Download For CSIS-110 Students

Computer Science and Information Systems Courses for Spring 2005
See reverse for complete course descriptions, and see the College web page for times, etc.
CSIS-120, Introduction to Programming: The second course for CS majors; also required for the
Computer Science (CS) Minor. Also counts toward the Information Systems (IS) Minor. The first major
programming course, taught in Java. Has a lab. Prerequisite: CSIS-110.
CSIS-010, Introduction to Computer Applications: Often the first course in computing for business
students and any student interested in a minor in IS. Also can count toward the CS Minor. Has a lab. No
prerequisites.
CSIS-112, Database Applications for Business: An excellent second course in Computer Science for any
business student who needs another one. Also required for the IS minor and can count for the CS minor.
No lab. Typically offered in the Spring only. Prerequisites: CSIS-010 or 110.
CSIS-114, Management Information Systems: Also a good second course for business students needing
another one. Required for IS minor and can count towards CS minor. No lab. Prerequisites: CSIS-010 or
110.
CSIS-011, Problem Solving with Spreadsheets, 1 credit: Can count toward either minor, in combination
with other courses. Cannot get credit for this if you have taken or will take CSIS-010.
CSIS-013, Computer Ethics, 1 credit: Can count toward either minor, in combination with other courses.
First-time offering, no prerequisites.
CSIS-030, Introduction to Computing with SPSS: Statistics prerequisite; can count for either minor.
Why should I minor in CS?
Many employers and graduate schools are seeking people with skills in Computer Science. With a minor in
Computer Science, you can state with confidence that you know how to program and use computers at a
reasonable level of sophistication. This minor is useful in the job market (for example, it qualifies you to
sit for the NY State grade 18 programmer/analyst exam) and as a part of your preparation for graduate
school in IS or CS. You will also learn analysis and problem-solving skills that can be applied to many
other disciplines.
Requirements for CS minor: six Computer Science courses, at least three numbered 120 or above.
Why should I minor in IS?
The IS minor, developed in consultation with the School of Business, helps prepare you for the job market
and for some graduate programs in IS. Many employers and graduate schools seek people who are skilled
in solving problems using computer applications (for example, it qualifies you to sit for the NY State grade
18 programmer/analyst exam). The IS minor gives you the opportunity to develop these additional
marketable skills and provides you with some depth of understanding of the role of information systems to
support decision-making and operational control of business processes. You will learn how to develop
information systems to meet business requirements and how to manage information as a resource. You will
gain a basic knowledge of computing, networking, databases, electronic information resources, and of the
Internet that can be used to solve problems in a variety of contexts.
Requirements for IS minor: CSIS-010, CSIS-110, CSIS-112 (Spring only), CSIS-114, CSIS-116 (Survey
of Information Technology Fall only), and one additional course (ACCT-470, CSIS-120, CSIS-200, CSIS201, or CSIS-210).
Turn over for course descriptions 
CSIS—120. Introduction to Programming (2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 3 credits
An introduction to the procedural design paradigm with an emphasis on problem solving,
algorithm development, and implementation of algorithms in computer programs in a procedural
language, such as Java, C, or C++. Other topics will include hardware organization, data
representation, system software, programming style, program testing and analysis of algorithms.
Prerequisite: CSIS—110. Lab fee. (CORE:AQ)
CSIS—010. Introduction to Computer Applications (2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 3
credits
An introduction to computers and applications using both character and graphical user interfaces.
Topics will include hardware components; application software including word processing,
spreadsheets, graphics, and database management; data communications; issues in information
systems such as privacy and security; computer operations; and networking. This course should
be a first course in computing for non-science majors. Computer Science majors cannot apply
this course to the major. Laboratory fee. No prerequisites.
CSIS—112. Database Design and Applications for Business 3 credits
This course introduces the concepts and practices of database design and use from a business
perspective. Topics to be covered include data models (object, entity-relationship, and relational,
for example), database design techniques, data dictionaries, query languages (e.g. SQL, QBE),
requirements analysis, legacy systems, databases for decision support, presentation techniques
(forms, web pages, etc.), and basic information on database use in a business setting. The
course includes hands-on use of a common business database management system to illustrate
and emphasize the concepts. Prerequisite: CSIS—010 OR CSIS—110. Computer use fee.
CSIS—114. Management Information Systems 3 credits
An introduction to fundamental management issues and information system principles involved in
the analysis, design, and implementation of management information systems. Topics include
business information system planning, technology architecture, database design, systems
development, decision support systems, internal control, and computer security and disaster
planning. In order to provide an opportunity for students to develop a facility for applying the
knowledge gained in the course, case studies will be used extensively. Prerequisite options:
CSIS—010 or CSIS—110.
CSIS—011. Problem Solving with Spreadsheets 1 credit
A lab-based introduction to problems, problem-solving, and the kinds of problems amenable to
spreadsheet solutions. Provides a foundation for analyzing business and decision support
problems using spreadsheet technology. Typical techniques studied may include absolute and
relative addressing, macros, and conditionals. Students will be expected to apply their skills to
various business scenarios and cases. No prerequisites. Lab fee.
CSIS—013. Computer Ethics 1 credit
This course is a survey of the ethical issues involved in computing. Topics studied will include
data access, privacy, security, hacking, copyright and intellectual property issues, email, etc. The
focus will be on identifying and analyzing ethical problems related to computing, as well as on
ways to foster ethical decision-making in computing-centered situations. No prerequisites.
Turn over for general information on CSIS 