Information Technology Course Descriptions
Note: Students may enroll in only one of the following: ITECH1101, ITECH1103. Any exception requires approval from the Information Technology department.
ITECH1101 Computer Applications for the Liberal Arts
This course introduces students to fundamental hardware concepts in the use of microcomputers and to some practical applications of software. The course focuses primarily on word processing, spreadsheets and business charts and presentation software using the Microsoft Office products on both the Windows and Macintosh platforms. The course examines the use of computers for communication and collaboration including e-mail, conferencing software and the Internet for exploring the resources of the World Wide Web. Students participate in group discussions using FirstClass groupware, work with computerized library databases and make decisions about the purchase of hardware, software and service providers. Assignment to ITECH1101 is based on performance on the Computer Literacy Test.
Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits
ITECH1103 Online Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets
This course is designed for students who have successfully demonstrated their computer literacy requirement but who still need to demonstrate proficiency using electronic spreadsheets. This course is offered primarily in an online asynchronous format with students actually meeting for class three to four times during the semester. This course is designed for students who can work independently and who have good time management and organizational skills. Admission to the course is determined by foundation skills assessment or permission of the Information Technology faculty. The course, using Microsoft Excel, will provide basic skills in the creation of simple worksheets, using formulas, functions and the order of operations. Data presentation using formats and autoformats will be introduced and basic business charting techniques will be presented. Excel’s capabilities in the areas of sorting, listing and simple database functions will also be examined. Assignment to ITECH1103 is based on performance on the Computer Literacy Test
Fall and spring semesters. 2 credits
ITECH2100 Information Technology for a Changing Society
This is the gateway course to the minor in Information Technology. Its goal is to make a substantial contribution to the student’s awareness that Information Technology is a part of their lives and plays an important role in all aspects of work, life, school and entertainment—a role that will continue to increase in the future. Another goal is to highlight the undisputable merit of computer fluency in every profession, now as well as in the future. This class will focus on using various Information Technology devices to help students obtain and evaluate information, use it for data analysis and consider the impact on humanity and society. Students will do significant hands-on work such as building an e-portfolio and uploading it to WebCT as a referential point. This course will also serve as a foundation for further exploration and development of skills in their chosen areas of interest. Students will become proficient in using all the resources available. This course is required for all students who want to minor in information technology.
Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of College computer literacy requirement
ITECH2101 Problem Solving with Computers (QA)
Students in this course gain hands-on experience with a variety of software applications for data gathering, analysis and presentation. The course is designed for those who are majoring in many areas of the liberal arts curriculum. Students use data pertaining to many different disciplines, learn methods for quantitative analysis, and ways to present data in face-to-face and over the Web environments. Data analysis methods may include the use of advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, SPSS and web editors.
Fall semester. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of college computer literacy requirement
ITECH2107 Computer Databases: Designs and Applications (QA)
People rely on databases for providing critical information for decision-making. This course offers students majoring in management, science and the humanities an opportunity to learn the database environment: its evolution, advantages over file processing systems and the major components in designing a safe and user friendly system. No previous experience with databases is required. Using Microsoft Access, students use a variety of case studies to explore issues relating to the physical design of databases, examine multiple ways to organize, maintain and report data, define relationships between tables, create complex queries and study major issues related to data privacy, security and user friendliness.
Spring semester, alternate years, expected spring 2008. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of college computer literacy requirement
ITECH2109 Using the Internet: Tools and Techniques
This course looks at the Internet as a research tool. It is intended for students in any major or minor interested in on-line reading and writing beyond the casual use of the Web. A variety of web tools are examined: browsers, messaging systems, email, search engines, FTP, Chat, plug-ins and Internet utilities. Students gather information from libraries, research sites, government databases, and commercial sources on topics of their own choosing. Students gain an understanding of the hardware and software required for using the Internet, digital protocols, issues related to speed and bandwidth and the process of getting connected. They study the history and evolution of Web technology and its impact on modern business and culture.
Spring semester, alternate years, expected spring 2009. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of college computer literacy requirement
ITECH2113 Introduction to Computer Programming
This is a first course in Java that will cover major syntactical elements of the Java programming language, Java virtual machines and the Java programming environment. Proper object-oriented programming techniques and design will be emphasized. Students will master the elementary concepts of programming with Java, including input/output, looping, conditional branching, use of functions and arrays.
Spring semester, alternate years, expected spring 2008. 4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH1101 or MATH1105, and completion of college computer literacy requirement
ITECH2115 Introduction to Programming with MATLAB (QA)
MATLAB is a programming language that is used extensively by mathematicians and scientists in both academia and industry. This course, which does not assume any prior experience with programming, will introduce students to this powerful programming language as they formulate and solve quantitative problems. Applications will be drawn from mathematics and science, depending on student interest. Fall semester. 4 credits Prerequisite: Completion of college computer literacy requirement Co-requisite: MATH1112
ITECH3103 Information Systems in the Workplace
This course in designed to help students use and manage information systems and technology in their personal lives as well as their careers. This class will place emphasis on presenting up-to-date aspects of web and Internet technologies, neural science, human-computer interaction, applications of emerging technologies for a large array of disciplines such as business, communications, medicine, biology, chemistry and psychology. Real-world case studies will be examined along with tools and resources for managing business operations, supporting decision making, marketing and advertising.
Spring semester. 4 credits.
Prerequisite: Completion of College computer literacy requirement and junior or senior status, or permission of instructor
ITECH3105 Social Issues in Computing (SA)
This course is a study of the history of technology and the social issues that incur as result of emerging technology. This course will explore social, legal, philosophical, ethical, political, constitutional and economic implications of computing in our technological world. The course substance will be presented in thematic categories: history of the personal computer, intellectual property, data privacy, codes of ethics in computing, open and flexible learning, equity issues, censorship, information access, online finances, knowledge webs, senior net and other emerging issues related to technology. The course will reflect the principles that drive contemporary open and flexible learning.
Fall semester, alternate years, expected fall 2008. 4 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of college computer literacy requirement and junior-senior status or permission of instructor
ITECH4101 Programming in SAS
SAS is a statistical software package used by statisticians in many different fields. This course will teach students how to develop functions and scripts in SAS. Students should have some previous programming experience and familiarity with statistical methods. After using SAS to analyze data sets in a variety of fields, students will develop and pursue an independent research project. Student will finish the course by giving oral presentations on their work.
Spring semester, alternate years, expected spring 2008. 4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH3105, ITECH2115 or equivalent programming experience