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Graduate Course Listing
Human-Centered Computing (HCC) Courses
| HCC 629 | Fundamentals of Human-Centered Computing (Credits: 3) |
| This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of human-centered computing, including perceptual and cognitive psychology theories, human-centered computing models, theories, frameworks, and interaction paradigms. | |
| HCC 636 | Structured Systems Analysis and Design (Credits: 3) |
| Advanced study of structures systems development. Emphasis on strategies and techniques of structured analysis and structured design for producing logical methodologies for dealing with complexity in the development of information systems. | |
| HCC 700 | Independent Study in Human-Centered Computing (Credits: 1 - 3) |
| This is a course in independent reading for masters students, and is supervised by a member of the Information Systems faculty. The purpose of this course is to give students the opportunity to study a topic of interest which is not available from the existing course offerings. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Note: A particular faculty member must agree in writing to supervise the proposed study before the student may register for this course. The approval of the Department is required before the student registers. | |
| HCC 706 | Interfaces For Info. Visualization & Retrieval (Credits: 3) |
| Providing access to large amounts of information is an important function of information systems. This course discusses the design of user interfaces that allow users to search for, browse, and interact with information. Specifically, students will be introduced to human information-seeking behavior and its implications for user interfaces, including user interfaces for information retrieval systems and a wide variety of information visualization tools. Information retrieval systems enable users to search for and browse information. Information visualization is the application of computer-supported graphical tools to the presentation of large amounts of abstract information. Prerequisite: IS 629 or permission of the instructor. | |
| HCC 710 | Graphic Design for Interactive Systems (Credits: 3) |
| This course focuses on visual communications is the presentation of information through the use of type and image. Students in this course would get an understanding of how visual principles can be used, gain experience in working through the design process towards the creation and evaluation of both typographic and image based form, reinforce certain technical and computer skills, and refine your ability to critique and discuss relevant issues both individually and in group situations. In this course, the objective is to create forms that can be both read as well as seen. We consider issues ranging from visual clarity and the needs of the user, creating hierarchy in a non-linear reading order, to the semantic/pragmatic, implicit/explicit characteristics of form. | |
| HCC 727 | Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (Credits: 3) |
| This course will provide students with an introduction to the discipline of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW). Groupware systems, ranging from two people to enterprise-level, are exceedingly complex due to the interplay between social dynamics and distributed computing. This course will engage students with contemporary research and industry best practices in the design, development, and evaluation of collaborative information systems. | |
| HCC 728 | Online Communities (Credits: 3) |
| Social interaction via the Internet is becoming increasingly important. People are gathering in online communities of interest and communities of practice to discuss health, hobbies, games, education, politics and professional issues. In this class students will analyze the technology and social support needed to make these social interactions successful; they will discuss and debate current research in this field and either develop an online community or carry out a small research project. | |
| HCC 729 | Human-Centered Design (Credits: 3) |
| This course explores the main factors, methods, and processes that underlie the user-centered design of the information systems. The course focuses on conceptualizing and understanding the fundamental human-computer interaction issues as well as user testing and interaction design processes. The course also provides students the opportunity to apply these concepts through the design, evaluation, and implementation of interface prototypes in real-world environments. Prerequisite: IS 629 and IS 636. | |
| HCC 760 | Human-Computer Interaction (Credits: 3) |
| This course examines and analyzes cognitive and software concepts that underlie human-computer interaction. The concepts include cognitive theories of memory organization, problem solving strategies, and linguistic comprehension. Interaction software technologies that are examined include menu selection systems, command languages, and direct manipulation techniques. This course is intended to introduce the student to the current literature, and to prepare the student for conducting independent research and for designing appropriate interaction software. | |
| HCC 761 | Information Systems in Human Behavior (Credits: 3) |
| This course addresses the impact of information systems on individuals, groups, organizations, and societies. Topics will include studying the effects of information systems on phenomena such as human-centered computing, learning, development, cognition, personality, social interactions, problem solving, task performance, organizational effectiveness, consumer behavior, process control, and decision making. The information systems under investigation and analysis will encompass the full range of interrelated components from graphical user interfaces to global enterprise systems, as those factors relate to a system’s use and consequence. The course is structured as a reading and writing seminar having the objective of teaching students the process of developing a publishable article and making a professional presentation of their work. Content mastery is to be understood as a by-product of developing general problem-solving and scholarship skills. | |
| HCC 799 | Master's Thesis Research (Credits: 1 - 6) |
| HCC 801 | Independent Study in Human-Centered Computing (Credits: 3) |
| This is a course in independent reading for doctoral students, and is supervised by a member of the Information Systems faculty. The purpose of this course is to give students the opportunity to study a topic of interest which is not available from the existing course offerings. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Note: A particular faculty member must agree in writing to supervise the proposed study before the student may register for this course. The approval of the Department is required before the student registers. | |
| HCC 810 | HCC Seminar (Credits: 1) |
| HCC 898 | Pre-Candidacy Doctoral Dissertation Research (Credits: 1 - 6) |
| Research on doctoral dissertation conducted under the direction of a faculty advisor before candidacy. | |
| HCC 899 | Doctoral Dissertation Research (Credits: 1 - 6) |
Information Systems (IS) Courses
| IS 600 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming Concepts (Credits: 3) |
| This course introduces the student of information systems to fundamental object-oriented programming concepts. A student of this course will learn the principles of programming, and in particular object-oriented programming principles. Programming principles and constructs, such as data types, common control flow structures, basic data structures, console input/output, and file input/output will be presented. We will also learn several key object-oriented principles, such as inheritance and exception handling. We will use the Java programming language to learn and implement the basic programming and object-oriented principles described above. | |
| IS 601 | Foundations of Information Systems (Credits: 3) |
| This course is an introduction to the role of information and information systems in organizations. Characteristics of organizations, e.g., structure, culture, decision making, are analyzed as to how they affect and are affected by information systems development and use. Strategic planning, information architecture design, competitive value, career paths, ethical issues, legal issues, and trends in information technology development and in information management practice are examined for both public and private organizations. Emerging technologies are also assessed for potential strategic value to an organization. | |
| IS 603 | Decision Technology Systems (Credits: 3) |
| A broad overview of decision making and the systems that are designed to support the process. The management process, computer support for management, the technology of management, decision technology system types, including artificial intelligence, decision support systems, executive and geographic information systems, and idea processing systems, system architectures, system integration considerations, system design and development methodologies, system performance measurement and evaluation, management of decision technology systems, organizational and user issues. | |
| IS 610 | Database Program Development (Credits: 3) |
| An introduction to computer databases which examines the basic functions and capabilities of database management software (DBMS). Emphasis is placed on the use of this software in solving information processing problems which may include laboratory work as well as database design case studies. Topics include a discussion of data structures, host language programming, indirect and direct file organization, and DBMS models including hierarchical, network, and relational. Also examined are storage devices, data administration, and database administration, as well as database analysis, design, and implementation. | |
| IS 613 | Graphical User Interface Design & Implementation (Credits: 3) |
| This course has the objective of introducing the student to graphical user interface systems using the most current version of Java. Students will learn to implement a series of interactive stand-alone or web-based interfaces. Event handling and multi-threaded Java programs will be studied. Image and data transmission via the internet will be presented. Students will read articles from the current research literature that offer guidelines in interface design. Familiarity with UNIX file and directory manipulation is recommended. | |
| IS 620 | Advanced Database Project (Credits: 3) |
| In this course students design and implement a realistic database using software tools such as PRISN, EXCELERATOR, and INGRES. Working in teams, students proceed through all phases of a database development project including assembling and organization's data requirements, graphically modeling and implementing the database using an SQL-based interface. The principles of project management, planning, and control are also covered. Prerequisite: IS 410 or IS 610. | |
| IS 625 | Decision Support Systems (Credits: 3) |
| Analysis of the highest level of information support systems which serves the manager- user. This system provides quantitative-based information derived from one or more databases within and/or external to an organization and used to aid management in the decision-making process. Theoretical concepts are applied to real world application. | |
| IS 630 | Information Resources Management (Credits: 3) |
| The relationships between organizational policy and institutional information requirements are analyzed in this course. The conditional influence of the structure of the administrative organization, and the design of the information system upon organizational policy affecting access and use of databases are examined in detail. Prerequisite: IS 601. | |
| IS 636 | Structured Systems Analysis and Design (Credits: 3) |
| Advanced study of structures systems development. Emphasis on strategies and techniques of structured analysis and structured design for producing logical methodologies for dealing with complexity in the development of information systems. | |
| IS 642 | Information System Analysis (Credits: 3) |
| Applications of the computer in organizational management are the objectives of this course. Principles of systems analysis as related to organizational productivity are developed, and a means for including productivity measures in systems analysis are addressed. Prerequisite: IS 636. | |
| IS 643 | Electronic Government (Credits: 3) |
| In 2002, half of all Americans and three-quarters of all American Internet users have visited a government web site to find information and/or conduct transactions (Council for Excellence in Government April 14, 2003). Three-quarters of the American e-government users believe that having government available on the Internet has made it much easier and more convenient for them to stay informed about government programs and policies; two-thirds of these e-government users believe that it is also now more convenient and easier to conduct transactions with government. This course examines the policy framework that enables and electronic government in the U.S. at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Government-2-Citizen, Government-2-Business, and Government-2-Government processes to provide information and services through electronic media are analyzed and evaluated using the policy framework and the context of current U.S. government issues and activities. Critical concerns such as privacy, security, e-democracy, and access in an electronic environment are addressed throughout the course. | |
| IS 650 | Data Communications and Networks (Credits: 3) |
| This course provides a in-depth analysis of data communications, network designs, and distributed mainframes, mini and microcomputer information systems. The underlying concepts essential to the design of both communication hardware and software are examined. As the theory is developed, laboratory demonstrations and exercises reinforce the applicability of various tools and paradigms to real world problems. | |
| IS 651 | Distributed Systems (Credits: 3) |
| This course covers distributed computing architectures (emphasizing service-oriented architectures) and web services. You are assumed to have taken IS650 or equivalent, have an elementary knowledge of web technology, and have taken elementary object-oriented programming. A major focus of the course is on doing technical, hands-on labs. We learn XML basics and XML Web Services in this course. We also take an architectural look at Java server-side frameworks for web services. Prerequisite: IS 650. | |
| IS 651M | LAN Management Using Microsoft Windows (Credits: 3) |
| A hands-on course using the latest version of the Microsoft Server which covers the design, building, management, security and technical issues involved in a local area network. Prerequisite: IS 651. Note: Only one lab is allowed for credit towards the Master's Degree. | |
| IS 651U | LAN Management Using UNIX (Credits: 3) |
| A hands-on course taught in a computer classroom in Unix operating system management and networking. The design, building, management, security and technical issues involved in a local area network will be covered. Prerequisite: IS 651. Note: Only one lab is allowed for credit towards the Master's Degree. | |
| IS 651W | Server-Side Web Systems (Credits: 3) |
| Server-side Systems covers advanced topics in Web-based application architectures. Example recent topics include: the semantic web, the asynchronous web, programming for web services, and web application frameworks. Prerequisite: IS 651. | |
| IS 652 | Internetworking (Credits: 3) |
| This course covers network routing and other topics in internetworking. This will be a project-oriented course that will consist of lectures and hands-on laboratory experience creating projects that simulate real-world networks. Prerequisite: IS 651. | |
| IS 654 | Survey of Telecommunications (Credits: 3) |
| This course examines the design and management issues in communications beyond the local area, including wide-area networks, high speed data transfer, integrated voice and data communications, distributed processing and internetworking. Prerequisite: IS 650. | |
| IS 660 | Health Care Informatics I (Credits: 3) |
| The focus of this course is on health care information systems. Examples of topics covered include: requirements and design, providers and payers, regulations, ecommerce, privacy and security, personnel and vendors, knowledge and diffusion. | |
| IS 661 | Health Care Informatics II (Credits: 3) |
| The focus of this course is on health care information systems. Examples of topics include E-commerce standards, government regulation of privacy and security, and cancer information systems. Prerequisite: IS 660. | |
| IS 698 | Special Topics in Information Systems (Credits: 3) |
| This course explores advanced topics in Information Systems that are not covered in other courses. Since the topics vary each semester, this course may be repeated for credit. | |
| IS 700 | Independent Study in Information Systems (Credits: 1 - 3) |
| This is a course in independent reading for masters students, and is supervised by a member of the Information Systems faculty. The purpose of this course is to give students the opportunity to study a topic of interest which is not available from the existing course offerings. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Note: A particular faculty member must agree in writing to supervise the proposed study before the student may register for this course. The approval of the Department is required before the student registers. | |
| IS 705 | Simulation and Visualization (Credits: 3) |
| In order to efficiently manage and operate many of the systems that pervade our lives, it is often necessary to apply simulation to study their performance when closed-form analytical solutions do not exist for such problems. This cource deals with discrete-event systems such as transportation networks, event scheduling, and pollution control systems. Topics will include modeling techniques (including information visualization and object-oriented modeling), random number generation, discrete-event simulation approaches, model validation and simulation software. | |
| IS 706 | Interfaces For Info. Visualization & Retrieval (Credits: 3) |
| Providing access to large amounts of information is an important function of information systems. This course discusses the design of user interfaces that allow users to search for, browse, and interact with information. Specifically, students will be introduced to human information-seeking behavior and its implications for user interfaces, including user interfaces for information retrieval systems and a wide variety of information visualization tools. Information retrieval systems enable users to search for and browse information. Information visualization is the application of computer-supported graphical tools to the presentation of large amounts of abstract information. Prerequisite: IS 629 or permission of the instructor. | |
| IS 707 | Applications of Intelligent Technologies (Credits: 3) |
| Intelligent technologies explore the fundamental roles and practical impacts of artificial intelligence and knowledge management in various paradigms. The purpose of this course is to offer students an in-depth understanding of concepts, methodologies, techniques, applications, and issues of a variety of intelligent technologies. The topics include, but are not limited to, intelligent agents, semantic Web, ontology, information retrieval and reasoning, social network analysis, and Web mining. Intelligent technologies will be discussed in the context of popular information system applications such as search engines, e-commerce, computer-mediated communication, and intelligent user interface. Prerequisite: Graduate student standing and permission of the instructor. | |
| IS 708 | Knowledge Management and Knowledge Organizations (Credits: 3) |
| Knowledge management is the process of creating value from an organization's intangible assets. It deals with how to best leverage knowledge internally within the organization, and externally to the customers. In this regard, the course will cover the major functions of knowledge management (e.g., creating, combining, securing, distributing, coordinating, and retrieving knowledge) and organizational learning. It will discuss techniques, concepts, technologies, and applications dealing with knowledge management and knowledge organizations. Building a supportive culture to encourage knowledge sharing is an integral part of knowledge management. This topic and others will also be discussed. | |
| IS 720 | Mobile Data Management (Credits: 3) |
| This course focuses on the impact of mobile computing on data management beyond the networking level, while at the same time provides a hands-on experience on the design and implementation of mobile applications for handheld devices. The course offers a technical understanding of the latest technologies in the field and an exploration of the research issues in mobile data management. Topics include, but are not limited to, mobile architectures, mobility and connectivity, data caching, concurrency control, replication, synchronization, location management, mobile DBMS, and user interfaces. Students will keep abreast of the latest research innovations in the field. In addition, they will create applications in Micro Java (J2ME) and the MIDP profile using record management libraries, user interface libraries, event-driven application launch, application security, and deployment. | |
| IS 721 | Semi-Structured Data Management (Credits: 3) |
| Database Management Systems (DBMS) have been dominated by relational systems (RDBMS) for over 30 years. Due to changes in hardware, bandwidth, and use case, systems are changing. Multiple processors, gigabit network speeds, and the Internet as a platform for distributed systems are changing the way computing gets done. RDBMS is not being superseded, but many so-called 'non-standard' system architectures are now being developed and deployed for specific application classes. We will look at a developing category of such systems sometimes referred to as 'NoSql' systems that are becoming important for semi-structured information in web applications. We will cover current systems from conceptual and practical standpoints. We will read papers on representative systems and do simple programming against the databases. Students should have taken a relational database class, a programming class, and be familiar with elementary web development with html and javascript. Prerequisite: IS 651. | |
| IS 722 | Systems and Information Integration (Credits: 3) |
| The integration of systems and the seamless exchange of information stored in them provides an answer to a very common problem when organizations merge and inherit information systems that are not compatible with each other. Data systems and information should easily interoperate for the success of the organization. This course investigates the various technologies in the field of information integration with an emphasis on semantic interoperation of systems. Topics that are covered include: Modeling Data Semantics, Semantic Interoperability, Metadata, Semantic Integration Patterns, Context-Awareness, Semantic Networks, Mediation and Wrapper techniques, Data Warehouses, Integration Servers, etc. Students will keep abreast of the latest technologies and research on data semantics, information integration, and also gain practical experience integrating information from disparate and heterogeneous systems. Prerequisite: IS 620. | |
| IS 725 | Planning and Forecasting (Credits: 3) |
| Planning for the future takes various forms in both private and government institutions. Necessary prerequisites to effective planning for the future are effective forecasting and decision making. This course will address issues involved with both long and short range planning that support basic organizational functions and strategies for generating more accurate forecasts, and the use of unbiased decision making and forecasts as essential inputs to planning. Prerequisite: STAT 351 or its equivalent and permission of the instructor. | |
| IS 727 | Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (Credits: 3) |
| This course will provide students with an introduction to the discipline of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW). Groupware systems, ranging from two people to enterprise-level, are exceedingly complex due to the interplay between social dynamics and distributed computing. This course will engage students with contemporary research and industry best practices in the design, development, and evaluation of collaborative information systems. | |
| IS 728 | Online Communities (Credits: 3) |
| Social interaction via the Internet is becoming increasingly important. People are gathering in online communities of interest and communities of practice to discuss health, hobbies, games, education, politics and professional issues. In this class students will analyze the technology and social support needed to make these social interactions successful; they will discuss and debate current research in this field and either develop an online community or carry out a small research project. | |
| IS 730 | Decision Sciences (Credits: 3) |
| The study of decision making has become extremely important as goods and services available in the market have grown exponentialy in variety and complexity, and transportation and communication advances have connected national and international economies. This course will introduce methodologies for effective decision making. Topics will include decision analysis, decision trees, utility and value theory, cost benefit analysis, decision making under uncertainty, risk perception and assessment, and multiple-criteria decision making, math programming, network models, operations management. | |
| IS 731 | Electronic Commerce (Credits: 3) |
| This course will analyze how organizations are using electronic commerce to streamline operations, reach customers, and increase profitability. The technologies involved in electronic commerce will be examined. The organizational, behavioral, social, legal, security, and international aspects of EC will be discussed. The primary emphasis will be on Web based technologies and issues. This course will reflect the most current research and application. | |
| IS 732 | Decision Systems Integration (Credits: 3) |
| A detailed examination of the strategies, methodologies, systems, and issues involved in providing comprehensive and integrated decision making support. The motivation for system integration, integration strategies, integrated systems, including executive support systems, intelligent decision support systems, whole-brained decision support systems, management support systems, and decision technology systems, integrated system architectures, intelligent agents, object-oriented methodologies, and other design and development tools, the virtual team and the virtual organization. Prerequisite: IS 603 or any DSS course. | |
| IS 733 | Data Warehousing and Data Mining (Credits: 3) |
| The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive discussion on using organizational databases to enable decision support through warehousing and mining of data. THis course will provide an in depth understanding of the technical, business, and research issues in each of these two areas. Issues in data warehousing include designing multi-dimensional data model, cleansing and loading of data, determing refresh cycles and methods, administrative aspects of running a data warehouse including efficient data retrieval using bitmap and join indexes, reporting, ad hoc querying, and multi-dimensional operations such as slicing, dicing, pivoting, drill-down, and roll-up operations. Areas with data mining will include justifying the need for knowledge recovery in databases, data mining methods such as clustering, classification, Bayesian networks, association rules, and visualization. New areas of research and development in data mining warehousing will also be discussed. Prerequisite: IS 620. | |
| IS 755 | Advanced Artificial Intelligence (Credits: 3) |
| This course introduced advanced AI techniques. In particular, we will be focusing on machine learning based techniques such as neural networks, genetic algorithms, evolutionary programming, and intelligent agents. We will be discussing various neural network architectures, the effective design and use of a neural net topology for various domains, and the testing and validation of neural networks. In the domain of genetic algorithms, the course will explore the use of genetic algorithms for search and optimization, and classifier systems for learning. Finally, this course will discuss fuzzy logic, evolutionary programming, hybrid systems, and intelligent agents in a more conceptual manner. Prerequisite: IS 707. | |
| IS 764 | Advanced Systems Design (Credits: 3) |
| This course is an advanced study of structured systems development. Emphasis on strategies and techniques of structured analysis and structured design for producing logical methodologies for dealing with complexity in the development of information systems. | |
| IS 765 | Project Management (Credits: 3) |
| This course covers the manner in which a system project is planned, scheduled and controlled during the project's life. The use of project management techniques such as PERT (Project Evaluation and Review Technique) and Gantt charts will be examined in depth as will be other techniques of planning, scheduling and controlling projects. Prerequisite: IS 601. | |
| IS 799 | Master's Thesis Research (Credits: 1 - 6) |
| IS 800 | Special Topics in Information Systems (Credits: 3) |
| This course explores advanced topics in Information Systems that are not covered in other courses. Since the topics vary each semester, this course may be repeated for credit. | |
| IS 801 | Independent Study in Information Systems (Credits: 3) |
| This is a course in independent reading for doctoral students, and is supervised by a member of the Information Systems faculty. The purpose of this course is to give students the opportunity to study a topic of interest which is not available from the existing course offerings. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Note: A particular faculty member must agree in writing to supervise the proposed study before the student may register for this course. The approval of the Department is required before the student registers. | |
| IS 804 | Advanced Experimental Design Methodology (Credits: 3) |
| This course has the objective of acquainting the advanced student of information systems with the experimental methods and procedures required to undertake original research and to evaluate the growing scientific literature in this field of study. The course will include decision-based concepts and rules from evaluative issues pertaining to the use of information systems. Particular emphasis will be directed toward experimental designs appropriate for small and large-N research projects that compare alternative information systems as they affect the user of such systems under both laboratory and field conditions. | |
| IS 805 | Advanced Field Research Methods (Credits: 3) |
| This course trains the advanced student of Information Systems in the research methodologies required to successfully undertake original field research and to evaluate the growing scientific literature based on this approach. The course will engage the interpretivist paradigm and the qualitative research traditions within IS. Specifically, it will address the research design theory (e.g. Grounded Theory), data collection techniques (e.g. observation, interviewing, focus groups, surveys), analysis methods (e.g. coding for content and protocol), and reporting frameworks (e.g. case study, ethnography). This material is concretized via student-designed research projects. Additionally, contemporary IS field research will be critiqued, training students in publishing their own field research in this discipline. | |
| IS 899 | Doctoral Dissertation Research (Credits: 1 - 6) |