SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE SYLLABUS
CS13 (CST111)

I.	COURSE TITLE:
	Introduction to Information Technology

		
II.	CATALOG DESCRIPTION 2006-2008
Survey of concepts and applications of information technology. Introduces role of information technol¬ogy in solving business problems and supporting organizational functions. Explores organizational structure of modern enterprise and role of informa¬tion technology within this structure. Introduces major components of information technology and its broad applications through various case studies. Explains need for information technology analyst to understand business-level objectives needed to provide appropriate technology solutions to achieve those goals. Course cannot be applied to satisfaction of a Liberal Arts and Science elective in any cur¬riculum or of graduation requirements in Computer Science curriculum at SCCC. No prerequisite.


III.	COURSE GOALS




IV.	STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
	At the conclusion of this course the students will be able to:
•	Recognize and classify information systems encountered in everyday life and in the business world.
•	Be familiar with the ethical issues and choices associated with the impact of information technology, particularly privacy and information privacy.
•	Distinguish the relative advantages and disadvantages of various computer architectures for various situations.
•	Recognize and define common terms and phrases used in the information technology field.
•	Be familiar with how computer hardware, telecommunications, networking, and the Internet function.
•	Be familiar with the different forms and functions of electronic business, including electronic document interchange (EDI), electronic commerce, and other forms of electronic business exchanges over the Internet and other networks.
•	Be familiar with security issues involved in general information technology and, in particular, with Internet security issues.


V.	Topics Outlines with Timeline:
1.		Computer hardware including:
a.	Various input and output devices
b.	Central processing unit (CPU)
c.	Telecommunications devices
d.	Networking devices
2.	Computer software including:
a.	System software, including the functions and various types of operating systems and the concept of device drivers and utilities
b.	Application software, including the concept of office suites and the various categories of business information systems (including transaction processing systems, decision support systems, and expert systems)
c.	Ways of acquiring software or the use of software (including purchasing a package, customization, outsourcing, hosting (application service providers), etc.)
3.	Telecommunications and networking
a.	Various topologies (star, bus, etc.)
b.	Modem types and how they work
c.	Various wireless communications devices (microwave, satellite, etc.)
d.	Various network sizes (LAN, WAN, etc.)
4.	The Internet
a.	Structure and makeup, including protocols
b.	Internet service providers (ISPs)
c.	Features and functions, including browsers, search engines, e-mail, newsgroups, etc.
d.	World Wide Web (WWW), including Web pages, hypertext, HTML
e.	Intranets and extranets
5.	Electronic business
a.	Distinguish between electronic business and electronic commerce
b.	Various types of electronic commerce (B2B, B2C, etc.)
c.	Other business uses, such as coordinating business partners and projects, communication, customer support, etc.
d.	Effects on business (lowering costs, better and faster customer support, etc.)
6.	Security and ethical issues
a.	Ethics, codes of conduct, privacy, and information privacy
b.	Data accuracy
c.	Effects of information technology on individuals and their jobs, organizations, health and safety, and the quality of life in the larger society
d.	Vulnerability and abuse of information technology and networks, including hacking, viruses, etc.
e.	Backups and disaster recovery
7.	Functions and roles of information technology professionals
a.	Organization of a typical information technology department
b.	Functions of programmers, systems analysts, quality assurance staff, technical support staff, help desk staff, communications and networking specialists, and managers including Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
c.	System development life cycle (SDLC) phases, information system requirements, feasibility studies, prototyping, and the various systems conversion strategies
8.	HTML
a.	Creating an HTML document
b.	Formatting text
c.	Adding graphics
d.	Designing web pages


VI.	Evaluation of Student performance:
	To be determined by the instructor.
	

VII.	Programs that require this course:
Network Design and Administration - 392-1, Computer Information Systems – 392-2, Internet/Web Development – 392-3
	

VIII.	Courses that require this course as a prerequisite:
	None
	

IX.	Supporting Information: