INFORMATION SYSTEMS (IS) COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
5003 Introduction to Information Systems
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
A conceptual study of information systems in organizations. A survey of information systems concepts will be presented, including a historical perspective of information systems, the structure of the information systems function, an introduction to information systems technologies (hardware and software), application planning, system development, end user computing, decision support systems, and the management of information systems resources. Small cases and application problems which illustrate the concepts studied will be assigned. Credit for this course cannot be counted toward the M.B.A. concentration in Information Systems or the Master of Science degree in Information Technology.
5013 Database Management for Business
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
The use of databases in a contemporary business environment will be discussed. The course includes an in-depth analysis of topics associated with the definition, creation, and use of databases for business-oriented applications. Topics include current applications in the field of database management systems with hands-on experience with a database or data-warehousing software package. Credit for this course cannot be counted toward the Master of Science degree in Information Technology.
5023 Software Development
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 5003 or an equivalent.
Modern approaches to program design. Emphasis in this course is on programming logic, object-oriented programming and program design. JAVA will be used to illustrate the concepts of the class. Class projects using JAVA will give the students some experience in developing software. Credit for this course cannot be counted toward the Master of Science degree in Information Technology.
5043 Analysis and Design of Information Systems
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 5003 or an equivalent.
This course concentrates on the procedures for conducting the analysis and design of an information system. The techniques necessary to determine the requirements of a large-scale information system will be the focal point of the course. Translating the user requirements to system specifications will also be one of the main objectives of the course. Credit for this course cannot be counted toward the Master of Science degree in Information Technology.
5113 Electronic Commerce
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 5003 or an equivalent.
Addresses the technological aspects of doing business on the Internet, including the technology underlying the Internet, common services required for all electronic commerce such as authentication and electronic payment systems, and the problems associated with some electronic commerce applications.
5143 Information Technology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree in information systems or computer science, or consent of instructor.
Broad coverage of technology concepts underlying modern computing and information management. Topics include computer architecture and operating systems, information retrieval techniques, graphical user interfaces, networks, groupware, computer performance evaluation, efficiency of algorithms, and cryptography. Hands-on exposure to Internet services, SQL database language, PowerBuilder graphical interface language, and object-oriented programming language.
5193 Software Engineering Management
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree in information systems or computer science, or consent of instructor.
Focuses on managing and improving the delivery of software in organizations, especially projects that include the development of large, multidisciplined systems. Students are exposed to the tools and techniques used on commercial systems, and will present research on how best to manage information technology projects. Emphasis on measurement tools for effective managerial planning and control.
5203 Telecommunication Systems
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree in information systems or computer science, or consent of instructor.
Examines current, future, and basic technical concepts and related telecommunications operations; explores critical issues of communications and connectivity among information systems from strategic, organizational, and technical perspectives. An in-depth examination of basic telecommunication terminology and concepts. Topics include signaling, modulation, multiplexing, frequency bands and propagation characteristics, spectral analysis of signals, digital coding, switching systems, OSI models, and traffic analysis.
5313 Web Site Design and Development
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 5113 or consent of instructor.
This course examines the principles of designing Web sites to meet business requirements. The course includes a technical look at Web site architecture and database integration in support of e-commerce utilizing popular commercial software. Hands-on team projects involving actual development utilizing principles from the course will be a major element of the course.
5513 Fundamentals of Information Assurance
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
This course examines the principle areas of information assurance. Topics will include protecting networks, intrusion detection, digital forensics, and supervisory control and data acquisition. Application to business environments will be emphasized. Credit for this course cannot be counted toward the Master of Science degree in Information Technology. (Same as ACC 5513. Credit cannot be earned for both IS 5513 and ACC 5513.)
5523 Fundamentals of Cyber Forensics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
This course examines cyber forensics and includes hands-on projects using current industry technologies. Methods for retrieving data from disk drives and memory will be discussed. Retrieving data from mobile devices such as cell phones and PDA’s will be included. Credit for this course cannot be counted toward the Master of Science degree in Information Technology. (Same as ACC 5523. Credit cannot be earned for both IS 5523 and ACC 5523.)
5563 International Telecommunications Policy
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 5203 or consent of instructor.
The ultimate use of technology depends on a number of variables. Political factors as well as technical ones must be considered. All levels of government regulate telecommunications, from the city that controls the placement of telephone wires to the nation and/or state that issues licenses to broadcast. Because of the nature of telecommunications and the importance of the information it carries, international policies are also involved. This seminar investigates the institutions that affect the use of telecommunications, including the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, and the Federal Communications Commission.
6103 Information Systems Design and Implementation
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 4053 or consent of instructor.
Integrates the areas of computer technology, systems analysis, and systems design in designing large-scale application or decision support systems. A strong introduction to the formalization of the information systems design process is provided. The course explores state of the art systems design and specification techniques and stresses the frontiers of knowledge in the specification, design, implementation, and testing of information systems.
6203 Data Communication and Network Management
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Emphasis is on the impact of communications technology on information systems and the firm. Major topics include communication concepts, network architectures, data communications software and hardware, distributed information systems, and communication services. Network management and managing the new technologies are also emphasized.
6303 Introduction to Voice and Data Security
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 5203 or consent of instructor.
A study of security in both the voice and data networks and an examination of the security issues associated with the movement toward a convergence of the two infrastructures. Topics to be covered include voice and data network connectivity, modem security, VOIP security, wireless security, cryptography, intrusion detection systems, voice and data firewalls, malicious software, information operations and warfare, and denial of service attacks.
6323 Security Risk Analysis
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: IS 5203 and IS 6303, or consent of instructor.
Addresses the tools, techniques, and methodologies in performing computer system and network security risk analyses. Computer system and network vulnerabilities will be examined as well as tools designed to discover or exploit them. Security Best Practices and audit requirements for specific environments will be studied. Topics to be covered include internal and external penetration tests, wardialing, wireless security technology, risk analysis methodology, and security audits.
6343 Secure Network Designs
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: IS 5203 and IS 6303, or consent of instructor.
The course is intended to provide the background on issues related to secure network design and management. Subjects included in the class are network design, firewalls, security, fault management, and performance management. Current network management software, network security evaluation, and the role of the network architecture and protocols will also be discussed.
6353 Security Incident Response
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 6303.
Addresses the detection and response portion of the security operational model. Takes an in-depth look at intrusion detection methodologies and tools and the approaches to handling intrusions when they occur. Examines the laws that address cybercrime and intellectual property issues. Includes a study of proper computer and network forensics procedures to aid in the identification and tracking of intruders and in the potential prosecution of criminal activity.
6363 Computer Forensics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 6303 or consent of instructor.
This class will examine the role of computer forensics in the security process. Technical issues concerning how to conduct a forensic examination as well as the legal issues associated with the process will be studied. Current forensics software will be used to illustrate the process.
6373 Cyber Law
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Legal issues associated with cybercrimes will be studied. Laws associated with cybercrime, and rules of evidence will be the main issues discussed in this class. Intellectual property and privacy will also be included.
6383 Policy Assurance for Infrastructure Assurance
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
This course will examine the policies associated with infrastructure assurance. This will include the laws and regulations from a governmental body as well as policies generated by a business organization. The emphasis will be to examine the affect that policies and policy decisions have on the security function. Current case studies will be included.
6393 Risk Assessment
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
This course addresses the development and implementation of Information Assurance (IA) Risk Assessment (RA). The course presents an in-depth analysis of the range of knowledge required for performing RA functions. This course addresses the core performance requirements for an RA, and also provides a set of performance measures that can be incorporated into the RA functions.
6403 Information Resource Management
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: MGT 5043 or consent of instructor.
Study of the problems and techniques associated with managing information resources. Topics include information systems project planning and control, staffing, and costing alternatives. The role of the information systems function in relation to the business firm is also studied.
6423 Secure Software Design
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: IS 5143 and IS 6303, or consent of instructor.
This class will present ways of designing and implementing secure software. Techniques for developing interconnected software that is secure from outside attack will be explored. Modifying legacy code will also be discussed. Case studies and class projects will be used to illustrate the design principles discussed in class.
6433 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 6303 or consent of instructor.
Supervisory control and data acquisition systems are used to control many utility networks, chemical plants, pipelines and many other types of industries. This course will examine the vulnerabilities associated with these systems and discuss how they can be made secure from outside attack. Fundamentals of software-controlled processes will also be discussed.
6503 Principles of Database Management
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 3063 or consent of instructor.
Discussion and in-depth analysis of topics associated with the definition, creation, and management of databases for business-oriented applications. Topics include current developments in the field of database management systems. Design and implementation of a database system will be done as a major project in the course.
6603 Seminar in Computer Security and Internal Control
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 5003 or consent of instructor.
In-depth analysis of topics related to control and security during system development and operation of information systems. Emphasis is on techniques associated with control and security requirements in information systems.
6703 Introduction to Data Mining
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
This course introduces the fundamental data mining concepts and techniques that are applicable to business research. The course covers basic skills required to assemble analyses for both pattern discovery and predictive modeling. It provides extensive hands-on instruction using data mining software. This course is open to all graduate students. (Same as ACC 6703. Credit cannot be earned for both IS 6703 and ACC 6703.) (Formerly titled “Advanced Business Information Systems.”)
6813 Strategic Management of Information Technology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Semester of graduation or consent of Graduate Advisor of Record.
This course develops a conceptual framework for strategy, its definition, elements, and relationships to the basic business functions of management of information technology. Considers the impact of technology and environmental forces on strategic management of organizations. Examines the role of information technology in business process re-engineering, product life cycles, and new business models. (Same as MOT 5203 and MOT 6203. Credit can be earned for only one of the following: IS 6813, MOT 5203, or MOT 6203.)
6951-3 Independent Study
1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) of the instructor and the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree.
6961 Comprehensive Examination
1 hour credit. Prerequisite: Approval of the appropriate committee on graduate studies to take the Comprehensive Examination.
Independent study course for the purpose of taking the Comprehensive Examination. May be repeated as many times as approved by the Committee on Graduate Studies. Enrollment is required each term in which the Comprehensive Examination is taken if no other courses are being taken that term. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination).
6971-3 Special Problems
(1-0, 2-0, 3-0) 1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Problems courses may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree.
6983 Master’s Thesis
3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Permission of the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director (form available).
Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress.
7013 Foundations of Information Systems Research
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
A survey of the foundations of information systems (IS) research. Students gain an understanding of both the foundations and the current research directions in a variety of IS topic areas. The course addresses frameworks, research concepts, and exemplary Management Information Systems (MIS) research. Students develop the ability to critically evaluate MIS journal articles and are exposed to diverse topics, research methodologies, and journals.
7023 Behavioral and Organizational Information Systems Research
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
This course focuses on one or more areas of emerging IS behavioral research. Topics may include individual, group, or organizational decision making, issues for e-commerce, knowledge management, management of information, and human factors. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
7033 Topics in Information Systems Technology Research
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
This research seminar focuses on issues and methods in one or more areas having to do with the technology of information systems. Topics may include communication systems, infrastructure assurance, and data management. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
7043 Seminar in Software Development
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
In this course, theories and models applicable to the analysis of systems structure and the processes of systems analysis and design are studied in relation to software engineering concepts. Emerging or advanced topics in the development of information system applications, such as socio-technical or soft-system methods, methodology engineering, or workflow system design, are included.
7211-6 Doctoral Research
1 to 6 hours credit.
May be repeated for credit, but not more than 24 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree.
7311-6 Doctoral Dissertation
1 to 6 hours credit. Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy for the Doctoral degree in Business Administration.
May be repeated for credit, but not more than 12 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree.
