Informatics Courses
Inf 501 Case Studies in Digital Citizenship (3)
The purpose of this course is for students to explore topics related to digital citizenship through the close examination of case studies. Students will be asked to look to current issues and cases involving digital citizenship and apply themes, such as the ethical use of information, in their examination and discussion of them. Prerequisite: Inf 301.
Inf 503 Advanced Networking and Security (3)
This course is designed to provide an advanced coverage of networking with a specific focus on network security and cryptography. Networking security is examined through a study of digital signatures and certificates, authentication protocols, and firewalls and key establishment and management. Also considered are security issues related to people's use of computer networks, communication channels, mobile devices, and the Internet. Also examined are new access control paradigms such as Java security and .NET security. (The programming experience will allow the course to include a hands-on security project). Prerequisite: Some programming.
Inf 504 Advanced Systems and Security (3)
This course is designed to provide an advanced coverage of systems with a specific focus on cyber security. Engineered security is examined through the application and introduction to authentication protocols and intrusion detection for Unix, Windows and databases and general software security. Also considered are security issues related to people's use of systems including policies and practices for password management and protecting privacy rights. Students also study options for maintaining business continuity in the event of a disruption of business operations. Security models such as Bell-LaPadula are introduced and studied. Specific case studies are used to highlight the choices that must be made to balance operational efficiency of business functions with protecting the business from the onslaught of security threats. Prerequisite: Some programming.
Inf 507 Modern Issues in Databases (3)
This graduate course introduces the students to the emerging topics in database systems. This course is especially designed for students with emphasis on advanced concepts and algorithms in database systems, topics that are state-of-the-art research, or recent seminal contributions in the broad field of database and information systems. Specific topics will vary. Prerequisite: Some database experience.
Inf 508 (Bio 518, Gog 518) Ecological Modeling (3)
This course introduces various theoretical and mathematical approaches to modeling ecological and environmental data through computer-based exercises in the application of existing models and the development of new models. Modeling topics cover animal population models, vegetation models, and large scale landscape models, as well as model applications in decision making. This course is geared towards demystifying models and providing students with the confidence and skills to apply this very useful tool to research projects. Prerequisites: Statistics and either General Ecology, Environmental Analysis, Environmental Studies or equivalent or permission of instructor.
Inf 523 Fundamentals of Information Technology (1)
A university-wide offering that introduces fundamentals of information technology in an intensive graduate format. The course focuses on selected topics such as database applications, introduction to programming, web technologies, and Unix and networking that are offered in one credit modules, each lasting for half a semester.
Inf 528 Analysis, Visualization, and Prediction in Analytics (3)
Principles of data analysis, emphasizing modern statistical and machine-learning based approaches. Also, the important role of simple analyses and visualization to gain an overall understanding of data sets, regardless of size. The role of analytics in creating predictive models of phenomena. The importance of understanding the nature of the data and other methodological considerations. Prerequisites: Some statistics and database experience.
Inf 551 (Csi 551, Phy 551) Bayesian Data Analysis and Signal Processing (3)
This course will introduce both the principles and practice of Bayesian and maximum entropy methods for data analysis, signal processing, and machine learning. This is a hands-on course that will introduce MATLAB computing language for software development. Students will learn to write their own Bayesian computer programs to solve problems relevant to physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and signal processing, as well as hypothesis testing and error analysis. Optimization techniques to be covered include gradient ascent, fixed-point methods, and Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling techniques. Prerequisites: Csi 101 or Csi 201, Mat 214, or equivalents, or permission of instructor.
Inf 552 Computer and Network Security (3)
Theoretical, conceptual and practical aspects of computer and network security. The role of algorithms, systems, humans, software and hardware in computer and network vulnerabilities and defense. The two primary focuses of the course will be on the computer and networks, as centers of vulnerability and defense. The course will emphasize hands on analysis of security issues. Prerequisite: Inf 306 or background in cyber-security.
Inf 553 Information Security and Privacy (3)
Security and Privacy issues in computer and networked systems. The role of systems, design, implementation, etc. on data security in digital systems. Case studies of those roles and how they affect both data security and vulnerability. The legal and ethical aspects of data security and privacy. Prerequisites: Inf 306 or background in cyber-security.
Inf 554 Human Aspects of Cyber-security (3)
The roles of individuals, groups, organizations and governments in computer and network security. How the interactions of these with the technical nature of digital systems in many cases forms the core of vulnerabilities. The trade-offs between security and various measures of utility. Conflicting definitions of security at different levels (e.g. governmental v. individual). Societal measures and values of security. The course will feature case studies to explore many of these issues. Prerequisite: Inf 306 or background in cyber-security.
Inf 555 Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cyber-security (3)
The role of security policies and design strategies to minimize security vulnerabilities in computer and networked systems. The affected areas range from the overall design of systems, networking protocols, operating systems and applications software on individual computers. The role of coding standards. End user education and role in security. Prerequisite: Inf 306 or background in cyber-security.
Inf 562 Current Technologies in Web Design (3)
Provides an advanced coverage of web design and development, with a focus on current technologies and processes. Students will develop skills on the use of software development practices such as agile development and test-driven development. Develop familiarity with current technologies in particular web-based and mobile applications. Prerequisites: Some experience with web development and interactive user experience (IUX).
Inf 570 Physical Computing (3)
This course introduces programmable microcontrollers, digital chips that are used to control electronics and robotics projects. In this course students will simultaneously develop the electronic circuits and associated software for controlling hardware components including sensors and mechanical parts. Topics include electronics fundamentals, analog/digital (A/D) devices, pulse-width modulation (PWM) and embedded programming. Course has hands-on lab setting with a final group project.
Inf 585 (Pad 585, Pos 585) IT and Homeland Security (4)
This course examines the political, legal and policy aspects of the use of information technologies by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), non-technological dimensions of information collection, use and management and the use of technologies other than computing in the homeland security domain. The course is focused on information technology use by the US federal government but will also examine state and local governments and other countries as well as international issues such as information sharing and international technical standards.
Inf 596 Special Topics in Informatics (1-3)
The contents of this course will vary from semester to semester. Each offering will cover an advanced topic in Informatics. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Inf 659 Technology and Contemporary Organizational Life (3)
This course explores the social and communicative life of organizations whose boundaries are no longer limited to a building, to a region, to a country, or even to an easily definable community. We will examine some fundamental issues of communicating and organizing through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in these “distributed” organizational settings. Readings, lectures, and discussions will focus on how the use of these technologies is transforming the workplace and is affecting the practice of leadership, production and sharing of knowledge, collaboration, and teamwork.
Inf 710 Research Design in Information Science (4)
Students will examine research issues in information science at an advanced level, focusing on appropriate research design, data gathering techniques and analysis relating to data collection and measurement. Students will explore the research design process from both qualitative and quantitative points of view.
Inf 711 Research Seminar I (1)
This course is offered every fall for all first-semester students. The course meets once a week to hear presentations by faculty about their current research. In addition, research skills are developed, such as evaluation of information science literature, how to write a literature review, how to plan and use bibliographic software, and how to do a poster session at a conference.
Inf 712 Research Seminar II (1)
This course is offered every spring for all second-semester students. This course meets three times during the semester to plan and coordinate the INF Research Conference while also developing posters to present at the Research Conference. Students develop their research agenda by completing their INF Program Plan. Prerequisite: Inf 711
Inf 713 Research Seminar III (1)
This course is offered every fall for all third-semester students. This course meets weekly to hear presentations by faculty about their current research. Students develop research relationships with faculty to continue their own research. Prerequisites: Inf 711 and 712
Inf 714 Research Seminar IV (1)
This course is offered every spring for all fourth-semester students. This course meets three times during the semester to guide students’ independent research. Students present their research with a faculty member at the INF Research Conference. Prerequisites: Inf 710, 711, 712 and 713
Inf 720 Managing Information and Technology in Organizations (2)
This course will introduce information systems research paradigms grounded in organization theory and provide a framework for applying theoretical concepts and empirical tools to the management of information and technology in organizations.
Inf 721 Information and Society (2)
Relationships between information and communication technologies and social action; how social and organizational factors influence processes and systems, and how the use of ICTs influence our (changing) understanding and experience of dealing with information.
Inf 722 Information Organization (2)
Text analysis for information extraction, organization of information for knowledge sharing, and visualization of information to support users’ diverse cognitive styles.
Inf 723 Information and Computing (2)
Development of theories and concepts that underlie the operation of information processing and retrieval systems; consequences derived from these theories that should be considered in designing such systems; theoretical foundations of information and computation; technologies and application areas.
Inf 724 Information Policy (2)
National and international information policy development trends, processes, and conflicts; policy, law, and culture; information economics, industries, and trade; policies of information commodities (e.g. intellectual property, privacy)
Inf 766 Special Topics in Information Science (1-3)
Special course or seminar on a current problem, issue or development in information science. May be repeated for credit with permission of Ph.D. program director. Prerequisite: Admission to Information Science Ph.D. program or permission of Ph.D. program director.
Inf 787 (Com 587) Field Research Methods (3)
This course is about data collection and analysis techniques in conducting ethnographic (fieldwork) research in institutional settings. Topics of discussion will include how to collect observational, interview, and documentary data and how to create analytical reports based upon these data. This course will include observation and writing exercises that will give students some practical experience in doing fieldwork-based research. In the context of these exercises, we will discuss important methodological issues about writing fieldnotes, coding fieldnotes, and constructing analytical narratives out of coded data. This course will be offered to graduate students at the master's and doctoral levels. Doctoral students taking this course will have one or more additional assignments, including writing or revising a proposal for an ethnographic study. Prerequisites: Pad 704 or Inf 710 are required of doctoral students registering for Inf 787.
Inf 894 Directed Readings in Information Science (1-4)
Supervised readings for doctoral students on a particular topic or significant problem in information science. Prerequisite: Admission to Information Science Ph.D. program or permission of Ph.D. program director.
Inf 897 Independent Study and Research in Information Science (1-6)
Independent study and research in information science at the doctoral level under the direction of a member of the faculty. Prerequisite: Admission to Information Science Ph.D. program or permission of Ph.D. program director.
Inf 899 Doctoral Dissertation (1)
Load graded. Appropriate for doctoral students engaged in research and writing of the dissertation. Prerequisite: Admission to doctoral candidacy.
