Courses in Informatics
I INF 100X (formerly I IST 100X) Information in the 21st Century (3)
Introduction to information and technology in the 21st Century. Different resources, including the Internet, libraries, news sources and other sources of information, hardware, and Web 2.0 technologies will be explored. The primary emphasis of the class is on discovering reliable information sources for any and all subjects so that a student's future research and other pursuits are supported by the methods developed in this course. Each student is called upon to fortify their own individual communication and reasoning skills and will demonstrate the use of those skills through course assignments, class presentations and group activities.
I INF 200 Research Methods for Informatics (3)
In this course students will gain an understanding of key methods, and techniques in research; prepare to critically evaluate, and engage in, research. Topics covered will include: identifying and articulating research problems, posing research questions, research design, data collection strategies, quantitative and qualitative analyses, interpreting results of analyses, and concerns in human subject research. Prerequisite(s): I INF 300.
I INF 201 Introduction to Web Technologies (3)
A technique-oriented introduction to client-based Web design and development technologies, including HTML/XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, digital imaging, file formats, etc.; also the elements of UNIX and networks necessary to understand and implement basic information management and transfer. Prerequisite(s): I INF 100X; not open to students who are taking or have completed I IST 361.
I INF 202 Introduction to Data and Databases (3)
This course introduces students to data and databases. It covers both long-standing relational (SQL) databases and newly emerging non-relational (NoSQL) data stores. The nature of data, Big Data, intellectual property, system lifecycle, and development collaboration are also explored. Team-based activities alternate with hands-on exercises. Prerequisite(s): I CSI 101, 105, 110 or 201 or B ITM 215; not open to students who are taking or have completed I CSI 410 or 411 or B ITM 331.
I INF 203 Introduction to Networks and Systems (3)
This course provides an introduction to computer networking and computer systems. The course covers the fundamentals of networked computing systems with an emphasis placed on the basics of network protocols and how they operate at all layers of the networking models. The course also introduces students to personal computer internal system components, storage systems, peripheral devices, and operating systems from an introductory computer architecture perspective. Prerequisite(s): I CSI 105 or 201.
I INF 301 (formerly I IST 301X) Emerging Trends in Information and Technology (3)
This course is designed to address challenges of the 21st century from the information science framework. We will explore emerging technologies and discuss how they alter and create new information environments. Examples of these technologies include Big Data, 3D Printing, Social Media, Wearable Computing, etc. Attention will be paid to real world uses of these technologies, emphasizing how they are changing business, government, education, and a number of other industries. This course also focuses on career paths for digital citizens in the 21st century. Prerequisite(s): I INF 100X or I IST 100X.
I INF 302 Human-Computer Interactive Design (3)
This course examines human factors, Human-Computer Interaction aspects of application domains, human-centered evaluation, developing effective interfaces, accessibility, emerging technologies, and human-centered computing. Students learn several techniques for rapid prototyping and evaluating multiple interface alternatives and principles of visual design. Information visualization, user-interface software architecture, and formal methods in HCI will be explored. Prerequisite(s): I INF 301.
I INF 305 Digital Project Management (3)
This course provides an introduction to current practices in project management with a focus on the management of digital projects. It is intended to provide a broad overview of the concepts, issues, tools and techniques related to the management of digital projects from concept to completion. Topics covered include project manager role/responsibilities, project team structure, project documentation, project phases/SDLC, project management methodologies, troubled projects, digital analytics and more. Prerequisite(s): I INF 201 and I INF 202.
I INF 306 Information Security and Assurance (3)
Technical aspects of cybersecurity in computer and network systems. The nature of attacks and defense in digital systems; models of vulnerabilities, threats and security; cryptography; forensics; security policies and procedures; software and network security. Prerequisite(s): I INF 202.
I INF 308 Programming for Informatics (3)
Computer Programming in an Informatics environment. The fundamentals of programming, including introduction to algorithms, object-oriented design, and data structures. Additional topics include basic interface design, security, networking, use of data bases, and mobile and other non-traditional computing platforms. Prerequisite(s): I CSI 105 and I INF 100.
I INF 362 Intermediate Web Development (3)
A technique-oriented intermediate exploration of client-based Web design and development technologies, using current and emerging technologies. Design, planning, security, administration and management of websites will also be examined. Prerequisite(s): I CSI 101, 105, 110, or 201, I INF 201.
I INF 395 Internet Practicum (3-6)
The course provides students the opportunity to work as a teaching aide and lab assistant in information science. Students will hold weekly lab assistant hours, monitor and respond to student questions on the class listserv, and provide feedback to the course instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a total of 6 credits with permission of department. Prerequisite(s): a grade of B or higher in I INF 100X and permission of instructor. S/U graded.
I INF 423 (formerly I IST 423) Networking Essentials (3)
Covers the fundamentals of computer networking concepts and implementation and the client and server operating systems that run on networked PCs. Special emphasis is placed on network protocols and how they operate at all layers of the networking model. Emphasis also is placed on the interoperability of networks that run on multiple protocols, platforms, and operating systems. Only one version of I INF 423 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): I CSI 101, 105, 110, or 201.
I INF 424 (formerly I IST 424) Hardware and Operating Systems Essentials (3)
Covers the fundamentals of personal computer internal system components, storage systems, and peripheral devices, including problems associated with them and the procedures for servicing them. Only one version of I INF 424 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): I CSI 101, 105, 110, or 201.
I INF 451 (= A PHY 451 & I CSI 451) 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 the use of the 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. Only one version of I INF 451 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A MAT 214 (or equivalent) and I CSI 101 or 201.
I INF 468 (formerly I IST 468) Undergraduate Internship (3)
The internship has two components. (1) work experience in position related to student's interests in computing and information. Interns are expected to spend eight (8) hours per week during the semester at their internship location. (2) Academic seminar where students and faculty mentor meet together monthly to discuss their experiences and general career preparation topics. Assignments may include preparing a resume and cover letter, career development, assessing skills for and barriers to career development, and planning for graduate or professional school. Students are expected to research, identify and find their own possible internship opportunities. This activity will help student to identify their own career goals and manner in which they may best be achieved, and it will also help students to learn career preparation skills that will be useful after graduation. All internship opportunities must be reviewed and approved by appropriate faculty prior to course registration. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing and a minimum GPA of 2.50. S/U graded.
I INF 470 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. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior status.
I INF 496 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(s): permission of instructor, and junior or senior standing.
I INF 499W Senior Seminar in Informatics (3)
This course helps students develop integral professional skills, including presentation of ideas through written and verbal communication, within an Informatics framework. Students will focus on a particular technology company or issue as a mechanism for developing critical thinking and teamwork skills. Prerequisite(s): Information Science major.
