COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
(IS)
1403 Business Information Systems Fluency
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Required course for all students majoring in Business at UTSA. This three-unit
course concentrates on a set of core computing skills that are essential to
student success, such as using e-mail, programming, word processing, spreadsheets,
basic data management, and on- and off-campus Internet resources. In addition,
students will choose from among a set of more specialized or detailed systems
and applications for additional study, based on interest and major field. This
is a Web-based course. [TCCN: BCIS 1305.]
2033 Introduction to Computer Concepts for Information Systems
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An introduction to programming with procedural languages. Addresses basic elements
of structured programming, including control structures, arrays, lists, and
modular design.
2043 Data Structures and File Processing
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 1403 or consent of instructor.
An introduction to principles of computer programming and file organization
including file structures, access methods, and abstract data types. A procedural
language will be used to develop applications using these concepts.
3003 Principles of Information Systems for Management
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 1403.
An analysis of managerial/organizational information needs. Systematic procedures
for developing information systems are covered. Includes coverage of hardware
and software tools, information structures, and formal problemsolving techniques.
Issues related to organizational controls, security, and globalization as a
result of changing technologies are discussed. Cases will be assigned to illustrate
the use of specific tools and techniques for problem solving.
3033 Operating Systems
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 2043 or consent of instructor.
This course examines the role of computer operating systems in the overall
vulnerability of the network. A comparison of the more popular operating systems
will be used to illustrate the concepts to the class.
3053 Database Management for Business
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 3003.
The use of databases in a contemporary environment, including an in-depth analysis
of topics associated with the definition, creation, and use of databases for
business-oriented applications. Topics will include current applications in
the field of database management systems with hands-on experience with a database
or data warehousing software. May not be applied to a major in information
systems.
3063 Database Management for Information Systems
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 2043.
A study of database management systems (DBMS) features, functions, and architecture,
including logical design, data models, normalization, object-oriented data,
and database administration. A DBMS product will be used to illustrate principles.
3073 Application Development
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: IS 2043, PHI 2043, and CS 1063.
A study of the use of information systems techniques to solve managerial problems.
Includes cases where students are asked to design and implement information
systems that address various classes of analytic problems. Principles of decision
theory are addressed.
3083 Computer Graphics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Emphasis on the theory of animation and multimedia design of computer-generated
images. Popular software packages will be used to demonstrate concepts and
create animation and multimedia projects. Video and audio technologies, as
well as creating animation and multimedia pages for the Internet, will be included.
3093 Computer Support of Groups
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 3003.
This course is designed to examine the ways in which computers can be used
to support the communication, coordination, and decision-making needs of groups.
The course will study the problems that face-to-face and distributed groups
encounter in an organizational environment and will review the technology available
to address these problems.
3413 Introduction to Telecommunications for Business
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: IS 3003 and 6 hours of IS coursework,
or consent of instructor.
Includes an in-depth look at basic telecommunications terminology and concepts.
Introduction to voice and data networks, signaling and multiplexing. Network
topologies and protocol fundamentals and architectures are presentedand compared.
Frame relay, X.25, and ATM packet technologies are introduced. Network security
fundamentals are explored. (Formerly IS 4123. Credit cannot be earned for both
IS 3413 and IS 4123.)
3423 Secure Network Design
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 3413 or consent of instructor.
The course provides a foundation in the issues and principles of the design
and management of secure networks. Topics included in this course are network
security, configuration management, fault management, and performance management.
Current networking and network management software and the role played by network
protocols and products will be discussed. (Formerly IS 4133. Credit cannot
be earned for both IS 3423 and IS 4133.)
3513 Information Assurance and Security
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 3413 or consent of instructor.
This course provides an in-depth presentation of information assurance topics
such as fraud, eavesdropping, traffic analysis, intrusion detection and prevention,
hacking, viruses, and cryptography. Risk management will also be discussed.
(Formerly IS 4453. Credit cannot be earned for both IS 3513 and IS 4453.)
3523 Intrusion Detection and Incident Response
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: IS 3513.
Course 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 cyber crime 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.
4053 Analysis and Design of Information Systems
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and IS 3063.
An introduction to systems theory and development techniques. Topics include
problem definition, object-oriented design, issues for cost/benefit analyses,
and CASE tools.
4063 Advanced Topics in Information Systems
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and 15 semester credit hours
of information systems courses (excludes IS 1403 and IS 3003).
Survey of recent developments in information technology. Analysis will focus
on applications in the business community and theoretical developments that
relate to those applications. Ordinarily taken during semester of graduation.
4073 The Information Resource
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003, MGT 3013, and IS 3003.
A study of the principles and concepts involved in the management of organizational
information systems resources. Topics include project control, CIO functions,
information systems planning, strategic impact of information systems, multinational
organizations, and relevant legal, professional, and ethical issues.
4143 Wide Area Networks
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and IS 3413 or consent of instructor.
This course explores the telecommunication technologies used in wide area networks.
Technologies such as frame relay, ATM, TCP/IP, and voice over IP will be studied.
The role of the common carriers will also be discussed. Secure network traffic
over TCP/IP will be included.
4153 Electronic Commerce
(3-0) 3 hours of credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and IS 3073 or consent of
instructor.
A study of issues related to the use of electronic networks to facilitate inter-
and intra-organizational business activities. The principles of Web site design
from the consumer and the information systems points of view will be presented.
The course will also include the development of a Web site.
4163 Advanced Programming Concepts
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and IS 3063.
A survey of programming languages and application development facilities. Topics
may include procedural languages as well as very high-level languages, end-user
application development languages, and object-oriented languages.
4183 Advanced Database Concepts
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and IS 3063.
In-depth consideration of concepts governing the design and management of database
systems. Topics include database design, distributed databases, database administration,
object-oriented data modeling, and performance evaluation.
4203 Business Process Re-engineering
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and IS 4153 or consent of instructor.
The course examines the role of e-commerce in changing the business models.
The use of the Internet as a way of changing the traditional models for marketing
and manufacturing will be discussed. The focus of the course will be new product
design, new business practices, and product life cycle, which are all affected
by the use of the Internet and the new business models that are being developed.
4463 Secure Electronic Commerce
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and IS 3513 or consent of instructor.
The security issues related to electronic commerce will be discussed in this
course. The legal environment of ecommerce, public and private key encryption,
digital signatures, authentication, and third party certificates are topics
that will be included.
4473 Information Assurance Policy
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003, IS 3413, and one three-credit-hour
security course, or consent of instructor.
There are many policy issues, within the firm and at various levels of government,
that affect information assurance. This course will examine how these policies
affect electronic security. Subjects will include privacy of information, intellectual
property protection, globalization of information systems, and other policy
matters. The protection and control of secured information will also be discussed.
4483 Cyber Forensics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and IS 3513.
An introductory course in collecting, examining, and preserving evidence of
computer crimes. This course examines the issues, tools, and control techniques
needed to successfully investigate illegal activities perpetuated through the
use of information technology. The tools of collecting, examining, and evaluating
data in an effort to establish intent, culpability, motive, means, methods,
and loss resulting from e-crimes will be examined.
4493 Access Controls
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and IS 3513.
An introductory course in controlling access to information. Emphasis will
be on access to both files and facilities. Various methods of access requiring
different levels of identification, authentication, authorization, and accountability
will be discussed. Authentication devices, such as fingerprint and retinal
scanners, will be examined.
4513 System Control and Data Acquisition
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and IS 3513 or consent of instructor.
Many of the critical infrastructure systems contain a system control and data
acquisition (SCADA) component. Frequently, the SCADA is remotely accessed and
therefore becomes the focal point for attack. This course examines the SCADA
components from the standpoint of vulnerability and protection.
4911-3 Independent Study
1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and permission in writing from
the instructor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College of Business.
See the College of Business Undergraduate Advising Center for the required
forms.
Independent research in an information systems topic under the direction of
a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester
credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to
a bachelor’s degree.
4933 Internship in Information Systems
3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003, 9 semester credit hours of Information
Systems courses (excluding IS 1403 and IS 3003), an overall 2.5 grade point
average, and permission in writing from the Instructor, the Department Chair,
and the Dean of the College of Business. See the College of Business Undergraduate
Advising Center for required forms.
The opportunity to gain knowledge through experiential activities in professional
life. Joint cooperation with business and governmental institutions in structuring
and monitoring work experience aimed at supplementing the classroom learning
process. May not be repeated for credit.
4953 Special Studies in Information Systems
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and consent of instructor.
An organized course offering specialized study not normally or not often available
as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for
credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless
of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree.
4993 Honors Thesis
3 hours credit. Prerequisite: MGT 3003. Enrollment limited to students applying
for Honors in Information Systems (see page 50).
Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once
for credit with advisor’s approval. No more than 3 semester credit hours may
apply toward information systems major requirements.
2004-2006
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