APIIT School of Computing is well-known for its Computing and Software Engineering programmes. APIIT has also recently launched a degree in Computer Networks and Security. Considering the strong curriculum prepared for each of these 3 degrees and the increasing demand in the market, it is no wonder that APIIT is excited about the year ahead for grooming top IT professionals! This article highlights the distinctive features of APIIT School of Computing, and recaps recent achievements that show that APIIT is the best place to study and to have an all-around learning experience.
APIIT – Sri Lanka, incorporated in September 1999 in partnership with the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology – Malaysia and Staffordshire University, UK offers tertiary education in Computing/IT, Business and Legal studies. These degree programmes are conducted over a period of three years enabling students to graduate in early twenties with a prestigious Internal British Degree awarded by Staffordshire University. APIIT-Sri Lanka also facilitates credit transfers to a number of reputable universities in the UK and Australia and thus forms part of an international collaboration in cross border education.
Following is an interview with Dr. Dhananjay Kulkarni (DK), Programme Leader of the APIIT School of Computing.
Q: Can you tell us about the APIIT School of Computing and its vision?
DK: The APIIT School of Computing offers Degree programmes in Computing and Applied IT. Equal emphasis on theory and practice of computing and an industry oriented project towards the latter part of the programme are the distinctive features of the Computing and Applied IT Degrees. The School of Computing is driven by a vision to be the leading Computing School in the country with a global reputation for academic excellence; its mission is to produce IT professionals who are effective in a competitive international environment. All our programmes have been designed to be relevant to the current industry requirements, thus ensuring employability of graduates. This is the biggest advantage our students have – securing employment with ease.
Q: What are the degrees offered by the APIIT School of Computing?
DK: The APIIT Computing School offers degrees in the following specializations: (1) B.Sc. / B.Eng. (Hons) in Computing Science, (2) B.Sc. / B.Eng. (Hons) in Software Engineering (3) B.Sc. / B.Eng. (Hons) in Computer Networks and Security, (4) B. Sc (Hons) Business Information Technology and (5) B. Sc (Hons) Business Computing.
Q: Can you tell us a little about each of these degree programmes?
DK: Computing Science - This award provides training in a wide range of topics across Computing Science, including programming, networking, databases, systems design, and web applications, with professional and business skills required in IT industry.
Software Engineering - This award aims at producing skilled graduates who can provide software solutions to variety of real-world problems. Curriculum includes programming in C, C++, Java, C#, software analysis and design, software engineering, object oriented techniques, databases, web applications and professional development.
Computer Networks and Security - This award aims at producing Computing graduates who are skilled in networking and security related services in the IT world. A variety of topics are covered, including general networking systems, advanced topics in networking, router technologies, computer security, and secure software programming. Being one of the important fields for the future, students will be exposed to cutting-edge applications and networking tools to build secure systems.
Q: What kind of subjects will students study in this degree? Will they get practical experience in the subjects?
DK: Apart from learning the foundation of computer systems, programming, and design techniques, students will learn specific topics related to each of the degree programmes. We have state-of-the-art laboratories which are well equipped with the latest technologies to learn and experiment. All 3 degrees have practical components that the students need to complete. Networking in particular is a very hands-on programme, and we are building a well equipped lab to provide the best opportunities for our students to practice. Students also develop professional skills along the way to the final year, which are a much needed skills as students face job interviews in the last year.
Q: Which type of jobs is available for Computing/Software engineering graduates?
DK: Plenty of variety in jobs - Application Developer, Systems Analyst, Software Engineer, Web Developer,
Web Designer, QA Engineer/Tester, DBA, Network Administrator/Engineer, System Admin or even a Project Manager. Most of our students start at a junior level and progress the career ladder quickly depending on expertise. Some students have shown excellent communication and entrepreneurial skills and gone to start their own company etc.
Q: OK, so what kinds of jobs are available for Computer Networking and Security graduates?
DK: Opportunities for a CNS graduates are also plenty, including working as Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Information Security Technician, System Admin, Security Consultant, Quality Assurance / Test Engineer, Application Developer, Web Developer, etc. These graduates may also work as Systems Analyst, Software Engineer, DBA, Graphics Designer, or a Web Designer.
Q: This is good to hear – so students will be well prepared to get a job after graduation?
DK: Yes, APIIT students are groomed to become ‘employable’ graduates, possessing hands on experience, knowledge and skills on par with the industry requirements. Our programmes are structured carefully to offer in-depth knowledge within the area of computing covering computer systems, networking, hardware, software, and information systems. Students are also required to engage in many development projects to help them acquire technical capabilities. This is one of the key reasons why APIIT-Sri Lanka has attracted thousands of students from all parts of Sri Lanka and from overseas.
Q: How is your Lecture Panel? Are there any experts in the field?
DK: APIIT School of Computing has a very intellectual environment that facilitates sharing of techniques and tools to make the learning experience meet high quality standards – this is due to the excellent pool of lecturers at the APIIT School of Computing, which includes staff members with PhDs and Masters degrees, Most of our academic staff is also trained in technical areas related to their field of study or research, and they can provide useful guidance to students during and after course delivery. Most importantly, we are proud to say that our Lecturers are effective teachers – they know how to make the students learn and enjoy the subjects at the same time.
We have about 15 full-time lecturers, and most of our Senior Lecturers conduct active research. We currently have expertise in the following fields of research – Databases, Data Mining, Ubiquitous Computing, Information Security, and Software Engineering.
Q: What are some of your recent academic accomplishments - by students?
DK: Our students try their best to participate in academic and research-related competitions, and in 2011 we have done a good job of improving participation and winning in such competitions. A group of APIIT Computing students were Runners-up at the HSBC – British Council Youth Enterprise Award, and also the Motorola Enterprise Mobility Challenge. There was another group that came in the Top 5 at a Security Quiz organized by CERT.
A couple of papers were published by students and staff at Research Conferences. Some of our students are part of the APIIT Tech Team which assists in managing our network and systems.
Students have also actively participated in several events such as organized visits to Virtusa, and a Microsoft ERP workshop, and Expo Lanka incubation program. Our lecturers and Student Support Services arm is active in finding opportunities to involve students, and some lecturers work closely with students to conduct research and publish papers when possible.
Q: To sum it up – Why is Computing considered a sought-after field of study? And why choose APIIT?
DK: We now live in the Information Age – and learning or developing techniques for faster, more usable software applications, exchange data, reliable infrastructure for e-commerce etc will continue to fascinate us.
The IT industry and networking companies in particular are growing; this includes companies providing services through Internet, cell-phones, wireless devices, e-commerce, sensors, broadband networks, online shopping, banking, social networking, etc. Developing software and tools to support these services is essential.
The market demand for professionals who are trained in networking and security will continue to grow, and hence there is a need to develop a high quality programme that will groom top IT professionals in this field. As a leading higher education institute, APIIT will provide this opportunity to the youth with a globally recognised degree in the field of Computing and IT.
Students wishing to enrol in our degree programmes are advised to contact Ms. Yoga on 011 7675107/ 7675100 or info@apiit.lk for further information and assistance, and invited to visit the APIIT City Campus at 388, Union Place, Colombo 2 to experience the APIIT Advantage |
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