Course Descriptions (Undergraduate)

This page describes CSIS and ISA (Information Security and Assurance) courses. Please visit the IT Certificate site to view descriptions of IT courses.

Visit the Master of Science in Information Systems or Master of Science in Applied Computer Science sites for information on graduate program curricula.

Archived course descriptions are available in KSU Catalogs published by the Office of the Registrar.

CSIS Courses

CSIS 1020. Introduction To Programming Principles: Visual Basic. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Credit level math course.
Introduction to computers and programming as tools to aid problem-solving. Implementation will be in Visual Basic.

CSIS 2101. Informatics: Computers and Your World 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: ENGL0099, READ 0099, if required.
Start | Run | Learn. Computers and the Internet have revolutionized society. Every profession is affected. Communication, education and commerce have been transformed. Music, films, photography and books are digitized. News is streamed via podcasts and RSS feeds. Students who enroll in this course will rip a music CD, edit and e-mail a digital photograph, download and install software, conduct research on the web, secure a wireless router, participate in an online community and create a web site. Issues explored include security, privacy, globalization, diversity and ethics. Be a well-rounded, informed and curious user of computers and the Internet.

CSIS 2300. Principles of Computing. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in credit level math course.
An introduction to information technology professions. Topics include hardware, software, data communications and networks, the Internet, system development, ethical issues, programming logic, algorithms, and structures. (Formerly CSIS 1001.)

CSIS 2301. Programming Principles I. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2300 and any credit level math course.
An introduction to problem-solving methods that lead to the development of correct, well-structured programs. Topics also include the fundamentals of computer systems. (Formerly CSIS 1301.)

CSIS 2302. Programming Principles II. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2301.
A continuation of programming principles begun in CSIS 2301 with emphasis on object oriented methods and data modeling. Topics include analysis of algorithms and important examples of data structures such as strings and lists. (Formerly CSIS 1302.)

CSIS 2520. Introduction To Data Communications. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2301.
An introduction to the theory and applications of data communications. Topics include communication media, encoding systems, data security and integrity, network topologies, network protocol concepts, internet protocols, and routing.

CSIS 3150. Programming Languages. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2302.
The primary objective of this course is to introduce the basic principles and concepts of programming languages, with an emphasis on object-oriented aspects. The course will introduce the programming languages used in the subsequent upper division courses. The libraries used in the construction of GUIs and the support for concurrency will be covered.

CSIS 3210. Project Management. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2301 or ACCT 3100.
Introduction to the principles and application of project management techniques with an emphasis on the design and management of computer information systems projects. Topics include project planning, work team design, project estimation techniques, project reporting, identifying and controlling project risks, budgets, and quality assurance.

CSIS 3310. Introduction to Database Systems. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2301.
Introduction to the database management systems, database processing, data modeling, database design, development, and implementation. Contrasts alternative modeling approaches. Includes implementation of current DBMS tools and SQL.

CSIS 3396. Cooperative Study. 1-3 credit hours.
Prerequisite: Approval of coordinator of cooperative education/internships (Career Services Center).
A supervised work experience program for a minimum of two semesters at a site in business, industry or government. For sophomore, junior or senior level students who wish to obtain successive on-the-job experience in conjunction with their academic training. Co-op credit can only be used as free elective credit by CS and IS majors.

CSIS 3398. Internship. 1-9 credit hours.
Prerequisite: Approval of coordinator of cooperative education (Career Services Center).
A supervised work experience program for one semester at a site in business, industry or government. For sophomore, junior or senior level students who wish to obtain on-the-job experience in conjunction with their academic training. Internship credit can only be used as free elective credit by CS and IS majors.

CSIS 3401. Introduction to Data Structures. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2302 and MATH 3322.
An introduction to data structures, with an emphasis on object-oriented methods and data modeling. Building on the foundation provided by
CSIS 2301, topics include files and important data structures such as trees.(Formerly CSIS 3100.)

CSIS 3402. Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3401.
Data structures and their applications to programming. Topics include arrays, records, files, lists, stacks, trees, and graphs, together with their specification, representations, and analysis of efficient algorithms for implementation and manipulation.(Formerly CSIS 3200.)

CSIS 3510. Computer Organization and Architecture. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2302.
An introduction to hardware and software components of computer systems. Topics include machine organization, assembly language and comparative machine architecture. Hands-on work with modern computer systems is included.

CSIS 3530. Operating Systems. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2520 and CSIS 3510.
An introduction to fundamental operating systems concepts. Emphasis will be on the interfaces supplied by operating systems. Topics include job scheduling, memory management, and process interactions.

CSIS 3550. Unix Administration and Security. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2520 and CSIS 3530.
This course covers the fundamentals of the Unix operating systems with the goal of covering those concepts and skills important in computer security. Topics will include installing and configuring a Unix system, setting up security elements of the system and using standard command- line tools.

CSIS 3600. System Analysis and Design. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3310.
Software systems development includes project planning and implementation, elicitation and specification of user requirements, graphical modeling of objects, data, and processes, and design of data structures, user interfaces, and system behaviors. A team project with a client in the community is required.

CSIS 3650. Object-Oriented Software Development. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3150, CSIS 3401, and CSIS 3600.
The primary objective of the course is to study an object-oriented approach to software development that systematically uses a set of object-oriented principles, methods, and tools to build high-quality software. Topics include object-oriented analysis, design, and implementation. Object-oriented techniques are studied from an advanced viewpoint, and illustrated using programming languages such as Eiffel, C++, and Ada 95. Case studies are presented, some to be completed by the students using a team approach.

CSIS 4300. Web Development. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3600.
This course emphasizes how to plan, design, and develop Web sites that are visually appealing and easy to navigate. The experienced programmer will learn how to develop and test HTML code. Using leading software tools such as HomeSite and Photoshop, students will learn to code Web pages and create and manipulate digitized images. Principles of composition and design are illustrated, and tools and techniques of the software packages are demonstrated.

CSIS 4305. Web Systems Development. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3600.
The architectural model for computer-based application intense software systems centers around component development and deployment. This course will explore concepts related to the development of dynamic componentbased web systems including web page connectivity to database systems and the development and utilization of Web Services. Web services include the ability to integrate code written in different programming languages and the emerging platforms, architectures, and technologies (such as XML, SOAP, and WSDL) that have arisen to support the next generation of software systems. Specifically students in this course will have an opportunity to directly interact with an Integrated Development Environment (such as Microsoft's .NET) and will be required to develop and implement dynamic Web pages and Web services.

CSIS 4310. Advanced Database Systems. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3310.
As a second course in database concepts, the focus is on database implementation issues. Topics may include relational DBMS, object-oriented DBMS, graphical user interface design in a database environment, database administration, client-server, and distributed database applications.

CSIS 4400. Directed Study. 1 to 3 credit hours.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor, major area committee, and department chair. Up to three hours may be applied to the major area.
Special topics of an advanced nature that are not in the regular course offerings.

CSIS 4420. Local Area Networks. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2520.
A presentation of Local Area Networks (LAN) including LAN hardware, LAN system software, LAN applications software, LAN installation, LAN administration. LAN administration topics include users, groups, security, printing, backup and recovery, and reactive and proactive management. Concepts studied in class will be implemented by the students.

CSIS 4490. Special Topics. 1-3 credit hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in any prerequisite course. Prerequisite course(s) vary depending upon the topic.
Selected special or current topics of interest to faculty and students.

CSIS 4491. Advanced Topics in Computer Science. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in any prerequisite course. Prerequisite course(s) vary depending upon the topic.
This course provides the current and relevant topics in an advanced Computer Science area of interest to faculty. It may substitute for a CS major elective.

CSIS 4500. Data Communications Protocols. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2520 and CSIS 3510.
A study of protocol suites and how they are used in data communications on the Internet. Topics include protocol layering, Internet addressing, routing, connection establishment and termination, management of data flow, and error handling. A specific protocol suite will be examined in detail.

CSIS 4510. Computer Law. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3600.
Covers broad areas of law pertaining to the computer industry, including Intellectual Property (Copyright, Patent, Trademark, and Trade Secret), Contract, and the U.S. Constitution. Class will discuss computer crime, privacy, and professional ethics.

CSIS 4515. Computer Ethics. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3310 and ENGL 3140.
Computer Ethics addresses a definition of ethics, provides a framework for making ethical decisions, and analyzes in detail several areas of ethical issues that computer professionals are likely to encounter in business. Each area includes information regarding U.S. Law. Topics include philosophical, business, and professional ethics, privacy, criminal conduct, property rights, speech, and reliability.

CSIS 4520. Web Applications with Java. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2302 and CSIS 3600.
An introduction to the current technologies such as those in J2EE for modeling, designing, implementing, and deploying Web applications, which are mainly based on the HTTP protocol and run mainly on the server computer while allowing connections with "thin" client computers. Topics include servlets, JSPs, JavaBeans, EJBs, and databases. The UML and MVC diagrams will be used to model and decompose an application and ease the implementation with plug-in components.

CSIS 4555. Electronic Business Systems. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3210.
Information systems that enable electronic transactions and communication have redefined the ways that firms compete, interact with value chain partners, and relate to customers. In the near future, all business will be e-business, and every organization will be required to effectively implement e-business solutions. This course explores enterprise e-business applications and the issues organizations encounter as they leverage Internet technologies to enhance communication and transactions with stakeholders.

CSIS 4575. Technology Commercialization. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in Any 3000 level BIOL, CHEM, CSIS or MATH course.
This is a course for junior and senior level science and mathematics majors who may want to be prepared to commercialize technology and start up a company. The course is designed to provide students with the perspective, tools and information necessary to evaluate the market potential of a technical idea, secure patent protection, obtain research and development funding, understand start-up issues, appreciate the value of a technology incubator, obtain venture capital, understand IPOs and grow a technology-based enterprise. The course is structured around a continuum of lectures, readings, case studies, guest speakers, presentations, and student projects. An integrative commercialization plan developed by student teams for a new company in the technology arena is an integral part of the course.

CSIS 4580. Web Services with Java. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2302 and CSIS 3600.
An introduction to the current technologies included in the JWSDP package (Java Web Service Developer Pack) for modeling, designing, implementing, and deploying Web Services, which are based on protocols such as SOAP and use XML.

CSIS 4610. Human Computer Interface. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3600.
A comprehensive introduction to the principles and techniques that impact human interaction with computers. Topics include the foundations of human-computer interaction, building a graphical user interface, human-centered software evaluation, human-centered software development, graphical user-interface design, graphical user-interface programming, HCI aspects of multimedia, and HCI aspects of collaboration and communication. Major research and the building of a working graphical user interface are included.

CSIS 4620. Object-Oriented Methods. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3600 and CSIS 3401.
A study of object-oriented methods used in software development including modeling language and process. This study involves practical work using a development environment that supports the method and its notation and process. Object-oriented methods currently in widespread use are compared. Software development aspects of user interfaces are covered.

CSIS 4650. Advanced Object-Oriented Software Development. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3402 and CSIS 3600.
The primary objective of the course is to introduce the student to advanced topics in object-oriented software development, such as patterns, frameworks, and software architecture. Object-oriented techniques are illustrated using programming languages such as Eiffel, C++, and Ada 95. Case studies are presented, some to be completed by the students using a team approach.

CSIS 4730. Real-Time Systems and Simulation. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3530, CSIS 3401, and MATH 3332.
General structure of real-time systems; software and hardware; the basic requirements for software development; and in particular their modeling and simulation. A specific method is studied in detail, including its modeling language and process. This involves using RT-UML and the process interaction approach to simulation. This study includes practical work using a development environment that supports the method and its notation and process. Case studies are presented, some to be completed by the students using a team approach. The course also includes a survey and comparison of some real-time development methods currently in widespread use. An overview of the most common real-time operating systems is included as the last part of the course.

CSIS 4830. IS Integrated Project. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3600.
Implementation of a comprehensive information system utilizing database and programming technologies. This course follows the systems analysis and design course closely by integrating key concepts from core IS courses. This is intended to be a capstone project experience for IS majors, weaving critical content from programming principles, database systems, object-oriented(OO) analysis and design, and web technologies into a fully-implemented substantive IS project. Students will participate in a team project focusing on the design and implementation of an information system. Applications may be built with visual, web-based technologies such as Visual Basic, Oracle, ActiveX, HTML, and DHTML.

CSIS 4840. Information Resource Management And Policy. 2-0-2.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3600 and 90 credit hours; corequisite CSIS 4841.
Intended as a senior capstone course. Focus is on management of information systems resources, technologies and people. Covers strategic planning and control of IS; management of the systems development process, operations, and maintenance; management of end-user computing; IS functional organization and the CIO. Requires research papers and presentations on current topics.

CSIS 4841. Information Technology Connections Lectures. 1-0-1.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3600 and 90 credit hours; corequisite CSIS 4840.
Lecture series that illustrates how Information Technologies connect and facilitate the interchange of information between professions and disciplines.

CSIS 4850. Senior Project. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 3600.
The primary objective of the course is to provide a capstone experience for the student, and in particular to promote a successful transition to the work place or further academic study. A proposal for a senior project is designed by one or more students and a faculty member, and submitted to the department chair for approval. Details on the guidelines for approval are available from the department chair. A formal presentation of the results of the senior project is given by the student(s) to the department faculty.

Information Security and Assurance (ISA) Courses

ISA 3100. Principles of Information Security and Assurance. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2520 or permission of the department.
An introduction to the various technical and administrative aspects of Information Security and Assurance. This course provides the foundation for understanding the key issues associated with protecting information assets, determining the levels of protection and response to security incidents, and designing a consistent, reasonable information security system, with appropriate intrusion detection and reporting features.

ISA 3200. Applications in Information Security and Assurance. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2520 or permission of the department.
Detailed examinations of the tools, techniques and technologies used in the technical securing of information assets. This course is designed to provide in-depth information on the software and hardware components of Information Security and Assurance. Topics covered include: firewall configurations, hardening Unix and NT servers, Web and distributed systems security, and specific implementation of security models and architectures.

ISA 3300. Policy and Administration in Information Security and Assurance. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in CSIS 2520 or permission of the department.
Detailed examinations of a systems-wide perspective of information security, beginning with a strategic planning process for security. Includes an examination of the policies, procedures and staffing functions necessary to organize and administrate ongoing security functions in the organization. Subjects include security practices, security architecture and models, continuity planning and disaster recovery planning.

ISA 3350. Computer Forensics. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in ISA 3100.
This course focuses on the detection, isolation and response to security breaches and attacks. It provides a detailed examination of the entire computer forensic process and presents specific procedures required to respond to a computer crime incident. Subjects include recognizing unauthorized access, identifying file anomalies, and traffic monitoring.

ISA 3396. Cooperative Study in Information Security and Assurance. 1-3 credit hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in ISA 3100 and approval of coordinator of cooperative education (Career Services).
A supervised work experience for a minimum of two semesters at a site in business, industry or government, focusing on some aspect of information security and assurance. For sophomore, junior or senior level students who wish to obtain on-the-job experience in Information Security and Assurance, in conjunction with their academic training. Students may take a cooperative study for multiple semesters however only three credit hours are applicable toward the Certificate in Information Security and Assurance. Contact the department office for additional information on the requirements and restrictions of the cooperative study. Co-op credit can only be used as free elective credit by CS and IS majors.

ISA 3398. Internships in Information Security and Assurance. 1-9 credit hours.
Prerequisite: "C" or better grade in ISA 3100 and approval of coordinator of cooperative education (Career Services).
A supervised work experience for one semester at a site in business, industry or government, focusing on some aspect of information security and assurance. For sophomore, junior or senior level students who wish to obtain on-the-job experience in Information Security and Assurance, in conjunction with their academic training. Students can earn between three and nine credit hours toward their degree programs but only three hours will be counted toward the Certificate in Information Security and Assurance. Contact the department office for additional information on the requirements and restrictions for the Internship. Internship credit can only be used as free elective credit by CS and IS majors.