2008–2009 - Florida Institute of Technology

CIS 5210 INTEGRATION OF DATABASE SYSTEMS (3 credits). Studies
database systems as an essential organization resource. Includes data architecture
components and data storage configurations, and compares normalized and denormalized
methods. Covers relational databases and the use of SQL for information
retrieval. Also covers object databases.
CIS 5220 COMPUTER ORGANIZATION (3 credits). Introduces system
architecture including the specifics of computer arithmetic, memories, the CPU,
input/output and peripherals. Includes hardware elements and how they fit into a
complete computer system along with combination logic, gates and Boolean algebra.
Required for CIS majors.
CIS 5230 OPERATING SYSTEMS (3 credits). Explores the algorithms, protocols
and mechanisms representing traditional single processor and multi-user operating
systems. Emphasizes process management and synchronization, threads, memory
management, virtual memory and process scheduling. May require a research paper
and/or programming assignments. Required for CIS majors. Prerequisites: CIS 5200,
CIS 5220.
CIS 5300 MODELING AND SIMULATION (3 credits). Introduces modeling
and simulation (M&S). Includes verification, validation, construction and implementation
for engineering and business, use of stochastics and probability distribution.
Compares event-driven and continuous M&S to distributed M&S. Requires proficiency
in a programming language (Java, C++, Perl) and a semester project.
CIS 5310 LEGAL AND ETHICAL ASPECTS OF IS (3 credits). Investigates
legal and ethical foundations of information systems. Discusses intellectual property,
copyrights, patents, trademarks/domains, privacy, free speech, the Fifth Amendment,
contracts and employment law. Requires a semester project on research and presentation
of case law and precedents.
CIS 5400 TOPICS IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS (3 credits).
Current topics in computer information systems at the introductory graduate level.
Topics vary and the course may be repeated for credit toward the CIS degree.
CIS 5410 COMPUTER NETWORKS FOR INFORMATION SPECIAL-
ISTS 1 (3 credits). Provides a broad set of fundamental topics related to computer
networks including network layers, topologies, technologies, services and methods
useful for the typical information systems specialists; TCP/IP; transmission protocols
and client-server models. Introduces management and security of networks. Prerequisites:
CIS 5100.
CIS 5420 COMPUTER NETWORKS FOR INFORMATION SPECIAL-
ISTS 2 (3 credits). Continues CIS 5410. Focuses on the more advanced topics of
network security design and management including cryptography, LANs and WANs,
and application and network layers.
CIS 5500 MODERN COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS (3 credits).
Defines state-of-the-art information systems and how they support key corporate
functions such as telecommunications, electronic commerce, intranets and
enterprise-wide functionality in a group or organization. Also explores information
technology at every level.
CIS 5510 COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN (3 credits).
Introduces software and system design techniques with a non-proprietary view of
common design paradigms. Familiarizes users or integrators of systems with the
phases of software development and some associated methodologies that may be
encountered within their field. Prerequisites: CIS 5100.
CIS 5520 KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION REPRESENTATION
(3 credits). Covers many of the modern data, information and knowledge representations
to give the CIS professional formats, methods and mechanisms for representing,
understanding and using data-driven systems that may or may not have a
database component. Prerequisites: CIS 5100 or CIS 5500.
CIS 5530 SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION (3 credits). Explores the administration
and maintenance of operating systems such as Windows, Linux or Unix to
supply the typical CIS professional help with system administration. May include
shell programming, command line programming, common maintenance procedures,
network maintenance, backups, and methods of file processing and file system
structure. Prerequisites: CIS 5100.
CIS 5720 PROJECT AND CHANGE CONTROL (3 credits). Covers managing
and delivering a software project from inception to delivery. Includes initial and detail
planning, the project life cycle, risk assessment, resource planning, project monitoring
and timeliness, cost and customer management, change control, configuration
control and version control. Uses project and configuration management software.
CIS 5740 WEB PROGRAMMING (3 credits). Studies HTML and Java features
that facilitate Web-based programming. Covers Web servers, Web-based systems and
XML. May include other scripting and interface languages. Explores characteristics
of good Web site design and organization. Requires creation of Web pages and knowledge
of the Java programming language. Prerequisites: CIS 5200.
CIS 5810 ADVANCED INFORMATION STRUCTURING TECHNIQUES
(3 credits). Explores multilevel data-driven systems and techniques such as data
warehousing, metadata and object-oriented databases. Integrates physical media
and the architecture of complex data-driven systems for maximum simplicity and
efficiency of design. Prerequisites: CIS 5100 or CIS 5500.
CIS 5890 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN COMPUTER INFORMATION
SYSTEMS (1–3 credits). Individual projects under the direction of a member of the
computer information systems faculty. May require deliverables such as a software
system or product, or a comprehensive paper. May be repeated for a maximum of six
credits. (Requirement: Instructor approval.)
COMMUNICATION
COM 0100 BASIC WRITING FOR ESL STUDENTS (3 credits). Provides
instruction for ESL students who need additional practice writing sentences and
paragraphs to develop the skills required in COM 1101. Credit may not be applied
toward any Florida Tech degree. (Requirement: Prerequisite course or instructor
approval.) Prerequisites: ESL 0345.
COM 0110 BASIC WRITING SKILLS (3 credits). Grammar and syntax, and
their application to the writing process. Students learn correct spelling, master
punctuation rules, construct accurate sentences and develop coherent paragraphs.
Credit cannot be applied toward any Florida Tech degree. This course is required for
students with low placement test scores.
COM 1101 COMPOSITION AND RHETORIC (3 credits). The first of two
courses in college-level writing skills. Focuses on writing essays using various rhetorical
modes: persuasion, description, comparison and analysis. Presents basic methods
of library research, as well as the MLA documentation system. Students write one
research paper and several essays. (Requirement: Passing grade on the placement
test or prerequisite course.) Prerequisites: COM 0110.
COM 1102 WRITING ABOUT LITERATURE (3 credits). The second of two
courses in college-level writing skills. Focuses on reading and analyzing poems, plays
and short works of fiction. Students write several essays and one research paper on
literary topics. Prerequisites: COM 1101.
COM 2012 RESEARCH SOURCES AND SYSTEMS (1 credit). Acquaints
students with a variety of library services, sources and systems. Emphasizes research
strategies and tools useful in each student’s field of study, as well as the use of print,
Internet and other electronic resources. Prerequisites: COM 1102.
COM 2150 CREATIVE WRITING (3 credits). Introduces the forms and
techniques of writing creatively. Following a workshop structure, students present
creative work for criticism by fellow students in a supportive environment firmly
enlightened by attention to the best traditions of English literature. Prerequisites:
COM 1102.
COM 2223 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits).
Practice in the technical and scientific writing style and format, including gathering
and using data to prepare reports. Includes abstracts, reports, letters, technical
descriptions, proposals and at least two oral presentations. (COM) Prerequisites:
COM 1102.
COM 2224 BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WRITING (3 credits).
Designed for the future business professional. Includes business research methods,
report writing, business correspondence and communication in the workplace.
Covers analytical, informational, routine and special reports. (COM) Prerequisites:
COM 1102.
COM 2241 JOURNALISM (3 credits). Presents the methods and practice of
news-gathering, news writing and news editing. (COM) Prerequisites: COM 1102.
COM 2370 SPEECH (3 credits). Introduces the concepts and techniques of
effective public speaking and small group communication. Students prepare, organize
and deliver different kinds of short speeches. (COM) Prerequisites: COM 1101.
COM 2425 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION (3 credits). Familiarizes
students with the process of communication in interpersonal small group,
organizational, mass and intercultural contexts. Introduces students to the study of
communication and provides the background for understanding complex communication
processes. (COM) Prerequisites: COM 1101.
COM 2501 INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits).
Introduces communication majors to the principles and techniques of visual communication.
Emphasizes manipulating form to fit function as the student designs,
implements and evaluates goal-oriented communication projects.
COM 2502 LAYOUT AND DESIGN (3 credits). Covers the principles,
techniques and vocabulary required of designers of print communication projects,
including a thorough understanding of the technology of offset printing. Emphasizes
skills required in designing for print.
COM 2503 PHOTOGRAPHY (3 credits). Prepares students in the basics of commercial
photography. Includes basic camera operation, use of light meters, film types
and composition of pictures. Also includes lectures, demonstrations, examples and
critiques of students’ work. (COM) Prerequisites: COM 2223 or COM 2224.
COM 3045 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits). Examines
the elements of communication among members of various cultures and subcultures
both within the workplace and across national boundaries, especially as those
elements affect business interactions. Presents strategies to improve intercultural
communication in business settings. Prerequisites: COM 2223 or COM 2224.
Course Descriptions 177