Course Descriptions

Computer Information Systems - CIS

General Information

Unless stated otherwise, all courses are non-repeatable except under certain conditions.

Open Enrollment

It is the policy of West Hills College Lemoore, unless specifically exempted by statute, that every course section or class, the average daily attendance of which is to be reported for state aid, wherever offered and maintained by the District, shall be fully open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the College and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to Chapter 11, Division 2, Part VI, Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, commencing with Section 41820.

Unit or Credit Value

Each course carries a certain credit or unit value. The amount is indicated in parentheses at the right of the title. A lecture class requires the equivalent of one academic hour, (50 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred. Laboratory classes require three academic hours, (150 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred.

Prerequisite

Prerequisites are prescribed courses covering skills and/or knowledge that are normally expected to be acquired prior to enrolling in another course. The intent of prerequisites is to ensure that any student enrolling in a course in which specific information is required will have the necessary background so that every opportunity exists to experience success. Therefore, any course with a prerequisite presumes that subject matter will be acquired in a sequential way.

Students enrolling in courses without the appropriate prerequisite may find that they are ill-prepared to continue their studies in that course. Prerequisites are designed to enhance success. Please refer to the West Hills College Lemoore prerequisite policy in the Academic Regulations portion of this catalog for additional information.

Corequisite

Corequisites are courses that a student is required to take simultaneously in order to enroll in another course. (Successful completion is defined as a grade C or better for the minimum prerequisite/corequisite requirement.)

Class Hours

The total number of class lecture and laboratory hours for each course is indicated in its course description. The schedule of classes, which is available at the time of class registration, will indicate which dates, days and times a given class is scheduled to meet.

Course Subject

Courses are classified by subjects as they exist at West Hills College Lemoore. All courses within an area usually count towards a major in that area. Other institutions may classify their courses differently. Transfer students should consult the catalog of the four-year college to which they intend to transfer for its classification of identical or comparable courses.

Course Numbering

Courses numbered 001-049 are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. These courses are transferable to four-year institutions. However, the institution that the student transfers to determines the specific transferability of courses.

Courses numbered 050-99 are associate degree level courses. These courses are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses numbered 100-199 are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial courses.

Courses in some subject areas that are traditionally taught as combination lecture- laboratory courses at four-year colleges are split into two separate courses:  one a lecture course for transfer students and one a laboratory course for both transfer and non-transfer students. Students wishing to transfer must take both the lecture and laboratory courses.

  • NOTE:  In case of transfer and non-transfer courses taught concurrently, a student may receive credit only for the course in which he/she is enrolled, not both. A student cannot change from one course to the other except according to regular drop/add procedures. He/She should be guided by the course description and may need to consult a counselor or advisor for aid.
Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer and non-degree applicable courses:

(AA/AS) Associate Degree Applicable

(CSU) Transferable to California State University System

(UC) Transferable to University of California System

(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • CIS-002
  • Internet Programming HTML/CSS
  • Credit(s) 3

Internet Programming HTML/CSS
CIS 002 helps students develop the skills needed to create and maintain well-organized and well-formed Web pages and sites. Students will learn the history, power and limitations of basic Web page development through the Web's foundation languages, Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) as specified by he official Web standards body. Students learn to build solid web pages at a RAW level through a series of hands-on exercises. The course is targeted toward Web designers, developers and publications specialists.This course serves as a tutorial for students who have coded Web pages before and review for students who have some HTML/CSS coding knowledge and want to build on that knowledge.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s); ENG 101B and MATH 101:
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-002B
  • Internet Programming - CSS
  • Credit(s) 3

Internet Programming - CSS
CIS 002B is an introductory course using Cascading style Sheets (CSS). CSS are an addition to Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML). CSS allows web pages designers to expand their ability to control a web page. CSS allows for the nesting of key page elements to allow page designers to achieve a consistent look and feel throughout a web site. This course builds upon the knowledge and experience students have gained from taking CIS Internet programming HTML/CSS.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
CIS 002, ENG-101B and MATH 101
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-002C
  • Internet Programming Scripting
  • Credit(s) 3

Internet Programming- Script Languages
CIS 002C is an introductory course in the scripting languages that are used for the creation of web pages. HTML/CSS documents alone create web pages that are static, but with scripting languages,web pages can be dynamic and interactive. This course teaches students how to incorporate various scripting languages in HTML/CSS documents.Students will learn the basic syntax for scripting, as well as how to use objects and eventhandlers to interact with users. Additional topics may include how to respond dynamically to user actions and cross-frame communication.(AA/AS,CSU, UC)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
CIS 002, ENG 105B, and MATH 101
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
  • CIS-002D
  • Intro to Programming Concepts
  • Credit(s) 3

Intro to Programming Concepts & Metholog
CIS 002D Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies - JAVA is a nine-week introduction to the fundamental concepts and models of application development including the basic concepts of program design, data structures, programming, problem solving, programming logic, and fundamental design techniques for event-driven programs. CIS 002D introduces students to the Java programming language. Good programming practices will be emphasized, including structures and object-oriented techniques.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
CIS 002, ENG 101B, and MATH 101
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
  • CIS-002E
  • Web Design & Interactive Media
  • Credit(s) 3

Web Design & Interactive Media
CIS 002E is designed to teach the mechanics and fundamental design techniques for creating interactive web pages. This course gives the students experience with developing animated web graphics and interactive interfaces, which are developed through the use of industry standard software such as Flash. Interactive design fundamentals such as graphics, text, symbols, the creation of animations, and basic interactivity are studied.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
CIS 002, ENG 101B, and MATH 101
P/NP
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-002F
  • Internet Server Side Scripting
  • Credit(s) 3

Internet Server Side Scripting
CIS 002F focuses on interactivity in websites, introducing both client-side interactivity (using JavaScript) and server-side interactivity (using PHP). Dynamic generation of web pages from database tables is also covered. Finally, the course examines the maintenance and management of large websites (including CSS and XML) and issues in web security and privacy.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
CIS 002, ENG 101B, and MATH 101
P/NP
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
  • CIS-002G
  • Introduction to E-Commerce
  • Credit(s) 3

Introduction to E-Commerce
CIS 002G examines the implications of constantly changing technology for business practices and how e-commerce will affect decision support mechanisms. Topics include the global, economic and societal impact of international information/communication infrastructures, business practices which are emerging due to enabling technology, the effective use of technologies to solve business problems, and an exploration of recent technological developments and their potential uses in business. Consideration will be given to ethical concerns including privacy issues.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
P/NP
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-002H
  • Internet Graphics
  • Credit(s) 3

Internet Graphics
CIS 002H introduces students to the creation and manipulation of digital images through Photoshop retouching and image editing program. The course introduces basic principles of photographic composition and design, with an eye to the capabilities of digital photography. Participants will explore Photoshop's extensive toolbox and learn the fundamentals of image scanning, transformation and conversion; how to apply filters and make color correction; and how to prepare files for export and printing. With the addition of text, students may construct simple to advanced graphic intended for use on the Web. Frequent critiques reinforce the principles of effective design and foster creativity.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 101B and MATH 101
P/NP
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-003
  • Web Development
  • Credit(s) 3

Web Development
CIS 003 is the capstone course for the Web Developer AA degree it emphasizes work on a substantial project. The intent of this course is to provide a capstone experience that integrates the material contained in required courses of the Web Development major. It also provides an opportunity for students to recognize and evaluate the interrelationship of their general education courses with the courses taken for their Web Development major. The Capstone will include discussion about professional and ethical issues related to the discipline of Web Development. Students will also culminate their experiences by taking an in-depth look into the evolution of the emerging discipline of Web Development. This course presents introductions to many of the basic concepts, issues and techniques related to designing, developing and deploying Web sites. During the course, students will learn about Web design, HTML, XHTML, basic JavaScript, Dynamic HTML, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
CIS 16, ENG 101B and MATH 101
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-005A
  • Info & Comm Tech Essentials
  • Credit(s) 4

Info & Communication Tech Essentials
CIS 005A provides an introduction to the computer hardware and software skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) professionals. The fundamentals of computer hardware and software as well as advanced concepts, such as security, networking, and the responsibilities of an ICT professional will be introduced. Preparation for CompTIAs A+ certification with specialization in the areas of hardware and operating systems.

Class Hours:
72 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-005B
  • Computer Network Fundamentals
  • Credit(s) 3

Computer Network Fundamentals
CIS 005B introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of IP (Internet Protocol) addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for further study of computer networks. It uses the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) layered models to examine the nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, network, data link, and physical layers. This course prepares students the take the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-005C
  • Routing & Switching Essentials
  • Credit(s) 3

Routing & Switching Essentials
CIS 005C describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network. Students learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1, RIPv2, single-area and multi-area OSPF, virtual LANs, and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. This course will help prepare students for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-005D
  • System & Network Administratio
  • Credit(s) 3

System & Network Administration
CIS 005D will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to build, maintain, troubleshoot, and support server hardware and software technologies. Students will be able to identify environmental issues; understand and comply with disaster recovery and physical / software security procedures; become familiar with industry terminology and concepts; understand server roles / specializations and interaction within the overall computing environment. This course will prepare students for the current version of CompTIA Server+ certification exam.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-005E
  • Intro to Inf System Security
  • Credit(s) 3

Intro to Inf System Security
CIS 005E course provides the latest security tips and techniques on Internet and computer security best practices. Topics include: important privacy legislation, case studies of infamous hackers, how to develop an effective security system, selection of IT security products, firewall benefits and limitations, intruder detection, correct ways to configure your computer, browser settings, virus settings, operating system vulnerabilities, strong password techniques, parasite detection, and encryption techniques. This course maps to CompTIA certification.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-005F
  • Intro to Information Assurance
  • Credit(s) 3

Intro to Information Assurance
CIS 005F introduces the network security specialist to the various methodologies for attacking a network. Students will be introduced to the concepts, principles, and techniques, supplemented by hands-on exercises, for attacking and disabling a network within the context of properly securing a network. The course will emphasize network attack methodologies with the emphasis on student use of network attack techniques and tools and appropriate defenses and countermeasures. Students will receive course content information through a variety of methods: lecture and demonstration of hacking tools will be used in addition to a virtual environment. Students will experience a hands-on practical approach to penetration testing measures and ethical hacking. This course will help prepare students for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-005G
  • Computer Forensics Fundamental
  • Credit(s) 3

Computer Forensics Fundamentals
CIS 005G is an introduction to the methods used to properly conduct a computer forensics investigation beginning with a discussion of ethics, while mapping to the objectives of the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) certification. Topics covered include an overview of computer forensics as a profession; the computer investigation process; understanding operation systems boot processes and disk structures tools. This course will help prepare students for the CompTIA certification exam.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-005H
  • Operating Systms - Linux
  • Credit(s) 3

Operating Systms - Linux
CIS 005H covers the basics of the UNIX and Linux operating systems, which includes UNIX shell scripting. UNIX and Linux Operating System Fundamentals course begins with a brief history and overview of both UNIX and Linux, and then proceeds to teach the skills required for working on a server running either operating system. Hands-on exercises are used to reinforce key concepts and are completed by logging in on a real server on the internet from work or home.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-007
  • Computer Concepts
  • Credit(s) 3

Computer Concepts
CIS 007 is an examination of information systems and their role in business. The course focuses on information systems, database management systems, networking, e-commerce, ethics and security, computer systems hardware and software components. The course includes application of these concepts and methods through hands-on projects developing computer-based solutions to business problems. C

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
P/NP
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
BUS 140
  • CIS-008
  • Microcomputer Operating Enviro
  • Credit(s) 1

Microcomputer Operating Environment
CIS 008 provides an overview of the Windows operating system on microcomputers including interface, using programs, working with disks and files, customizing the desktop, creating shortcuts, and changing the way Windows looks and sounds.

Class Hours:
9 Lecture | 27 Laboratory
P/NP
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-015X
  • Occupational Work Experience
  • Credit(s) 1 - 8

Occupational Work Experience
Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE) develops skills and knowledge by integrating classroom study with planned, supervised work experience. It is based on the principle that well-educated individuals develop most effectively through an educational plan that incorporated work experience. Through these structured experiences, the students enrich their college studies, which enhance their total development. Occupational Work Experience is supervised employment which is intended to asssist students in acquiring desirable work habits, attitudes, and career awareness in the field of the student's major. Students may earn up to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 total units. Credits are awarded for paid or voluntary work. For every 75 hours of paid work completed within the emester, 1 unit or credit is awarded. For every 60 hours of volunteer work completed within the semester, 1 unit of credit is awarded. Occupational Work Experience credits are counted as electives toward an Associate's Degree at West Hills College Lemoore and are transferable to four year universities (for specific transfer elibility, please contact a counselor or an advisor).

Class Hours:
Work Experience
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-019B
  • Database Creation & Management
  • Credit(s) 3

Database Creation & Management
CIS 019B will teach the student to use a database program on a microcomputer. Students will learn database creation, report generation, updating, editing, and form structure and use.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
P/NP
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-021
  • Desktop Publishing
  • Credit(s) 3

Desktop Publishing
CIS 021 teaches the students the application of common sense design techniques used in the production of reports, presentation material, newsletters, forms, manuals, catalogs, advertising materials, and books. Knowledge of word processing techniques and the use of a mouse is highly suggested.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Advisory(s):
BUS 013A and BUS 013B
P/NP
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-034
  • Introduction to Spreadsheets
  • Credit(s) 3

Introduction to Spreadsheets
CIS 034 is an introduction to microcomputer spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. Primary emphasis will be on the use of the command structure and operation. Topics covered will include spreadsheets design and format, graphs and database functions.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
MATH 101
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-035
  • Advanced Spreadsheets
  • Credit(s) 3

Advanced Spreadsheets
CIS 035 is an advanced spreadsheet course using Microsoft Excel. Primary emphasis will be on the use of the program's advanced features, such as file management, multiple worksheets, data tables and scenario management, and application development with macros using Visual Basic. Students should have a firm understanding of Microsoft Excel prior to taking this course.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
CIS 34 or CIS 34A/B
P/NP
Transfers to:
CSU
  • CIS-042
  • System Analysis and Design
  • Credit(s) 3

System Analysis and Design
CIS 042 presents a systematic methodology for analyzing a business problem or opportunity, determining what role, if any, computer-based technologies can play in addressing the business need, articulating business requirements for the technology solution, specifying alternative approaches to acquiring the technology capabilities needed to address the business requirements, and specifying the requirements for the information systems solution in particular, in-house development, development from third-party providers, or purchased commercial-off-the-shelf packages.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU