Please note that this catalog is for informational purposes only.
Course descriptions
Note: All courses are three credits unless otherwise specified.
INFSCI 0010 Introduction to Information,
Systems, and Society
This course will introduce both information theory and the design and structure of information systems. You will learn how computers and networks work at a fundamental level. You will explore how social networks, collection of information (databases), and programming languages work. The course will provide you with basic skills such as building web page, programming using simple JavaScript on web pages, design and use of simple databases, and manipulation of digital media. The course meets the quantitative requirement for the College of Arts & Sciences, is designed for students with minimal prior technical coursework, and does not require previous programming experience.
INFSCI 0011 Introduction to Information Science (Advanced) This course will introduce both information theory and the design and structure of information systems. You will learn how computers and networks work at a fundamental level. You will explore how social networks, collection of information (databases), and programming languages work. The course will spend particular attention on security and privacy issues. The course will provide you with basic skills such as building web page, programming using simple JavaScript on web pages, design and use of simple databases, and manipulation of digital media. The course meets the quantitative requirement for the College of Arts & Sciences, is designed for students with minimal prior technical coursework, and does not require previous programming experience.
INFSCI 0012 Introduction to Programming for Information Science Students
Introduction to concepts, principles, and skills of programming using programming language Python. Intended for students with little or no programming experience who seek to be an information science major.
INFSCI 0013 Computer Methods in Humanities
This course introduces students to the use of computational modeling and programming to conduct text-based research in the humanities. Course goals include 1) Learning how to identify research questions in the humanities that are amenable to computational analysis and processing and 2) Designing and implementing XML-based computational systems to explore those questions. No prior programming experience or knowledge of foreign languages required.
INFSCI 0014 Cybersecurity and the Law
This course explores questions surrounding how we "govern" cyberspace in the context of cybersecurity and privacy issues. We will examine a series of examples, both real-world and hypothetical, to investigate what policy "tools" are in-place, available, and should be available to address Internet security and privacy issues. Topics include social networks, virtual communities, privacy, criminal/civil investigations and other current issues.
INFSCI 0017 Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming
First JAVA programming course that provides fundamental skills needed to understand, design and maintain enterprise-scale information systems. This course follows an architecture-centric approach to programming in contrast to the algorithm-centric approach in computer science. This course is strongly preferred over CS 401, especially for students who plan to take INFSCI 1017 or 1025. Designed for students with no previous programming experience, the course introduces the object-oriented programming paradigm followed by JAVA language basics applied in a sound architectural context. Thorough treatment of interfaces, inheritance, abstract classes and polymorphism. This is an active learning course where students complete a realistic sequence of programming assignments using Eclipse, the leading JAVA integrated development environment (IDE). Offered Fall and Spring terms.
Co-requisite: INFSCI 0010.
INFSCI 0019 Object-Oriented Programming 2 for Information Science
Second programming course for IS majors. Advanced Java language features required for professional software development. Data structures, OO design, graphical user interfaces, exception handling, multithreading, I/O, and Web and network programming.
Prerequisite: INFSCI 0017 or CS 0401 or INFSCI 0015 (at Pitt Greensburg).
INFSCI 1014 Graphics
Familiarization with some of the techniques for producing graphical displays
by computer will be studied. The skills necessary to design and create
computer graphics as well as an artistic and technical knowledge of what
makes a good graphic will be investigated.
Prerequisite: INFSCI 0010 and INFSCI 0017
INFSCI 1017 Implementation of Information Systems
Second JAVA programming course that develops professional software development skills. This is an active learning course where students complete a series of assignments that result in a robust, three-layer application (Model-View-Controller architecture) suitable for inclusion in the student's professional IT portfolio. Students who plan to take INFSCI 1025 should take it concurrently with this course since they are strongly integrated. Key topics include GUI classes, event handling, exception handling, data structures, common algorithms, file I/O and JAVA database programming (JDBC). Offered Spring term.
Prerequisite: C or better in INFSCI 0017 (preferred) or CS 0401 or INFSCI 0015 (at Pitt Greensburg).
Co-requisite: INFSCI 1025 (recommended), INFSCI 1022
INFSCI 1022 Database Management Systems
The design, implementation, and utilization of database management systems. Contrasts the methodologies of file systems and database management systems. Within database management systems, treats various data structures (e.g., tree, network, linked list) and several database models (e.g., the CODASYL Data Base Task Group model and the relational database model). Finally, considers the administrative tasks required in a database management environment.
Co-requisite: INFSCI 0010
Prerequisite: INFSCI 0012 or INFSCI 0017.
INFSCI 1024 Analysis of Information Systems
This course provides state-of-the-art skills in requirements management and scope management, which is critical for successful IT projects. Topics include best practices in eliciting, documenting, verifying and modeling requirements. This is an active learning course where students develop an analysis model for a realistic IT project which can serve as a foundation for INFSCI 1017 and INFSCI 1025. The analysis model is suitable for inclusion in the student's IT portfolio. Offered in Fall and Spring terms.
Prerequisite: INFSCI 0010.
INFSCI 1025 Design of Information Systems
This course provides essential object-oriented (OO) design skills needed to comprehend enterprise scale systems, evaluate software for architectural stability or become a software architect. This is an active learning course where students develop a realistic design model suitable for inclusion in their professional IT portfolio. Topics include best practices in OO design including effective visual modeling using UML, application of basic design principles and common design patterns, and mapping object models to relational database schema. Using the same IT project in INFSCI 1024 and INFSCI 1017, it stresses requirements traceability from analysis through implementation. INFSCI 0017 is the preferred programming prerequisite since it stresses architectural principles. Should be taken concurrently with INFSCI 1017. Offered Spring term.
Prerequisites: C or better in INFSCI 0017 (preferred) or CS 0401 or INFSCI 0015 (at Pitt Greensburg), INFSCI 1024
Co-requisite: INFSCI 1017 (recommended) and INFSCI 1022
INFSCI 1026 Management of Information Systems
This course identifies the IT management practices that distinguish high-performing organizations and how students can leverage that knowledge to maximize their career potential. Students deliver a series of presentations on critical issues in IT management suitable for inclusion in their professional IT portfolio. Topics include leading management frameworks (e.g., CMM, COBIT, ITIL), popular agile methodologies, financial analysis techniques, and how to write a professional resume. Offered Fall term. Requires final exam.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
INFSCI 1042 Human Information Processing (no longer offered)
Introduction to research and theory on topics in human cognition including perception, attention, pattern recognition, memory, representation of knowledge, language, problem solving, reasoning, and learning, with emphasis on the relationship to computer models of these processes and implications of this body of knowledge for building information systems.
Prerequisite: INFSCI 0010.
INFSCI 1044 Human Factors in System Design
Examines human-machine designs with special emphasis on human-computer interaction. Topics center on how to analyze, create, and improve equipment and environment to be compatible with human capabilities and expectations.
Prerequisite: INFSCI 0010.
INFSCI 1052 User-Centered Design
Introduces principles and programming of interactive systems. Interaction techniques are surveyed and incorporated in the design of interfaces.
Prerequisites: INFSCI 0010 and INFSCI 1044.
INFSCI 1059 Web Programming
This course will introduce the PHP scripting language. Students will download
and install the Apache Web Server, PHP, and MySQL database. In addition,
the PHP installation in the SIS labs will be utilized. The course will
cover programming concepts, client server architecture, database access
and XHTML/Cascading style sheets. Students will write a full scale web
application as their final project.
Prerequisite: INFSCI 0010 and INFSCI 0017 or CS 0401 and INFSCI 1022
INFSCI 1068 Geospatial Information Systems (GIS)
Introduction to geospatial information system (GIS) concept and technology including spatial data sources, spatial data models and structures, spatial database management, map projection systems, geocoding and georeferencing, spatial analysis, spatial data visualization (maps), GIS applications (e.g., address-location finding, navigation, routing), and commercial GIS software packages.
Prerequisites: INFSCI 0010 and INFSCI 0017 and INFSCI 1022.
INFSCI 1070 Introduction to Telecom and Networks (previously INFSCI 1004, Cross listed with TELCOM 2000)
Introduction to telecommunications and networks. Top-down orientation relates networking technologies to organizational goals and needs. Data communications and Internet technologies and basic system performance analysis. TCP/IP, LANs, WANs, internetworking, and signals and communications media
Prerequisite: INFSCI 0010.
INFSCI 1071 Applications of Networks
Second course in telecommunications and networks. Network architecture, protocols, performance, design, and analysis based on application needs, organizational requirements, user requirements, and performance objectives
Prerequisites: INFSCI 0010 and INFSCI 0017 and INFSCI 1070 and a course in statistics, descrete math or calculus
INFSCI 1072 Introduction to Wireless Networks (Cross listed with TELCOM 2700)
Introductory broad overview for students with a basic background in telecommunications. Not for telecommunications majors. Principles of wireless communications and how they differ from wired communications. Fundamental concepts including transmission and mitigation techniques (e.g., modulation and coding, propagation, interference, and antennas) for wireless systems, multiplexing techniques, wireless system architectures, mobility management, security, protocols, and location technology. Systems include cellular phone networks (e.g., cdma2000, UMTS), wireless local area networks (e.g., IEEE 802.11g), personal area networks (e.g., Bluetooth), fixed-point broadband wireless (e.g., WiMAX) and satellite systems
Prerequisite: INFSCI 1070 (previously INFSCI 1004)
INFSCI 1073 Application Development for Mobile Devices (Cross listed with TELCOM 2727)
Focus on information system applications that run on top of wireless infrastructure such as multimedia messaging, mobile inventory control, location aware services including wireless technologies (GSM, CDMA2000, UMTS, 802.11, Bluetooth), mobile information systems and applications (M-Business, location-based services, wireless CRN), wireless information system challenges and architectures (security, reliability, mobility, power conservation, gateways, proxies), mobile application protocols (SMS, EMS, MMS, WAP), thin and thick client mobile application development (WML, VXML, Java, J2ME, J2EE, .NETCF, C#), and business case studies of mobile applications
Prerequisites: INFSCI 0017 or CS 0401 or INFSCI 0015 (at Pitt Greensburg), and INFSCI 1070 (previously INFSCI 1004)
INFSCI 1074 Computer Security
Overview of information security. Principles of security including confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Operating systems and database security concepts. Basic cryptography and network security concepts. Secure software design and application security. Evaluation standards, security management. Social, legal, and ethical issues. Human factors in security
Prerequisites: INFSCI 0010 and INFSCI 0017 and INFSCI 1070
INFSCI 1075 Network Security
Network security and cryptographic protocols. Network vulnerabilities, attacks on TCP/IP, network monitoring, security at the link, network and transport layers. Cryptography, e.g., secret and public key schemes, message authentication codes and key management. WLAN security, IPSec, SSL, and VPNs. E-mail security (PGP, S/MIME), Kerberos, X.509 certificates, AAA and Mobile IP, SNMP security, firewalls, filters and gateways. Policies and implementation of firewall policies, stateful firewalls, firewall appliances. Network-related physical security, risk management and disaster recovery/contingency planning issues and housekeeping procedures
Prerequisites: INFSCI 0017 or CS 0401 or INFSCI 0015 (at Pitt Greensburg), and INFSCI 1070 (previously INFSCI 1004)
INFSCI 1076 Physical Layer of Communications 1 (Cross listed with TELCOM 2200)
Fundamental phenomena, components, and concepts related to electricity
and electronics. Covers
telcom applications of AC circuits and bandwidth, semiconductors and
amplifiers, digital electronics and logic design, Fourier theory, and
frequency analysis.
Prerequisites: INFSCI 1070 (previously INFSCI 1004) and Math 0400 or Math 120 or other calculus equivalent.
INFSCI 1079 Computer Networking Laboratory (Cross listed with TELCOM 2010)
The objective of this lab-based course is to gain knowledge of fundamental computer networking issues through hands-on experiments with network equipment and services. The sequence of labs start at the physical layer and progress up the protocol stack to the application layer. Topics covered are: Signal generation and analysis at the physical layer; Ethernet and WLAN performance and management; IP address planning and management; IP router generation including RIP, OSPF, BGP, MPLS protocols, TCP connection control; Stateful packet filtering; Network monitoring and management; Signaling protocols for VOIP services, and Web-based services configuration.
Prerequisites: INFSCI 0010 and INFSCI 1070 and INFSCI 1071.
INFSCI 1080 Independent Study
Development of readings, research, practical implementation of a system, or other form of study as arranged between student and instructor
Prerequisites: at least five information science courses, contract, and consent
of faculty advisor and faculty sponsor
INFSCI 1085 Internship
Supervised work in an information environment providing a frame of reference for understanding and an opportunity to apply the skills, methodologies, and theories presented in information science courses
Prerequisites: last year of residency or at least five information science
courses, contract, consent of faculty advisor, and approval of
internship instructor
INFSCI 1090 Special Topics: Programming
Advanced class focusing on a current or specialized topic in the programming area
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor
2016-17 INFSCI 1090 Topics:
Game Design Games have become ubiquitous in our modern world. In addition to entertainment, elements of games are present in everything from promotional advertisements to university classrooms. This course focuses on the exploration of game design in its many permutations. Join us as we critique and design all manner of entertainment and serious game. The class itself is designed as a multiplayer game experience to immerse and engage the student in game design on a fundamental level. One of the final goals of this class is for each student to have designed two separate games in their entirety so that they can be implemented in the follow up course.
INFSCI 1091 Special Topics: Behavioral
Advanced class focusing on a current or specialized topic in the behavioral area
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor
2017-18 INFSCI 1091 Topics:
Business Essentials for the IT Professional The information technology industry is undergoing significant change and is now at the forefront of every business decision. New digital tools are disrupting traditional business models and changing how organizations connect, communicate and use information to drive a competitive advantage. These changes are creating extraordinary opportunities for the IT professional. Yet, being able to successfully navigate this new landscape requires a unique set of skills. This course focuses on strengthening those critical skills needed to help differentiate your peformance as an IT professional. The course is taught through a series of lectures, case studies and team-based assignments focused on strengthening your problem solving, critical thinking, communication, project management and consultative selling skills.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Introduces the core concepts behind innovation and entrepreneurship in the high technology arena. The class is highly interactive, and students will be required to participate actively in groups and individually. Grading is heavily weighted around participation in the semester-long, group project. The class is taught by Babs Carryer, Director of Education & Outreach, Innovation Institute at Pitt. Guest speakers, who are experts in their fields, will supplement the core teaching. Topics covered will include: ideation, problem/solution, market opportunity, competitive analysis, customer discovery, pitching, funding, legal issues, team building, and innovation within existing companies.
Going Digital: Driving Transformation & Change New digital tools are disrupting traditional business models, forcing organizations to develop new business models and strategies that not only strengthen capabilities and drive growth, but also provide a significant competitive advantage.
IT business analysts and consultants are uniquely positioned to help organizations integrate these initiatives to solve their most pressing business problems. This course is designed to build IT consulting skills that enhance critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and presentation capabilities. The course is taught through a combination of lecture, class discussions, case studies and team based projects.
INFSCI 1092 Special Topics: Systems
Advanced class focusing on a current or specialized topic in the systems area
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor2016-17 INFSCI 1092 Topics:
IT MANAGEMENT This course was designed to help you develop key workplace skills essential for IT professionals. You'll learn how to work effectively with people within and outside of the IT organization; understand and navigate organizational culture; apply techniques for successfully managing people and projects; and engage in professional development activities including writing a resume and cover letter, preparing for interviews, and preparing to deliver short presentations.
