Course Descriptions (Undergraduate)

This page describes Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS) and Information Security and Assurance (ISA) courses.

Please visit the IT Certificate site to view course descriptions of IT courses.

Course Descriptions (Graduate)

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.

• COMPUTER SCIENCE (CS) •
CS 2301. Programming Principles I. 3-3-4.
Prerequisite: MATH 1112 or MATH 1113 (co requisite).
An introduction to problem-solving methods that lead to the development of correct, well structured programs. Topics also include the fundamentals of computer systems.

CS 2302. Programming Principles II. 3-3-4.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 2301 and either MATH 1112 or MATH 1113. A continuation of programming principles begun in CSIS 2301 with emphasis on object-oriented methods, inheritance, arrays, and graphical user interfaces.

CS 2350. Object-Oriented Programming. 3-3-4.
Prerequisite: CS 2301.
The course covers concepts, principles and meth-ods of object-oriented programming using C# with .NET. Topics include classes, inheritance, polymorphism, interface, event handling and other object-oriented techniques. This course will also introduce C# programming with the .NET libraries, such as WinForms, ADO.NET, and ASP.NET.

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

CS 3401. Introduction to Data Structures. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 2302, MATH 3322.
An introduction to data structures with an emphasis on linear data structures and object oriented programming concepts. Topics include arrays, record, vectors, lists, stacks, and queues. Study of search and sort algorithms and analysis of their performance are covered.

CS 3402. Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 3150.
Study of non-linear data structures with an emphasis on specifications, representations, and applications to problem solving and program-ming. Topics include trees, graphs, priority queues (heaps), and hash tables. Study of algo-rithm performance analysis for implementation and manipulation is covered.

CS 3510. Computer and Network Architecture. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 2302.
An introduction to the theory and fundamentals of networking and computer architecture. Data representation, binary arithmetic and numbering systems for computers and network systems will be covered. Topics relating to networking include concepts and topics relating to bottom three layers of the OSI & TCP/IP reference models. Among them, data, signals, transmission, communication media, encoding, decoding, multiplexing, spread-ing, switching, and others. Computer architecture topics include Boolean algebra, logic gates, digital components, combinational and sequential cir-cuits, circuit design, CPU basics, clocks, memory organization and addressing, interrupts, registers, and others.

CS 3530. Operating Systems. 3-0-3.
Prerequisites: “C” or better grade in CS 2302.
An introduction to fundamental operating systems concepts. Topics include job scheduling, memory management, and process interactions.

CS 3610. Software Engineering. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: CS 2350 and CS 3310.
The course covers the life cycle of software engineering with emphasis on UML modeling. Topics include software process models, require-ments analysis and modeling; design concepts, modeling, and design patterns; architectural design; implementation; and testing strategies and techniques.

CS 3650. Object-Oriented Software Development. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 2350, CS 3401, and CS 3610.
The primary objective of the course is to study an object-oriented approach software develop-ment 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 contemporary programming languages.

CS 4491. Advanced Topics in Computer Science. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in any prerequi-site course. Prerequisite course(s) vary depend-ing 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.

CS 4500. Advanced Data Communications. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 3510 and CS 3530.
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 termina-tion, management of data flow, and error han-dling. A specific protocol suite will be examined in detail.

CS 4520. Distributed Systems Develop-ment. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 3401, CS 3610, and CS 4500.
Introduction to the current technologies such as those in J2EE for modeling, designing, imple-menting, and developing Web applications. Topics include a historical review of technolo-gies for developing distributed systems, such as COBRA, Jini, DCOM, etc., while applying the current technologies including servlets, JSPs, JSFs, EJBs, JavaBeans, database accesses, and emails for hands-on practices.

CS 4545. Applied Cryptography.
Prerequisite: CS 4500.
This course is an introduction to cryptography and its applications. While this course will touch on the mathematics involved in cryptography, the focus of the course will be on its application. Thus, the course emphasizes the upper layers of cryptosystems (i.e. key management and system usage) rather than the internals of encryption algorithms.

CS 4580. Web Services with Java. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 2302 and CS 3610.
An introduction to the current technologies included in the JWSDP package (Java Web Service Developer Pack) for modeling, designing, imple-menting, and deploying Web Services, which are based on protocols such as SOAP and use XML.

CS 4620. Object-Oriented Methods. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 3610.
A study of object-oriented methods used in software development including modeling language and process. This study involves prac-tical work using a development environment that supports the method and its notation and process. Object-oriented methods currently in widespread use are compared. Software devel-opment aspects of user interfaces are covered.

CS 4650. Advanced Object-Oriented Software Development. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 3402 and CS 3610.
The primary objective of the course is to introduce the student to advanced topics in object-oriented software development, such as patterns, frame-works, 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.

CS 4730. Real-Time Systems and Simulation. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 3530 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.

CS 4850. Computer Science Senior Project. 1-2-2.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in CS 3402 and IS 2060. The course should be taken within the last two semesters before graduation.
Capstone experience for computer science students intended to promote a successful transi-tion to professional practice or further academic study. Students spend the term working on an IT project as a team. Students have the opportunity to develop and practice essential project manage-ment skills and work with current software tools and technologies.

IS 2060. Systems Analysis. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2101.
Software systems development including 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 is required.

IS 2080. Data Management. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2101 or department approval.
This course introduces the student to the proper­ties, logic, design, implementation, and access to business databases. Particular emphasis is placed on the relational approach to database manage­ment and processing, which focuses more on the logical nature of a database than its physical characteristics. Relational database programming assignments are drawn from the fields of business and government.

IS 2101. Computers and Your World. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: ENGL 0099, 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. Students who enroll in this course will rip a music CD, edit and e-mail a digital photograph, reinstall an operating system, design a database, 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 user of computers and the Internet. Don’t get left behind by the information technology revolution.

IS 3020. Application Development I. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2101 or department approval.
This course will provide students with the knowl­edge and skills needed to develop applications in a development environment. It covers .NET and .NET 2.0 technologies. This is the first course in the .NET development platform. Students will learn how to develop applications using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET development environment.

IS 3040. IT Infrastructure. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2101 or department approval.
This course provides foundation skills on infor­mation technology infrastructure. Topics include hardware; software; communications including LAN, WAN, and wireless network; transac­tion support; facilities for business continuity and security; infrastructure management best practices including ITIL and COBIT; service level agreements; and risk management including compliance, sourcing, disaster planning, audit­ing, controls, and standards.

IS 3080. Information Resource Management. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2101 or department approval.
Information Resource Management (IRM) constantly strives to improve its commitment to incorporate new technologies to advance the organization. The focus of this course is on man­agement of information systems resources, tech­nologies and people. Covers strategic planning of information resources investments, operations, and support; management of human, technological, and financial resources; management of end-user computing; IS functional organization and the CIO; and organizing information resources for efficient and effective services.

IS 3210. Project Management. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2101.
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.

IS 3240. XML Services. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2040 and IS 3020.
This course provides students with the knowl­edge and skills that are required to develop XML based solutions to solve document sharing problems. The course focuses on using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI) to enable stu­dents to build, deploy, locate, and consume eXten­sible Markup Language (XML) Web services.

IS 3520. Enterprise Systems. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2080.
Modern information systems contain many ven­dor-supplied components that must be selected, integrated, tested, and installed. This course analyzes current practices in systems integra­tion, including business intelligence, enterprise application integration (EAI), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and data integration. Further, this course addresses the skills required to develop system Requests for Proposals (RFPs), evaluation and management of contracts and contractors, testing methods, installation plan­ning and outsourcing.

IS 3540. Systems Design. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2060, IS 2080, IS 3020.
In this course students will build an information system for a real-world organization, public or private. Using a team project concept, students will analyze, design, create, and implement a working information system for a class case or client. Emphasis will be placed on project man­agement, rapid application development, and the development of quality systems for clients.

IS 3580. Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2080.
This course covers the fundamentals of data warehousing and business intelligence architec­ture and issues involved in planning, design­ing, building, and populating a successful data warehouse and business intelligence system. Topics covered in this course are business require­ment analysis, dimensional modeling, physical design, extraction-transformation-load design and development, Analysis Service Online Analytical Processing database, data mining, and business intelligence applications.

IS 3740. Human Computer Interaction. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2040 and IS 3020.
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.

IS 3760. Web Development II. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2040.
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 component-based 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.

IS 3780. Local Area Network. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 3040.
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.

IS 4220. Advanced Databases. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2080.
Students will learn database development techniques including database, designer and developer. Databases are used to support deci­sion making by detecting patterns, devising rules, identifying new decision alternatives and making predictions about the future. Students will learn how to build large databases using SQL to query the data, building forms and reports, managing Web-based applications, and create an integrated application.

IS 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.

IS 4490. Special Topics. 1-3 credit hours.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade (varies by topic).
Selected special or current topics of interest to faculty and students.

IS 4540. Data Mining. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 3580.
Data mining aims at finding useful regularities and patterns in large data sets. In this course students will learn how this interdisciplinary field brings together techniques from databases, statistics, machine learning, and information retrieval. This course covers major data mining techniques including association mining, clas­sification, clustering, trend analysis, predic­tion, fraud detection, and their applications in e-commerce, CRM, health care and others. Tools like SQL Server 2005 business intelligence toolkit will be used to create analytical applications.

IS 4550. Technology Commercialization. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: 90 credit hours.
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, 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.

IS 4560. e-Business Systems. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: IS 2040.
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.

IS 4880. Application Development II. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: 90 credit hours, IS 3540, IS 2040, IS 3040, IS 3220.
This course focuses on development and imple­mentation of a comprehensive information system utilizing database and programming technologies in a .NET environment. This course follows the systems design course by integrating key concepts from core IS courses. This is intended to be a capstone project experience for IS majors, weaving critical content from all core courses into a fully-implemented substantive IS project. Students will participate in a team project focusing on the design and implementation of an information system.

ISA 3010. Security Script Programming. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in IS 3020 or permission of the department.
A study of secure programming and security programming techniques. The course examines aspects of developing traditional computer soft­ware, applying additional controls and measure to prevent the development of vulnerable and exploitable code. The course then examines programming techniques used in support of ongoing technical security functions, including Perl and CGI scripting.

ISA 3200. Network Security. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in IS 3040 and ISA 2100.
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, Web and distributed systems security, and specific implementation of security models and architectures.

ISA 3210. Client Systems Security I. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in ISA 2100.
This course is an exploration of client computer system security and vulnerabilities, including client computer architectures, and operating systems. It provides the detailed technical cover­age necessary to protect computer information system clients by presenting the knowledge of client platform computer hardware components, client network devices and interfaces, as well as the structure and usage of common client operat­ing system software from an information secu­rity perspective. Additional learning regarding ongoing maintenance and operational issues of client computing systems will also be included

ISA 3300. Management of Information Security and Assurance. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in ISA 2100.
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 3396. Cooperative Study in Information Security and Assurance. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: ISA 2100 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.

ISA 3398. Internships in Information Security and Assurance. 1-9 credit hours.
Prerequisite: ISA 2100 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.

ISA 4220. Server Systems Security. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in ISA 3200.
This course is an exploration of server computer system security and vulnerabilities, including server computer architectures, and operating systems. It provides the detailed technical cover­age necessary to protect computer information system servers by presenting the knowledge of server platform computer hardware components, server network devices and interfaces, as well as the structure and usage of common server operat­ing system software from an information security perspective. Additional learning regarding ongo­ing maintenance and operational issues of server computing systems will also be included.

ISA 4330. Incident Response and Contingency Planning. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in ISA 3300.
An examination of the detailed aspects of incident response and contingency planning consisting of incident response planning, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity planning. Developing and executing plans to deal with incidents in the organization is a critical func­tion in information security. This course focuses on the planning processes for all three areas of contingency planning – incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity, and the execution of response to human and non-human incidents in compliance with these policies.

ISA 4350. Computer Forensics. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in ISA 3200 and ISA 3210.
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 4400. Directed Study in Information Security and Assurance. 1-3 credit hours.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor, major area committee, and department chair.
Selected topics of advanced nature that are not in the regular course offerings.

ISA 4490. Special Topics in Information Security and Assurance. 1-3 credit hours.
Prerequisite: Varies by topic.
Selected special or current topics of interest to faculty and students.

ISA 4700. Emerging Issues in Information Security and Assurance. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in ISA 4330 and permission of the department.
This course explores emerging issues in informa­tion security and assurance, and the role of orga­nizational information security in state, regional Courses 371
and national policy. It provides content about the interaction between the organization, society, and public agencies. It examines the role of people versus technical security ideals currently debated by contemporary organizations.