Academic Calendar 2024/25

Computer Information Systems


English language proficiency requirements

Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the English language entrance proficiency requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the University Foundations program with lower levels of language proficiency.

Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.

CIS 100

3 credits

Introduction to Computers and Digital Technologies

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Hands-on approach to learning the basics of operating systems, file management, knowledge management, cloud computing, and communications technology. Learn software skills relevant to student success in other courses, such as word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, and graphics.

CIS 110

3 credits

Computerized Business Applications and MIS

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course covers understanding, application, and advanced skill development in spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and word-processing, integrated with an introduction to Management Information Systems (MIS). Emphasis is on problem solving and integration of software applications within a MIS context.

Note: This course is offered as CIS 110 and BUS 160. Students may take only one of these for credit.

CIS 145

3 credits

Web Publishing

Prerequisite(s): Competent in computer skills - see ‘CIS Required Skills’ section on the CIS department website for details.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

In this course, students will design, organize, publish, and maintain a basic website using HTML. They will also learn scripting, how to apply multimedia plug-ins, and cascading style sheets. This course is intended for students with no prior knowledge of HTML.

CIS 190

3 credits

Systems Hardware Concepts

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: C or better in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Pre-calculus 11, or MATH 085; or one of Principles of Mathematics 12, Foundations of Mathematics 12, Pre-calculus 12, or MATH 094.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Introduces students to various microcomputer components, equipment needs, and application of formal problem-solving techniques. The installation and maintenance of components such as CPUs, memory, expansion devices, communications equipment, secondary storage, and displays will be covered. Concepts such as CPU architectures, microprocessor technologies, character encoding, and number representations will also be discussed.

Note: Competency in computer skills is required. See CIS Required Skills section on the CIS department website for details.

CIS 192

4 credits

Introduction to Networking

Prerequisite(s): CIS 190, or eight credits of CIS and/or COMP.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Data network fundamentals including OSI reference model, TCP/IP protocol suite, design, physical topologies, media, infrastructure cabling standards, routers and switches. IP addressing designs are developed and implemented for small internetworks. Routing protocols are configured, analyzed, and tested.

Note: Students are required to work on self-directed exercises in our networking lab to gain hands-on experience.

CIS 221

4 credits

Principles of Information Systems Security

Prerequisite(s): COMP 150 and one of CIS 192, CIS 191, or CIS 194

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course provides an introduction to proven techniques for protecting information systems from intruders, while allowing the required access to authorized users. This course is introductory and is designed to provide an overall view of security in the modern information world. Several hands-on lab projects will be completed using Linux- and/or Windows-based computer systems.

CIS 224

4 credits

Wireless LANs in the Enterprise

Prerequisite(s): CIS 192, or CIS 193 and CIS 194

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course focuses on the design, planning, implementation, operation, and troubleshooting of Wireless LAN technologies including 802.11a/b/g, Wireless LAN security, and radio technologies and applications. Hands-on labs will be completed in the configuration of access points and bridges, antenna placement, and site surveys. This course includes the “Cisco – Fundamentals of Wireless LANs” learning objectives.

CIS 245

4 credits

Intermediate Web Programming

Prerequisite(s): CIS 145 and one of COMP 150 or COMP 152 or CIS 180

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

The objective of this course is to teach students how to program dynamic websites. Students will learn how to include programming into a working website on the world wide web using current web programming languages.

CIS 270

3 credits

Analysis and Design

Prerequisite(s): COMP 155.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): CMNS 125, CMNS 175, or ENGL 105.

An introduction to computer systems development process, covering aspects of project initiation, analysis, and design. Both classical and object-oriented techniques will be included.

CIS 285

3 credits

End User Training and Support

Prerequisite(s): CIS 190, (CIS 191 or CIS 192), (one of COMP 150, COMP 125, or COMP 152), and (one of ENGL 105 or any 100-level CMNS course [CMNS 125 is recommended]).

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

An overview of the training and support functions within Information Systems. Students will examine existing models and complete projects demonstrating their understanding of planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating training and support systems.

CIS 291

4 credits

Networking Theory and Applications

Prerequisite(s): CIS 190; and one of CIS 191, CIS 192, or CIS 194

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students will become familiar with networking concepts including networking directory service, networking file systems, network printing and network management. Students will receive practical training on the installation and integration of network operating systems, on the use of single- and multi-user systems via networking, and on the use of a variety of peripherals.

CIS 292

4 credits

Wide Area Networking

Prerequisite(s): CIS 192, or CIS 194, or permission of the instructor

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is designed to teach students the skills they will need to design, build, and maintain local area networks and wide area networks. The focus of this course is to introduce the WAN protocols, software, and hardware technologies needed to build WANs. Students will also learn about virtual LANs, LAN switching, Fast Ethernets, Frame Relay, and ISDN networking. This course also covers how to configure routers to setup different types of LANs and WANs using LAN and WAN protocols.
Note: Students with CIS 292 cannot take CIS 293 or CIS 294 for further credit.

CIS 321

4 credits

Networking Security Architecture

Prerequisite(s): CIS 292 or CIS 294

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course focuses on network security architectures, procedures, and processes. Practical hands-on skill development is provided in security system technologies, security policy design, firewall design and implementation, router security architectures, authentication and authorization systems, Intrusion detection, and VPNs. This course will include the “Cisco – Fundamentals of Network Security” learning objectives.

CIS 341

3 credits

System Administration

Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to the CIS degree program. (Students accepted to a CIS or Computing Science minor may register with permission of the department.)

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): CIS 291 and COMP 340 recommended.

This course will teach students how to plan, install, configure, performance tune, and administer a multi-user Unix/Linux-based system.

CIS 385

3 credits

Project Management

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: CIS 270, CIS 291, or admission to the Data Analysis Post-degree certificate program.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is designed to complement existing information technology knowledge, skills, and experience with the project management skills required to effectively manage development projects that involve computer hardware, computer software, and telecommunications technology.

CIS 386

3 credits

Human Computer Interaction

Prerequisite(s): CIS 285. Acceptance to the CIS degree program. (Students accepted in Computing Science minor may register with permission of the department.)

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors engineering, and Ergonomics are overlapping domains concerned with the study of human capabilities and limitations and their relationship to things, processes, and work environments. This course provides a broad overview of these fields with an emphasis on HCI. Key topics include human-computer interface development, user-centered design, and usability evaluation. Students learn principles of work and system design that help to improve system performance and reliability.

CIS 392

4 credits

Internetworking

Prerequisite(s): CIS 292, or CIS 294, or CCNA certification and permission of instructor.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course provides advanced Routed Internetwork knowledge. Students will learn how to install, configure, and troubleshoot complex Internetworks as found in medium to large organisations. Topics include routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and RIP and advanced IP address management techniques in large scaleable networked environments. Other related topics include traffic management with access control lists, redundant default gateways, and the related security issues when routing between multiple autonomous systems.

CIS 394

4 credits

High Availability Networks

Prerequisite(s): CIS 292, or CIS 294, or current CCNA certification and permission of instructor.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Advanced switched network principles as used in modern-day campus LANs are presented. Hands-on exercises will be used to develop skill in a variety of topic areas including VLANS, inter-VLAN routing, VTP, STP, multi-layer switching, redundant fault tolerance design, and QoS. Campus LAN security and support for emerging LAN services including VOIP and streaming audio/video applications will be explored. This course will include the Cisco CCNP Semester 3 learning objectives.

CIS 395

3 credits

Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure

Prerequisite(s): CIS 291 or CIS 292

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course introduces how the technologies of virtualization on servers, storage, networks, desktops, and applications work and how they could be used to build a cloud infrastructure. Cloud reference architecture, service models, deployment models, and security will also be discussed.

CIS 440

3 credits

Project

Prerequisite(s): Last semester of BCIS degree program, departmental approval of a project proposal in the semester prior to taking the course. Students should consult the CIS website under "Current Students" for details

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Each student, with the guidance of a faculty advisor, will complete and present a self-directed project demonstrating the skills and knowledge obtained in the CIS program. Students must submit an acceptable project proposal in the semester prior to taking CIS 440. Students should consult the CIS web site for current details about the proposal and the course requirements.

CIS 480

3 credits

Decision Support Systems

Prerequisite(s): COMP 251 and one of the following: STAT 106 (formerly MATH 106) or MATH 270/STAT 270.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course explores topics in computer-based Decision Support Systems with a focus on the application of information technology to the solution of management problems. Topics include Management Support Systems, Business Intelligence, decision making systems, and intelligent systems.

CIS 485

3 credits

Ethics & Other Management Issues in Information Systems

Prerequisite(s): CIS 385

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Issues related to the management of information technology within organizations will be discussed. Topics will include legal, ethical, and managerial issues pertaining to the impact of automation on organizations. Various models related to the management of information technology will be discussed, and the application to the solution of business problems will be illustrated through case studies. Students will be expected to research and present topics.

CIS 495

3 credits

Advanced Topics in Computer Systems

Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to CIS degree program and 9 upper-level CIS or COMP credits. (Students accepted to a CIS or Computing Science minor may register with permission of the department.)

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This advanced topics course is designed to provide study of the latest up-to-date technologies and issues in computer systems. Topics may be drawn from new technologies and issues in areas such as operating systems, databases, hardware, data communications, computer security, multimedia, computer ethics and management, and others. Topics will vary depending on semester and instructor. Students should consult the department for current offerings.

CIS 496

3 credits

Advanced Topics in Computer Applications

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems and 9 credits of 300-level and above CIS or COMP. Note: Students accepted to a CIS or Computing Science minor may register with permission of the department.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

This course examines up-to-date technologies and issues in computer information systems applications. Topics may include artificial intelligence, application programming, advanced web site design, e-commerce, object-oriented technology, user interface design, computer graphics, CASE tools, and others.

Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics. This course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs.

CIS 497

3 credits

Advanced Topics in Information Security

Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to the CIS degree program. (Students accepted to a CIS or Computing Science minor may register with permission of the department). Other prerequisites determined by instructor and topic.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This advanced topics course is designed to provide study of the latest up-to-date technologies and issues in information security not covered in other courses. Topics may be drawn from areas such as physical and network security, secure programming, policies and ethics, intrusion detection, OS hardening, cryptography, cultural issues, forensic issues and others. Topics will vary depending on semester and instructor. Students should consult the department for current offerings.

Last updated: May 14, 2024

Current Students

s