INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SECURITY
Overview Course Descriptions Admissions Requirement Tuition Faculty
Data Management Systems (4 credits)
Vast amount of information nowadays resides in databases. Understanding
and efficiently managing these databases is an essential part of Information
Technology. This course is a theoretical yet modern presentation of database
topics ranging from Data and Object Modeling to advanced topics such as
using C++/Java to develop web-based database applications. Other topics
covered are relational data model, SQL and manipulating relational data;
applications programming for relational databases; physical characteristics
of databases; achieving performance and reliability with database systems;
object-oriented and distributed information systems.
Data Communication and Computer Networks (4 credits)
Efficient data communication between individual computers as well as between
heterogeneous networks is the core function of modern Internet technology.
This course presents the concepts and the fundamental design principles
of computer networks. These concepts have become the building blocks of
the Internet, and have fundamentally contributed to the modem networks
implementation. Topics include basic concepts of data communications and
computer networks; hardware, software and network reference models; circuit,
packet, and message switching, internetworking devices, and topologies.
It also discusses the basic aspects of Internet application layer (HTTP,
FTP, DNS), TCP and UDP, socket programming, reliable data transfer, congestion
control, network layer (IPv4 and IPv6), routing, and Data link layer.
Local Area Networks (LANs), multimedia networking (RTSP, RTP, RSVP, DiffServ),
and security in computer networks are also covered in this course.
Information Systems Analysis and Design (4 credits)
Optimal exploitation of modern Information Technologies critically relies
on plans and ideas that are formulated in a structured manner. This course
lays out the theory and practice of planning, control, and management
of information systems. It covers organization object-oriented methods
of information systems analysis and design for organizations with data-processing
resources. Specific topics included are system feasibility, information
requirements analysis, database utilization, data dictionaries, software
design and implementation management, project control, and systems-level
testing and installation.
Security of Information Systems (4 credits)
This course provides an in-depth presentation of information security
issues and concepts. The first part of this course focuses on data assurance,
and it covers the elements of cryptography, digital signatures, with a
special focus on conventional and public keys. The second part focuses
on security of Information Systems and it covers network security, as
well as security of Operation Systems and Applications. It presents the
Unix and Windows OS security model, access control and authentication
principals, as well as File system security and Intrusion and Virus protection
mechanisms.. Internet and Intranet security topics are covered in details,
such as Security in Internet Protocol, Routers, Proxy Servers, Firewalls,
Application-Level Gateways This course concludes with presentation of
various classes of network attacks and practical instructions for providing
secure data communication.
Advanced Internet Technologies (4 credits)
Internet is the area of the telecom industry where the most rapid advances
in technology are happening. It is of absolute necessity for experts in
this field to stay up-to-date with these advances. This course focuses
on the cutting-edge technologies that are currently being implemented
or are under development in telecommunications. It begins with an overview
of the traditional networking, and moves rapidly to packet-based Next-Generation
Networks. Topics include VoIP, Internet Access networks and technologies,
xDSL, VoDSL, advanced Gb-Ethernet LANs, Internet core networks, traffic
management, MPLS routing, MPlS, and GMPLS, IP/WDM models, optical networks
reconfiguration, Internet congestion control techniques, Bandwidth-on-demand
principals, as well as Network performance and QoS issues.
International Strategies in Telecommunication Industry (4
credits)
Globalization of the world market imposes novel set of rules for all emerging
technologies. This course focuses on International Telecommunication market
structure, rivalry, standards, regulatory issues, and public policies.
Telecom mergers/acquisitions and strategic partnerships are discussed
as well as developments in most of the industry's branches, such as cable,
wireless, and satellite areas, as well as e-commerce and Web-related industries.
Internship
Program Option
Students in the Diploma Program will have the opportunity to intern
at one of New England's leading information systems and global networks
companies.
All internships require a separate admissions application upon arrival in the U.S. Internships will typically be four months in length and be supervised by a Boston University faculty member. A tuition fee of $2100 and a $40 registration fee will be assessed to all students participating in the internship program.
General Admissions Requirements
In order to be considered for the International Diploma
Program, applicants must demonstrate through their admissions essay that
they can handle a rigorous, fast paced curriculum and can play a unique
role in the classroom discussion. English proficiency is a must. 
The case study method is an interactive teaching pedagogy
which necessitates a great deal of class participation. Candidates should
emphasize a clear career strategy and explain through their admissions
essay how this program will fit into their long-term goals. Students must
have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree to be considered for this
program. They must also demonstrate English language proficiency with
a minimum of a 550 (213 computer version) on the Test of English as a
Foreign Language.
$11,380 includes tuition, books, and materials. A $40 registration fee is assessed each semester. Participants in the internship program must pay a separate tuition fee. Massachusetts Law requires that all students at Boston University have health insurance. For information on waiver guidelines, please refer to http://cmp.bu.edu/stuaccts/.
