IT with a twist comes to UQ Ipswich in 2006

A traditional information technology degree with a design twist will form the basis of a new degree to be launched at The University of Queensland Ipswich Campus next year.

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Interaction Design) is a new program to commence at the UQ Ipswich Campus from 2006 and will combine traditional IT skills with a focus on design and human-computer interaction.

Program Director Dr Margot Brereton said the combination of core IT skills with a focus on design and human-computer interaction would ensure the new degree had the substance and creative flair that students were seeking.

She said the field of Interaction Design undertook a human-centred perspective to IT, to redesign how people interacted with computers and computational devices.

“As our society becomes increasingly networked, more and more business, government and personal interactions will use computing devices in novel and flexible ways,” she said.

“Students will develop the design skills to implement useful and usable applications for sophisticated information environments, including wireless networked distributed mobile devices such as phones and personal digital devices, immersive environments and desktops.

“Our graduates will meet the needs of this market — which has a long and bright future — where people will not just think about working on the computer, but rather about living, working and playing within information environments.”

In their first year of study, students will undertake courses to develop the core foundation of IT. They will then focus on the Interaction Design major, with an added elective focus, in their second and third years.

The program is heavily studio-focused, allowing students the opportunity to gain hands-on, practical experience to put ‘theory into practice’.

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Interaction Design) can be studied independently, or concurrently with the Bachelor of Multimedia Design at the Ipswich Campus. Additionally students have the option to undertaken a dual degree with the new Bachelor of Arts (Contemporary Studies), as well offered on the Campus.

The program will replace the current Bachelor of Information Environments at the Campus.

Visit the Bachelor of Information Technology (Interaction Design) booth and mini lecture at the upcoming UQ Ipswich Open Day on Sunday, 21 August for more information or telephone 3381 1122, email infenv@itee.uq.edu.au or visit www.itee.uq.edu.au/infenv

Media Enquiries: Loretta Porche in the Office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Ipswich (3381 1068, 0418 772 819)