Faculty
Bill Steel, Assistant Professor of Information Technology (Program
Director)
Laurie Johnson, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
V. R. Nemani, Associate Professor of Business Administration
Sheila Barry Oliver, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
John Haskins, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
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Description
The Information Systems and Technology Program offers students in
the School of Professional Studies an undergraduate major leading
to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. The Program
also offers an undergraduate minor in Information Technology Systems
to students in the School of Professional Studies and the College
of Arts and Sciences.
The curriculum is structured according to guidelines issued by the
Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), the Association for Information
Systems (AIS) and the Association for Information Technology Professionals
(AITP). Students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to function
in roles such as Systems Analysts, Software Developers, Project Managers,
Network Engineers and System Administrators. Students are able to
tailor the program to their needs through optional areas of concentration
such as Programming, Information Assurance/Security, Web Development,
or IS Management. Participants are encouraged and supported to use
their experience and training towards the requirements of the degree,
especially industry recognized certifications, for example Microsoft,
CISCO Novell, and CompTia, through the use of Trinity College's Experiential
Learning program (TELL).
The Computer Information Systems curriculum covers:
- Professional skills
- IT hardware and software
- Networks
- Databases
- Software development and Web programming
- Systems analysis and design
- Systems integration
- IT security, strategy and policy
- Business knowledge and project management
The Information Technology Systems minor provides an opportunity
for students of all academic majors to gain essential IT skills. The
curriculum introduces students to practical issues in technology,
enhances their decision-making skills, and solidifies their abilities
to function in a global marketplace marked by rapid technological
change.
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Major Requirements
Students majoring in Computer Information Systems must complete a
total of 42 credits of course work distributed among 36 credits of
required courses plus 9 credits of electives. Students may also elect
to pursue an optional subject concentration.
Required Courses (36 credits)
ALL of the following courses:
ISYS 141 Introduction to Programming
ISYS 201 Computer Applications in Business
ISYS 211 Information Systems in Organizations
ISYS 221 Information Technology I: Hardware
ISYS 222 Information Technology II: System Software
ISYS 231 Computer Networks
ISYS 311 Database Management Systems
ISYS 331 Internet Concepts and Architecture
ISYS 351 Electronic Business
ISYS 361 Information Systems Security
ISYS 431 Network Design and Implementation
ISYS 499 Senior Seminar: Information Systems Analysis and Design
Elective Courses (9 credits)
THREE courses chosen from among:
ISYS 213 Decision Support Systems
ISYS 241 Intermediate Programming
ISYS 243 Web Page Design
ISYS 321 UNIX / Linux Fundamentals
ISYS 341 Data Structures and Algorithms
ISYS 343 Programming for the Internet
ISYS 353 Project Management
ISYS 565 Network Security
PHIL 253 Business and Professional Ethics
Electives can be used to build desired skills and knowledge in different
areas or grouped together to build an optional subject concentration
within the Computer Information Systems major.
General Information Systems Concentration
Any THREE courses chosen from the list of electives above.
Management Information Systems Concentration
To build a concentration in Management Information Systems choose
the following elective courses:
ISYS 213 Decision Support Systems
ISYS 353 Project Management
PHIL 253 Business and Professional Ethics
Web Development Concentration
To build a concentration in Web Development choose the following
elective courses:
ISYS 243 Web Page Design
ISYS 343 Programming for the Internet
ISYS 345 Dynamic Web Development with Macromedia Flash
Programming Concentration
To build a concentration in Programming choose the following elective
courses:
ISYS 241 Intermediate Programming
ISYS 321 UNIX / Linux Fundamentals
ISYS 341 Data Structures and Algorithms
Information Assurance/Security Concentration
To build a concentration in Information Assurance/Security choose
the following elective courses:
ISYS 353 Project Management
ISYS 565 Network Security
PHIL 253 Business and Professional Ethics
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Minor Requirements
Students opting to pursue a minor in information technology systems
must complete 12 credits of required courses and 6 credits of electives.
Required Courses (12 credits)
BOTH of the following courses:
ISYS 201 Computer Applications in Business
ISYS 211 Information Systems in Organizations
Elective Courses (12 credits)
FOUR courses chosen from among:
ISYS 141 Introduction to Programming
ISYS 213 Decision Support Systems
ISYS 221 Information Technology I: Hardware
ISYS 222 Information Technology II: System Software*
ISYS 231 Computer Networks
ISYS 243 Web Page Design
ISYS 311 Database Management Systems
ISYS 343 Programming for the Internet
* Students choosing ISYS 222 must first take ISYS 221
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Program Policies
Advanced Placement
Policy: Credits earned through AP examinations may fulfill program
requirements with the approval of the Program Chair.
CLEP Policy: Credits
earned through CLEP examinations may fulfill Program requirements
with the approval of the Program Chair. Students wishing to receive
credit for CLEP examinations should contact the advising staff.
Cross-listed Courses:
Courses that are cross-listed represent identical courses offered
with a different program prefix. Students may not enroll in or receive
credit for more than one iteration of a cross-listed course even in
different semesters.
Grades in Major and
Minor Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of "C"
(2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements of
the major or minor
Optional Subject Concentrations:
Students may pursue more than one optional subject concentration,
but each concentration must consist of nine discrete credits; courses
may not double-count among concentrations.
Pass/No Pass: Courses
fulfilling major or minor requirements may not be taken Pass/No Pass.
Senior Assessment:
All students in the major are required to complete ISYS 499 Senior
Seminar: Information Systems Analysis and Design at Trinity College.
Study Abroad: Students
may meet major and minor requirements with courses taken through a
study abroad program with the approval of the Program Chair.
TELL: Students are
encouraged to apply for TELL credits to count toward program requirements;
all TELL credits must be approved by the Program Chair.
Transfer Credits:
Students may apply transfer credits toward program requirements with
the approval of the Program Chair.
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Course Descriptions
ISYS 101 Introduction to Computers
Introduces computers for the novice user. Explaining basic computer
concepts and how to use them. Formerly IT 101 Introduction to Computers.
3 credits
ISYS 103 Internet Research
This course gives students valuable knowledge and skills on how to
use the Internet. It takes students from beginner to advanced concepts
on Internet research skills, improved search, exploring and evaluating
online content. Students will learn how to use the Internet for research,
communication, transferring information and files and storing data.
Students will learn the basics of how a web page is constructed such
as simple HTML tags, links and including images. Formerly IT 210 Internet
Research.
3 credits
ISYS 141 Introduction to Programming
Provides an exposure to algorithm development, programming, computer
concepts and the design and application of data and file structures.
It includes the use of logical and physical structures for both programs
and data. Majors may substitute CMSC 111 (4 credits). Formerly IT
141 Introduction to Programming.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 101 or permission
ISYS 201 Computer Applications in Business
Teaches personal productivity skills through the use of common computer
applications used in business offices, such as word processors, spreadsheets
and Internet browsers. Cross-listed as BADM 241. Formerly IT 215 Computer
Applications in Business.
3 credits
ISYS 211 Information Systems in Organizations
Provides an introduction to systems and development concepts, information
technology, and application software. The course explains how information
is used in organizations and how information technology enables improvement
in quality, timeliness, and competitive advantage. Cross-listed as
BADM 243. Formerly IT 223 Theory of Management Information Systems.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission
ISYS 213 Decision Support Systems
Provides an understanding of organizational systems, planning, and
decision process, and how information is used for decision support
in organizations. It covers quality and decision theory, information
theory, and practice essential for providing viable information to
the organization. It outlines the concepts of IS for competitive advantage,
data as a resource, IS and Formerly IT planning and implementation,
change and project management. Cross-listed as BADM 245. Formerly
IT 230 Decision Support Systems.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 211 or equivalent
ISYS 221 Information Technology I: Hardware
Examines the main hardware components that make computing possible
(CPU, memory, motherboard, storage, peripherals, I/O); introduction
to system administration tasks. Students learn the basic terms, concepts
and functions of system components and gain familiarization in their
installation, configuration and troubleshooting. Formerly IT 224 Information
Technology I: Hardware.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission
ISYS 222 Information Technology II: System Software
Examines software concepts - operating systems, window managers, file
systems and their operations in computer / network architectures.
Installation, configuration, basic networking and troubleshooting
are covered. Formerly IT 225 Information Technology II: System Software.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 221
ISYS 231 Computer Networks
Examines how the underlying hardware and software components in networks
of information systems, make it possible to access data and services
across remote computers; the overall structure of a network, including
description of the functionality of different protocols and standards.
The course will cover topologies, protocols, the OSI model, performance
issues, and software for LANS/WANS. Formerly IT 233 Networks I: Networks
and Data Communications.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission
ISYS 241 Intermediate Programming
Formerly IT 241 Intermediate Programming
Provides a continuation of the development of object-oriented design
and implementation using a current programming language. Inheritance,
polymorphism, error-handling, I/O, advanced graphical user interfaces,
and data representation. Cross-listed as CMSC 211. Formerly IT 241
Intermediate Programming.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 141 or equivalent
ISYS 243 Web Page Design
Examines publishing on the World Wide Web (WWW). Included topics will
be theory on design, navigation, the use of multimedia as well as
an overview of security and legal issues. Students will learn HTML
and common authoring tools. Formerly IT 301 Web Page Design.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 103, COM 203 or permission
ISYS 301 Advanced Computer Applications
Covers advanced topics of application software packages that include
spreadsheets, databases and project management for business applications.
Presentation software is reviewed and hands-on experience with the
software is provided. Formerly IT 314.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201
ISYS 311 Database Management Systems
Teaches concepts of database systems and their design and impact on
information systems. Studies data structures and their relationships,
the relational database model, SQL and database languages. Cross-listed
as CMSC 351. Formerly IT 307 Database Management Systems.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission
ISYS 321 UNIX / Linux Fundamentals
Introduces the UNIX/Linux operating systems, their differences from
Windows systems and environments in which they are used. Students
will learn basic usage of UNIX, its file systems structure, system
organization, command set, syntax, UNIX tools, pipes and shells as
will as basic administration. Formerly IT 325 Introduction to UNIX/Linux.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 222 or permission
ISYS 331 Internet Concepts and Architecture
Teaches the design of internets and intranets. Topics include bridges,
routers, switches and gateways - the way in which they work and their
functions in a networked environment. An overview of network performance
tuning; privacy, security, firewalls and reliability will be given.
Formerly IT 333 Internet Concepts and Architecture.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 231 or equivalent
ISYS 341 Data Structures and Algorithms
Studies the design and analysis of efficient algorithms. Covers the
implementation of data structures, including linked lists, stacks,
queues, and trees, as well as the sorting, searching, hashing, and
merging of data. Cross-listed as CMSC 311. Formerly IT 385 Data Structures
and Algorithms.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 141 or equivalent
ISYS 343 Programming for the Internet
Teaches practical web development and programming for business and
internet transactions. Covers programming techniques used to create
multimedia intensive and interactive web sites. Formerly IT 306 Programming
for the Internet.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 243 or equivalent
ISYS 345 Dynamic Web Development with Macromedia Flash
Dynamic Web Development with Macromedia Flash moves students from
creating static web pages toward building dynamic, interactive and
animated websites using Macromedia Flash. The course focuses on start-to-finish
production of Flash websites using tools and features such as Macromedia
panels and timeline, frame by frame animation and objects and the
Flash scripting language, ActionScript.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 243 Web Page Design
ISYS 351 Electronic Business
Examines the linkage of organizational strategy and electronic methods
of delivering products, services and exchanges in inter-organizational,
national, and global environments. Information technology strategy
and technological solutions for enabling effective business processes
within and between organizations in a global environment are considered.
Formerly IT 353 Electronic Business.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 211 or equivalent
ISYS 353 Project Management
Presents an introduction to the principles and concepts of project
management, an essential tool for the business professional in both
the federal and commercial sectors. The course addresses all aspects
of the project cycle. Topics include project initiation, project planning,
team selection, project monitoring and control, risk management, and
project closeout. Emphasis is placed on how to identify and meet schedule,
cost, and technical constraints while focusing on customer needs.
Cross-listed as BADM 357. Formerly BUA 401 Project Management.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 101 or BADM 251 or permission
ISYS 361 Information Systems Security
Provides the student with an understanding of the rationale for network
security. Examines threats originating from internal and external
sources, and the value of information to organizations. Explores technologies,
security procedures and strategies necessary to protect information.
Formerly IT 363 Information Systems Security.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 211 or equivalent
ISYS 431 Network Design and Implementation
Examines the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of networks
and their components. The installation and configuration of LAN and
WAN networks; monitoring of networks. The course includes the Domain
Name System, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, remote access, network
protocols and IP routing. Formerly IT 433 Networks II: Physical Design
and Implementation.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 231 or equivalent
ISYS 498 Independent Study
Provides students the opportunity to purse an independent course of
study under the direction of a faculty member.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
ISYS 499 Senior Seminar: Information Systems Analysis and Design
Students pursue the analysis and design for a networked environment
or information system based on the needs of an organization. Among
the areas which students must consider are cost-benefit, quality,
connectivity and the impact of their design. Students synthesize and
apply their mastery of information systems knowledge through the evaluation,
selection and even implementation of different options within an organization.
Formerly IT 499 Senior Seminar: Information Systems Analysis and Design.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 351
ISYS 565 Network Security
Provides the essential concepts and methods for network security.
Topics covered include physical security technologies / access control
and data encryption/decryption. A survey of commercial and free products,
security capable browsers, cryptography, certificates, and firewalls
is also provided. Formerly IT 565 Network Security.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 231
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