BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN SMART TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (BSTACD)

Module Code	Module Name	Description
BSTACD101	Smart Technology Applications for Community Development	The module examines myriad of social issues associated with use and non-use of Smart Technology Applications. It looks at cultural issues and social contributions the technologies are bringing to society and the ethical issues being raised. More important is exploring opportunities for making the technologies improve people’s livelihoods and enrich their cultural domains. Gender and intergenerational aspects are also highlighted by the course
BSCID105	Introduction to Community Development	This is the first module of the Community Development strand and the most important because it lays the foundation on which all other Community Development activities are based. In this introduction to the field of community development, we will investigate the multiple meanings of key ideas such as “community” and “development,” and explore the roles that planners and related professionals can play in helping communities develop. The principles of equity and social justice are foundational in this module, and students will be challenged to reflect on some of their own experiences and perceptions. The module will also introduce students to a range of community development theories, approaches and practices. Both older “expert-driven” traditions and more recent approaches privileging participatory development and community action research will be discussed. Topics to be examined include: the links that connect communities, practices that spark development, and the ways in which local communities can participate in the design and planning of neighborhoods, programs, campaigns and initiatives to suit their needs and objectives. Finally, we will explore how we might work as researchers and practitioners, moving beyond the confines and structures of development and academic institutions to engage with communities globally.
BSTACD102	ICT for Development	This module, a core component of the Smart Technology Applications and Community Development degree, provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical and practical applications of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in fostering sustainable development, with a specific focus on the Zimbabwean context. It aligns with the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Framework (ZNQF) and the Education 5.0 philosophy, which emphasizes the generation of knowledge that results in tangible goods and services. The module is designed for students at the first-year level, with a credit rating of 15, corresponding to approximately 150 notional hours of learning.
BSTACD104	Community Based Web Design	The module will explain basics of web design, Site development processes, Design principles; page layout navigation. The module explains HTML, CSS and PHP programming language. The hands-on PHP Programming module provides the knowledge necessary to design and develop dynamic, database-driven web pages using PHP. This module introduces the PHP framework and syntax, and covers in depth the most important techniques used to build dynamic web sites. Students learn how to connect to any ODBC-compliant database,and perform hands on practice with a MySQL database to create database-driven HTML forms and reports. The subject will also cover the fundamentals in Mobile Application Development (MAD) encompassing Mobile Phones and Application Frameworks e.g. Android and iOS platforms. Use of software development toolkits like Android and iOS will enable students to bring out small to large scale innovative solutions while leveraging on cross platform technologies like PhoneGap.
BSTACD105	Database Systems for Community Networking	The module focuses on concepts and principles related to database management systems and link these to Relational Database Systems. Students must design entity relationship and convert entity relationship diagrams into relational database management systems (RDBMS) and formulate Structured Query Language (SQL) queries on the respect data as well as apply normalization for the development of application software.
BSTACD103	Applied Info Architecture	This module studies the basic instruction set architecture and organisation of a modern computer, its structure, function and characteristics, the design of the various functional units and components of computers and identifies the elements of modern instructions sets and their impact on computer processor design. At the end of the module, students are expected to develop community architecture systems for seamless proliferation of baseline information requisite for development.
FSBT100	Social & Behavioural Theory (Faulty Wide Module)	This interdisciplinary module introduces students to foundational concepts in the social and behavioural sciences, spanning Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Demography, Political Science, Public Policy, and Lifelong Learning. It equips students with analytical tools, values, and competencies to study human behaviour and society through the lens of social and behavioural theory. Emphasis is placed on theorising as a practical activity, encouraging students to critically apply theory to issues affecting individuals, groups, communities, and societies. The module also serves as preparation for professional practice, fostering skills for engaging with policy, politics, economics, and knowledge production as emerging social scientists.
SDLSSB101	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
IDSB101	Information & Digital Skills (University Wide Module)	The Information and Digital Skills module develop learners’ ability to find, assess, and use information effectively while building confidence with digital tools. It covers online research, data management, communication, and collaboration, emphasizing ethical and responsible practices. By completion, learners can critically engage with digital resources across academic, professional, and everyday settings.
LAICSBKI100	Language Acquisition And Intercultural Communication For Social And Behavioural Sciences - KISWAHILI	This is a Kiswahili module targeted for beginners with no prior knowledge of the language. There are no predetermined prerequisites required to undertake this module. Any beginner student who intends to learn and speak Kiswahili as a second or foreign language can benefit from this module. The course offers interactive skills which underlie elementary communication in view of developing learners’ skills in social interactions. The teaching philosophy adopted is based on communicative and competency-based approach to language teaching. Focus is on the competency which learners have to accomplish in the target language for them to be able to communicate naturally in business and other social settings. It is hoped that the module will equip Kiswahili students with listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through various learning activities such as role play, exercises and tests. Upon completion of this module, students will have basic language skills that will enable them to function in multilingual and multicultural contexts in the spirit of Education 5.0.
BSTACD201	Data Communications	This module explores the principles underlying the design of computer networks. Topics covered include: Computer network technologies and applications, Transmission Media, Signalling, Communication protocols, Communication architectures, Network connections, Network types, Routing and routing algorithms, spanning tree protocol and IP addressing
BSTACD202	Programming and Machine Learning	This module examines the concepts and structures governing the design and implementation of programming languages. Major outcomes are for students to be able express syntax and semantics in formal notation, apply suitable programming paradigms and understand high level language design and implementation. Upon completion, students should be able to manage files with operating system commands, use top-down algorithm design, implement algorithmic solutions in a programming language and write small programs that allow them to accomplish useful goals.
BSTACD204	Artificial Intelligence and Society	The module develops in students a working knowledge of intelligent systems as well as the understanding of the application of artificial reasoning in industrial processes. Topics covered include: An introduction to intelligence, historical and current trends and characterization of knowledge-based systems, knowledge representation, reasoning, problem solving, and learning. It then explores those further by surveying current applications in selected areas such as game playing and natural language processing.
BSTACD203	Small Business Admin	This module introduces students to the principles and practices of small business management with emphasis on community-based enterprises. Students will learn about business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, operations management, and human resource practices for small businesses. The module covers topics relevant to community development contexts, including social entrepreneurship, cooperative business models, microfinance, and sustainable business practices. Students will develop practical skills in creating business plans, conducting market research, and managing small-scale enterprises that contribute to community economic development.
BSTACD206	Smart Health Information Management	This module explores the application of smart technologies in healthcare information management. Students will learn about electronic health records, health information systems, telemedicine platforms, and mobile health (mHealth) applications. The module covers data privacy and security in healthcare contexts, health data analytics, and the use of technology to improve healthcare access and quality in underserved communities. Students will examine case studies of digital health innovations and develop skills in designing and implementing health information systems that are appropriate for resource-limited settings.
BSTACD 207	Smart Security Management for Community Development	The module covers fundamental security concepts and secure electronic transactions and also discusses the relevance of security in operating system and web services. On completion, a student must be able to recognize common threats, design a secure system and identify software vulnerabilities and develop a secure web service.
SDLSSB201	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
CCLSSB201	Critical Consciousness & Life Skills (University Wide Module)	Develops students’ awareness of social, cultural and personal issues while fostering essential life skills for decision-making, problem-solving and responsible citizenship.
RISSB202	Research and Innovation Skills (Faculty Wide Module)	This module equips learners with the essential knowledge, tools, and practices required to conduct effective research and foster innovation in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial settings. It emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and the application of systematic research methods to generate new ideas and solutions.
SSRM201	Social Science Research Methods (Faculty Wide Module)	This module engages with the emergence of Social Science Research Methods and their need to deal with unique experiences, meanings making processes and interpretations of people and thus of society. At the end of the module students should be able to conduct qualitative research to inform policies and development initiatives.
LAICSBPO200	Language Acquisition And Intercultural Communication For Social And Behavioural Sciences-PORTUGUESE	The module seeks to (a) develop four essential Portuguese language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, enabling effective cross-cultural and intercultural communication and (b) equip students with the skills and competency levels required to attain the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This will be achieved through extensive individual and group work on grammar and content, general and discipline-specific vocabulary, language structure and analysis. The module also develops intercultural competencies by incorporating aspects of the culture and civilisation of Portuguese-speaking territories, allowing for a holistic multilingual and intercultural communication experience.
BSTACD301	Knowledge Management Systems	This module, a core component of the Smart Technology Applications and Community Development degree, provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical and practical application of knowledge management (KM) principles in fostering sustainable development at the community level. It aligns with the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Framework (ZNQF) and the Education 5.0 philosophy, emphasizing the generation of knowledge that results in tangible goods and services. The module is designed for students at the third-year level, with a credit rating of 15, corresponding to approximately 150 notional hours of learning.
BSTACD302	Design and Application of Smart Technology Research Tools	This module focuses on developing and applying research tools that leverage smart technologies. Students will learn to design digital surveys, mobile data collection applications, sensor-based monitoring systems, and other technology-enabled research instruments. The module covers principles of tool design, user testing, data quality assurance, and ethical considerations in digital research. Students will gain hands-on experience in creating and deploying smart research tools for community assessments, participatory monitoring, and development evaluation. Emphasis is placed on ensuring tools are appropriate, accessible, and useful in diverse community contexts.
BSTACD303	Applied Remote Sensing and Geographic Systems	The module will offer students theoretical and practical applications of Geographical Information Systems. At the end of the course students will be able not only to apply the skills but also to devise techniques to allow teach GIS skills to communities for wider applications in community-based planning and monitoring.
EPECPSB301	Entrepreneurship, Professional Ethics Communication and Philosophy	The module capacitates students with skills to organically grow enterprises through cultivating employees that are creative and innovative. These skills and knowledge are the corner stone of enterprise growth as they remove dependence on the owners to all in the organisation. Through the module organisational rejuvenation and sustainable competitiveness hence growth is guaranteed.
SDLSSB301	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
BSTACD380	Industrial Attachment	Industrial Attachment provides learners with supervised, hands-on practical experience in a real-world organizational or community development setting. The module bridges theory and practice by allowing students to apply knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to professional environments. It focuses on experiential learning, workplace ethics, problem-solving, and professional development, while exposing learners to institutional operations, project implementation, and stakeholder engagement. The module also emphasizes reflective practice, reporting, and supervision to enhance learning outcomes and career readiness.
BSTACD401	Issues in Transformative Development Facilitation in Digital	This module examines the technology underlying current and future mobile wireless systems. It provides the essential theoretical principles and concepts encountered in the design of typical modern wireless communications systems. Various analogue and digital modulation schemes essential for information transmission are examined, including the detrimental effect of noise in limiting system performance.
BSTACD 403	Mobile, Wireless Communication & Community Development	This module examines the technology underlying current and future mobile wireless systems. It provides the essential theoretical principles and concepts encountered in the design of typical modern wireless communications systems. Various analogue and digital modulation schemes essential for information transmission are examined, including the detrimental effect of noise in limiting system performance.
BSTACD402	Frameworks for Smart Technology Innovations and Concepts	The Frameworks for Smart Technology Application module provides knowledge on obligations of multi-stakeholders to ensure that they provide conducive operational environments for the development of Smart Cities. Promotes the use of Smart Technology Applications in public spaces; establishing supportive legal, policy, institutional and infrastructure; human resources. The module also presents opportunities and challenges for cities, urban and rural areas to adopt use of renewable energy for wide adoption of Smart Technology Applications. Co-designing, and planning and citizen engagement are explored by the module. The module deals with issues of environmental aspects of Smart Technology Applications and challenges they pause for both developing and developed worlds
BSTACD405	Techno entrepreneurship for scaling up community innovations	The purpose of this module is to introduce students to principles of entrepreneurship and to give them a background to start their own business. It will explore organisational, strategic, and financial challenges; start-up strategies; business idea evaluation; and business plan writing. The module is designed to instruct students on how to formulate, plan and implement a new venture. Students are exposed to detailed description of “how to” embark on a new venture in a logical manner. Real case studies and entrepreneur profiles help to establish successful and not so successful ventures.
BSTACD406	Ethical Issues in Smart Technology Applications	The module examines myriad of social issues associated with use and non-use of Smart Technology Applications. It looks at cultural issues and social contributions the technologies are bringing to society and the ethical issues being raised. More important is exploring opportunities for making the technologies improve people’s livelihoods and enrich their cultural domains. Gender and intergenerational aspects are also highlighted by the course
BSTACD407	Political Economy of Smart Technology Applications	This course provides an introduction to the study of the political economy of climate change. It focuses primarily on concepts and perspectives which one may employ in understanding and describing the behaviour of nations with regard to the impacts of climate change. Topics covered include realist and liberal paradigms, hegemony and regimes, theories of public choice (public goods, externalities, interest groups), and the relationship between climate change and economic growth, trade, political system (democracy), and conflict. The political economy module will focus on identifying the processes, challenges and barriers for specific policy issues – such as climate change adaptation – in a bid to identify useful entry points and pathways to successful development interventions
BSTACD409	Smart technologies for e-governance	This module examines the application of smart technologies in government operations and citizen engagement. Students will explore e-government platforms, digital service delivery, open data initiatives, participatory budgeting tools, and smart city governance systems. The module covers topics including digital democracy, transparency and accountability through technology, cybersecurity in government systems, and bridging the digital divide in e-governance. Students will analyze case studies of e-governance implementations, considering both successes and challenges. Emphasis is placed on ensuring e-governance systems are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to diverse community needs.
BSTACD410	Smart Security and Governance for Community Development	This module integrates smart security technologies with governance frameworks for community development. Students will explore how technology can enhance community safety, disaster preparedness, and resilient governance structures. Topics include community-based monitoring systems, participatory security governance, data-driven decision-making for safety, and collaborative platforms for community action. The module emphasizes building community capacity, fostering trust in technology systems, and ensuring security measures align with community values and development priorities. Students will learn to design integrated approaches that combine technology, governance, and community engagement for sustainable security and development.
BSTACD470	Research Project	The module seeks to create skills of knowledge creation through giving students an opportunity to innovatively choose research problems and address them with the aid of the supervisor. The ultimate aim of this module is to enhance the student’s social research skills through informed and accumulated academic theory for subsequent practice and also consolidate the anthropological knowledge. At the end of the module students should be able to do independent research and produce quality honours research reports
SDLSSB401	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.