University Catalog

INSY 2303. INTRODUCTION TO M.I.S. AND DATA PROCESSING. 3 Hours.

Introduction to business data processing, computer programming, management information systems, and problems involved in business information processing systems. Selected software tools are presented and managerial applications are required. Formerly BUSA 2303; credit will be granted only once.

INSY 3300. INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING. 3 Hours.

An introductory programming course that teaches students how to solve business problems using the scripting language, Python. Students will be exposed to object-oriented programming concepts, file handling, database access, and graphical user interfaces. Prerequisite: INSY 2303.

INSY 3303. COMPUTER NETWORKS AND DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING. 3 Hours.

Concepts of computer networks and data communications. Topics include principles of communication and networking protocols, hardware and software, architectures, and management issues. Formerly INSY 4304; credit will be granted only once. Prerequisite: INSY 2303.

INSY 3304. DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Comprehensive coverage of database technology and applications. Data models, query processing (SQL), relational database design, and implementation. Topics covered are hierarchical, network, relational, and object-oriented models, data dictionaries, distributed databases, evaluation and selection of database management systems (DBMS), and data administration. Formerly INSY 4302; credit will be granted only once. Prerequisite: INSY 3300.

INSY 3305. INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN. 3 Hours.

This is a survey of the concepts and methods of information systems analysis and design, system development life cycle (SDLC) and methodologies associated with the SDLC. Course covers feasibility analysis, requirements definition, systems design, data design, coding design, programming, and implementation. Prerequisite: INSY 3304 and INSY 4305. INSY 4305 may be taken concurrently.

INSY 3308. MATHEMATICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR BUSINESS ANALYTICS. 3 Hours.

Mathematical foundations of data analytics are established focusing on linear algebra including scalars, vectors, matrices, and matrix operations. Prerequisite: MATH 1316.

INSY 3309. INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS ANALYTICS. 3 Hours.

The growth in social media activities together with e-commerce, electronic banking, point-of-sale devices, and bar-code readers provide a variety of data that firms can use to gain a competitive advantage and achieve operational excellence. Data mining and predictive analytics are essential to accomplish these objectives. This course provides students with the analytics skills to be successful in today's data-driven world. Specifically, students will learn various techniques used in data mining, such as classification, regression, clustering, and association rule mining. Students will use real world data sets and leading data mining tools. Prerequisite: INSY 3300.

INSY 3330. INTRODUCTION TO E-COMMERCE. 3 Hours.

Examines current and projected developments in electronic commerce. Topics include the information technologies upon which electronic commerce is based, such as the telecommunications infrastructure; new perspectives on space, time and money in business; electronic consumers and advertising; the effect of e-commerce on logistics and supply chain management; electronic financial markets and digital payment mechanisms; marketing through digital storefronts and virtual corporations; new frontiers of business such as electronic auctions and business to business e-commerce; the relationship between e-commerce and successful business strategy; and finally, public policy. Formerly BUSA 3330; credit will be granted only once. Prerequisite: INSY 2303.

INSY 4191. STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 1 Hour.

Advanced studies, on an individual basis, in the various fields of information systems. May be repeated for credit with consent of department chair. Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of instructor.

INSY 4291. STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 2 Hours.

Advanced studies, on an individual basis, in the various fields of information systems. May be repeated for credit with consent of department chair. Prerequisite: 90 credit hours and permission of instructor.

INSY 4305. ADVANCED APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT. 3 Hours.

This is a comprehensive Java programming course that not only covers the fundamental object-oriented programming (OOP) topics but also includes advanced Java programming concepts. Topics include structured programming concepts like control structures and methods as well as OOP concepts like encapsulation, composition, inheritance, polymorphism, dynamic binding, and interfaces. The course will also cover Swing components, exception and error handling, and the basics of file processing. Prerequisite: INSY 3300.

INSY 4306. ADVANCED SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT. 3 Hours.

This course will address systems development, testing and deployment using Java. Students will be exposed to advanced Java concepts, including networking, multithreading, JDBC, advanced file handling, and regular expressions. The course will also cover web services and test-driven development using JUnits. Prerequisite: INSY 4305 and INSY 3305. INSY 3305 may be taken concurrently.

INSY 4307. CLOUD COMPUTING. 3 Hours.

This course teaches fundamental aspects of Cloud Computing including Virtualization, Cloud Infrastructure, Networking, and Autoscaling. Students will be taught both concept and practical skills through hands-on assignments using a major Cloud provider's environment (a base for Cloud certifications). Prerequisite: INSY 3300 or equivalent.

INSY 4308. VISUALIZED BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE. 3 Hours.

In an increasingly data-driven world, data visualizations and dashboards play a critical role in uncovering actionable insights that drive business value. In this hands-on course, students will learn how to access and preprocess data from a variety of sources, create compelling visualizations, build dashboards, and perform advanced analytics while learning to effectively share and communicate business insights. Prerequisite: INSY 3309.

INSY 4311. SOCIAL ISSUES IN DATA SCIENCE. 3 Hours.

Course discusses ethical concerns and issues related to the creation, dissemination, use, and storage of data, (such as information privacy, intellectual property, intellectual freedom, censorship) and arising from artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and information technology broadly (such as value alignment, data bias, data policy, and regulations). Prerequisite: INSY 3309.

INSY 4312. INTRODUCTION TO CYBERSECURITY. 3 Hours.

This course provides an introduction to the field of Information Security. It covers terminology, history, management, technology and practice of Information Security. It will address topics in many of the Security Domains specified by ISC2. Prerequisite: INSY 3303.

INSY 4313. BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY. 3 Hours.

Students are introduced to fundamental concepts of blockchain technology. First, second, and third generation blockchain technologies are discussed. Students are also assigned case studies and recent research on blockchain to learn the latest developments in the industry.

INSY 4315. ADVANCED WEB DEVELOPMENT. 3 Hours.

Concepts and techniques for Web application development. The course will emphasize the use of Web development tools and techniques to develop web applications. Topics include web application development using technologies such as HTML/DHTML/XHTML, client-side scripting, XML/XSL and server-side scripting. Prerequisite: INSY 3300.

INSY 4325. ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT. 3 Hours.

Enterprise systems allow for the integration of firm-wide information. Knowledge of enterprise systems and how to implement and manage them is essential for managers and for making better decisions. This course addresses various aspects of enterprise systems and their management, including standardized practices, improved business processes, data integration, information dissemination, and coordination of various activities related to enterprise systems. Prerequisite: INSY 3305 or INSY 3309. INSY 3305 may be taken concurrently.

INSY 4331. SEMINAR IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Readings and discussion of special topics in information systems. May be repeated for credit with consent of department. Prerequisite: 60 or 90 credit hours and consent of instructor.

INSY 4391. STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies, on an individual basis, in the various fields of information systems. May be repeated for credit with consent of department chair. Prerequisite: 90 credit hours and permission of instructor.

INSY 4393. INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTERNSHIP. 3 Hours.

Practical training in information systems. Analysis of theory applied to real life situations. May be used as an advanced business elective only; graded on a pass/fail basis. No credit will be given for previous experience or activities. May not be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of department internship advisor.

INSY 5182. INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 1 Hour.

Extensive analysis of an information systems topic. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

INSY 5199. GRADUATE INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTERNSHIP. 1 Hour.

Practical training in information systems. Analysis of theory applied to real life situations. Course counts as an elective and has a pass/fail grade. No credit will be given for previous experience or activities.

INSY 5299. GRADUATE INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTERNSHIP. 2 Hours.

Practical training in information systems. Analysis of theory applied to real life situations. Course counts as an elective and has a pass/fail grade. No credit will be given for previous experience or activities.

INSY 5309. OBJECT-ORIENTED BUSINESS PROGRAMMING. 3 Hours.

Topics include fundamental programming structures, objects and classes, inheritance, and other basic concepts related to OO programming.

INSY 5335. APPLIED DATABASE MANAGEMENT. 3 Hours.

Concepts, tools, and technologies associated with the design, implementation and management of large databases are presented. Topics include data models (with emphasis on E/R model and relational model), database design and implementation, database query language, transaction management, and distributed databases. Recent advances in data management are also discussed. Use of a commercial DBMS is required. Prerequisite: INSY 5309 or INSY 5336 or approval of MSIS Graduate Advisor.

INSY 5336. PYTHON PROGRAMMING. 3 Hours.

An introductory programming course that teaches students how to solve business problems using the scripting language, Python. Students will be exposed to object-oriented programming concepts, file handling, database access, and graphical user interfaces.

INSY 5337. DATA WAREHOUSING AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE. 3 Hours.

This course covers concepts, tools, and technologies associated with the design and implementation of data warehousing (DW) and business intelligence (BI) applications. Topics covered include data warehouse architecture and infrastructure, dimensional modeling, Extraction Transformation and Loading (ETL), On Line Analytical Processing (OLAP), data quality, and planning and implementation of a DW & BI application. The course objectives are met through a combination of lectures, class projects and homework assignments. Hands-on experience in developing and deploying a DW & BI application is provided. Prerequisite: INSY 5335 or consent of graduate advisor.

INSY 5339. PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS DATA MINING. 3 Hours.

This course will cover the foundations of business data mining. It will examine tools and techniques from the fields of machine learning and statistics used in practical data mining for finding, and describing, structural patterns in data. Topics may include: Knowledge representation and different types of data; Techniques for data pre-processing, cleaning, reduction, transformation, and visualization; Methods for Classification, Clustering, and Association Rules, including Decision Trees, Rules, Naive Bayes, k Nearest Neighbor, Neural Networks, Regression (linear & logistic), A-Priori, K-means, and hierarchical and density-based clustering; Performance evaluation of data mining algorithms using metrics. This course uses real world data sets and widely used statistical packages and programming languages. Prerequisite: BSTAT 5325 or equivalent. May be taken concurrently.

INSY 5340. MANAGING THE DIGITAL ENTERPRISE. 3 Hours.

This course examines a wide variety of topics important to understanding and managing the Digital Enterprise. Topics may include: Internet infrastructure and related technologies; e-business models; security; ethical, legal, global, and social concerns; and managerial and marketing issues.

INSY 5341. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN. 3 Hours.

Analysis and design phase of systems development life cycle. Topics include systems survey, functional specification, interface specification, data design, program design, system testing, and implementation. Prerequisite: INSY 5335.

INSY 5342. ADVANCED SYSTEMS DESIGN. 3 Hours.

This course provides an understanding of state-of-the-art software development methodologies, including those that are fast emerging. The focus will be on how these new methods differ from traditional practices and what research opportunities they afford to IS researchers. There will be a strong emphasis on technical as well as on socio-technical aspects of software development in the context of these new methodologies. Prerequisite: INSY 5341.

INSY 5343. DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING. 3 Hours.

Technological and managerial issues related to design, operation and maintenance of computer networks. Topics include communication architectures and protocols, LANs and WANs, ATM and frame relay, cellular and satellite communication, the World Wide Web, the Internet, and electronic commerce.

INSY 5345. CLOUD COMPUTING - THEORY AND PRACTICE. 3 Hours.

Cloud Computing has become an important component in Digital Transformation and Analytics. This course covers technical aspects of Cloud Computing including Software Defined Networking, Virtual Machines, Data Storage, Cybersecurity, APIs, Load Balancing, Auto-Scaling, Containers, etc. In addition to learning concepts, students will also obtain the highly demanded technical skills through hands-on assignments using a major Cloud provider's environment (a base for Cloud certifications). Business aspects from the Cloud providers' and users' perspectives will also be addressed. Prerequisite: INSY 5336 or equivalent. May be taken concurrently.

INSY 5346. BUSINESS INNOVATION THROUGH BLOCKCHAIN TECHNNOLOGY. 3 Hours.

This course covers topics on components of blockchains, cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, tokens, and blockchain governance. Issues such as whether, how, and why businesses in a variety of industries are exploring Blockchain technology to devise potentially disruptive business strategies are also discussed.

INSY 5347. PRINCIPLES OF INFORMATION SECURITY. 3 Hours.

Starting with an introduction to Information Security concepts, this course will address security terminology, history, management, technology and practice based on the Security Domains specified by ISC2. The course will address strategies and tools, managerial, technological, legal, ethical and operational issues related to Information Security. Topics in developing Security Blueprint, Incidence Response, Business Continuity planning and Disaster Recovery will be addressed. Prerequisite: INSY 5343.

INSY 5350. HEALTH CARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Addresses issues in the development, integration, and management of health care information systems. Specifically, topics in financial information systems, patient care systems, and health care delivery applications will be discussed. Both case studies and real life applications will be studied. Prerequisite: Cohort HCAD Major.

INSY 5352. TOPICS IN OBJECT TECHNOLOGY. 3 Hours.

Coverage of current topics in Object Technology to include the study of object-oriented agents, components, object request Brokers, distributed objects and related implementations of object-oriented software. Also includes the study of design patterns in object-oriented software design. Prerequisite: INSY 5309.

INSY 5357. ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING. 3 Hours.

An introduction to enterprise resource planning (ERP), a business management paradigm that integrates all facets of the business, including planning, manufacturing, sales, finance and marketing. Course will cover both the methodology and practice of ERP using commercial software packages.

INSY 5360. COMPUTATIONAL TECHNIQUES FOR BUSINESS ANALYTICS. 3 Hours.

Computer software is the primary analytical tool for business analytics and modern research methods. Data analysts, statisticians, and researchers need technologies and skills using the computer as a tool for structuring and cleaning data sets, creating validation samples, conducting analyses, fitting models, simulating stochastic systems, model validation, and model presentation. Emphasis is placed on the use of data analytic software. Cross-listed with INSY 5360. Prerequisite: BSTAT 5325 or equivalent.

INSY 5373. INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to the concepts and practices of project management and their importance to improving the success of information technology projects. Distinct aspects or characteristics of IT projects which cause these projects to behave differently in the corporate world than do other, non-technical, projects will be discussed.

INSY 5375. MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. 3 Hours.

This course covers topics on the management of information technologies (IT) from the view point of senior managers. Subjects discussed include the strategic role of IT to gain competitive advantage, Internet-based business models, building a lean and agile organization through IT, managing IT security and reliability, evolving models of IT service delivery, such as cloud computing and open source, management of outsourcing, IT governance, and ethical issues in the digital era. In addition to classroom lectures, the course relies heavily on case analysis and discussion to provide a real world perspective of issues related to IT management.

INSY 5376. BIG DATA ANALYTICS. 3 Hours.

This course addresses the concepts and principles of Big Data and how Big Data can be used in the Enterprise. The course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of Big Data Analytics and its role in making better decisions and predictions in the organization. The course also covers the Technology, Infrastructure and Applications of Big Data. Concepts of data identification, data cleansing and integration are also addressed. Software and Application requirements of Big Data are addressed and case studies of Big Data Applications are discussed. Prerequisite: INSY 5378.

INSY 5377. WEB AND SOCIAL ANALYTICS. 3 Hours.

This course introduces the concepts, techniques, and tools of collecting and analyzing digital data on how users interface with an organization through the web and social media. The Internet and mobile technologies provide the vast sources of user data that describe or imply their behaviors, experiences, and attitudes. Analyzing these web (click) stream data and social media data serves the purposes of strengthening customer relationship management, improving online marketing (e.g. advertising, recommendation, pricing), and increasing the bottom line. The course will consist of lectures, case studies, hands-on exercises, and projects. Prerequisite: BSTAT 5325 or equivalent.

INSY 5378. DATA SCIENCE: A PROGRAMMING APPROACH. 3 Hours.

The world is awash in data and companies are now trying to discern patterns and predict behaviors of both consumers and competitors to gain and sustain a competitive advantage. The unstructured nature of data as well as the myriad sources they come from make it particularly challenging for companies to systematically capture, cleanse, store, and analyze the data. Python is a simple yet powerful language that has a rich ecosystem to facilitate the analysis of such complex data. The aim of this course is to acquaint students with aspects of the Python language that are necessary to effectively function as a data scientist. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be familiar with data structures and programming constructs in the Python language, accessing data from files and databases, Market-Basket Analysis, Text Analytics, and Map-Reduce. Prerequisite: INSY 5336 and INSY 5339.

INSY 5379. BUSINESS ANALYTICS CAPSTONE PROJECT. 3 Hours.

This is a hands-on, project-oriented course that gives students an opportunity to engage with the business community and apply their learning to a real-world problem. Students will draw on their repertoire of analytical to develop an appropriate solution to a problem faced by an organization. In addition to preparing a detailed report, students will present their findings to faculty and/or members of the business community. The course places considerable emphasis on problem-solving as well as on written and oral communication skills. Prerequisite: INSY 5378.

INSY 5380. SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS. 3 Hours.

The enormous amount of data being generated by social networking sites as well as social media has the potential to provide insights into the behaviors of people and/or organizations. The course covers various aspects of social network analysis (SNA), including computation of structural characteristics of a network, analysis of ego and complete networks, position and role analysis, and statistical methods used in testing hypotheses related to social networks. In addition to covering the theoretical underpinnings of social networks, the course also emphasizes the analysis of real-world social network data using popular software applications/languages.

INSY 5382. INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Extensive analysis of an information systems topic.

INSY 5392. SELECTED TOPICS IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

In-depth study of selected topics in information systems. May be repeated when topics vary.

INSY 5398. THESIS. 3 Hours.

Graded F,R,P.

INSY 5399. GRADUATE INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTERNSHIP. 3 Hours.

Practical training in information systems. Analysis of theory applied to real life situations. Course counts as an elective and has a pass/fail grade. No credit will be given for previous experience or activities.

INSY 5698. THESIS. 6 Hours.

Graded F, R, P.

INSY 6182. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 1 Hour.

Doctoral level study of information systems topics. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

INSY 6301. SEMINAR IN RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS. 3 Hours.

Integrative analysis of research in information systems, including research philosophies and methodologies, contemporary research topics, dissertation research and future directions for information systems research. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

INSY 6306. SEMINAR IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. 3 Hours.

Focuses on contemporary technology issues in IS development and deployment. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing and INSY 6301.

INSY 6307. SEMINAR IN IS MANAGEMENT. 3 Hours.

Focuses on managerial and organizational issues in IS. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing and INSY 6301.

INSY 6382. INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Extensive analysis of an information systems topic.

INSY 6392. SELECTED TOPICS IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Advanced doctoral level topics in Information Systems. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.