Information Systems and Technology

Faculty
Description
Major Requirements
Minor Requirements
Program Policies
Course Descriptions

Faculty

John Volpe, Assistant Professor of Economics (Program Director)
V. R. Nemani, Associate Professor of Business Administration
Sheila Barry Oliver, 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'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 103 Internet Research
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.
3 credits
Cross-listed with BADM 145

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.
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.
3 credits
Cross-listed with BADM 241

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.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission
Cross-listed with BADM 243

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.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 211 or equivalent
Cross-listed as BADM 245

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.
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: 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.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission

ISYS 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.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 141 or equivalent
Cross-listed with CMSC 211

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 141 or equivalent
Cross-listed with CMSC 311

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.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 243 or equivalent

ISYS 345 Dynamic Web Development with Macromedia Flash
Moves students from creating static web pages toward building dynamic, interactive and animated web sites using Macromedia Flash. The course focuses on start-to-finish production of Flash web sites using tools and features such as Macromedia panels and timeline, frame by frame animation and objects and the Flash scripting language, ActionScript.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 243

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.
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.
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.
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
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

ISYS 499 Senior Seminar: Information Systems Analysis and Design
Pursues 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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: 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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 231

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