Information Technology(M,m)

Information Technology students will get hands-on experience through the major’s project-based learning environment. IT students will specialize in skills and knowledge about how networks and systems work, and what to do to keep them running. Troubleshooting methods and training techniques will be instilled in students so they can be prepared for the challenges that will face them in the work force.

APCS 111 – Introduction to Technology Topics

1 credit hour

Each offering of this course will introduce a recent trend in technology in an 8-week project-driven format. Students will view and experience relevant technology topics to better understand technology and use of technology. Topics could include AI/ML, hacking, cryptocurrency (bitcoin), drones, robotics, 3D printing, augmented reality, virtual reality, quantum computing, IoT, mobile devices, and other topics. May be repeated once for credit. Lab fee required. Offered fall and spring semesters during the 2nd 8-week module.

APCS 201 – Programming Fundamentals

2 Credit hours

Concepts of structured programming including control structure design – sequence, selection, iteration and method call; concepts of data abstraction including primitive data types, strings, arrays, objects and files. Laboratory experience emphasizing application development. Includes a brief introduction to using artificial intelligence in the software development process. Offered spring semester during 1st 8-week module. Lab fee required

Prerequisite: LDRS 105

APCS 207 – Command Line Interface & Scripting Language

3 credit hours

Students will explore and be introduced to the various command line interfaces, operating system navigation, command line editing, bash scripting, automation scripting, PowerShell, and other various terminal technologies.

Corequisite: APCS 201 or consent of instructor

APCS 220 – Computer Organization & Digital Circuits

3 credit hours

Introduction to the fundamental principles of digital logic analysis & design, computer organization, and digital communication. Includes logic elements, asynchronous logic, microprocessors, computer architecture, assembly language programming, and operating systems. Open labs. Lab fee required.

Prerequisites: MATH 211 and APCS 201 or consent of instructor

APCS 265 – Systems Analysis & Design Methods

3 credit hours

Emphasis on structured analysis & design including the systems development life cycle and agile methodologies. Includes fact finding techniques, data flow diagrams, entity/relationship diagrams, case tools, feasibility analysis, input/output design, user interface design, prototyping, file and database design. Students will get experience with AI Assisted Analysis and Design Programs. Offered spring semester. Same as BUSI 265. Lab fee required

Same as BUSI 265
Prerequisites: LDRS 105 and either APCS 201 or BUSI 130
or consent of the instructor

APCS 312 – Operating Systems

3 credit hours

System software operation, which includes the evaluation of processes, memory, files, and I/O devices, will be covered. A comparison of management schemes will be applied to Windows and Linux. The use of AI will be covered as it applies to operating systems, servers, and server security. Offered every third semester. Lab fee required.

Prerequisite: APCS 220

APCS 326 – Database Management Systems

3 credit hours

Emphasis on database systems used for management information. Examines relational databases and provides concepts for design, development, and implementation of database management information systems. Topics include normalization, SQL, comparison of different database models, backup and recovery, security, and development of an information system.

Same as BUSI 326
Prerequisites: APCS 114 or APCS 265; Junior standing recommended

APCS 360 – Software Engineering Project

3 credit hours

Student-led team projects focus on identifying a problem that can be solved with technology, working with stakeholders to develop requirements, designing a solution using technology, creating a proposal of designed solution(s), working with stakeholders to gather feedback, developing a prototype, and presenting the product to stakeholders. Industry best practice tools for project management, design methodologies, and feedback will be used.

Prerequisites: APCS 265, APCS 326 or consent of instructor

MATH 390 – Professional Development Seminar

2 credit hours

Readings and discussion of professional and ethical issues; preparation of an individual’s professional portfolio. Participation in a professional meeting and presentation of a paper based on original research and/or ideas encountered at the meeting. May be substituted for APCS/INDU/MATH/PHYS 357.

Same as APCS/INDU/PHYS 390
Prerequisite: Junior standing in MATH or consent of instructor

MATH 140 – Pre-Calculus

4 credit hours

Composite and inverse functions, circles, parabolas, exponential/logarithmic functions and equations, trigonometric functions (graphs, inverses), trigonometric identities and equations, law of sines and cosines.

Prerequisite: MATH 102 or equivalent, or a satisfactory score on the Mathematics Assessment Exam, or consent of the instructor.

MATH 211 – Discrete Mathematics

3 Credit hours

Finite math for computer science majors stressing an algorithmic approach. Topics include Boolean algebra, number base conversions, binary arithmetic, matrices and determinants, graph theory, functions, and recursion.

Prerequisite: MATH 140 or equivalent

MATH 220 – Statistical Methods

3 credit hours

A study of applied statistics with emphasis on appropriate use of technology. Topics include probability, correlation, regression, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. Students may not receive credit for both MATH 220 and MATH 336. Offered fall and spring semester.

Prerequisites: MATH 102, 120, 210, or equivalent, or consent of instructor.

APCS 114 – Computer Applications for Business

3 credit hours

Advanced survey of business application software, which includes spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and file manipulation on networks. Topics with spreadsheets include design and development, advanced formulas and functions, charting and formatting, and the use of business analysis tools. Topics with databases include design and development of tables, queries, forms and reports for business information purposes. Also included is business communication and presentation software with an emphasis on integrating them with the spreadsheets and databases. Lab experience with microcomputer software.

Prerequisite: LDRS 105

APCS 242 – Computer and Network Management

3 credit hours

Students will determine computer performance based on evaluation of component specifications and analysis. Design and management of computer systems will be covered. Fundamentals of networking include OSI communications model, network device operation such as switching, and routing. The use of AI and security measures will be covered as they apply to computer and network systems. Lab fee required. Offered fall semester.

Prerequisite: LDRS 105

APCS 255 – Testing & Quality Assurance

3 credit hours

A comprehensive study of software testing in traditional structured and unstructured environments using Quality Assurance principles. Students will learn how to improve and control the test process and assess results and learn effective ways of automating test execution in a structured way.

Prerequisite: APCS 201

INDU 227 – Electrical Energy & Circuits

4 credit hours

Scientific theory of magnetism and electricity. An introduction to the generation and distribution of electrical energy. Application of Ohm’s Law and Watt’s Law to DC & AC circuits containing resistors, and/or capacitors, and/or inductors in series, parallel, and series/parallel combinations. Laboratory includes use of test equipment, breadboarding and troubleshooting of basic DC & AC circuits, and an introduction to residential wiring. Also includes units on Programmable Logic Controllers, basic electronics, and the construction of an individual project. Lab fee required. Offered every fall.

Same as PHYS 227
Prerequisite: MATH 102 or MATH 120

APCS 344 – Training Practicum

1 credit hour

Experience designing and conducting user training sessions in conjunction with Information Services. May include application software, operating systems or Internet usage.

Prerequisite: LDRS 105, 3 hours of APCS coursework, and junior standing

APCS 346 – Information & Security Assurance

3 credit hours

Information security, concepts, practices, and policy will be covered, including the auditing of network systems. Data security concepts such as cryptography and integrity will be discussed. Computer system security concepts such as authentication, authorization, and accounting management techniques will be covered. Software security, network security, and Internet security management techniques will be discussed. The use of AI to manage Cybersecurity operations will be covered. Open labs. Offered every third semester. Lab fee required.

Prerequisite: APCS 311

BUSI 230 – Principles of Management

3 credit hours

Introduction to the management discipline designed to provide a basic understanding of both theory and practice encompassing the planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling functions.

Prerequisite: LDRS 102; BUSI 130 recommended

ENGL 215 – Business and Technical Communications

3 credit hours

Written communications stressing conciseness, clarity, precision, audience, revision, and persuasion. Memoranda, letters, reports, proposals, document design, graphic presentation, and other forms of workplace communications. Students will work in groups and will present their projects in formal presentations.

Prerequisite: LDRS 102

Take three of the following courses

APCS 114 – Computer Applications for Business

3 credit hours

Advanced survey of business application software, which includes spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and file manipulation on networks. Topics with spreadsheets include design and development, advanced formulas and functions, charting and formatting, and the use of business analysis tools. Topics with databases include design and development of tables, queries, forms and reports for business information purposes. Also included is business communication and presentation software with an emphasis on integrating them with the spreadsheets and databases. Lab experience with microcomputer software.

Prerequisite: LDRS 105

APCS 116 – Geographic Information Systems

3 credit hours

Introduction to terminology, concepts, applications, data acquisition, trends, and careers in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), computer-based mapping software. Includes an overview of related technologies, such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Remote Sensing (RS), as well as hands-on use of GPS and GIS to explore the creation, management, analysis, and mapping of geospatial data across various disciplines, including environment, conservation, business, agriculture, government, transportation, public safety, recreation, Science and technology. Includes a community project using geospatial applications.

APCS 206 – Object Oriented Programming

2 Credit hours

Concepts of object-oriented programming including the use of objects and the design of classes including inheritance. Also covers AI API usage and algorithm development, including searching, sorting and recursion. Laboratory experience emphasizing application development including introduction of AI assisted development tooling. Offered spring semester during 2nd 8-week module. Lab fee required.

Prerequisite: C- or higher in APCS 201

APCS 215 – Graphical User Interface Programming

3 credit hours

Introduces the principles of event-driven programming and the development of applications with graphical user interfaces. Students learn to design and implement interactive applications using concepts such as event handling, user interface components, layout design, data input/output, and integration with external resources such as General Artificial Intelligence APIs. The course emphasizes the use of a modern UI framework to build responsive, user-friendly applications. Offered fall semester of even numbered years. Lab fee required.

Prerequisite: APCS 206 or consent of instructor

APCS 236 – Virtual Reality and Interactive Graphics

3 credit hours

Students will be exposed to the design of interactive 3D VR environments using industry standard programming languages and gaming engines in a hands-on lab atmosphere.  Concepts of object-oriented programming languages, real-time rendering, graphic user interfaces, user interactivity within virtual environments, real-time programming techniques, as well as the creation of 3D assets and texturing from real-world environments will be covered.

Prerequisite: APCS 201

APCS 255 – Testing & Quality Assurance

3 credit hours

A comprehensive study of software testing in traditional structured and unstructured environments using Quality Assurance principles. Students will learn how to improve and control the test process and assess results and learn effective ways of automating test execution in a structured way.

Prerequisite: APCS 201

APCS 336 – Web Programming

3 credit hours

Introduction to range of programming and data management tools in the context of full-stack web application development. Students will become familiar with web development concepts and terminology. Web programming, database design and setup are integrated with design techniques and project management to give the student firsthand experience with live website development. Some hands-on experience with software such as Apache, PHP, MySQL, and specialized text editors.

Prerequisite: APCS 201

APCS 114 – Computer Applications for Business

3 credit hours

Advanced survey of business application software, which includes spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and file manipulation on networks. Topics with spreadsheets include design and development, advanced formulas and functions, charting and formatting, and the use of business analysis tools. Topics with databases include design and development of tables, queries, forms and reports for business information purposes. Also included is business communication and presentation software with an emphasis on integrating them with the spreadsheets and databases. Lab experience with microcomputer software.

Prerequisite: LDRS 105

APCS 201 – Programming Fundamentals

2 Credit hours

Concepts of structured programming including control structure design – sequence, selection, iteration and method call; concepts of data abstraction including primitive data types, strings, arrays, objects and files. Laboratory experience emphasizing application development. Includes a brief introduction to using artificial intelligence in the software development process. Offered spring semester during 1st 8-week module. Lab fee required

Prerequisite: LDRS 105

APCS 207 – Command Line Interface & Scripting Language

3 credit hours

Students will explore and be introduced to the various command line interfaces, operating system navigation, command line editing, bash scripting, automation scripting, PowerShell, and other various terminal technologies.

Corequisite: APCS 201 or consent of instructor

APCS 220 – Computer Organization & Digital Circuits

3 credit hours

Introduction to the fundamental principles of digital logic analysis & design, computer organization, and digital communication. Includes logic elements, asynchronous logic, microprocessors, computer architecture, assembly language programming, and operating systems. Open labs. Lab fee required.

Prerequisites: MATH 211 and APCS 201 or consent of instructor

APCS 242 – Computer and Network Management

3 credit hours

Students will determine computer performance based on evaluation of component specifications and analysis. Design and management of computer systems will be covered. Fundamentals of networking include OSI communications model, network device operation such as switching, and routing. The use of AI and security measures will be covered as they apply to computer and network systems. Lab fee required. Offered fall semester.

Prerequisite: LDRS 105

APCS 311 – Networking

3 credit hours

Networking concepts including switching and routing concepts are covered as well as the design and management of network systems. The setup and use of virtual machines will be included. The use of AI will be covered as it applies to networking. Offered every third semester. Lab fee required.

Prerequisite: APCS 220

APCS 344 – Training Practicum

1 credit hour

Experience designing and conducting user training sessions in conjunction with Information Services. May include application software, operating systems or Internet usage.

Prerequisite: LDRS 105, 3 hours of APCS coursework, and junior standing

One of the following

APCS 116 – Geographic Information Systems

3 credit hours

Introduction to terminology, concepts, applications, data acquisition, trends, and careers in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), computer-based mapping software. Includes an overview of related technologies, such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Remote Sensing (RS), as well as hands-on use of GPS and GIS to explore the creation, management, analysis, and mapping of geospatial data across various disciplines, including environment, conservation, business, agriculture, government, transportation, public safety, recreation, Science and technology. Includes a community project using geospatial applications.

APCS 206 – Object Oriented Programming

2 Credit hours

Concepts of object-oriented programming including the use of objects and the design of classes including inheritance. Also covers AI API usage and algorithm development, including searching, sorting and recursion. Laboratory experience emphasizing application development including introduction of AI assisted development tooling. Offered spring semester during 2nd 8-week module. Lab fee required.

Prerequisite: C- or higher in APCS 201

APCS 265 – Systems Analysis & Design Methods

3 credit hours

Emphasis on structured analysis & design including the systems development life cycle and agile methodologies. Includes fact finding techniques, data flow diagrams, entity/relationship diagrams, case tools, feasibility analysis, input/output design, user interface design, prototyping, file and database design. Students will get experience with AI Assisted Analysis and Design Programs. Offered spring semester. Same as BUSI 265. Lab fee required

Same as BUSI 265
Prerequisites: LDRS 105 and either APCS 201 or BUSI 130
or consent of the instructor

APCS 321 – The Internet of Things

3 credit hours

The course will cover IoT business and engineering principles, electronic and embedded systems, networking protocols, security, fog and cloud integration, fundamental data analytics, and DSP techniques. Students will apply the IoT concepts in the development of an IoT project prototype. The use of AI will be covered as it applies to IoT operations, including security. Offered fall semester. Lab fee required.

Prerequisite: APCS 220, APCS 311, and INDU 227 recommended or consent of instructor

APCS 326 – Database Management Systems

3 credit hours

Emphasis on database systems used for management information. Examines relational databases and provides concepts for design, development, and implementation of database management information systems. Topics include normalization, SQL, comparison of different database models, backup and recovery, security, and development of an information system.

Same as BUSI 326
Prerequisites: APCS 114 or APCS 265; Junior standing recommended

APCS 336 – Web Programming

3 credit hours

Introduction to range of programming and data management tools in the context of full-stack web application development. Students will become familiar with web development concepts and terminology. Web programming, database design and setup are integrated with design techniques and project management to give the student firsthand experience with live website development. Some hands-on experience with software such as Apache, PHP, MySQL, and specialized text editors.

Prerequisite: APCS 201

APCS 346 – Information & Security Assurance

3 credit hours

Information security, concepts, practices, and policy will be covered, including the auditing of network systems. Data security concepts such as cryptography and integrity will be discussed. Computer system security concepts such as authentication, authorization, and accounting management techniques will be covered. Software security, network security, and Internet security management techniques will be discussed. The use of AI to manage Cybersecurity operations will be covered. Open labs. Offered every third semester. Lab fee required.

Prerequisite: APCS 311