions that help users meet their goals. They play an integral role in any modern organization, working on all phases of IT solutions from conception to development, testing, deployment, security, and management. In this information technology degree, you’ll learn to design, implement, and manage complex IT systems.

Students in the computing and information technologies major are characterized by their hands-on approach to technology. They are designers and builders, but primarily they’re enablers. Students approach complex problems and create custom solutions that help users meet their goals. They play an integral role in any modern organization, often working behind the scenes to deploy technology where it’s needed most.

That versatility is the core principle of our major. People are interacting with computers more than ever before. With that comes a need for professionals that have the broad practical skills to facilitate those interactions across a variety of sectors. Not only do computing and information technology students learn to implement complex systems, but they become well versed in their management as well. Every day, more companies are realizing the benefits that IT professionals bring to the table.

Typical Job Titles

Systems Administrator DevOps Engineer
Full Stack Engineer Information Technology Engineer
Information Technology Specialist Software Engineer
Systems Engineer Operations Engineer
Network Technician Web Developer

 

Industries

Commercial Banking and Credit

Defense

Health Care

Higher Education

Insurance

Manufacturing

Internet and Software

Mission Statement

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies program will remain employable in IT or related professional positions in both the private and public sectors and will have the ability to rise to leadership positions in their organizations. They will continue to make contributions to the discipline and will demonstrate continued learning in their career.

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Program Educational Objectives

The Computing and Information Technologies Program Educational Objectives (PEO) are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. Program educational objectives are based on the needs of the program’s constituencies. The Computing and Information Technologies faculty, in conjunction with its constituents, has established the following program educational objectives:

  • PEO 1: Graduates of the BS CIT program will remain employed in any IT or related professional positions in both the private and public sectors.
  • PEO 2: Graduates of the BS CIT program will demonstrate continued learning in their career through advanced study, advanced degrees, certifications, and similar activities.
  • PEO 3: Graduates of the BS CIT program will demonstrate an ability to participate on team-oriented activities and will rise to leadership positions in their organizations.
  • PEO 4: Graduates of the BS CIT program will make contributions to the discipline of computer and information technologies through participation in professional organizations, providing training, authoring articles, through scholarship, or similar activities. 

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s disciplines.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  6. Identify and analyze user needs and to take them into account in the selection, creation, integration, evaluation, and administration of computing-based systems.

Curriculum

The BS degree in Computing and Information Technologies is designed to teach students to be the designers, implementers, operators, and maintainers of computing networks and the computing systems attached to the network. Students will evaluate existing networks and computing systems, suggest improvements, monitor such systems for faults, and plan for growth. They will have the opportunity to work in small- to large-scale companies in any industry segment that interests them.

An important goal of the major is to provide students with a level of specialization beyond that provided by typical information systems or information technology programs. To accomplish this, the major focuses on networks of all types and the full range of computing system platforms that can attach to them.

In this way the degree program favors depth over breadth. It is this approach that allows faculty to guide students in their in-depth exploration of conceptual knowledge, which is enhanced with required cooperative education experiences. The curriculum includes required core courses such as a programming.

Typical Course Sequence

Total Credit Hours - 126

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
CSEC-102
Information Assurance and Security
Computer-based information processing is a foundation of contemporary society. As such, the protection of digital information, and the protection of systems that process this information has become a strategic priority for both the public and private sectors. This course provides an overview of information assurance and security concepts, practices, and trends. Topics include computing and networking infrastructures, risk, threats and vulnerabilities, legal and industry requirements for protecting information, access control models, encryption, critical national infrastructure, industrial espionage, enterprise backup, recovery, and business continuity, personal system security, and current trends and futures.
 3
GCIS-123
Software Development and Problem Solving I
A first course introducing students to the fundamentals of computational problem solving. Students will learn a systematic approach to problem solving, including how to frame a problem in computational terms, how to decompose larger problems into smaller components, how to implement innovative software solutions using a contemporary programming language, how to critically debug their solutions, and how to assess the adequacy of the software solution. Additional topics include an introduction to object-oriented programming and data structures such as arrays and stacks. Students will complete both in-class and out-of-class assignments.
 4
GCIS-124
Software Development and Problem Solving II
A second course that delves further into computational problem solving, now with a focus on an object-oriented perspective. There is a continued emphasis on basic software design, testing & verification, and incremental development. Key topics include theoretical abstractions such as classes, objects, encapsulation, inheritance, interfaces, polymorphism, software design comprising multiple classes with UML, data structures (e.g. lists, trees, sets, maps, and graphs), exception/error handling, I/O including files and networking, concurrency, and graphical user interfaces. Additional topics include basic software design principles (coupling, cohesion, information expert, open-closed principle, etc.), test driven development, design patterns, data integrity, and data security.
 4
MATH-131
Discrete Mathematics
This course is an introduction to the topics of discrete mathematics, including number systems, sets and logic, relations, combinatorial methods, graph theory, regular sets, vectors, and matrices.
 4
NSSA-102
Computer Systems Concepts
This course teaches the student the essential technologies needed by NSSA majors, focused on PC and mainframe hardware topics. They include how those platforms operate, how they are configured, and the operation of their major internal components. Also covered are the basic operating system interactions with those platforms, physical security of assets, and computing-centric mathematical concepts.
MATH-161
Applied Calculus
This course is an introduction to the study of differential and integral calculus, including the study of functions and graphs, limits, continuity, the derivative, derivative formulas, applications of derivatives, the definite integral, the fundamental theorem of calculus, basic techniques of integral approximation, exponential and logarithmic functions, basic techniques of integration, an introduction to differential equations, and geometric series. Applications in business, management sciences, and life sciences will be included with an emphasis on manipulative skills.
 4
COMM-142
Introduction to Technical Communication
This course introduces students to current best practices in written and visual technical communication including writing effective email, short and long technical reports and presentations, developing instructional material, and learning the principles and practices of ethical technical communication. Course activities focus on engineering and scientific technical documents.
 3
UWRT-150
FYW: Writing Seminar
Writing Seminar is a three-credit course limited to 19 students per section. The course is designed to develop first-year students’ proficiency in analytical and rhetorical reading and writing, and critical thinking. Students will read, understand, and interpret a variety of non-fiction texts representing different cultural perspectives and/or academic disciplines. These texts are designed to challenge students intellectually and to stimulate their writing for a variety of contexts and purposes. Through inquiry-based assignment sequences, students will develop academic research and literacy practices that will be further strengthened throughout their academic careers. Particular attention will be given to the writing process, including an emphasis on teacher-student conferencing, critical self-assessment, class discussion, peer review, formal and informal writing, research, and revision. Small class size promotes frequent student-instructor and student-student interaction. The course also emphasizes the principles of intellectual property and academic integrity for both current academic and future professional writing.
 3
YOPS-010
RIT 365: RIT Connections
RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies.
 0
General Education - Elective : Islamic Culture Course 3
General Education - Artistic Perspective 3
Second Year
NSSA-241
Introduction to Routing and Switching
This course provides an introduction to wired network infrastructures, topologies, technologies, and the protocols required for effective end-to-end communication. Basic security concepts for TCP/IP based technologies are introduced. Networking layers 1, 2, and 3 are examined in-depth using the International Standards Organization’s Open Systems Interconnection and TCP/IP models as reference. Course topics focus on the TCP/IP protocol suite, the Ethernet LAN protocol, switching technology, and routed and routing protocols common in TCP/IP networks. The lab assignments mirror the lecture content , providing an experiential learning component for each topic covered.
NSSA-220
Task Automation Using Interpretive Languages
An introduction to the Linux operating system and scripting in high-level and shell languages. The course will cover basic user-level commands to the Linux operating system, followed by basic control structures, and data structures in both high-level and shell languages of choice. Examples will include interfacing with the underlying operating system and processing structured data. Students will need one year of programming in an object-oriented language.
 3
ISTE-230
Introduction to Database and Data Modeling
A presentation of the fundamental concepts and theories used in organizing and structuring data. Coverage includes the data modeling process, basic relational model, normalization theory, relational algebra, and mapping a data model into a database schema. Structured Query Language is used to illustrate the translation of a data model to physical data organization. Modeling and programming assignments will be required. Note: students should have one course in object-oriented programming.
 3
NSSA-221
Systems Administration I
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the role of the system administrator in large organizations. This will be accomplished through a discussion of many of the tasks and tools of system administration. Students will participate in both a lecture section and a separate lab section. The technologies discussed in this class include: operating systems, system security, and service deployment strategies.
STAT-145
Introduction to Statistics I
This course introduces statistical methods of extracting meaning from data, and basic inferential statistics. Topics covered include data and data integrity, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, numeric summary measures, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. The emphasis of the course is on statistical thinking rather than computation. Statistical software is used.
 3
ISTE-140
Web and Mobile I
This course provides students with an introduction to internet and web technologies, and to development on Macintosh/UNIX computer platforms. Topics include HTML and CSS, CSS3 features, digital images, web page design and website publishing. Emphasis is placed on fundamentals, concepts and standards. Additional topics include the user experience, mobile design issues, and copyright/intellectual property considerations. Exercises and projects are required.
 3
ISTE-240
Web and Mobile II
This course builds on the basics of web page development that are presented in Web and Mobile I and extends that knowledge to focus on theories, issues, and technologies related to the design and development of web sites. An overview of web design concepts, including usability, accessibility, information architecture, and graphic design in the context of the web will be covered. Introduction to web site technologies, including HTTP, web client and server programming, and dynamic page generation from a database also will be explored. Development exercises are required.
 3
ISTE-99
Co-op Prep Seminar
This course helps students prepare for cooperative employment by developing job search approaches and material. Students will explore current and emerging aspects of IST fields to help focus their skill development strategies. Students are introduced to the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, and learn about their professional and ethical responsibilities for their co-op and subsequent professional experiences. Students will work collaboratively to build résumés, cover letters, and prepare for interviewing.
 0
General Education - Ethical Perspective 3
General Education - Global Perspective 3
General Education - Social Perspective 3
Co-operative Education (Summer)
Third Year
ISTE260
Designing the User Experience
The user experience is an important design element in the development of interactive systems. This course presents the foundations of user-centered design principles within the context of human-computer interaction (HCI). Students will explore and practice HCI methods that span the development lifecycle from requirements analysis and creating the product/service vision through system prototyping and usability testing. Leading edge interface technologies are examined. Group-based exercises and design projects are required.
 3
ISTE430
Information Requirements Modeling
Students will survey and apply contemporary techniques used in analyzing and modeling information requirements. Requirements will be elicited in a variety of domains and abstracted at conceptual, logical, and physical levels of detail. Process, data, and state modeling will be applied in projects that follow a systems development lifecycle. Object-oriented modeling will be explored and contrasted with data and process oriented modeling. Individual and team modeling assignments will be required.
 3
CIT Concentration Courses 9
General Education - Natural Science Perspective 4
BIOG-140 Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers I
BIOG-240 Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers II
PHYS-111 College Physics I
General Education - Scientific Principles Perspective 4
CHMG-141 General and Analytical Chemistry I
CHMG-145 General and Analytical Chemistry I Lab
CHMG-142 General and Analytical Chemistry II
CHMG-146 General and Analytical Chemistry II Lab
BIOG-140 Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers I
BIOG-240 Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers II
BIOL-101 General Biology I
PSYC-101 Introduction to Psychology
PHYS-111 College Physics I
Fourth Year
ISTE-500
Senior Development Project I
The first course in a two-course, senior level, system development capstone project. Students form project teams and work with sponsors to define system requirements. Teams then create architectures and designs, and depending on the project, also may begin software development. Requirements elicitation and development practices introduced in prior coursework are reviewed, and additional methods and processes are introduced. Student teams are given considerable latitude in how they organize and conduct project work.
 3
ISTE-501
Senior Development Project II
The second course in a two-course, senior level, system development capstone project. Student teams complete development of their system project and package the software and documentation for deployment. Usability testing practices introduced in prior course work are reviewed, and additional methods and processes are introduced. Teams present their developed system and discuss lessons learned at the completion of the course.
 3
CIT Concentration Courses 9
General Education - Immersion 2 3
General Education - Immersion 3 3
Open Electives 3 3
Open Electives 4 3
Open Electives 5 3

 

Click here for the Program flow chart

 

CIT Degree Concentrations

CIT degree requires the completion of six advanced courses from the following concentrations. Students matriculated in this degree are required to take three courses from one concentration to establish depth in one area and three courses for other concentrations representing a total of eighteen semester hours of work.

 

Concentrations

- Database Applications

- Enterprise Administration

- Networking and Communications

- Web Development

 

RIT Dubai is currently offering the following advanced courses from Networking and Communications concentration in addition to select courses from Database Applications and Enterprise Administration to meet the growing need of networking, cloud computing, data, enterprise.

 

Networking and Communications

- NSSA 245 Network Services

- NSSA 242 Wireless Networking

- NSSA 443 Network Design and Performance

 

Enterprise Administration

- NSSA 244 Virtualization

- NSSA 370 Project Management

 

Database Applications

- ISTE 470 Data Mining and Exploration

 

To graduate, students need to complete all the requirements as listed in the curriculum graduation policy

Program Laboratories

 

Computer Networking Lab

This lab is divided into four clusters. Each cluster has two sub-clusters with three adjacent PCs. A cabinet with at least one server, firewall, two routers, and four switches is dedicated for each of the four clusters. UTP and Console cables are available for students to connect these devices into a LAN, WAN and they can connect the event to the internet to install any additional required software or tool. This lab service mainly some courses such as CSEC 244 routing the switching, CSEC network security, and forensics as well as many other courses.

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Computing Security Lab

The computing security lab provides students with a PC and access to the DTLAB in order to support a wide range of courses. Examples of these courses are penetration testing, security auditing, cyber defense, network forensic, digital forensics, and many more. Through this lab, students can coordinate the work to conduct security experiments that can include building a vulnerable environment, conduct various attacks, acquire information related to these attacks, and then try to mitigate them. Access to the DTLAB provides students with private cloud support that allow them to spin various virtual machines, connect them via a network, and study the various security issues.

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Digital Transformation Lab

The digital transformation lab at RIT Dubai is funded by the TRA ICT fund and was established in 2018. The aim of this lab is in the research and development of secure and smart solutions across a number of verticals that support digitization for government, enterprise, and education.

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Faculty

Advisory Board

Mr. Eyad Shihabi
BT - MD, Natural Resources & Utilities at BT

Mr. Taha Khalifa
Intel Corp - Regional GM, MENA

Dr. Ayman El Nashar
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications (du) - Senior Director

Mr. Ghanim Al Falasi
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority - Senior VP

Ms. Diyaa Zebian
Archinnova - Executive Partner

Mr. Bashar Kilani
Accenture - MD Digital Economy

Ms. Ghada Elkeissi
AWS - Head of Professional Services, ME & Africa

Dr. Mahmoud Sherif
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications (du) - Head of Technology & IT Strategy

Dr. Raed Shubair
UAE Ministry of Education, NYU-AD – Senior Advisor, Office of Undersecretary for Academic Affairs of Higher Education Research Affiliate, MIT Adjunct Professor, NYU-Abu Dhabi

Website last updated: June 27, 2024