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Information Science &Technology at Mercer University March 13, 2001

Information Science &Technology at Mercer University March 13, 2001. What is Information Science & Technology?. New emerging academic discipline Closely associated with computer science in that it builds upon the theoretical foundations of CSC

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Information Science &Technology at Mercer University March 13, 2001

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  1. Information Science &Technology at Mercer UniversityMarch 13, 2001

  2. What is Information Science & Technology? • New emerging academic discipline • Closely associated with computer science in that it builds upon the theoretical foundations of CSC • Provides a focus on some area such as computer networks, database development or administration, or Internet development • Emphasizes state-of-the-art tools and technology • Emphasizes integration of technology for end user

  3. Signs that IST is Developing as a New Academic Discipline • NSF has for the first time ever provided 90 million dollars for IT research • Computer Science Accreditation Commission has just recently announced preliminary criteria for such a program • IT Curriculum is being discussed at CSC Conferences such as ACM SIGCSE – Feb 21-25, 2001 • “IT Curriculum Development” • “Model Curricula for IT Schools”

  4. Differences Between IST and CSC • Computer scientist tends to build and extend underlying technology, while the information technologist tends to apply available technology to solve real-world problems • IT identifies a need for technology, CSC then creates the technology, which then IT helps people to use effectively • CSC involves more programming; IST involves more putting together of existing components with tools like Visual Basic • Information Technologist helps decide what technology is appropriate and helps deploy it

  5. Why Should We Offer an IST Major? • Recognized as an academic discipline by various organizations (CSAC, NSF) • Bring diverse academic disciplines together through technology • Builds upon the strengths of current faculty • Programming • Web development • Computer networks • Potential for attracting new students to Mercer • Lots of jobs available

  6. Our Philosophy for IST • Offered within the context of a strong liberal arts educational environment • Interdisciplinary in nature • Emphasize theoretical foundations, analysis & design throughout the program • Prepare students to be able to adapt to changing technology vs. learning only current technology • Should include equal coverage of: • Skills • Foundational concepts • Intellectual capabilities

  7. Distinctive Feature of IST Major • Offered within context of strong liberal arts environment • Housed within CSAC accredited computer science program • Offered by very qualified faculty • Designed around proposed standards for accreditation • Goal is to make students critical thinkers that are able to cope with the change that is common to technology • Emphasize theoretical foundations and design

  8. Requirements for B.S. in IST • Major • 44 hours in IST and CSC • 24 – 36 hours in IST • 7 – 20 hours in CSC • 6 hours in MAT • 6 hours in TCO • 3 hours in BUS • CLA General Ed. (42 – 50 hours) • Required minor: 15 hours • General electives: 4 – 13 hours • See www.cs.mercer.edu for course descriptions

  9. Requirements for B.A. in IST • Major • 37 hours in IST and CSC • 18 – 30 hours in IST • 7 - 16 hours in CSC • 6 hours in MAT • 3 hours in TCO • CLA General Ed. (42 – 50 hours) • 32 – 40 hours available for 2nd major or minors

  10. Requirements for Minor is IST • Minimum of 17 hours to include: • IST 126. Introduction to Information Science and Technology • At least 6 hours of IST courses numbered 300 or above • CSC 204, 205, and 206 may be used towards the 17 hours

  11. How Students May Combine Another Academic Area with IST • Minor in IST and major in another area • Major in IST (B.A.) and major in another area • Major in IST (B.S.) and Emphasis in another area

  12. Emphasis component of IST • Emphasis from other departments and schools encouraged • Potential areas for emphasis in IST: Physics, Education, Art, Music, Math • Example: Major (B.S.) in IST and emphasis in Graphic Art • Major in IT: 35 hrs in IST & CSC courses • Art Department: 9 hours of Graphic Art • Minor in Art – 15 hrs in ART • Senior Design Project in Graphic Art • Internship position in Graphic Art

  13. Schedule of Courses • Develop courses gradually • Fall, 2001 – IST 126 • Spring, 2002 – IST 126 & IST 222 • Groups of three courses offered on a rotational basis

  14. Additional Resources • New IST faculty position for fall, 2001 • Second IST faculty position for fall, 2002 • Networks Laboratory • Additional Classroom space

  15. What About the IT Professionals? • Expand certification training for IT professionals • Extend offerings to both fall and spring • Non-credit courses • Potential areas of training: • System Administration (MCSE) • Network Administration (CCNA) • Database Administration (MCDBA) • Software Development (MCSD)

  16. Undergraduate Computer-Related Programs at Mercer • Computer Science: B.S. and B.A. in CLA • Information Science and Technology: B.S. and B.A. in CLA • Computer Engineering: BSE in Engineering School • Computer Information Systems: BBA in Business School

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