Information Systems Courses

Below is a list of Information Systems courses offered by Stevenson University. To earn a degree in Business Information Systems or Computer Information Systems, students must also complete coursework in other areas. To view a complete listing of all course requirements for the Business Information Systems or Computer Information Systems degree, please see the University catalog.

IS 124
Introduction to Computer Graphics
An introduction to the Macintosh computer and the major software programs that will be used in subsequent design classes: Quark Xpress, Adobe Illustrator, PhotoShop. Spring semester: For Visual Communication Design majors only. Fall semester: For NON-Art majors only. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 134
MS Windows & Office Applications
Students need a basic competency in the most widely used operating system, Microsoft Windows, and the most commonly used suite of business applications, Microsoft Office. This course offers hands-on instruction in operating systems concepts to include file management, window and system configuration, browser configuration and security, and desktop management. Students will also learn to produce basic professional documentation using the features of MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint. Emphasis will be placed on those functions commonly used to create Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint Presentations. Students will be placed in IS 134 unless the score on the Computer Literacy Assessment warrants placement in IS 135. Three credits. This course cannot be used to fulfill a major requirement for CIS or BIS majors. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 135
Advanced Ms Office Applications
The design of professional quality business and technical documentation requires a high level of competency in the most widely used suite of business applications, Microsoft Office. In this course students will learn to produce professional business documentation using advanced features of MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint. Emphasis will be placed on those functions commonly used in the workplace, such as desktop publishing, merged documents, merged data sources, applying styles, creating templates, citations, indexes, object linking and embedding, macros, advanced table techniques, revision tracking, and large scale document production to include use of multi-file master and sub documents. The course will focus on MS Excel features such as formulas, functions, charts, graphics, filters, pivot tables, web publishing, import and export data sources, and troubleshooting complex spreadsheet problems. Students will learn how to effectively integrate tables, charts, and spreadsheets into PowerPoint presentations. Prerequisites: IS 134 or permission of Information Systems division director. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 140
Information Systems Architecture & Design
This course examines the component technologies of information system architectures. The course will cover the design principles behind computer hardware and peripheral devices, network components, and network operating systems. Students will explore topics in computer hardware design from handheld devices to large scale super computers; storage media and devices such as DVD, flash drives and network storage systems; file formats, file management, file encryption and file compression techniques; data storage and database systems to include ORACLE, SYBASE, MS SQL Server and DB2; network components including routers, firewalls and intrusion detection systems; network technologies including Gigabit Ethernet and Wireless local area networks; application software development with modern programming languages such as C#, ASP.NET, & JAVA; LINUX, UNIX and Windows operating systems; network analysis and systems security tools and techniques. Students will design a model information system using the Microsoft VISIO modeling tool. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 150
Relational Database Design & SQL with MS Access
Explores relational database architecture and provide "hands-on" instruction in SQL using both Microsoft Access and Microsoft SQL Server. Students will learn how to evaluate the business requirement and design an effective relational database solution. Students will also learn how to define and manipulate SQL objects as well as perform other common workplace SQL tasks such as creating databases, tables and reports; inserting, updating, and selecting rows; and designing queries, views, and data entry forms. Key business tasks such as importing and exporting of data, mail merge, and custom reports are mastered as well. Prerequisite: IS 134 or permission of the division directory, Information Systems. 3 credits, Fall and Spring. (02 Oct 2007)

IS 170
Systems Development with UML
Information Systems are designed to solve business problems. Every business professional participates in the systems development process at some level and this helps insure a successful outcome. This course addresses the players, processes and methodologies of systems development to include project management; systems analysis; and modeling of systems, data, processes, and applications. Object Oriented Analysis and Design Methodologies using Unified Modeling Language (UML) are explored. Students will create an information system design using the System Architect CASE Tool, complete a cost/benefit analysis, and develop a systems proposal. Prerequisite: IS 140 or permission of the division director, Information Systems. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 214
Technology in Education
An overview of the applications of computer and video technology in schools. Experience in using a variety of computer and multimedia programs, in evaluating programs and materials available for schools, and in using technology to meet the child's individual educational needs. Prerequisite: IS 134. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 224
Computer Graphics Practicum
For the student who wishes to improve his or her design technology skills, this course concentrates on specific software application and relating production techniques at both the intermediate and advanced levels. Various software tools and techniques are considered, building on concepts addressed in IS 124. Prerequisite: IS 124. One credit. Repeatable for credit. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 231
Network Technologies
A thorough knowledge of the leading network technologies is essential for today146s technology professional. This course will prepare the student to perform key network configuration and troubleshooting skills used everyday by IT network professionals. Students will learn the functional concepts of leading network architectures such as Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and the IEEE 802.11 family of WIFI wireless networks used in nearly every business infrastructure. The course will also examine in detail the TCP/IP family of communication protocols, structured cabling systems including fiber optic and wireless systems; the role of the foremost network operating systems to include Microsoft's Windows 2003 server, Sun Microsystems's Solaris, and Linux; Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and Cable Modem remote access technologies; and the strategies used by network pros to implement network interconnecting devices such as repeaters, bridges, routers and gateways, proxies, and firewalls to improve performance and protect the network. Prerequisite: IS 140. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 232
TCP and IP Communication Protocols for Windows & UNIX
The TCP/IP communication protocol family is the official standard for global Internet communications and nearly every business employs it on local area networks as well. This course prepares the student in the planning, installation, configuration, and management of a TCP/IP based network. Students will learn how to monitor, optimize, diagnose, and resolve problems on the network using standard tools and utilities found in the workplace. The course will Web based, database connected, business applications. Prerequisite: IS 240. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 235
Advanced Windows Server Architecture & Administration
Corporate network professionals know that Microsoft's Active Directory provides the means for the secure management of an organization146s network. This course is a rigorous hands-on examination of those management tools essential for creating, designing, and maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory. Students will learn planning, installation, configuration, and administration of Windows Active Directory, the directory services repository for corporate resources and the policies that protect their use. Students will create from the ground up a network infrastructure using Windows 2003 Advanced Server. Domain Name System (DNS), forest designs, site topology and replication, organizational unit structure, Group Policy and delegation of control are just a few of the essential topics covered in this course. Prerequisite: IS 231. Three credits (15 Nov 2006)

IS 240
Programming Concepts with Visual Basic.Net
Introduces programming constructs common to most languages, laying a solid foundation on which more advanced topics will build. The course will introduce the Visual Basic .NET integrated development environment. Key topics will include object oriented programming design concepts, the .NET Framework, GUI design guidelines, VB Controls, data structures, and database connectivity. Students will design a series of small business applications linked to a database. Prerequisite: IS 150 AND IS 170. (02 Oct 2007)

IS 241
C# Object Oriented Programing
Applies principles of object-oriented programming using the premier language in Microsoft's .NET initiative. C# is the next step in the evolution of C and C++, and is a programming language that software developers rely on for general purpose and web applications. key topics include the .NET Integrated Development Environment, control structure, methods, properties, classes, inheritance, polymorphism, data abstraction, arrays, data structures, collections, ADO .NET, GUI forms, controls, events, multimedia, graphics, and Web Services. Students will build a series of Web based, database connected, business applications. Prerequisite: IS 240. (02 Oct 2007)

IS 252
Advanced SQL Query Design with Oracle & SQL Server
Effective database and query design are key determining factors in the success of any size business application. It is essential that the professional software developer be profi- cient in this area. In this course the student will learn the underlying concepts of complex SQL Queries, the key to writing serviceable code, the normalization of data to minimize duplication and errors, the design of stored procedures and triggers to improve system performance, optimization techniques using cursors and join statements, transaction control, techniques for securing data, and tools for testing data integrity. Students will design a multi-table, normalized, relational business database and advanced SQL queries. Prerequisite: IS 240. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 260
Presentation Theory & Application
The ability to present and sell ideas is an essential skill for every business professional. Knowing how to how to design effective and dynamic audio/visual presentations gives one a much needed edge. This course will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of audio/visual presentations. The focus will be on presentations for business and technical reports using multimedia presentation software as the primary tool. The student will have several opportunities to hone and demonstrate their presentation skills through a series of practical assignments. A Capstone Presentation will also be required. Prerequisites: CM 101 and IS 135. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 280
Data & Database Management
Compares popular database products based on function, performance, price, and scalability. Product limitations are examined as a guide to selecting the right database product to solve the business problem. Basic database concepts are covered and Structured Query Language (SQL) is examined. Students create a typical small business database in class. Prerequisite: IS 150 or permission of the division director, Information Systems. (02 Oct 2007)

IS 300
Emerging Technology for Schools
An exploration of technological applications in education, with emphasis on communications, interactive technology, and multimedia presentations in education. Prerequisite: compare alternative IP Addressing in both IP Version 4 and IP Version 6. Hands-on labs will provide practical exercises in the installation and configuration of WINS, DHCP, and DNS services. The internal process of TCP will be examined along with the classic hacking attacks and countermeasure techniques. Prerequisite: IS 231. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 331
CISCO TCP and IP Routing
Managing business networks today requires knowledge of routing technology in a global infrastructure. CISCO is a key leader in this area and this course uses CISCO routers to provide the student hands-on experience in a workplace environment. The course examines techniques for deployment of Quality of Service Features, route distribution, and route cost determination, all of which improve performance and guarantee delivery of the business's most important data. Students will gain hands-on experience in the configuration and management of routers and switches. Best practices in the design of an effective routed infrastructure will be addressed. Prerequisite: IS 232. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 332
High Speed Broadband Networks
In a global business environment, network administrators must master the wide area broadband technologies that provide seamless connectivity between business units around the world. This course provides an in-depth examination of leading broadband network technologies including ATM, xDSL, Cable Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, T-Carrier Systems, SONET/SDH, Frame Relay, SMDS, VOIP, Internet2 and GEANT. The course will also explore topics in fiber optic systems including Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) and Dense WDM (DWDM). Students will learn how to design and cost out global network connections, and compare the leading product offerings from the top tier vendors in each area of broadband network technology. Prerequisite: IS 231. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 333
Sun Microsystems UNIX Server Architecture & Administration
Sun Microsystems'Solaris Server Operating System is the dominant UNIX operating system on the market today. Solaris is the universal choice for high-end scable computing solutions in database, web services, and computationally intensive applications such as simulation and modeling.In this course students will learn key concepts in performing the installation, configuration, and management of a Solaris server. Topics covered will include the SPARC platfrom, pre-installation planning, INTEL installation issues, Common Desktop Environment (CDE), Command line interface, BASH commands, Shell programming, managing users and groups, monitoring system resources, email services, DNS Services, iternet daemon, web services, SAIT, SAMBA, NFS file system architecture, and the Network Information Service (NIS). Prerequisite: IS 231. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 335
Wireless LANs & Mobile Communication Systems
Enterprise wide wireless networks are expanding rapidly and network administrators need to know how to manage and deliver these services to employees on the move. This course examines the concepts and implementation of wireless technologies to include the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless local area network standards, IEEE 802.16 Wi-MAX, Local multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS), satellite networks (GEO, MEO, LEO), microwave and laser links, and Mobile IP. in the area of Mobile Communication Systems, students will explore technologies such as the cellular communications system, General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), and 4G Wireless systems. Key security configuration procedures will be reviewed. Prerequisite: IS 231. Three credits. (15 NOV 2006)

IS 343
Web Architecture & Design Technologies
Interactive and dynamic web sites attract customers and keep them engaged, offering features instantly tailored to the interests of the visitor. This course covers both the art and architecture of web design. Students will learn the concepts of creating dynamic and interactive web pages with graphics, video, sound and animation using advanced Dynamic HTML techniques. Dynamic web page design using cascading style sheets, JavaScript and ASP.NET will be introduced. Using two popular web tools, Dreamweaver and Fireworks, students will create several corporate websites that feature key design techniques in promoting business objectives. Prerequisite: IS 240. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 345
JAVA Programming
Sun Microsytems' JAVA programming language is widely used for both conventional client server and Web based applications. It's a powerful tool for the development of multimedia-intensive, platform-independent, objectoriented business solutions. In this course students will learn to create JAVA applications and Applets using both the command line and the high-end intergraded Development Environment (IDE) from IBM, WebSphere. In the design of JAVA applications, students will learn to effectively use control structures, use and create custom classes, design methods , manipulate arrays, use OOP design principles to develop reusable components supporting Rapid Applications Development (RAD), handle input output processing with files and streams, handle errors with exception code, create networked applications, and leverage JDBC for improved database connectivity, Students will create several business applications in the client server and web server environment. Students gain hands-on experience in web program design with internet Applets, Servlets, and Java Server Pages (JSP). Prerequisites: IS 241 and IS 252. The credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 348
Visual Basic.Net Business Applications
Organizations need reliable access to business data presented in an intuitive and informative computer interface. Visual Basic is the world146s most popular language used to solve business problems and Visual Basic .NET is the next step in VB146s evolutiion. In this course students will learn to develop applications and components, apply inheritance and polymorphism to objects, organize code using namespaces, handle errors, access data using ADO.NET, create Windows applications and controls, create transactional and queuing components, create web services, and use assemblies to organize and deploy applications and libraries. Students will build a series of database connected, business applications. Prerequisites: IS 240 and IS 252. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 371
Game Design Principles
This course covers the key knowledge, concepts and skills needed to begin a career as a game developer. Game development is a rapidly growing career field where new opportunities exist in entertainment, business, government and the military. Students will learn all phases of game design, development, and management process. Popular development engines and tools will be used in the creation computer games. Prerequisite: IS 241. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 372
3D Modeling & Animation Techniques
This course introduces the leading 3D modeling and animation tools in game development and the process of designing and creating 3D animation. Students will learn to design background, scenery, props and characters, applying animation techniques. Prerequisite: IS 371. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 380
Information Security for Organization
This course addresses the top security issues to be recognized by any business and surveys the tools to detect threats and protect valuable organization resources. Key topics including threat and risk assessment, viruses, worms, Trojan horses, port scans spyware, and denial of service attacks will be covered along with discussion of free security tools available to help uncover vulnerabilities. Students will learn to write a security policy for their organization. Checklists for protecting business resources will be covered in detail and provided. Prerequisite: IS 231 or permission of the division director, Information Systems. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 385
Management of Business Networks
Course examines the components of the business network, emphasizing the strategic selection and configuration of components to solve specific problems for the organization. This course introduces the student to the technologies that have been collectively called client server computing in the local area network: file servers, application servers, database servers, transaction processing, and groupware. The use of wide-area network services and the Internet to interconnect global business units are reviewed. Students will learn the essential concepts of each technology and the interrelationships between the technologies to achieve an understanding of the business network environment. Prerequisite: IS 231 or permission of the division director, Information Systems. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 386
E-Commerce Solutions
This course surveys the most common technologies employed to link businesses with their partners, suppliers, distributors and customers. Each technology plays a key role in electronically connecting these e-commerce players enabling them to share resources and conduct business over the Internet. Supply Chain Management (SCM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Electronic Payment Systems and other Business to Business (B2B) systems will be surveyed and compared. Prerequisite: IS 231 or permission of the division director, Information Systems. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 387
Wireless Technology Solution for the Office
This course examines and compares the various wireless technologies available for the office environment at home or at work. Competing wireless technologies are compared and contrasted based on function, cost, security, and performance. Products implementing technologies such as, Bluetooth, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and the cellular phone system will be examined and their niche areas of usefulness in the workplace detailed. Prerequisite: IS 231 or permission of the division director, Information Systems. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 391
Incident Response & Investigation Method
Organizations are under attack from unauthorized computer intrusions both external and internal. This threat continues to grow in complexity and sophistication and requires organizations to devote increasing resources to its prevention and prosecution. This course examines the role of computer forensics investigator as a member of an Incidence Response Team. It explores the nature of the threat to organizations, the indicators that an incident is underway, the polices and procedures to be followed when an incident is detected, and the investigation methods use to collect evidence for prevention or prosecution. The course will explore the best practices used to create, organize and deploy an Incident Response Team for malicious activity. Prerequisite: IS 231. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 392
Information Systems Forensic Internals - Auditing
Nearly every component in the information systems infrastructure in some way records user activity. It's the job of the computer forensics investigator to know where to look and how to interpret these artifacts of system usage. In this course students will examine the tools and techniques used in the recovery of information-systems-generated artifacts used to aid forensic evidence collection and timeline corroboration. The operating system is a key source of evidence where students will examine system policies, auditing techniques, authentication methods, and event and system logging techniques for the family of Windows and Mac operating systems. Students will review documented prosecutions and investigations where operating system artifact recovery led to a successful resolution. Prerequisite: IS 231. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 393
Forensic Evidence Collection Tools and Techniques
The computer forensics investigator uses a wide array of tools and techniques to collect, view, analyze, protect and preserve digital evidence. In this course students will gain hands on expertise in evidence collection and analysis with the leading forensic tools in use throughout the government, military, and law enforcement agencies. Evidence handling and timeline techniques will be covered with particular emphasis on the relationship to court testimony. Prerequisite: IS 231. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 431
Exchange Server & Messaging Systems
Every business depends heavily on its messaging systems to deliver key office communications via email and to provide a highly collaborative environment for the exchange of company documents. In this course students will install, configure, and manage Microsoft's Exchange Server 2003, a leading technology solution for enterprise wide collaboration. The course will examine in detail the components of the messaging infrastructure; key support tasks in configuration, optimization, and data protection; and competing messaging solutions. Prerequisite: IS 232 and IS 235. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 443
XML eBusiness Applications
Develop indepth knowledge in writing well-formed XML Syntax, creating richer documents using namespaces to distinguish XML vocabularies, leveraging DTD's and Schemas to improve compatibility with externally designed applications, designing cascading style sheets to improve the expression of XML data, using the XPath querying language and XLST style sheets to enable applications to extract components of an XML document, using XLink and XPointer to link XML documents to each other, and incorporating XML inot traditional databases and n-tier architectures. Student will build an XML application that translates data from dissimilar databases in a web based application. Prerequisite: IS 346. (02 Oct 2007)

IS 444
Wireless Application Development
Mobile computing and communication through compact hand held devices is rapidly becoming a mission critical service for IT departments. Custom wireless business applications are the answer. This course offers hands-on experience in the design of wireless applications using Microsoft's .NET Compact Framework and the Mobile Internet Toolkit development environment for mobile applications. Using the Mobile Internet Toolkit, the student will be able to create applications that work with nearly any mobile device, including Blackberry, Palm, PocketPC, and Cell phones. The course will cover the range of wireless devices, services, and standards; the wireless application protocol (WAP) for standard screen controls; strengths and limitations of hand held operating systems from Palm OS and Windows CE to Symbian; content display and synchronization techniques; the use of Web Markup Language (WML) to improve content and navigation; Bluetooth applications; Web Services for wireless devices; and XML processing. Students will create several gaming applications for handhelds to gain experience for a final business application. Prerequisite: IS 345. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 453
Multimedia FLASH Applications
The ability to create and program interactive multimedia Web sites is valuable to the information technology professional. To develop high-end, complex and customized interactivity, one needs to move beyond the simple toolbased, interface-dependent approach to the level of code creation and modification that powers the application. Widely considered to be the industry standard for today's multimedia authoring, Macromedia Flash MX is used by professionals to produce such highly interactive, media-rich Web-based content. More specifically, the proprietary object-oriented programming language ActionScript affords this capability. In this course, students will explore the versatility of this powerful application development tool, learning not only how to create dynamic animations integrating a wide range of media sources, but how to create both action-oriented and logic-oriented instructions in ActionScript that allow the application to perform precisely as intended. Prerequisite: Senior status or permission of the division director, Information Systems. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 480
Technology Law
This course outlines the legal requirements of businesses to preserve electronic data, insure privacy, protect intellectual property, and insure electronic information is accessible to people with disabilities. A survey of the legislation and the systems used to implement the letter of the law will be covered. Pertinent sections of the Federal and State regulations will be examined to determine impact on office procedures and policies. Some examples of current legislation are Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Of 1996 (Hippa); Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA); Section 508 (29 U.S.C. 145 794d), Accessibility Act; Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA); Sarbanes- Oxley Act; Consumer Broadband and Digital Television Promotion Act (CBDTPA); CAN151SPAM Bill; USA PATRIOT Act151Section 326 (HR 3162); The Privacy Act of 2003, Feinstein (D-Calif.); and Notification of Risk to Personal Data Act. Prerequisites: Senior status or permission of the Information Systems division director. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 481
Project & Knowledge Management
Many well-intended information systems development efforts fail to be delivered on time, delivered within budget, or meet the needs of the customer. Demand is high for skilled project managers who can deliver a successful product to the customer. This course delivers the knowledge, skills, and tools required to do the job. Students will explore the reasons for failed projects, the competencies of successful project managers, the functions all project managers perform, the tools project managers use to keep projects on time and within budget, and the project management life cycle. Prerequisites: Senior status or permission of the Information Systems Division Director. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

IS 491
Hacking Attacks, Trace back and Counter Measures
Protecting the organization's digital resources requires knowledge of the methods used by malicious intruders, an understanding of the methods use to repel an attack and expertise in the use of the tools and techniques used to track down the perpetrators. This course will explore in depth the ever growing varieties of hacking attacks and the need for multilayered counter measures employed to prevent them. Students will learn to employ trace back techniques to track down leads and ultimately determine the identity of those responsible for the unauthorized access. Prerequisite: IS 231. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)