INFORMATION SYSTEMS (IS) COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
1022 Programming and Formal Logic
(2-0) 2 hours credit.
An introduction to the elements of modern formal logic and program semantics. Modern formal logic uses symbolic techniques for an analysis of validity, and related notations such as grammatical form and truth. This course addresses logical notations (syntax) and how to assign meaning to them (semantics), which are essential for an understanding of many aspects of contemporary philosophy, mathematics, and informal processing. (Formerly IS 1023. Credit cannot be earned for both IS 1022 and IS 1023.)
1403 Business Information Systems Fluency [TCCN: BCIS 1305.]
(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.
1503 Introduction to Cyber Security
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An introduction to the principles and best practices for cyber security. This course addresses the fundamental aspects of computer and network security. Issues concerning home computer security, internet security, privacy, viruses and worms, spam, and ethics will be included in this course. Public Component software will be used to illustrate the principles discussed in the class.
2033 Introduction to Computer Concepts for Information Systems
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An introduction to programming with an object-oriented language. Addresses basic elements of OOP (object-oriented programming), including control structures, classes and objects, class behavior, arrays, GUIs (graphical user interfaces), file input/output, exception handling, and object-oriented 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 problem-solving 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 and PHI 2043.
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 presented and 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.)
3433 Introduction to Digital Forensics
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
This course provides a multidisciplinary overview of digital forensics and high technology crime involving computers. Students will gain an understanding of what digital evidence often exists in support of criminal and civil investigations, as well as sensitive business matters, such as employment disputes, financial fraud, intellectual property theft, and other matters affecting business managers. This course examines evidence preservation, as well as the legal and ethical issues surrounding the collection and analysis of digital evidence. (Same as ACC 3433. Credit cannot be earned for both IS 3433 and ACC 3433.)
3503 Attack and Defend – An Introduction to Information Assurance
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An introduction to information assurance. This survey course will present common ways that hackers attack a network and how to defend against the attacks. It will also include related subjects such as how to protect data, encryption, physical security, and hiding data. The course is a “hands-on” class and students will gain experience with readily available software packages. This course is intended for non-Infrastructure Assurance majors, and credit for this course does not count toward the Information Systems or Infrastructure Assurance majors. (Same as ACC 3503. Credit cannot be earned for both IS 3503 and ACC 3503.)
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.
This course provides 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; and 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: IS 3063 and MGT 3003.
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 (excluding 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: IS 3003, MGT 3003, and MGT 3013.
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, and strategic impact of information systems, multinational organizations, and relevant legal, professional, and ethical issues.
4143 Wide Area Networks
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: IS 3413 and MGT 3003 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 credit. Prerequisites: IS 3073 and MGT 3003 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: IS 3063 and MGT 3003.
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: IS 3063 and MGT 3003.
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: IS 4153 and MGT 3003 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: IS 3513 and MGT 3003 or consent of instructor.
The security issues related to electronic commerce will be discussed in this course. The legal environment of
e-commerce, 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: IS 3413, MGT 3003, and one 3-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: IS 3513 and MGT 3003.
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: IS 3513 and MGT 3003.
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: IS 3513 and MGT 3003 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.
4951-3 Special Studies in Information Systems
(1-0, 2-0, 3-0) 1 to 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 71).
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.