Information Systems Course Descriptions

2016-17 Courses*

*The degree requirements listed below are considered a draft until fully approved through the Western Oregon University curriculum process.

[section=IS 199 Information Systems Topics (1-6)]

Course content will vary. Topics are selected relative to new subject areas in Information Systems appropriate to freshmen level.

[endsection]

[section=*IS 240 Information Management I (4) – Prerequisites: CS133 or CS134 or CS161 (or concurrent)]

This course introduces data structures and how to apply data management algorithms to various types of data and information. Students gain experience with provisioning infrastructure, and increase their proficiency with the Unix operating system while creating realistic information management solutions. Prerequisites: CS133 or CS134 or CS161 (or concurrent).

[endsection]

[section=*IS 270 Applied Operating Systems (4) – Prerequisites: CS133 or CS 134 or CS161 (or concurrent)]

This course teaches students the responsibilities and functional components of operating systems. Students learn and practice skills necessary to select and configure operating systems to meet solution requirements for differing applications. Prerequisites: CS133 or CS 134 or CS161 (or concurrent).

[endsection]

[section=*IS 278 Networks (4) – CS133 or CS134 or CS161 (or concurrent)]

This course provides an understanding of local area networks using the OSI model. Topics include network hardware, software and protocols. Students will gain hands-on experience with network administration tasks for popular network environments. Prerequisites: CS133 or CS134 or CS161 (or concurrent).

[endsection]

[section=IS 299 Information Systems Topics (1-6)]

Course content will vary. Topics are selected relative to new subject areas in information systems appropriate to sophomore level.

[endsection]

[section=*IS 340 Information Management II (4) – Prerequisites: IS240 and IS270 and IS278 and MTH243]

This course introduces core concepts for managing large data sets for organizations. Students learn how to identify and model information requirements, convert data models into relational data models, and verify structural characteristics. Students implement and use a relational database created with an enterprise-class database management system. Students learn and perform basic database administration skills, including techniques to ensure data quality and data security. Prerequisites: IS240 and IS270 and IS278 and MTH243.

[endsection]

[section=*IS 345 Systems Analysis (4) – Prerequisite: IS340]

This course discusses the processes, methods, techniques and tools that organizations use to determine how they should operate, with a particular focus on how computer-based technologies can most effectively contribute to the way operations are organized. The course covers a systematic methodology for analyzing an organizational problem or opportunity, articulating operational requirements for the technology solution, specifying alternative approaches to acquiring the capabilities needed, and specifying the requirements for the information systems solution. Prerequisite: IS340.

[endsection]

[section=*IS 350 Enterprise Architecture (4) – Prerequisites: IS240 and IS270 and IS278]

This course explores the design, selection, implementation and management of enterprise information systems, focusing on applications and infrastructure and their fit with the business. Students learn frameworks and strategies for infrastructure management, system administration, information architecture, content management, distributed computing, middleware, legacy system integration, system consolidation, software selection, total cost of ownership calculation, investment analysis, and emerging technologies. Students hone their ability to communicate technology architecture strategies concisely to a general business audience. Prerequisites: IS240 and IS270 and IS278.

[endsection]

[section=*IS 355 Strategy, Acquisition and Management (4) – Prerequisite: IS 350]

This course explores the issues and approaches in managing the information systems function in organizations and how the IS function enables various types of organizational capabilities. It takes a senior management perspective in exploring the acquisition, development and implementation of plans and policies to achieve efficient and effective information systems. Prerequisite: IS 350.

[endsection]

[section=*IS 380 Information Networks (4) – Prerequisite: MTH 231]

This course introduces the use of tools based on information theory, graph theory and game theory to explain aggregate behaviors in social networks, markets and the internet. It will introduce students to common analysis techniques for network data sets and examine archetypical instances drawn from various disciplines. Prerequisite: MTH 231.

[endsection]

[section=IS 399 Information Systems Topics (1-6)]

Course content will vary. Topics are selected relative to new subject areas in Information Systems appropriate to junior level.

[endsection]

[section=IS 406 Special Topics (1-4)]

Course is to be offered on an individual student basis. It is designed to support students in investigating the application of programming methods to problems related to their declared major.

[endsection]

[section=IS 409 Practicum (1-9)]

Offers practical experience working in a computer science department for area businesses or industries. Eligible for the RP grade option.

[endsection]

[section=IS 421 Database Administration (3) – Prerequisite: CS 420]

Fundamentals of database administration, including installation, configuration, physical storage allocation and management, security, auditing, backup and recovery, and troubleshooting. Upon successful completion of course, students will know how to install and configure SQL servers; create and manage user logins and privileges; establish backup and recovery procedures; manage devices, databases and other disk storage; establish auditing procedures; and solve problems which arise during SQL server operations. Prerequisite: CS 420

[endsection]

[section=*IS 440 Systems Administration (4) – Prerequisites: IS345 and IS355]

This course introduces system administration using modern operating systems. This course covers the setup, customization, operation and maintenance of production-quality servers, suitable for deployment of modern server applications such as web hosting, file-sharing and database or network services. Topics include: system proficiency, user and process management, file systems, network configuration, standard security practices and various server applications. Prior operating systems knowledge required. Prerequisites: IS345 and IS355.

[endsection]

[section=*IS 470 Project Management (4) – Prerequisites: IS 345 and IS 355 and senior standing]

This course explores the origins of project management and its importance to improving the success of IT projects. Basic topics including scope, cost, time quality and risk management will be covered. Students will work in groups to propose and plan significant projects. Students will also learn about software tools that aid in project management. Prerequisite: IS 345 and IS 355 and senior standing.

[endsection]

[section=*IS 475 Project Implementation (4) – Prerequisite: IS470]

This course continues and builds from the project management fundamentals of IS470 Project Management. Student teams develop detailed project plans and implement a planned information system project. During project development, students learn more advanced topics in project management such as risk and quality management. Prerequisite: IS470.

[endsection]

[section=IS 485/585 Introduction to Computer Security (3/4) – Prerequisites: IS 320 or CS 162]

Introduction to basic computer security. Introduces cryptography, malware and viruses, operating system security, and programming security.  Students gain hands-on experiences via labs and projects. Prerequisite: IS 320 or CS 162

[endsection]

[section=IS 486/586 Network Security (3/4) – Prerequisites: IS 350 or CS 650 or IS 650]

Focuses on fundamental computer networking security concepts, networking attacks and protection, and other security problems in networking  applications. Course introduces the attacks on each network layer – including the link layer, network layer, and transport layer. Also addresses security problems related to DNS, Web Services, and E-mails. Prerequisite: IS 350 or CS 650 or IS 650

[endsection]

[section=IS 489/589 Security Principles and Practices (3/4) – Prerequisites: CS 260 or CS 600]

Focuses on current in cyber security, including the architecture of cloud computing, its evolution, data center, and security issues. Cloud computing will be used as an example to explain cyber attack and defense in real world. Prerequisite: CS 260 or CS 600

[endsection]

[section=IS 525 Introduction to Project Management (4)]

The origins of project management and its importance to improving the success of IT projects. Basic topics including scope, cost and time management will be covered. Students will work in groups to plan large scale project management. Students will also learn about software tools that aid in project management.

[endsection]

[section=IS 600 Foundations of Computer and Information Systems (4)]

Introduction to concepts fundamental to modern computer and information systems. Provides overview of the field of computing relevant to professionals in a business IT setting. Provides a survey of topics not covered by other domain specific courses. Topics may include: information systems hardware and software components, information representation storage and retrieval, development languages, algorithms and efficiency, operating systems, network communications, database, systems development, security and ethics.

[endsection]

[section=IS 641 Project Planning/Design (4)]

Will guide students through the first phase of completing the professional project. Students work with the course instructor and their graduate advisor to select, develop and plan a suitable project, including the initial concept; several rounds of research; writing, critique and refinement; a detailed proposed project plan to be submitted to the students’ graduate committee.

[endsection]

[section=IS 642 Project Implementation – Prerequisites: IS 641 and approved professional project proposal]

Student will complete the proposed project that was developed in the IS 641 course. At least one program faculty member supervises project regarding the milestones, deliverables and content that are expected throughout the term. Students deliver a set of milestones, developed in conjunction with their project proposal, to the instructor that will be used to measure progress. Students report to the instructor each week regarding completion of milestones. Prerequisite: IS 641, and approved professional project proposal.

[endsection]

[section=IS 650 Networks and Communications (4)]

Comprehensive examination of how computers and computing infrastructure is linked together to enable effective communication and sharing of resources. Topics include the fundamental protocols and technologies that underlie modern computer networks; conceptual abstract layered model for understanding the functionality of the network; local area networks; and the Internet. Highly recommend IS 600 before taking this course

[endsection]

[section=IS 675 Topics in Information Systems (1)]

Topics may include: detailed study of a foundational field of Information Systems that is not covered by another course; in-depth study of particular current topics; survey of important technologies, software or systems; review of current research areas or popular trends. May be repeated for credit up to 8 credits.

[endsection]