course descriptions

Degree Courses

  • 1300 Information Research and Strategies An introduction to concepts, skills and techniques needed for efficient and effective use of information and computers. Topics include Boolean logic, record and database structure, mark-up languages, with an overview of data presentation and evaluation. (Offered fall and spring)
  • 1320 Information Design Students will gain an understanding of user, task and environmental considerations for system design. Requirements documentation will be addressed and international design standards will be reviewed. (Offered irregularly)
  • 1325 Information Design and Evaluation Exposure to advanced design concepts from the perspective of human-computer interaction; includes system prototyping and evaluative strategies for effective usability testing, evaluating and reporting. Prerequisite: INF 1320. (Offered irregularly)
  • 2300 Intellectual Foundations of Informatics An overview and discussion of information-related theories and models including Shannon 's Information-Communication Theory; Chatman's ethnographic theories, Dervin's sense-making model and other retrieval, query and knowledge philosophies will be studied from a contemporary and historical perspective. (Offered irregularly) 
  • 2310 Information, Ethics and Society A review of ethical considerations and society's attitude toward information production, ownership, distribution and use by individuals and organizations will be presented. Ethical scenarios in context of ISO standards and U.S. information-related laws will also be discussed. (Offered irregularly) 
  • 2340 Web Page Usability An "do and don't" analysis of web page design and interactive web-based features taught from the perspective of a usability specialist. Assessment and usability techniques will be applied via a capstone web page assessment project involving real-time usability testing; usability software is introduced. (Offered irregularly)
  • 3307 Research Methods in Informatics An introduction to the basic concepts and review of statistical methods common in social science research with emphasis in Informatics. Problem identification and conceptualization, data collection and analysis techniques are covered in detail. Prerequisite INF 1300, MH 1338 (Offered fall;even years)
  • 3311 Information Policy Examines selected policy issues that are fundamental to informatics; particularly those relating to use, access and distribution of information. Conflicts over information ownership, privacy issues and public rights to data will be studied within context of society and everyday life. Prerequisite INF 1300, INF 2310 (Offered spring, even years)
  • 3320 Foundations of Information Organization This course is designed to develop a conceptual framework for integrating fundamental classification and organizational concepts, principles, theories, and practices into informational systems. Prerequisites INF 1300 (Offered spring, even years)
  • 3330 Information Behavior  A study of  information needs and trends with emphasis on those that result from or are impacted by information systems. Emphasis will be on information in a variety of situations (i.e., decision-making, browsing, relevance vs. pertinence, and avoidance). Information models and theories are applied; information use by user type is also reviewed. Field and laboratory techniques will be employed to reinforce class content. Prerequisite INF 1300, INF 2300 (Offered fall, even years)
  • 3340 Information Administration and Governance Classic administrative and governance theories will be taught from the perspective of information resource management (IRM). IRM scenarios, functions and principles will be discussed; task implementation strategies are considered and career opportunities introduced. Prerequisite INF 1300, INF 2310 (Offered spring; odd years)

  • 3350 Database Systems for Informatics This course acquaints students with the proper procedures to create databases suitable for coursework, professional purposes and personal use.  It is a hands-on exercise-oriented course that allows students to learn by doing, exposing them to practical examples of the computer as a useful tool. Prerequisites CSIS 2305, CSIS 2376, INF 1325 (Offered fall; odd years)
  • 4310 Evaluation of Information Systems Introduction to the concepts and skills needed to perform heuristic evaluations of information while accounting for system and administrative constraints, potential users and stakeholders. Prerequisites INF 3350. (Offered fall, even years) 
  • 4320 Information Sources by Discipline Students will learn how to complete an in-depth competitive analysis on information resources in multiple formats from a chosen discipline (social sciences, applied sciences, business or fine arts and humanities).  Analysis and final report will include product research, professional reviews, requirements specification, constraints assessment, and reccomendations with supporting data obtained from usability testing (usability testing software will be used). Pre-requisite INF 1325, INF 2310, INF 2340, INF 3307. (Offered fall, even years)
  • 4365 Project Managament for Informatics Project-related issues, from selection to termination, will be discussed in detail. Topics will include project negotiation, budgeting, scheduling, maintenace, and auditing. A section on handling internal and external conflict is also included. Prerequisties INF 3307, INF 3340. (Offered fall, odd years)
  • 4380 Internship/Project in Informatics Supervised work experience in the field of Informatics. Students planning to take this course need to consult with their advisor so they can be appropriately placed in an internship or assigned a project in the department. Prerequisite: Senior status in INF and permission of instructor.(Offered spring, odd years)
  • 4390 Seminar in Informatics Seminars provide an overview of current trends in Informatics and may be delivered via a project approach, forum-style discussions and/or presentations on contemporary issues. Guest lecturers and practitioners may be invited. Prerequisite: Senior status in INF and permission of instructor. (Offered spring, odd years)

Special Courses

  • 2099 Internship/Project in Informatics The course may involve a systematic reading program, library research, laboratory project, studio work, field study or creative expression. Conferences or tutoring as required, but no formal lectures or recitations; quizzes, tests, and examinations as appropriate. INF 2009 is open only to sophomores. May be repeated for credit. Number of credit hours awarded (1-3) will be set by department chair and approved by the dean. (Offered upon request)
  • 3099 Seminar in Informatics The course may involve a systematic reading program, library research, laboratory project, studio work, field study or creative expression. Conferences or tutoring as required, but no formal lectures or recitations; quizzes, tests, and examinations as appropriate. INF 3009 is open only to juniors and seniors. May be repeated for credit. Number of credit hours awarded (1-3) will be set by department chair and approved by the dean. (Offered upon request)

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