Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2013-2014 
    
University Catalog 2013-2014 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Interdisciplinary Information Technology (IT) Minor


The information technology (IT) minor provides students with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to effectively apply IT to the profession of their choice. Students must first acquire or demonstrate computer literacy and complete four core courses that will:

  1. Give all students a solid foundation in the fundamentals of IT including: computer programming, networks, and database management;
  2. Educate students about the human side of IT. After completing the core, students will complete a minimum of three courses from a selected skill area. The skill areas are: bioinformatics, computer animation, database systems, digital document management, instructional technology, network systems, production and operations management systems, programming systems, and web development.

To select a skill area, it is recommended that students meet with an adviser in their major to determine what skill areas will best complement their area of study. For detailed information and guidance regarding a skill area, students should meet with the adviser for that skill area.

Requirements for the IT Minor (26-35 units)


Some of the listed skill area courses require prerequisites (not listed), which reflect the structure of the undergraduate programs that they serve. These courses are marked with an asterisk (*). It is recommended that students meet with the adviser of the skill area to determine the required prerequisites.

Required Core Courses (15 - 21 units)


Prior to taking the courses within the minor, students must satisfy one of the following two criteria (0 - 4 units).

  1. Demonstrate to a principal adviser (either the IT minor coordinator or their designee) computer literacy in the following areas (0 units):
    1. Knowledge of the hardware components of a computer system including CPU, memory, input/output devices, modems, LANs and WANs.
    2. Knowledge of operating systems and familiarity with common operating systems.
    3. Familiarity with using common applications including word processors, spreadsheets and presentation software.
    4. Ability to access information via the Internet using search engines and to communicate via E-mail.
  2. Complete one of the following courses (3 - 4 units) CIS 100 Business Computer Systems (4) CS 160 Introduction to Computers (3)

Core courses (15 -17 units)


Students must complete four core courses from below.

Skill Area


Students must select one skill area and complete 11 to 14 units depending on the skill area.

1. Bioinformatics (13 -14 units)


Bioinformatics is the field of science in which biology, computer science, and information technology merge to form a single discipline. Students learn the principles of molecular life science and computer programming and apply this knowledge to search public databases containing biological information and derive meaningful information about genes and proteins.

Select one of the following programming courses:

2. Computer Animation (12 units)


Computer Animation is widely used for information presentation, analysis and comprehension. These classes present the principles of computer animation in a technical and creative context. Both 2D and 3D animation are explored. Students selecting this skill area should know and have practical experience with the basic principles of design.

3. Database Systems (12 units)


Database Systems is the study of information management. Students learn how data are collected, stored, processed, and presented by organizations to generate information. Information is considered as anything that individuals and organizations need to know to be successful in achieving their goals and objectives.

Select three of the following courses:

4. Digital Document Management (12 units)


Document management serves as a foundation for knowledge management. Students learn the theory and application of electronic publishing and new media production; with an emphasis on information integration, system configuration, digital workflow planning, and producing open image files and digital output.

Select four of the following 3-unit courses:

5. Instructional Technology (12 units)


The Instructional Technology area is designed to provide students with skills in using technology for education and instructionally related activities. The focus of this program area is to explore and understand issues related to the human side of computing and technology with the goal of creating pedagogical materials and processes that facilitate learning and that are consistent with how humans work, live and learn.

6. Network Systems (11 - 13 units)


General Network Systems


Networks are the backbone of computing systems. Students will be given a hands-on introduction to general networking, learn network theory and design, and develop network and web applications.

CISCO Networks


The objective of the CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) program is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and hands-on skills to function in a network support environment. The curriculum and lab activities reflecting the current internetwork technologies are designed and provided by CISCO. The program has four courses. At the end of the program the students are prepared to take and pass the CISCO CCNA certification examination.

7. Production and Operations Management (12 units)


Production and operations management addresses the management of the value creation processes of delivering a product or a service. Students will learn the strategic and tactical concepts in production and operations management including process and technology selection, facility design and location, customer service, supply chain management, material management as well as total quality management.

Select three of the following courses:

8. Programming Systems (12 -14 units)


Programming systems provides students with the knowledge and skills to develop computer applications. Students have the opportunity to learn a broad range of programming languages and/or study program development in depth.

9. Web Development (11-12 units)


Web development provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop Web applications by using Web development tools. Students will be able to build dynamic websites using such technologies as HTML, FrontPage, client and server side scripting, and database programming.

Select three of the following courses:


10. Customized Option (12 units)


With prior approval of an adviser, students may select 12 units from any of the approved skill areas.