For those looking to understand the backbone of modern business operations, Information Systems (IS) stands as a critical field. At the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, the I S 300 Introduction to Information Systems course serves as the cornerstone for students venturing into this dynamic domain. This course is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive overview of what information systems are, their profound impact on organizations, and the technical and organizational principles that underpin them.
What to Expect from I S 300: Introduction to Information Systems
I S 300 is more than just an introductory course; it’s an immersive experience into the world of information systems. The curriculum is structured to equip students with a foundational understanding of how technology integrates with business processes to drive efficiency and strategic decision-making.
The course delves into:
- Fundamentals of Information Systems: Students will learn the core concepts defining information systems, exploring their evolution and significance in today’s business landscape.
- Organizational Impact: A key focus is understanding how information systems revolutionize organizational structures, workflows, and competitive strategies.
- Technical and Organizational Foundations: The course bridges the gap between technology and management, covering both the technical infrastructure of IS and the organizational frameworks necessary for successful implementation and utilization.
- Building Information Systems: Students gain insights into the processes involved in developing and deploying information systems, from initial planning to execution.
- Managing Information System Resources: Effective management of IS resources is crucial for organizational success. This module explores strategies for optimizing resources, ensuring security, and adapting to technological advancements.
A significant component of I S 300 is its laboratory sessions. These hands-on labs are designed to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills. Students will utilize computers to:
- Analyze complex organizational scenarios.
- Coordinate data and information effectively.
- Solve real-world organizational decision-making problems.
This practical approach ensures that students not only understand the concepts but can also apply them in a business context.
Prerequisites and Course Details for I S 300
To enroll in I S 300, students need to have a solid foundation in related subjects. The prerequisites include:
- ACCTG 225: Principles of Accounting
- ECON 200: Introduction to Economics
- Mathematics Proficiency: Demonstrated through completion of courses like MATH 112, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 134, MATH 135, or Q SCI 291.
- Quantitative Skills: Achieved through courses such as ECON 311, IND E 315, QMETH 201, Q SCI 291, Q SCI 381, PSYCH 315, PSYCH 318, STAT 220, STAT 221/SOC 221/CS&SS 221, STAT 311, or STAT 390.
Important Notes:
- Course Credit: I S 300 is a 5-credit course.
- Repeat Policy: The course cannot be repeated for credit.
- Offered: Available during Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer quarters (AWSpS).
For detailed course specifics, you can view the course details in MyPlan: I S 300 Course Details.
Building Upon Is 300: Further Courses in Information Systems
Upon mastering the fundamentals in I S 300, students can progress to more specialized courses within the Information Systems department at the Foster School of Business. Here’s a glimpse into the subsequent courses that build upon the foundational knowledge gained in I S 300:
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I S 305 Essentials of Business Finance and Information Systems (5) RSN: This course bridges information systems with business finance, covering data analytics and corporate finance fundamentals. Notably, it cannot be taken for credit if you’ve already completed FIN 350 or I S 300, highlighting its alternative introductory nature. View I S 305 Details
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I S 310 Fundamentals of Business Information Technologies (4): Delving deeper into technology, this course explores programming concepts, data modeling, database management, and XML, expanding on the technical aspects introduced in I S 300. Prerequisite: I S 300. View I S 310 Details
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I S 320 Fundamentals of Application Programming (4): Focusing on practical application development, this course introduces fundamental programming concepts and event-driven programming, building on the foundational understanding from I S 300. Prerequisite: I S 300 (may be taken concurrently). View I S 320 Details
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I S 410 Networks and Cybersecurity (4): As you advance, I S 410 addresses the critical aspects of business data communication networks and cybersecurity, covering network architecture, protocols, cloud computing, and security measures. Prerequisite: I S 300 (may be taken concurrently). View I S 410 Details
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I S 445 Database Management (4): For those interested in data management, I S 445 examines database processing, design, development, and administration, including hands-on SQL practice. Prerequisite: I S 320 (may be taken concurrently). View I S 445 Details
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I S 451 Business Data Analytics (4): In today’s data-driven world, I S 451 introduces business data analytics concepts and techniques, including data mining, classification, and regression. Prerequisite: I S 300 and OPMGT 301. View I S 451 Details
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I S 460 Systems Analysis and Design (4): Focusing on the development lifecycle, I S 460 concentrates on the analysis phase of systems development, covering feasibility studies and logical system models. Prerequisite: I S 410 and I S 445 (may be taken concurrently). View I S 460 Details
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I S 461 Systems Implementation (4): The practical culmination, I S 461 integrates knowledge from previous courses to develop business information systems, covering project management, system design, and implementation. Prerequisite: I S 445 and I S 460. View I S 461 Details
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I S 490 Selected Topics in Information Systems (1-6, max. 12): For specialized interests, I S 490 offers varying topics of current relevance in information systems, allowing for deeper exploration in areas like AI, networks, and system development. Prerequisite: I S 320. View I S 490 Details
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I S 495 Practical Experience in Information Systems (1-4, max. 8): Gain real-world experience through internships and mentorships with I S 495, applying your academic knowledge in practical settings. View I S 495 Details
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I S 499 Undergraduate Research (1-6, max. 12): For students inclined towards research, I S 499 provides an opportunity to delve into selected problems in information systems and computer applications. View I S 499 Details
Graduate Level Information Systems Courses
The Foster School of Business also offers advanced IS courses at the graduate level, providing opportunities for deeper specialization:
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I S 500 Data Management for Analytics (2): An introduction to relational database systems and SQL, focusing on retrieving and utilizing data for analytical insights. Offered: Spring (Sp). View I S 500 Details
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I S 504 Computer-Based Information Systems for Management (3): This course introduces information systems and computer technology in the context of management decision-making, emphasizing the use of tools like spreadsheets and databases. View I S 504 Details
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I S 530 Management of Information Systems Resources (4): Focusing on the managerial aspects, I S 530 covers topics such as performance evaluation of data processing managers, technology trends, software cost estimation, and capacity planning. Prerequisite: B A 501 or I S 504 or equivalent. View I S 530 Details
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I S 545 Database Systems and Applications (4): A deeper dive into database systems, covering logical data models, SQL, conceptual modeling, web-connected databases, and data warehousing, with a focus on business data management. Prerequisite: B A 502 or I S 504. View I S 545 Details
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I S 560 Information Systems Development (4): Offering a comprehensive look at systems development, including user requirements analysis, system models, implementation, and project management, with a focus on object-oriented approaches and online environments. Prerequisite: B A 501 or permission of instructor. View I S 560 Details
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I S 570 Business Data Communications and Networking (4): Covering networking basics, internet services, client-server architecture, networking protocols, and network security, blending technical, operational, and management perspectives. Prerequisite: B A 502 or I S 504. View I S 570 Details
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I S 579 Selected Topics in Information Systems (2/4, max. 12): Similar to the undergraduate course, I S 579 at the graduate level offers current topics in information systems, allowing for advanced exploration in specialized areas. Prerequisite: B A 501 or I S 504 or permission of instructor. View I S 579 Details
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I S 580 Advanced Research Topics in Information Systems I (4, max. 12), I S 581 Advanced Research Topics in Information Systems II (4, max. 12), I S 582 Advanced Research Topics in Information Systems III (4, max. 12): These advanced courses are designed for doctoral students, focusing on research problems, techniques, and current topics in information systems. Prerequisites vary and include doctoral student status or instructor permission. View I S 580 Details, View I S 581 Details, View I S 582 Details
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I S 599 Doctoral Seminar (1, max. 12): An advanced seminar for doctoral students, covering unpublished research areas and conducted by visiting professors and faculty. Prerequisite: doctoral student status. View I S 599 Details
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I S 600 Independent Study or Research (*-): For individualized study or research in information systems. View I S 600 Details
Conclusion
I S 300 Introduction to Information Systems at the University of Washington Foster School of Business is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in understanding how information systems drive modern organizations. It not only provides essential theoretical knowledge but also crucial practical skills, setting the stage for more advanced studies and a successful career in the rapidly evolving field of Information Systems. Whether you are an undergraduate just beginning your academic journey or a graduate student looking to specialize, the IS program at UW Foster offers a robust curriculum tailored to meet your needs and career aspirations.
