Trinity College

    Computer Information Systems Course Descriptions

    CIS 110                        Introduction to Computer Fundamentals
    An introduction to the terminology of computing systems, along with a lab-based exposure to common software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, web-development software and compilers. An introduction to computer programming concepts. Computer laboratory fee. Offered each semester. Four hours.

     

    CIS 120                        Computer Programming I
    Development of problem-solving skills, emphasizing algorithm development and top-down design. Students will do extensive programming in a specified language. Computer laboratory fee. Offered spring semester. Three hours.

     

    CIS 150                        Topics in Computer Applications
    Selected topics of general interest, not offered in the CIS curriculum (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, graphics, desktop publishing). May be repeated with a different topic. Computer laboratory fee. Offered each semester. One hour.

     

    CIS 160                        Computer Hardware
    The exploration and troubleshooting of different aspects of a personal computer such as microprocessors, motherboards, the BIOS, sound and video cards, printers, network connectivity and memory. Will be taught in a lab environment that allows each student to disassemble and assemble the above components in a working computer. Will also have a component where the student assists in the troubleshooting of computer-related problems. Computer laboratory fee. Offered fall semester. Four hours.

     

    CIS 170                        Computer Operating Systems
    A study of the necessity and functions of the operating system. Will be taught in a lab environment that allows each student to gain hands-on experience with the installation, configuration and support of various operating systems. Will also have a component where the student assists in the troubleshooting of computer-related problems. Prerequisite: CIS 160. Computer laboratory fee. Offered on demand. Four hours.

     

    CIS 220                        Computer Programming II
    Continued study of problem-solving skills and algorithmic development. More advanced programming techniques in a specified language. Prerequisite: CIS 120. Computer laboratory fee. Offered on demand. Three hours.

     

    CIS 250                        Intermediate Topics in Computer Applications
    Selected topics of general interest not offered in the CIS curriculum (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, graphics, desktop publishing). May be repeated with a different topic. Computer laboratory fee. The topic of Desktop Publishing offered fall semester; other topics offered on demand. One or two hours.

     

    CIS 251                        Topics in Computer Languages
    A short, specific introduction to the structure and syntax of given computer languages. Assumes a strong background in programming. Prerequisite: CIS 120. May be repeated with a different topic. Computer laboratory fee. Offered on demand. One hour.

     

    CIS 260                        Computer Networking
    An exploration of networking concepts and models. Network design, transmission media, and functions of a network will be examined. In a lab environment, students will obtain hands-on experience with networking hardware and architectures. Class exercises include the installation, configuration and support of networking software and hardware. Prerequisites: CIS 160 and 170. Computer laboratory fee. Offered on demand. Three hours.

     

    CIS 310                        Database Management Systems (formerly CIS 212)
    The application, logical structure, and physical implementation of database systems. The fundamental purpose of this course is to increase student understanding of how data resources can be managed to support information systems in organization. Prerequisite: CIS 120. Computer laboratory fee. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. Four hours.

     

    CIS 312                        Data Communications Networks
    Familiarizes the student with the concepts and terminology of data communications, network design, and distributed information systems. Equipment, protocols, architectures, and transmission alternatives. Prerequisite: CIS 310. Computer laboratory fee. Offered on demand. Three hours.

     

    CIS 320                        Data Structures
    Continued study of algorithmic development and analysis, along with the introduction of common data structures (arrays, liked lists, stacks, queues, and trees) and file structure (sequential, random, and indexed). Prerequisite: CIS 220. Computer laboratory fee. Offered on demand. Three hours.

     

    CIS 410                        Systems Analysis and Design
    Information analysis and logical system specification. Emphasis on the iterative nature of the analysis and design process. Prerequisite: CIS 310 or consent of instructor. Computer laboratory fee. Offered on demand. Three hours.

     

    CIS 430                        Advanced Topics in Computer Applications
    Selected topics of general interest, not offered in the CIS curriculum (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, graphics, desktop publishing). Prerequisite: CIS 110. May be repeated with a different topic. Computer laboratory fee. Offered on demand. Three hours.

     

    CIS 445                        Internship
    Completion of project under supervision of business organization outside the college community. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing with completion of at least 8 hours of minor requirements. The course may be repeated for credit for a maximum of 12 hours. Three to six hours.

     

    CIS 450                        Independent Study
    Specialized study designed to meet the needs of individual students. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. Offered on demand. One to four hours.

     

    CIS 490                        Computer Ethics
    The capstone course of the CIS and MIS minors. We discuss how our faith affects what we have learned thus far and on the computer industry in general. We will examine topics such as piracy, hacking, inherent good/evil of technology, artificial intelligence, etc. Prerequisite: PH 180 or PH 182. Offered spring semester in even-numbered years. Three hours.

    Updated to 2008-09 Catalog

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