Syllabus
CIS 110 - Principles of Information Systems
Sections
Days Time Room Units
All On-Line On-Line On-Line 4

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Applications of computerized systems in business organizations. Basic concepts of computer organization, data processing systems, decision support systems and systems analysis. The lab portion of the class consists of hands-on problem solving using software applications including spreadsheets and databases.

This course is articulated with SDSU IDS 180 and covers the same material which is presented in that course.

This is a 4 unit class structured as 3 uints lecture and 3 units lab which totals 96 hours.

COURSE OBJECTIVES (Expected Student Learning Outcomes)

  1. Describe the differences between various types of information systems, and explain the importance of determining information system requirements for all management levels.
  2. Use the system development life cycle to describe how information systems are use to solve business problems.
  3. Describe and provide examples of how the computer revolution has affected the way business is conducted in the modern era.
  4. Investigate and apply effective hardware and software techniques for solving information system problems.
  5. Describe the components and functions of computer systems, including both hardware and software.
  6. Describe the advances in networking, data communications, and the Internet, and explain how they affect the way business is conducted.
  7. Identify and use information technology tools to solve various business problems.
  8. Use modern productivity tools (i.e. spreadsheet, database) or custom programs to solve business problems.
  9. Describe the ethical and social implications of using information technology within the context of the information systems industry.

View Course Requirements - (Student Responsibilities, Assignments, Grading)

Required Text & Materials - (available in the college bookstore )

Software

If you are using a computer from an off-campus location you will need the following software installed on your system.

  • Operating System - Windows XP or Windows Vista or Windows 7
    CIS students can download a free copy of Windows XP Pro or Windows 7 from the MSDNAA program.
     
  • Applications
    Microsoft Access 2007 & Microsoft Excel 2007
    A 180 day Trial version of Office 2007 can be purchased from the bookstore. The cost is about $20. If you only need Access 2007 then you can obtain a full unlimited copy at no cost via the MSDNAA program.
    Office 2010
    Excel 2010 is not supported in this class. Assignments submitted using Excel 2010 may not receive full credit. Access 2010 file cannot be graded because they cannot be opened to grade using Access 2007. Office 2010 will be supported in spring 2011. If you do not have Excel 2007 and Access 2007 then you can use the college open computer labs to complete your assignments.
    Office 2003
    Office 2003 and earlier versions of Office lack features required to complete assignments in this class and are not supported.

Tutoring & Training

  • Video demos are provided for the difficult application topics. They are available via the links in the Excel and Access assignment pages. If you need additional tutoring then please contact me. I provide support for this class by providing online video demos and scheduled personal tutoring on campus.
  • Myitlab software provides tutoring and additional training in application skills needed to be successful in this class. The software is included in new book bundles. If you purchase a used book bundle then you can purchase a copy directly from the publisher via the link on the books page.

Other Requirements

  • Storage to backup your work such as a USB Pen Drive 128MB or larger (about $5 - requires a USB port)
  • Reliable computer
  • Reliable Internet connection
  • Email account where you regularly check for mail
  • A backup plan to use when you have a problem with your system
  • See the additional requirements for online students listed in the orientation

The legal stuff
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalog.
For further information, see the Academic Policies stated in the catalog.

 Updated 08/29/10