Biology - Major in Biology Program

Core courses:
CSC 120 Introduction to Programming with Python

This course introduces the fundamentals of computer programming using the Python programming language. Topics include: variables, types, and assignment; iteration and conditional execution; functions, modules, and structured design; complex types and data structures. Students will also learn to use AI tools to assist with programming tasks. 3 credits.

DIGI 150 Fundamentals of 2D Design

An introduction to the fundamental elements of 2D design. Students work with graphic symbols, theories of visual perception, principles of composition, and color interaction in a variety of studio projects. The emphasis of the course will be placed on the design process as students develop their ability to communicate their ideas through the use of traditional and digital media. 3 credits.

DIGI 151 Digital Graphic Design

The course will focus on blending the creative and technical aspects of developing electronic images and layouts. Students will apply traditional design methods and techniques to the electronic canvas. Additionally, the course will serve to familiarize students with industry standard software and procedures for producing creative work for a variety of media. 3 credits.

DIGI 170 Web Markup and Layout

This course will cover the use of tHTML5, CSS3, and basic JavaScript to create functioning web sites. The course will enable students to incorporate critical thinking skills and integrate web-based principles to develop hands-on projects. The course will be conducted through lectures, readings, tests, and assignments. 3 credits.

DIGI 270 Programming for Digital Media

This course is designed to teach the fundamentals for creating dynamic Web sites using JavaScript. With a basic understanding of the Web layout and design process, the student will learn the basic workflows of Web development and learn how to use JavaScript to create effective and interactive web pages. Prerequisite: DIGI 170. 3 credits.

DIGI 271 Databases in Design

This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of databases and how they might be used to create dynamic and data driven Web pages. With an understanding of Web layout and design process, the student will learn the basics of industry standard languages for accessing databases (for example PHP, Ajax or MySQL) and use these languages to design and develop data-driven sites and networked applications. Prerequisite: DIGI 270. 3 credits.

DIGI 311 Information Law and Ethics

Students will begin with a foundation in media law and ethical reasoning and examine both legal and ethical questions surrounding the use of digital media. They will then move on to examine the ways that the Web and digital media platforms have transformed traditional understandings of concepts like intellectual property rights, privacy, and free speech. Students will work with case studies, national and international legal documents, academic research, and company guidelines in order to understand whether legal strictures or ethical reasoning should guide personal, governmental, and corporate behavior. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: ENG 112 or FYE 112, and junior or senior standing. 3 credits.

IXD 130 Principles of Interaction Design

This class surveys the principles and practices of information design, information architecture, and interaction design. Students will learn and practice human-centered design methods in designing meaningful and effective interfaces in which users interact with information. Prerequisite: freshman or sophomore standing, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with DCOM 130)

IXD 131 Usability Design and Testing

The course emphasizes planning, conducting, and analyzing usability tests. The course will teach the basic concepts of usability research. Using the principles and techniques of usability testing, students will research the effectiveness of online and print documents, and physical objects, using video and digital equipment, with emphasis on rhetorical effectiveness and usability of information design and architecture, graphics, text, design, and format. Prerequisite: DCOM 130, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with DCOM 131)

IXD 152 How to Make Stuff

This introductory, hands-on class provides a practical overview of the prototyping process in design, the tools used to design (CAD/CAM and digital scanning) and fabricate physical objects (3-D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting), and an overview of simple machines for designers. This course emphasizes project-based learning. 3 credits.

IXD 153 Electronics for Designers

This course teaches the basics of electronics - such as understanding voltage, resistance, amperage, serial, and parallel circuits - as well as introducing students to basic components, sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers. This class provides a practical understanding of what electronics looks and acts like in real life and allows students to design and build basic electronic circuits and troubleshoot simple circuits and electronic devices. 3 credits.

(or PHY 212 Introduction to Electronics

The physics of electrons and electronic devices, including diodes, transistors, power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators, switching circuits, and integrated circuits, with laboratory work in each area. Prerequisite: PHY 104/L or 112/L, or permission. Corequisite: PHY 212L. 4 credits.

)
IXD 299 Portfolio Defense

Portfolio: A formal collection of the student's completed work to be presented before the Design, Media and Technology faculty and students as part of the student's formal request to register for an Internship. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisites: DCOM 130, 131, 150, 151, 170, 270, and IXD 450; or permission of the instructor. Corequisites: IXD 451 0 credits. (This course is cross-listed with DCOM 299)

IXD 410 Capstone- Tech Start-up

This capstone course simulates the environment of a tech startup, with students applying principles of human centered design to manage projects from concept to launch. Students will learn to identify real-world user problems, conduct research to understand the needs and pain points of target audiences, and propose innovative solutions in the form of tech-centric startups. Emphasis is placed on creativity, iteration, and team collaboration. The course integrates frequent oral presentations, pitches, and team status reports to simulate the agile, dynamic environment of a startup. Fulfills requirement: Oral Communication. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with IXD 410)

IXD 411 Capstone II: Qualitative Research and Development

This practicum focuses on integrating formative and summative usability testing and qualitative research practices into the design and development of both physical and digital products. Students will learn qualitative and advanced usability methods to be used to gather qualitative data, analyze it, and apply the insights to create user-driven solutions. The course culminates in a final project and promotional materials informed by research findings. Fulfills requirement: Social Scientific Inquiry. Pre-requisite: DCOM 131. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with DCOM 411)

One of the following internships:
IME 400 Internship

Practical and professional work experience, off campus, related to the student's educational pursuits and/or career interests and involving at least 45 working hours. This designation is for internships that are not for academic credit, but meet the college's criteria for an immersive experience. Internships must address required learning objectives related to professional development. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: approval of a faculty member from a department related to the focus internship and completion of an internship form, available on the Registrar's Office website. 0 credits.

IXD 400 Internship

Internship in Interaction and Experience Design. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. Graded pass/fail. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 0-3 credits.

One class from the following:
DIGI 465 Online Marketing

The course examines the principles and processes of Online Marketing. Students will examine current topics including search engine advertising; social media, online advertising strategies and models; metrics, and ethics. The course will also integrate a comparison and contrast of online promotion to traditional channels and extensively employ case studies. Satisfies the business technology and communications concentrations. Prerequisite: Course restricted to junior-level standing or above. 3 credits.

DIGI 468 Principles of E-Commerce

An exploration of the important technologies related to doing business on the Internet. Topics include e-commerce, advertising, customer support, and business-to-business applications. Emphasis on how businesses implement these technologies, resource requirements, and cost-to-benefit analysis. 3 credits.

Students must take a minimum of 12 credits from:
IXD 450 Interaction Design Studio I

Interaction Design Studio I provides a broad overview of techniques used in physical interaction design. In it, students will work with clients to design, fabricate, and test smart objects or wearables to convert physical action and data into digital information to help facilitate specific, measurable, and beneficial user behaviors or outcomes. The project-based nature of the course is thematic, the theme being determined by specific technologies and means of input chosen by the instructor as a basis for class projects. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.

IXD 451 Interaction Design Studio II

In Interaction Design Studio II, students will work in physical interaction design, using electronics, programming, physical fabrication and digital media to design, fabricate, and test smart objects or wearables that are driven by a user's desires, decisions, and behaviors. The nature of the course is thematic, the theme being determined by specific market, genre, or end use. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.