Course Catalog
IS 101 Introduction to Information Technology
(For non-IS and CS majors) Credits: 2 (2,0,1). Prerequisite: None.
A survey of computers and information technology and their applications in
society. Topics covered include: database applications and implications,
telecommunications and networking, artificial intelligence, graphics,
hypermedia, and multimedia. Computers at work, at home, and at schools. Computer
security, and risks. An out-look on computers current and future impacts on
individuals, business, and society as a whole. Students are introduced to simple
Web page design and development with tools.
IS 201 Introduction to Information Systems
Credits: 3 (3,1,0). Prerequisite: CS 101.
An overview of information systems. Introduction to systems and development
concepts, information technology, and, application software. Information use in
organizations. The competitive advantage, timeliness, and improvement in quality
which information technology provides.
IS 223 Database Management Systems
Credits: 3 (3,1,0). Prerequisite: IS 201.
Management of an organization's data needs. Emphasis is on management and
implementation issues pertinent in a business information systems environment.
Topics include data access methods; relational, hierarchical, and, network
database management systems; query languages; database design and performance;
data administration; and, data dictionaries.
IS 225 Systems Analysis and Design I
Credits: 3 (3,1,0). Prerequisite: IS 201.
An overview of systems analysis and design. Concepts and methods used in the
analysis, design, and deployment of information systems. Explore the major
issues at each stage in the system development life cycle, including
requirements analysis, logical design, functional design, and implementation.
Technical tools such as data flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, and
CASE tools are introduced.
IS 325 Systems Analysis and Design II
Credits: 3 (3,1,0). Prerequisite: IS 223, IS 225.
Advanced systems analysis and design with an emphasis on object oriented or
other modern methodologies. The latest data analysis and design methods and
tools are introduced and compared with traditional analysis and design methods
and tools. Students take on a project analyzing and designing a business system
making use of available CASE tools.
IS 333 Information Systems Development
Credits: 3 (3,1,0). Prerequisite: IS 325.
Information systems physical design, and implementation, within a database
management system environment. Students design and construct a physical system
using database software. Topics include data models and modeling
tools/techniques; structured and object design approaches; models for databases:
relational, hierarchical, networked and object oriented design; Graphical User
Interface (GUI) coding and implementation; and, client-server planning, testing,
and installation. Students work in small teams applying previously learned
knowledge. Students complete a major development project and are expected to
present work they have accomplished to other students in the class
usingaudio-visual tools.
IS 370 Project Management
Credits: 3 (3,1,0). Prerequisite: IS 325.
Functions, and techniques for effective management of systems development.
Quality assurance, configuration management, and, alternative planning
strategies. System requirements definition; scheduling, size, and cost
estimation; risk analysis; and, effective project leadership. Tools for planning
and controlling of project development.
IS 421 Operations Research
Credits: 3 (3,0,0). Prerequisite: STAT 101, MATH 101 or MATH 111.
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts, applications and techniques of
management science in analytical decision making. The major topics covered
include linear programming, integer programming, and, network models.
Applications of these techniques in functional areas such as production,
marketing, finance, and accounting are covered. Students arrive at solutions
through the application of computer software packages.
IS 423 Decision Support Systems
Credits: 3 (3,1,0). Prerequisite: IS 325.
An overview (definitions, evolutions, examples, and, applications) of decision
support systems. Decision theory. Organizational systems. Unstructured problem
solving Introduction to modeling techniques such as linear programming,
forecasting, and, simulation. Decision support system construction. Introduction
to group decision support systems, executive information systems, and expert
systems.
IS 444 Data Warehousing
Credits: 3 (3,0,0). Prerequisite: IS 223.
An overview of data warehousing (definitions, evolutions, trends, and
applications). Aspects of planning, designing, developing, implementing, and
administering a data warehouse are introduced. Data warehousing as a valuable
decision making tool, and a means for gaining a competitive advantage.
IS 451 Knowledge-Based Systems
Credits: 3 (3,0,0). Prerequisite: IS 325.
An overview of Knowledge based and expert systems, their use as an
organizational decision making tool and a method for saving valuable knowledge.
Fundamental techniques for developing knowledge-based systems. Topics covered
include, blackboards; inference engines; knowledge engineering; knowledge
acquisition; and, rule-based systems.
IS 464 Health Information Systems
Credits: 3 (3,0,0). Prerequisite: BUS 373.
An overview of health information systems (definitions, evolutions, trends, and,
applications). Computerized patient records, medical decision support systems,
clinical information systems, Internet-based medical decision support systems,
and computer based training for health professionals and patients.
IS 465 Geographic Information Systems
Credits: 3 (3,0,0). Prerequisite: BUS 373.
An overview of geographic information systems (GIS) (definitions, evolutions,
trends, and, applications). Sources of information on GIS; map information;
presenting maps as numbers; structuring maps; formats for GIS data; analog to
digital maps; spatial analysis, and GIS software.
IS 470 Information Systems Total Quality Management
Credits: 3 (3,0,0). Prerequisite: IS 370.
Overview of Total Quality Management (TQM); the role of total quality management
within organizations; The contribution of TQM to the high quality services of
the IS department as we1l as the parent organization; business planning and
process reengineering; and, applying an Information Systems quality strategy.
IS 484 Computer Modeling and Simulation
Credits: 3 (3,0,0). Prerequisite: CS 210 and STA 101.
An overview of simulation and modeling (definitions, evolutions, and,
applications). Random number generators. Introduction to queuing theory and
stochastic processes. Simulation methodology. Time flow mechanism. Event graphs.
Discrete event-based simulations. Simulation languages. Design and optimization
of simulation experiments. Data collection, analysis, verification, and,
validation of results.
IS 489 Selected Topics in Information Systems
Credits: 3 (3,0,0). Prerequisite: Instructor consent.
This course covers topics in the information systems discipline, which are not
covered by the other information systems courses. The students are encouraged to
propose topics for this course.
IS 490 Internship in Information Systems
Credits: 3. Prerequisite: Advisor consent.
The student is asked to spend 2 months (around 300 working hours) in an approved
company or institute. It is up to the student to choose the place he wishes to
enroll in but nevertheless, prior approval of the department is required. The
practical training carries a '3 credit hours weight and has normal grading (A,
B, ..).
IS 492 Cooperative Education
Credits: 1 O. Prerequisite: Department consent
This course is elective (on the student part) and selective (on the department
part) track subject to the approval of the department. It carries a 10 credit
hours weight and has normal grading (A, B, etc.). Students allowed to take this
track will be waived from the following courses: IS 490, IS 498, IS 499, and a
free-elective course. Typically a coop program will last 7 months (at least 1200
working hours) and will span one summer and one regular semester. Prior approval
of the department is required. Furthermore, close supervision by both the
department and the company is maintained to ensure that the student is following
the proposed work plan.
IS 494 Industry Link
Credits: 3. Prerequisite: Department consent.
This is an elective course that follows a pre-planned program administered by
the college/department. It involves spending sometime in several local, and
possibly outside computing institutions and companies, and/or enrolling in their
orientation programs The objective of the course is to expose the student to
various work environments in the leading industry and public computing
institutions. The course carries 3 credit hours of normal grading points.
IS 498 Senior Project I
Credits: 1. Prerequisite: Instructor consent, and completion of 90 credit hours.
A management information systems application development project applying
previously learned concepts and methods, substantial and suitable in nature,
under the supervision of a faculty member. The senior project consists of a
sequence of two courses: IS 498 and IS 499. In IS 498, the student is typically
expected to study a problem, analyze and determine the requirements, and design
the solution for a system to be developed in a database management system
environment or a business programming environment.
IS 499 Senior Project II
Credits: 3. Prerequisite: IS 498.
This course is a continuation of IS 498. The student is typically expected to
carry the management information system application construction, integration,
testing, evaluation and tuning, delivery, and user training.