Idaho State University Undergraduate Catalog 2006-2007

Informatics Research Institute

Director and Professor: Schou
Associate Directors and Professors:  Lohse, A. Strickland
Associate Professors:  Cady, Sammons, J. Strickland
Research Associate Professor: Laxminarayan
Assistant Professors:  Frost, Springer
Affiliate Professors: Leibrock, Longley, Murray
Affiliate Assistant Professors:  Moulton, Slay, Willis

The Informatics Research Institute (IRI) is an academic unit providing coordination for several interdisciplinary degrees and research centers across campus. Informatics is an integrative discipline that arises from the synergistic application of computational, informational, organizational, cognitive, and other disciplines whose primary focus is in the acquisition, storage and use of information in a broad spectrum of domains. It includes the study and application of information technology in the arts, sciences, commerce, medicine, and society in general. The IRI has a mission in teaching, research, and service. Activities include:
The IRI coordinates activities among the National Information Assurance Training and Education Center (NIATEC), Simplot Decision Support Center (SDSC), Center for Innovative Technology in Archaeological Informatics (CITI-AI) and the Center for Innovative Technology in Mathematics, Science, and Social Sciences Learning (CITI-MSSSL) The IRI charter includes development of interdisciplinary AA, AS, BA, BS, Masters and Doctoral programs as well as concentrations in Information Assurance.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
CITI-AI – Center for Innovative Technology in Archaeological Informatics.  The CITI-AI leads research in the organization and analysis of archaeological information. It creates and maintains active partnerships within the archaeological community and serves as an interdisciplinary center of activity uniting basic informatics research and modeling within the Informatics Research Institute, Idaho State University, and its affiliated faculty. The Center is directed by E.S. Lohse, Professor of Anthropology and Division Head for Anthropology, Idaho Museum of Natural History

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATICS
CITI-MSSSTL –Center for Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, and Technology Learning.  The CITI-MSSSTL focus is on PK-16 learning in the current environment of accountability. The faculty of CITI-MSSSTL, directed by Professor A.W. Strickland, collaborates with other institutions to explore technology and informatics solutions to improve learning. Curriculum development, assessment, data management, and teacher training are but a few of the services offered by CITI-MSSSTL. The staff of CITI-MSSSTL are experienced in all aspects of instructional systems design and the implementation. The center creates and maintains active partnerships with public schools and higher education institutions interested in improving the quality of learning within our educational systems.

SIMPLOT DECISION SUPPORT CENTER
The Simplot Decision Support Center (SDSC) is a facility designed to increase group decision making effectiveness and efficiency.  It is a research and development effort of Idaho State University resulting from the generosity of the Simplot Corporation. The Simplot Decision Support Center is one of a few dedicated facilities in the nation and is available as a resource to both local and national organizations. It has led the national effort in developing information assurance and computer security training and education standards for the federal government.

INFORMATION ASSURANCE
NIATEC – National Information Assurance Training and Education Center is a consortium of academic, industry, and government organizations to improve the literacy, awareness, training, and education standards in Information Assurance. As the federally designated cornerstone for essential education and training components of a strong Information Assurance initiative, the mission is to establish an effective Information Assurance infrastructure.  NIATEC is associated with Idaho State University Center of Academic Excellence. It is a component in the national plan to establish a federal cyber-corps to defend against cyber-based disruption and attacks.  Key to building such a cyber-corps is the implementation of robust graduate and undergraduate curricula in Information Assurance.

INFORMATION ASSURANCE DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS
The IRI coordinates the federally designated Center of Academic Excellence in Computer Security Education. The Center of Academic Excellence includes formal concentrations in Information Assurance at the undergraduate and graduate level in cooperation with NIATEC and CITI-MSSSL. In addition, the Informatics Research Institute offers formal concentrations in Information Assurance for Baccalaureate, Masters, and Doctoral Programs. These concentrations may be above the regular degree requirements documented by the DHS/CNSS approved Certificates offered by ISU.

Certificates for Concentrations:
Program of Study:
Students with appropriate pre-requisites may take courses within the information assurance program as part of a formal information assurance concentration in their degree program. With approval of their advisor and the faculty they may pursue certificates in specialty areas. In addition to courses that support specialized certifications the program offers courses in Computer Forensics and Risk analysis. All courses require preparation of research papers in information assurance topic related to their major field.

Undergraduate:
CNSS 4011 -- Students in the Computer Information System major may take CIS 411, a minimum of 6 hours of 419 (Informatics Practicum) or 493 (Internship) and two additional courses in Information Assurance. Students in the CIS minor may take the same series of courses. Students in other majors may have to take additional courses.
All students seeking additional certifications must complete the requirements for CNSS 4011 and the following
Graduate
CNSS 4011 – Students in the CIS emphasis in the MBA program may take CIS 511, a minimum of 6 hours of 519 (Informatics Practicum) or 593 (Internship) and two additional courses in Information Assurance. Graduate courses increase focus on theory, history, software assurance, assured systems design, and networks. Students in other majors may have to take additional remedial courses or demonstrate appropriate experience.

All students seeking additional certifications must complete the requirements for CNSS 4011 and the following
Doctoral students wishing to build a concentration in Information Assurance should contact the director to discuss research and coursework opportunities customized to meet their academic program.

IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
Academic Information 
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Revised: July 2006