Academics:  Bachelor of Science in Informatics

Introduction to fundamental web technologies with an emphasis on scripting and programming. Includes both client and server technologies. Examines effective information architecture for Web sites, information presentation on Web pages, privacy policies, and Web security. Prerequisite: CSE 142.

Advanced study of information behavior. Focuses on the user-centered approach and the research literature of human information behavior. Introduces methods for evaluating and translating the results of user behavior studies into the design of information services and systems. Prerequisite: INFO 310.

Examines the visualization of information: effects of human perception, aesthetics of information design, mechanics of visual display, and semiotics of iconography. Examples may include census, epidemiological, crime, earth satellite, and medical data in the contexts of special computer applications, user populations, and cultures. Prerequisite: CSE 143.

Advanced study of knowledge organization using classificatory structures and creation of metadata element sets for representation. Conceptual and practical foundations for creating systems for information organization and representation. The creation, application, and use of a variety of systems and techniques for information organization and representation. Prerequisites: INFO 300, INFO 320.

Introduction to value-sensitive design (VSD)—information system design that accounts for human values in a principled and comprehensive manner. Examination of existing systems from a VSD perspective. Explores VSD research methods including conceptual, technical, empirical investigations. Key values include accountability, autonomy, consent, privacy, property, trust, sustainability. Prerequisite: CSE 373.

Advanced perspectives on Database Management System (DBMS) theory, architecture, and implementation. Conceptual, logical, and physical modeling. Index structures, query optimization and performance tuning, relational algebra, transaction processing, and concurrency control. Operational databases, decision support systems, and data warehousing. Projects in database implementation and integration. Social implications of large distributed database systems. Prerequisites: INFO 340, CSE 373.

Focus on design, development, and evaluation of search engines. Theories and models in information retrieval for text and multimedia databases, Web search engines, recommendation systems, and digital libraries. Topics include language issues, data-mining, machine learning, user-profiling, visualization, user interfaces, usability. Coursework involves analytical comparisons of search engines. Prerequisite INFO 340.

Focuses on design and use of collaboration technologies to communicate, share information, and coordinate activity. Emphasis on behavioral and social aspects of adopting and using these technologies. Topics include history of work in this and related fields; collaboration support for teams, organizations, and communities. Prerequisite: INFO 310.

National and international information policy: public and private sector policy in terms of privacy, access, and exploitation; technology infrastructures and policies supporting the information industries; digital convergence and the emerging mega-industries. Prerequisite: INFO 311.

Addresses foundational issues in social aspects of information systems. Introduction to the intellectual traditions that underlie fields such computer ethics, social informatics, and value sensitive design. Format entails in-depth discussions based on careful reading of primary source texts selected by seminar participants.

Investigates the development of innovative human-centered informatics products, with emphasis on the unique challenges and opportunities in high-value information products. Includes competition, strategic planning, tactical marketing, informatics product launches, and applied infopreneurship. Teamwork to create and present plans for innovative informatics products/services. Prerequisite: either INFO 300, INFO 310, or INFO 311.

Internship in the private or public sector, as approved by faculty member. Work jointly supervised by faculty member (or approved academic sponsor) and an onsite work supervisor. Credit/no credit only. Cannot be used to satisfy Major Elective requirement, except by petition. Learn more about internships in the Informatics Student Guide.

Various topics in Informatics. Offered by visitors or resident faculty.

Readings, design projects, or research under faculty supervision. Learn more about independent study in the Informatics Student Guide.