Business Information Systems

Location(s): Moose Jaw

Business Information Systems is a diploma program (formerly known as Business - Computer Information Systems Specialty). It will provide knowledge and skill development in the fundamental principles of information systems and business solution development.

Your studies will include a variety of software development languages:

Visual Studio.NET

Java

COBOL

and a variety of target platforms, including:

Windows application development

Networked software development

Web application development (XHTML, JavaScript, ASP, Java)

You will study data gathering and modeling, and database management systems used by businesses to store their information:

Oracle

SQL Server 2000

and the retrieval techniques of the databases and programming languages that you will study:

PLSQL

ADO.NET

JDBC

In addition to the tools used to develop business solutions, you will learn the systems analysis, design methodologies and project management skills that carry information technology projects from inception to implementation.

These skills will be complemented with training in the fundamentals of computer hardware technology, networking and a variety of operating systems:

Windows

Unix

Linux

You will also study the critical business functions that leverage information technology in day to day operations and integrate this knowledge into the development of meaningful information technology solutions.

The Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) and Information Systems and Technology Accreditation Council (ISTAC) will be requested to reaccredit the program in early 2010. Successfully completing accredited computer science programs helps graduates pursue the Information Systems Profession of Canada (I.S.P.) designation.

Length: 64 weeks

There is a six-month paid Co-operative Education work term between Semesters 2 and 3

Career Opportunities

Graduates may advance into careers in database administration, project and network management.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

business analysts
computer programmers
helpdesk/application support technicians
programmer analysts
systems analysts
web developers

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

Apply Now

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 with Math A30 and Math B30*

English Language Requirement

*Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)

Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30
(replacing Math A30 and B30 above)

All other admission requirements remain unchanged

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER^© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER ^©

ACCUPLACER^© Cut Scores
for this program

80	Arithmetic
75	Elementary Algebra
70	Reading
70	Sentence

Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies plus mathematics requirements, or with approval for one year post-secondary only

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.

Classroom

Co-op Education is mandatory (six month term).

Home Study

Online

Televised/SCN

Work-based Training

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.

Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Some transfer credit options for this program include:

advanced standing at most Canadian universities and colleges toward courses leading to various degrees, management certificates and/or professional accounting designations

admission to the Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science Program in Computer Science, University of Regina

direct entry to the Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management program, University of Lethbridge

direct entry to the Bachelor of Commerce Degree Completion program, University Canada West

Year 1 - Semester 1
expand/contract all

ACCT 122 Introductory Financial Accounting 1

Your studies will focus on an introduction to financial accounting designed to provide you with accounting skills to handle business transactions. The course will include bookkeeping techniques, accounting for a merchandising concern and an introduction to accounting for current assets. ACCT 122 is a companion to ACCT 125 (Introductory Financial Accounting 2) which continues the study of basic financial accounting.

4.0 Credit Units
64.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Televised/SCN, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

BCOM 120 Business Communications 1

You will develop fundamental employability skills by studying the principles of communication. The course content includes developing effective writing skills. You will apply the principles and skills by writing letters and memorandums for routine and negative purposes. You will develop teamwork employability skills and examine ways to apply communication skills to team and cross-cultural situations.

3.0 Credit Units
48.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Televised/SCN, Independent Study, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 104 BCOM 134 COMM 141 COMM 163

COMP 122 Introduction to Programming for Information Systems

You will learn introductory programming and design concepts using the Java language. Your studies will develop your logic and problem solving skills using elements of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to develop structured and Object Oriented Java programs.

6.0 Credit Units
96.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): COMP 141 COSC 180

COMP 123 Introduction to Business Computing

You will learn how to use computers to solve non-trivial business problems. You will gain hands on experience with advanced features of the Windows Operating System and the Microsoft Office suite of tools. You will also study best practices for collaborative document production and document management as well as electronic document presentation and navigation.

4.0 Credit Units
64.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

COMP 255 Visual Application Development

You will study the Windows based application development environment. You will develop applications using graphical user interfaces and incorporate Object-Oriented Event-Driven (OOED) programming. The course content includes standard OOED programming concepts, graphics, database access, inter-application communications and data structures.

5.0 Credit Units
48.0 Lecture hours
32.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

STAT 120 Business Statistics

You will be introduced to the elements of statistics used in business. The course content includes frequency distribution, measure of central tendency and dispersion, probability distributions (discrete and continuous), sampling, sampling distributions, estimations, regressions, correlation and elementary hypothesis-testing.

4.0 Credit Units
64.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Televised/SCN, Prior Learning

Equivalent Course(s): ACP 374

Year 1 - Semester 2

ADMN 220 Organizational Behaviour

You will study human behaviour in organizations and develop the skills needed to deal with people at work. The course content includes individual behaviour, values, interpersonal relationships and communications, group and team dynamics, organizational culture, leadership and change. All topics are dealt with in the context of diverse formal organizations.

4.0 Credit Units
64.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Televised/SCN, Prior Learning

COMP 215 Internet Application Development 1

You will learn the fundamentals of Web design and application development. You will learn to create Web content that communicates effectively and is easy to maintain. Your studies will include learning to implement two- and three-tier Web applications using ASP.NET.

5.0 Credit Units
80.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites:
COMP 255 Minimum Grade of 60

COMP 233 Object Oriented Programming Concepts

You will learn advanced topics in Java programming and Object Oriented programming techniques. Your studies will include file manipulation, exception handling, graphical user interfaces, event handling, multi-threaded environments, and network programming. You will continue to study systems development, algorithm design and the Unified Modelling Language (UML). After completing this course, you will have developed a thorough understanding of Java's capabilities and strengths.

5.0 Credit Units
80.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites:
COMP 122 Minimum Grade of 60

COMP 234 Database

You will gain experience designing computer systems that involve database processing. You will focus on the hierarchical, relational, and network design. You will also gain experience in database processing using ORACLE and Query Languages (in particular SQL and SQL*PLUS).

5.0 Credit Units
48.0 Lecture hours
32.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites:
COMP 123 Minimum Grade of 60

COMP 249 Information Security, Privacy and Ethics

You will learn how to plan and manage security and privacy policies. You will study the role of CIPS in providing ethical guidelines for professional conduct, and you will learn about the responsibilities of working with management information systems and their data. You will also discuss the ergonomics and health risks associated with computer based-work. Your studies will include the components of an information system security model and the threat groups that compromise them. In addition, you will be exposed to examples of security technology and how to implement it as part of a security plan.

3.0 Credit Units
48.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

COMP 254 Computer Architecture and Data Communications

You will be exposed to a wide variety of topics related to the computer industry. You will learn about computer hardware, workstation and server operating systems, computer networking and data communications. Your studies will focus on the architecture of the Intel-based computer hardware and the Microsoft workstation and server operating system platforms.

6.0 Credit Units
96.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

Prerequisites:
COMP 123 Minimum Grade of 60

Six-month Mandatory Paid Co-operative Work Term

Year 2 - Semester 3

COMP 214 Project Management

You will study the project management life cycle; and you will develop the skills to produce a project plan, prepare a financial plan, conduct a risk management assessment, identify the project resources, schedule tasks, and work on a collaborative team. The course will emphasize the financial components of project management and the application of computerized project management tools.

4.0 Credit Units
64.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

COMP 232 Structured Software Development and Legacy Systems

You will study the fundamentals of a structured programming language. The course emphasizes phases and techniques of structured program design, development, testing, and documentation. You will use Micro Focus Personal COBOL for Windows for the following topics: sequential file processing, control-break processing, and tables/arrays.

3.0 Credit Units
48.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

Prerequisites:
COMP 122 Minimum Grade of 60

COMP 235 Internet Application Development 2

You will gain hands-on experience developing n-tiered Web applications. The course content includes Web application topics such as Web-based data access, session tracking and server-side programming, and the development of multi-tiered class libraries. You will also learn about interoperable web services to provide service-oriented application architecture. The course will focus on the development of Web service clients using Windows Communication Framework, C#, and SOAP. You will produce Web Services that are consumed by a variety of clients, including Windows application, Web front ends, and mobile devices.

6.0 Credit Units
96.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

Prerequisites:
COMP 215 Minimum Grade of 60 and COMP 234 Minimum Grade of 60

COMP 236 Operating Systems and Environment Configuration

You will learn the fundamentals of developing software applications with open source tools and technologies. Your studies will provide you with a broad view of application development and deployment environments, including the hardware, operating systems, and servers required to develop and deploy software applications.

5.0 Credit Units
48.0 Lecture hours
32.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

Prerequisites:
COMP 254 Minimum Grade of 60

COMP 237 Systems Analysis and Requirements Management

You will learn a variety of different methods, tools, and techniques that a systems analyst would use in the development of complex business information systems. You will use CASE tools to develop practical experience in planning analysis and design of business information systems. You will gather requirements, perform the analysis and begin design if a small-automated system belonging to a real world/ business/organization to gain direct experience of systems analysis.

5.0 Credit Units
48.0 Lecture hours
32.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites:
COMP 234 Minimum Grade of 60

COMP 258 Object Oriented Software Development

You will study the fundamentals of object oriented software design, UML and data structures. You will study the creation and selection of common collections and their related algorithms. You will apply these concepts in project development involving multi-user, networked application for data access.

5.0 Credit Units
80.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites:
COMP 233 Minimum Grade of 60

Year 2 - Semester 4

ACCT 225 Managerial Accounting

Your studies will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of managerial accounting. You will examine cost concepts, pricing strategies, manufacturing accounting, cost allocation and budgeting processes, and you will be able to select appropriate managerial accounting techniques for decision making.

5.0 Credit Units
80.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Televised/SCN, Independent Study, Prior Learning, Correspondence

Prerequisites:
ACCT 122 Minimum Grade of 60

BCOM 121 Business Communications 2

You will continue to develop effective business writing skills and employability skills. The course focuses on writing business reports in informal and formal styles. Your classroom study and experience will help prepare you for a business career by developing your presentation skills.

4.0 Credit Units
64.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Televised/SCN, Independent Study, Prior Learning, Correspondence

Equivalent Course(s): COMM 149

Prerequisites:
BCOM 120 Minimum Grade of 60

COMP 253 Systems Project

You will demonstrate your skill in systems development using real projects or contrived cases that require applying the activities of the system development cycle in an interactive data base environment. The case projects are set in a team environment with the supervising faculty member serving as your consultant and evaluator.

6.0 Credit Units
96.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

COMP 259 Mobile Computing

You will study emerging mobile computing devices and their application to business computing. You will create user friendly client tools for mobile devices. You will also learn how to configure a network for access by wireless devices and how to create and deploy a client server application targeted at mobile devices.

3.0 Credit Units
48.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites:
COMP 235 Minimum Grade of 60 and COMP 236 Minimum Grade of 60

ECON 122 Economics

Your studies will focus on how production and consumption decisions are made in a market economy. You will learn to analyze supply, demand, cost, price determination, response to price changes, and income distribution. Your studies will also familiarize you with how an economy is analyzed and how economic policy is used to manipulate the modern economy.

4.0 Credit Units
64.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

HR__ 236 Organizational Effectiveness

You will develop strategies and processes related to creating and fostering an evolving workplace culture that supports innovation, change, quality, and learning and results in harmony between the organization's needs and employee's expectations while remaining consistent with the organization's business plan. The course content includes an overview of business planning corporate culture, quality management, and the emerging role of the employer and human resource support systems.

4.0 Credit Units
64.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Televised/SCN

Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 236

Prerequisites:
ADMN 220 Minimum Grade of 60

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