Academics

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
AST 2-year Degree Program
Program Description & Job Opportunities
Course Listings
Course Descriptions

AC101 ACCOUNTING I (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the relationships between accounting and business and to define basic accounting terminology. Accounting is introduced as the financial language of a business and the need for following accepted accounting principles so that a business’ financial position can be appropriately evaluated. The course introduces the student to the double-entry system, journals, ledgers, trial balances, worksheets, preparation of the income statement, statement of owner’s equity, and balance sheet, adjusting, closing, and reversing entries, accounting for merchandising operations, classified financial statement formats, and ratio analysis. The sole proprietorship business entity is used throughout this course as it pertains to service-oriented and merchandising operations. Prerequisite: None.

CP211 ADVANCED OFFICE APPLICATIONS(3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
The student will be taught advanced techniques in spreadsheets and databases, building on the skills learned in earlier classes. A class project will serve as the lecture base and the individual projects will provide student interaction with spreadsheet and database applications. Additionally, students will build on their knowledge of concepts and terminology. Prerequisites: Spreadsheets and Database.

GE123 ALGEBRA (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Algebra is designed to cover basic mathematical and algebraic concepts with an emphasis on logical thinking skills. The topics that will be covered are review of decimals and fractions, basic definitions, operations with signed numbers, order of operations, simplifying algebraic expressions, evaluating algebraic expressions, manipulating and solving equations, exponents, different base systems, operations with polynominals, ratios and proportions, percentages, and word problems. This course forms the foundation for future courses in algebra, computer programming, electronics, accounting, statistics and software applications courses. Prerequisite: None.

GE143 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course is designed to refresh the student’s knowledge of math fundamentals and to apply these fundamentals in business and everyday life. The following concepts will be covered: review of percents, simple and compound interest, inventory, depreciation, payroll, cash and trade discounts, markup and markdown, banking, and related areas. Prerequisite: None

CP208 C++ PROGRAMMING (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will introduce students to the compact, efficient, portable, and popular programming language known as C++. This language is a programmer-oriented language that resembles an assembly language. Students will learn the basic structures of the language, and also reinforce the use of the program development life cycle in designing and developing programs for business applications. Structured programming and good documentation will continue to be emphasized. Prerequisite: Introduction to Programming and VisualBasic.net

CD211 CAREER PREPARATION (2.0 credits/30 clock hours)
This course supplements the on-the-job training of the internship. Individuals from the business community present material that enhances class work and the internship experience. The purpose is to help students become more professional, more self-confident, and, ultimately, more successful. Among areas covered are professional image building, ethics, sexual harassment, financial management, and health management for men and women. Sessions are held for two hours one day a week to allow time for the presentations. Prerequisite: As per the internship policy.

CP229 CLIENT OPERATING SYSTEMS (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course in Client Operating Systems will cover topics essential to the installation, configuration, and administration of operating systems such as Windows 2000 Professional. Prerequisite: Computer Fundamentals or Introduction to Computing(Accelerated) and Hardware.

CP110 CLIENT SIDE WEB PROGRAMMING (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will introduce students to the concept of client side scripting using languages such as JavaScript. Prerequisite: Web Site Design and Introduction to Programming.

CP601 COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTERNSHIP (8.0 credits/336 clock hours)
To fulfill the requirements of the internship, the student will participate throughout his/her final term in an on-the-job, work-experience program which is directly related to a computer-oriented area of business. Through hands-on computer experience under the supervision of a computer professional, the student will have the opportunity to enhance his/her education, computer skills and personal skills as well as an opportunity to observe the interaction of personnel within an employment environment. Prerequisite: As per internship policy.

CP206 COMPUTER PRESENTATIONS (2.0 credits/48 clock hours)
The course will use a problem-solving approach to teach the use of the computer for presentation purposes. The student will be able to create a business-oriented presentation, document the presentation, and deliver the presentation to an audience. The student will be introduced to the concept of integrating spreadsheets, word processing and graphics with the presentation software program. Prerequisite: Computer Fundamentals or Introduction to Computing(Accelerated), and Word Processing.

LE105 CYBERLAW (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course covers ethical and political issues pertaining to technology as it relates to the world of business. Subjects following a logical application of the legal issues surrounding e-commerce. The course will also provide an overview of the law and the legal system in order to provide context for the concepts studied. Prerequisite: None.

CP105 DATABASE (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will cover beginning and intermediate database topics. The student will learn what a database is and how it is used in business. The student will also learn how to design and build a database, tables, reports, queries and forms. General database topics such as normalization will be covered as well as features specific to Microsoft Access. Prerequisite: Computer Fundamentals or Introduction to Computing(Accelerated).

CP232 DATABASE ADMINISTRATION (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will cover advanced database topics. The student will learn how to create and manage databases including security and performance issues. Prerequisites: Database.

CP217 DATABASE PROGRAMMING (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Students will build on database concepts developed in Database and on programming skills which were developed in BASIC programming courses. Included will be designing, writing, testing, debugging, and implementing programs in a current database language. Good documentation will continue to be emphasized. Prerequisites: Database, Introduction to Programming, and VisualBasic.net.

WP207 DESKTOP PUBLISHING (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course teaches students to create professional printed materials such as brochures, forms, newsletters, reports, and booklets on the computer. Students will learn basic design and page layout skills and produce a variety of documents which incorporate text and graphics. Prerequisite: Word Processing.

CP112 E-COMMERCE (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course in Web site design and e-commerce will cover topics relating to the design of commercial web sites. Students will learn the development process and how to incorporate technologies such as multimedia and style sheets. Prerequisites: Web Site Design, UNIX/LINUX Essentials, Introduction to Programming, and Client Side Web Programming.

GE101 ECONOMICS (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic fundamentals of economics and how such knowledge can help us in understanding day to day life. We will discuss the principles of supply and demand and how these principles affect price and production in a free economy as well as in other economies. We will then discuss monetary policy and fiscal policy and their effectiveness in stabilizing our economy. We will end with a discussion of the varying degrees of competition and the subsequent effects on our economy. Prerequisite: None.

EN101 ENGLISH I (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Students will learn the current practices of effective oral and written communication skills necessary for success in business and industry. Prerequisite: None.

GE127 ENGLISH II (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Students will continue studying and practicing the four bases of writing (unity, support, coherence, correctness). Students will write paragraphs, essays, summaries of short articles, continue to write in their journals, and a write a research paper. Prerequisite: English I.

CP119 HARDWARE (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will cover microcomputer hardware terminology, upgrade, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Students will learn how to install and configure expansion cards, hard disk drives, printers and other peripheral devices. IRQs, I/O addresses, DMA channels, and conflicts will be examined in detail. Prerequisite: Computer Fundamentals or Introduction to Computing(Accelerated).

GE109 HUMAN RELATIONS (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course is designed to be an in-depth study and the building of specific skills in the area of one-to-one communication. Emphasis is placed on group dynamics, conflict resolution, dealing with diversity, and social responsibility. Prerequisite: None.

CP234 INTERNET SECURITY (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will introduce students to the world of Internet Security. Upon completion of the course students will have knowledge of the areas of general security concepts, communication security, infrastructure security, basics of cryptography and operational/organizational security. Prerequisites: Hardware, Networking Essentials or Microcomputer Systems Management.

MG202 INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course is designed to prepare the student to interact with the business world in a knowledgeable manner whether he/she owns the business, works for the business, or just deals with the business as a customer. The course will cover areas including forms of business ownership; the process of management and empowerment; the global dimensions of business; working in teams; promotional strategy; and labor/management relations. Prerequisite: None.

CP101 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING (ACCELERATED) (1.5 credits/30 clock hours)
This accelerated course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in using personal computers and the Windows XP Professional operating system. Although there are no prerequisites for this course, it is recommended that the student have prior experience with a Windows-based personal computer. Prerequisite: None.

CP100 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This beginning course in programming will introduce students to the fundamentals of computer programming including the Program Development Cycle and elements of object based programming. Prerequisite: None.

CP300 JAVA (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course in Java will teach students the fundamentals of Java including object oriented programming, packages, and applets. Students will follow the program development life cycle to create programs that reinforce the topics covered. Prerequisites: Problem Solving & Logic and Introduction to Programming.

CD204 JOB SEARCH SKILLS (1.0 credit/24 clock hours)
This course instructs students in job seeking skills. Topics such as informational interviewing, resume development, application completion and job interviewing will be covered. Students will identify work and personal skills, role-play mock interviews using the video camera, and start to develop a list of prospective employers for which they would like to work. Prerequisite: None.

KE101 KEYBOARDING I & LAB (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course is designed to teach the student correct keyboarding techniques and to help the student operate the letters, numbers, and symbols keys. Introduction to letters, memorandums, centering, tabulation, simple reports, word division, and business forms are stressed. This class will also provide time for students to increase their speed and accuracy through drill work and timed writings. Prerequisite: None.

CP218 NETWORKING ESSENTIALS (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course in Networking Essentials will familiarize students with networking concepts, terminology, theory, design, and implementation. Topics will include network topologies, components, purposes, and administration. Prerequisite: Computer Fundamentals or Introduction to Computing(Accelerated)..

PD119 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (1.0 credit/24 clock hours)
This course is designed to explore the fundamental building blocks to a student's success in school and ultimate success in the workplace. The focus is on building success through goal setting, motivation, personal responsibility, self-discovery, and change. Prerequisite: None.

MG200 PRINCIPLES OF SUPERVISION (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
Concepts of management, including basic theories, planning, controlling, organizing, staffing and training will be presented. Emphasis is placed on human relations, motivation, leadership, and communication. Preparation of budgets, time management, dealing with unions, and writing job descriptions will also be covered. Prerequisite: None.

CP102 PROBLEM SOLVING AND LOGIC (1.5 credits/30 clock hours)
This introductory course is designed to give students and understanding of the basic methods and concepts of problem solving. The course will focus on logic and critical thinking as it pertains to the problem-solving process. Topics such as deduction, induction and probabilistic reasoning will be addressed. The student will be introduced to standard design tools, such as flowcharts and the UML. Prerequisite: None.

CD212 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (2.0 credits/30 clock hours)
This course is taken concurrently with the internship. The faculty advisor and the student discuss the student’s progress at the internship site in a group setting and, for specific problems and successes, individually. Weekly reports are submitted and the experiences of the week are reviewed. In addition, classroom instruction may be given to address areas where the interns, faculty, or site supervisors feel additional work is needed. Field trips to explore different business environments and/or to expand knowledge about the area of study may be taken. Prerequisite: Taken concurrently with the internship.

CP231 SERVER OPERATING SYSTEMS (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course in server operating systems will cover topics essential to the installation, configuration, and administration of a server operating system such as Windows 2000 Server. Prerequisites: Networking Essentials, Client Operating Systems

CP111 SERVER SIDE WEB PROGRAMMING (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course in web programming will introduce students to concepts of server-side scripting using tools such as PHP, ASP, and CGI. Prerequisites: Web Site Design, UNIX/Linux Essentials, and Introduction to Programming.

CP214 SOFTWARE SURVEY (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Students will have the opportunity to install and explore a wide variety of commercial software packages in this course. The emphasis will be on independent learning, so that the students will develop the skills necessary to install, evaluate, and use software packages that they will encounter in the future. In addition, students will be required to make an oral marketing presentation on one package, and to develop and conduct a training workshop to train several other students, using that same or another software package. Prerequisites: Computer Fundamentals or Introduction to Computing(Accelerated), and Word Processing.

GE224 SPEECH (1.0 credit/24 clock hours)
This introductory course offers fundamentals in communication with emphasis on improving speaking and listening skills. This course will familiarize students with formal speech preparation, presentation skills, and nonverbal communication. Prerequisite: None.

CP104 SPREADSHEETS (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course uses a problem-solving approach to teach spreadsheet functions. The student will be introduced to beginning and intermediate level spreadsheet functions that will be used for creating, manipulating and enhancing a worksheet, for creating graphics based on the worksheet, enhancing a worksheet, integrating worksheets, and graphics. Prerequisite: Computer Fundamentals or Introduction to Computing(Accelerated).

GE206 STATISTICS (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This introductory course is designed to give the student a basic knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistics. The following areas are covered: statistical data, averages, dispersion, data display, probability, and sampling. Prerequisite: Algebra

CP203 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS & DESIGN (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course is designed to teach students who are already familiar with systems hardware, programming, and the program development cycle and software applications, how to analyze and design small and large systems. To do this, students will focus on the five components of a business information system and use a process known as the systems development life cycle. The course will also examine the changing role of the systems analyst from a designer of systems to an advisor of users. Prerequisites: Introduction to Programming, Database, and Hardware.

CP204 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS & DESIGN PROJECT (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course is designed to be taken concurrently with the Systems Analysis & Design course; it serves as the practicum for that course. As far as possible, students will be assigned an area business and work with management and users in designing system solutions, writing (or choosing) the actual software, making hardware recommendations, designing users’ guides, and (where appropriate) training users of the system. Students will document all details of the process by preparing a comprehensive, in-depth project folder. Prerequisites: Introduction to Programming, Database, Hardware, Systems Analysis & Design.

CP230 TCP/IP (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course in TCP/IP will cover topics essential to the installation, configuration, and administration of the TCP/IP protocol and the Internet Information Server software package. Prerequisites: Networking Essentials and Client Operating Systems.

GE137 TECHNICAL WRITING (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
The students will apply their English I and II experience in learning how to write effective documents for manufacturing and business. Types of documents include technical descriptions, operating procedures, and process descriptions. The students will perform usability tests and learn to improve existing documentation. Prerequisites: English I and English II, Keyboarding I, and Spreadsheets.

CP200 VISUAL BASIC.NET (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will continue to build on the concepts of the Visual Basic.NET (VB) programming language for microcomputers, which were introduced in the Introduction to Programming course. The course will focus on advanced techniques in VB; including procedures, arrays, sequential files, random access files, control break reports and graphics. Good documentation will continue to be emphasized. Prerequisite: Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving & Logic

CP225 WEB SERVER (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will introduce the student to two popular Web servers, Apache and Microsoft IIS. The student will learn how to install, configure, manage and maintain both of these applications. The course will address issues such as security, performance, virtual hosting, CGI, etc. Each student will control his/her own machine, in which he/she will install and configure the Web server software. Prerequisite: UNIX/LINUX Essentials, Web Site Design.

CP233 WEB SITE DESIGN (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course introduces Web site design using Macromedia Dreamweaver and Web graphics editing using Macromedia Fireworks. Students will learn the basic techniques of creating Web sites using Dreamweaver as well as using HTML programming code. Various methods of site design will be covered. The course will then cover intermediate and advanced Web design features, enabling students to create more dynamic, interactive and commercially viable Web pages. Students will also learn to create and edit graphs, images and animation for the Web using Fireworks. Prerequisite: Computer Fundamentals or Introduction to Computing(Accelerated).

WP202 WORD PROCESSING (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course is designed to provide students with the basic understanding of word processing keyboarding applications, concepts, and terminology. The purpose of the course is to develop an ability to use the current version of Microsoft Word for both professional use (simple business correspondence) and for personal use (report writing). Prerequisite: Keyboarding I & Lab or exemption.

CP224 UNIX/LINUX ADMINISTRATION (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will equip the student with the ability to perform basic and intermediate level system administration tasks in the UNIX/Linux operating environment. The class will take a practical hands-on approach to learning UNIX administration. Each student will be provided with his/her own workstation during class, in which they will be afforded "root" privileges. In addition, remote access to the school's UNIX server will be made available and is encouraged in order to successfully complete all assignments. RedHat Linux will be used as the primary teaching environment. However, students will also gain experience in installing and configuring Solaris. Prerequisite: Each student must have successfully completed UNIX/Linux Essentials receiving a "C-" or better, in order to enroll in this course.

CP223 UNIX/LINUX ESSENTIALS (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will equip the student with a strong functional understanding of the UNIX AND Linux operating system. The class will take a practical, hands-on approach to learning UNIX. Each student will be provided with his/her own workstation during class. In addition, remote access will be made available and is encouraged in order to successfully complete all assignments. Prerequisite: None.