Albright College - Accelerated Degree Programs

Information Systems

Academic Program Coordinator, Dr. Dan Falabella
(610) 921-7772
dfalabella@alb.edu

The Information Systems curriculum is based on common structures and degree programs in the United States and Canada. It also meets the recommendation of the Association for Computing Machinery, which sets standards for such programs.

The Information Systems curriculum at Albright is organized programmatically in three levels

General courses in information systems. This level includes survey courses on fundamentals of information systems, personal productivity with information technology and information systems theory and practice.

Specialized information technology and application design courses. These courses cover information technology, structures for information systems applications and the analysis and logical design of applications.

Specialized application development, deployment and projective management courses. These courses cover physical design and implementation of applications in both database and programming environments plus management of information systems projects.

For additional information contact Dr. Dan Falabella, Program Coordinator for Information Systems at danf@alb.edu.

Information Systems Courses - 16 Courses, 3 Credits per Course

IST 905	Fundamentals of Information Systems This course provides an introduction to systems and development concepts, information technology and application software. It explains how information is used in organizations and how IT enables improvement in quality, timeliness, and competitive advantage.
IST 910 & 915	Object-Oriented Programming, Module I and Module II An introduction to the JAVA programming language. Techniques for developing solutions to business-related applications using the object model are discussed. Appropriate control structures, data structures, and file structures that are associated with information management are emphasized.
IST 920	Information Technology Hardware and Software This course provides the hardware/software technology background to enable systems development personnel to understand tradeoffs in computer architecture for effective use in a business environment. System architecture for single user, central and networked computing systems is covered.
IST 926	Discrete Math Mathematical logic is the cornerstone of computer and information sciences. The course covers sets, relations, functions, recurrence relations, logic gates, and graphs. The intention is to introduce the student to concepts that will be of use in developing algorithms and structural analysis solutions.
IST 930	Data Structures This course presents object-oriented software methodology in data definition and measurement. Abstract data type construction and use in developing IS applications is explored. Formal problem solving strategies will be presented.
IST 936	Operating Systems An operating system is primarily a resource manager; it manages processes, storage, input/output devices, and data. This course will concentrate on these four areas and the relevant principles involved with each. Structure and implementation of multi-programmed and time shared computer systems will be studied. Discussions will center around either the Unix or Linux environments.
IST 940	Statistics Fundamental methods involved in the collection and presentation of data, in order to properly describe various features of that data, are studied. Topics include measurements of location and variation, probability and sampling distribution, hypothesis testing, and statistical analysis.
IST 945 & 950	Structural Analysis and Logical Design These courses provide an understanding of the system development and modification process. They enable students to evaluate and choose a system development methodology. They emphasize the factors for effective communication and integration with users and user systems. Additional topics covered are object-oriented analysis and design, use of data modeling tools, and development and adherence to life cycle standards.
IST 955	Database Management Principles This course covers information systems design and implementation within a database management systems environment. Students will work through the entire process of database development and creation. Focus will be on relational databases, data modeling, SQL, and the creation of online databases.
IST 960	Advanced Database Concepts This course introduces the client/server database model and its use in the Oracle database system. Hands-on projects are incorporated into the course to give students meaningful practice in understanding client-server systems and relational databases. Creation of an integrated database application and a web application will be part of the tasks assigned.
IST 965 & 970	Networks and Telecommunications, Module I and Module II These courses provide an in-depth knowledge of data communications and networking requirements including networking and telecommunications technologies, hardware and software. Emphasis is placed upon the analysis and design of networking applications in organizations. Management of telecommunications networks, cost-benefit analysis, and evaluation of connectivity options are also covered.
IST 975 & 980	Project Management and Practice, Module I and Module II These capstone courses cover the factors necessary for successful management of system development or enhancement projects. Both technical and behavioral aspects of project management are discussed. The focus is on management of development for enterprise-level systems.