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Degrees

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS CONCENTRATION
Associate in Science Degree

Objectives:

Content

  1. To acquaint the student with selected programming languages and applications packages.

  2. To acquaint the student with the syntax used in selected programming languages.

  3. To acquaint the student with computer program design using both object-oriented methodology and top-down structured methodology.

  4. To acquaint the student with the practical uses of programming languages and applications packages.

  5. To provide students with the mathematical background needed to work in a computer programming environment.

  6. To provide students with the mathematical background needed for transfer to bachelor's degree studies in a similar major.

  7. To provide the student with foundation knowledge of the principles used in the field of Management Information Systems regarding computer systems, telecommunications, electronic commerce, security, privacy, and ethical considerations.

Essential Skills

  1. To develop programming skills of each student to a level of mastery that will allow him or her to quickly adapt to working with programming languages and applications packages other than those covered.

  2. To develop the skills needed to determine which computer application program or programming language would best suit a particular task.

  3. To develop logical and step-by-step thinking skills in order to develop, write, and debug programs.

Information Resources

Information resources used by CIS students include any of the following:

  • Internet resources can be used to acquire:
    • programming Development Kits (compilers, interpreters, documentation, sample code),
    • Integrated Development Environments/IDEs (source program editor that interfaces with a compiler),
    • Vendor-supplied service packs (bug fixes),
    • Programming language tutorials
    • Product updates and announcements.
  • Library resources (print) can be used for supplemental instructional and reference texts for programming and application packages/office suites.
  • Library resources (non-print) can be used for computer based tutorials in programming and application packages.

Degree Information

The aim of this curriculum is to provide a conceptual and practical basis for the understanding and application of modern computer information systems. Theoretical principles acquired in the formal class sessions are refined and become usable skills through the utilization of the College's computer laboratories. Over the course of this program, each element of a computer information system will be explored.

From this curriculum, students can progress in either of two directions. Those who wish to continue their education will find they have acquired an excellent foundation for further study in Computer Information Systems or other related fields. Students who intend to work with computers professionally upon graduation will find Lackawanna's program has given them the experience they need to succeed in a highly competitive market.

Recommended Course of Study

First Semester
Principles of Accounting I 
College Writing * 
College Algebra *  
Introduction to Computer Applications
or Computer Apps II
Visual BASIC Programming
Self-Dev. (1cr)  

Second Semester
Principles of Accounting II
Introduction to Literature
Introduction to Psychology*
Pre-Calculus
C++ Programming
Self-Dev.(1cr)

Third Semester  
Introductory Stat & Data Analysis
Management Information Systems  
JAVA Programming
Applied Ethics *
Global History Elective

Fourth Semester
Effective Speaking
Database Management Systems
Computerized Spreadsheets
Natural Science Elective
Elective

*Developmental courses may be required as prerequisites

**Courses listed in blue are described below. Other course descriptions are listed with Core Requirements

Course Descriptions

CIS 105 (Formerly IS 100) - Introduction to Computer Applications

This course covers the basic features and functions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. Topics for Word focus on creating, editing, and formatting documents. Formulas, formatting, and charting are covered in Excel. Database creation, table structure, and queries are treated in Access. Keyboarding proficiency is developed by completing computer-based lessons. (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.

CIS 110 (Formerly IS 108) - Word Processing

This course is an introduction to the basics of word processing on IBM-compatible microcomputers. Students will be introduced to entering, editing and formatting text, with exercises to provide practice in learning these skills. Search and replace, page and line formatting, and spell checking are among the features to be covered. More advanced features, such as macros and merge, will also be presented (3 Credits). Prerequisite: Keyboarding proficiency. Click here to view course objectives.

CIS 115 (Formerly IS 110) – Computer Applications II

This three-credit course builds upon a student’s understanding of the basic features and options in Microsoft Office applications. The course focuses on the more complex and advanced capabilities of Word, Excel, Access and introduces presentation software (PowerPoint) concepts. Students will learn to create integrated documents upon completion of selected lessons culminating in a final project utilizing all applications.Click here to view course objectives.

CIS 128 (Formerly IS 105) – Visual Basic Programming

This course serves to introduce students to the fundamentals of Windows and Microsoft Visual Basic programming and forms the foundation for further study of the material presented. Each student independently writes, tests, documents, and debugs Visual Basic programs for a GUI environment. Concepts covered include: forms, controls, loops, selection, data types, variables, multiple forms, menus, data controls, general procedures, and drag and drop events (3 credits). Click here to view course objectives.

CIS 205 (Formerly IS 202) - Management Information Systems

This course examines the role of computers in facilitating an organization's business activities and the role of the end-user in the development and operation of information systems. Subject areas include: end-user computing, data communications, systems theory and management of computer resources. Additionally, students will get "hands-on" experience working with microcomputer hardware and software using Microsoft Windows spreadsheet software (3 Credits). Prerequisite: CIS 105. Click here to view course objectives.

CIS 228 (Formerly IS 205) – Introduction to Java Programming

This course is an introduction to the Java programming language. Topics covered include the organization of a Java program, concepts and techniques of object-oriented programming, the structure and syntax of the language, data types, assignments, logical flow, arithmetic statements, applet basics, and conditionals. Each student will independently write, test, document, and debug Java programs in the Windows 98 programming environment. (3 Credits). Prerequisite: IS100 may be taken during the same semester as IS205. This course is only offered in Fall semesters and may not be taken for reader course credit. Click here to view course objectives.

CIS 210 (Formerly IS 210) - Computerized Spreadsheets

Spreadsheet concepts are presented and developed using hands-on projects through the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software. Topics included are: building and editing worksheets, formatting, charts, formulas and functions, macros, list data, pivot tables, and exchanging data with other programs. Classes are conducted in a computer lab setting and extensive computer lab work is required (3 Credits). Prerequisite: CIS 105. Click here to view course objectives.

CIS 235 (Formerly IS 213) – C++ Programming

This course is an introduction to microcomputer programming using the C++ programming language. Emphasis is placed on the development of problem-solving techniques using a high-level, object-oriented programming language (3 Credits). Prerequisite: CIS105 and CIS128. This course is offered only in the Spring semester. Click here to view course objectives.

CIS 240 (Formerly IS 215) – Microcomputer Database Management Systems

Database concepts are presented and developed in a computer lab environment with hands-on projects using the Microsoft Access for Windows Database Management System. Topics included are: creating a table, constructing queries, relating tables, database integrity, designing and using forms for database access, designing reports for data retrieval, maintaining a database, and using macros to automate tasks (3 Credits). Prerequisite: CIS105. CIS240 may not be taken during the same semester as CIS105. This course may not be taken for reader course credit. Click here to view course objectives.

CIS 250 (Formerly IS 250) – Biotechnical Software Programs

This course covers the computer programs of more progressive laboratory instrumentation. Students will be instructed in the use of these programs to produce data (3 Credits). Prerequisites: CIS 105, MAT 135

Additional Information

  • The aim of this curriculum is to provide a conceptual and practical basis for the understanding and application of modern computer information systems.
  • Theoretical principles acquired in the formal class sessions are refined and become usable skills through the utilization of the College's computer laboratories.
  • Over the course of this program, each element of a computer information system will be explored.