Courses

In ITP classes, you can learn to use advanced software, create websites, perform data analysis, write computer programs, and investigate cybercrime.

You’ll get practical, hands-on experience. No matter what your major is, you can learn how to use the latest tools, programming languages, and applications. You’ll also gain critical insight into technology’s increasing impact on our world.

Browse our course descriptions for insight into the skills you’ll gain in each course.

Why should you take an introductory class in technology?

Solve problems with programming

Learning to write in programming languages like Python teaches you how computers use logic to solve problems — and how you can think about solutions in new ways.

Make decisions using data

Learning to analyze data teaches you how to make informed decisions.

Tell stories on screens

Learning to create digital graphics, 3D models, and user experiences teaches how you to effectively communicate.

Registration Help

For any questions about registration, please review our Frequently Asked Questions or contact our academic advisers.

Introductory Courses

All students are welcome to register for ITP classes, and our introductory courses do not require a background in technology or engineering.

Introductory Courses
ITP-101

Introduction to Business Information Technologies

Survey computer hardware, operating systems, networks, programming, and software to understand how technology accomplishes business goals. You'll learn how to use advanced spreadsheet features in Microsoft Excel, databases in Access, and mail merge in Word. You’ll also explore security issues, digital communication practices, social media marketing, and new technologies. (2 units)

  • Prerequisite: None

 

ITP-104L

Web Publishing

Design, code, and publish websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You'll practice using web development tools, styling with custom layouts and fonts, and adding JavaScript for interactivity. You’ll learn how to create image galleries, forms, and animations — and how to publish your sites to web servers. By creating many webpages and practicing markup, styling, and interactivity, you’ll prepare for more advanced topics in web design and development. (2 units)

 

ITP-111

What is the Cloud? An Introduction to Cloud Computing with DevOps

This course is an introduction to digital infrastructure and digital architecture that makes up the Cloud. Digital infrastructure refers to both physical and virtual digital system and the interconnecting pieces between them. Digital architecture is the structured and intentional combination of digital systems to achieve a goal. Together these pieces are the foundation for anything on the Cloud, from serving a basic website to allowing millions of customers to simultaneously stream movies anywhere in the world. This is a survey course that serves as the gateway to the ITP Cloud Computing with DevOps minor. We will introduce many topics that will be investigated in more depth in subsequent classes.(2 units)

 

ITP-115

Programming in Python

Start writing programs in the Python language, an easy-to-read programming language used for web applications, data analysis, and scientific research. You'll learn to think like a programmer to solve problems, control flow, and implement graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to create simple programs. This class is the introduction to the core programming sequence (ITP-115 → ITP-265 → ITP-365) — by the end of the semester, you'll be prepared for more advanced topics in object-oriented programming and web, mobile, and desktop application development. (2 units)

 

ITP-116

Accelerated Programming in Python

The course is intended to teach the fundamental concepts of the Python programming language to those students who already have experience with a previous programming language. Python’s high level data structures and clear syntax make it a versatile language, while the large number of existing libraries make it suitable to tackle almost any programming tasks. Python offers an interactive environment in which to explore procedural, functional, and object-oriented approaches to problem solving. (2 units)

 

ITP-125L

From Hackers to CEOs: Introduction to Information Security

Crack passwords, recover deleted files, create and identify spoof emails, and discuss current issues in the field to develop a foundation in cybersecurity and digital forensics. You'll study threats to information integrity, learn about security mechanisms and policies, and study how security infrastructure intersects with business and IT functions. Prepare for advanced courses in ethical hacking, information security, and digital forensics. (2 units)

 

ITP-165

Introduction to C++ Programming

C++ is used for programming desktop applications, video games, database software, and applications in medicine and engineering. Learn the fundamentals of C++ syntax and semantics, including variables, control statements, functions, memory management, and object-oriented programming. This class is an introduction to the core programming sequence (ITP-165 → ITP-265 → ITP-365) — by the end of the semester, you’ll be prepared for more advanced topics in object-oriented programming and desktop, mobile, and video game development. (2 units)

 

ITP-168

Introduction to MATLAB

Start using MATLAB, a high-performance numeric computation and visualization environment. You’ll practice using MATLAB’s features, including problem-soling methodology, functions and data structures, solution of linear algebraic equations, statistics and probability, and 2D and 3D visualization of scientific data. (2 units)

  • Prerequisite: None

 

ITP-180

Video Game Production”

Video Game Production will help students gain a hands-on understanding of the process of developing
video games, with an emphasis on production and project management. Students will be introduced to
the many facets of video game production including design, art, programming, and management. The
course will introduce and include various hardware and software tools and processes involved in the
video game production process. (2 units)

    • Prerequisite: None

 

ITP-181

Video Game Quality Assurance Management”

Provides students with a survey of game development through the lens of production and QA management.
In addition to teaching the basics of video game production roles and systems, students will get to perform
in-depth analysis of the game production cycle with a focus on managing bug-testing systems and
methodologies. Lab assignments will involve gameplay and analysis, including the use and management of
bug-tracking, and will both teach and reinforce professional communication skills that should be useful in
any industry. (2 units)

      • Prerequisite: ITP-180

 

ITP-190

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop

Learn how to use Adobe Photoshop to create, edit, and export images and photographs. You’ll explore the user interface, toolsets, and advanced features to design postcards, book covers, product packaging, magazine covers, and t-shirt designs. You'll learn how to work with layers and masks, draw and create vector graphics, work with type and color, and prepare images for professional print and web output. You’ll also learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and InDesign to complement your graphic design work in Photoshop. (2 units)

      • Prerequisite: None
    •  
ITP-215L

Introduction to 3D Modeling, Animation, and Visual Effects

Learn how to create 3D characters, animations, environments, and objects using Autodesk Maya. By practicing different 3D modeling, surfacing, and special effects tools, you’ll gain an applied foundation in the creation of 3D content for animation, games, entertainment, and design. You'll also explore the production cycle of animation, what pipelines are and how they are implemented to support the production process, and how to manage vision, budget, and time constraints. (2 units)

 

ITP-228

Computer-Aided Modeling for 3D Product Design

Learn how to use 3D modeling software and 3D printers to manufacture prototypes for smart devices. Create a variety of 3D models, prepare products for printing, successfully print products, and work with Raspberry Pi enclosures. You’ll also explore how to design products based on manufacturing needs and work within manufacturing limitations and scope. (2 units)

 

ITP-230x

Video Game Quality Assurance

Survey the game software development cycle, quality assurance, and bug testing. You’ll learn how to use online bug-tracking software systems like Bugzilla as well as offline bug-tracking spreadsheets — and you’ll learn the best communication practices to report software problems so that they can be fixed by the development team. You'll also explore the retail side of video game development, pre-production, test trees, test flow diagrams, and quality appraisal. Upon completion of this class, you'll be able to fulfill the job requirements of an entry-level quality assurance tester in the video game industry. (4 units)

 

ITP-249

Introduction to Data Analytics

Data is an integral part of business and society. To be successful in today’s business landscape, you need to be able to leverage data to make critical business decisions. Learn how to use Excel, SQL, NoSQL, and leading industry tools to collect, clean, and analyze data, interpret data, present insights using data visualization and dashboards, and tell compelling stories with data. (4 units)

      • Prerequisite: None
      • Gateway course: This is the introductory class for the minor in Applied Analytics.

 

ITP-256

Blockchain

Blockchain technology is wider and has more use cases than just one of its most popular applications: the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Explore blockchain technology and its applications in cryptocurrency, financial services, government, contracting, and more. You’ll learn how blockchain works, the real-world problems that blockchain tries to solve, and how decentralized applications can be built on the blockchain. You’ll prepare to propose new use cases for blockchain and to build applications on platforms like Ethereum in advanced classes. (4 units)

      • Prerequisite: None
      • Gateway course: This is the introductory class for the minor in Blockchain.

 

ITP-280

Video Game Production

Explore the video game development process — including design, art, programming, and management — and the project lifecycle from concept to launch. You’ll practice creating game prototypes using various hardware and software tools that aid in the video game production process. You’ll also discuss how programmers can include features like artificial intelligence (AI), network and multiplayer support, and graphic and sound effects. (4 units)

 

ITP-308

Computer-Aided Design for Bio-Mechanical Systems

Learn how to use SolidWorks, a widely-used computer-aided design (CAD) application. You’ll be introduced to sketching, part assembly, drawings, motion tools, and a finite element analysis tool in order to create and analyze 2D and 3D designs. By the end of this class, you’ll be prepared for the Certified SolidWorks Associate certification. (3 units)

      • Prerequisite: None

 

ITP-310

Design for User Experience

Explore the fundamental concepts, techniques, workflows, and tools used in the user experience (UX) design process, focusing on web and mobile applications. You’ll focus on web and mobile applications as you conduct UX design research, design and evaluate UX concepts, solve UX problems, and create wireframes, prototypes, and user flows. You’ll learn how to use Sketch, Adobe Photoshop, and InVision to develop UX designs. (4 units)

      • Prerequisite: None

 

ITP-320

Enterprise Information Systems

Explore how enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems work to complete different business operations, including supply chain management, financial transactions, sales, production, and accounting. You’ll work through many real-world business situations using SAP — one of the world’s most popular providers of enterprise software — to gain hands-on practice carrying out critical business processes. (4 units)

 

ITP-466

Building the High Tech Startup

Learn the technologies and processes involved in launching new web and mobile startups. You’ll practice developing business models, producing product roadmaps, creating wireframes and prototypes, and analyzing business metrics. You’ll also explore legal and accounting matters related to startups, Agile development processes, and customer development. (4 units)

 

ITP-476

Technologies for Interactive Marketing

Learn how to use digital marketing and social media — including blogs, wikis, social networks, and search engines — to drive traffic, engagement, and conversion for high-tech projects. You’ll practice using Google Analytics, Moz Professional, BuzzSumo, and MailChimp to produce digital marketing campaigns. You’ll also explore search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, A/B testing, and branding. (4 units)

      • Prerequisite: None

 

ITP-479

Cyber Law and Privacy

Learn how technology intersects with the law, privacy, and ethics. Explore how governments and corporations have access to your data and what laws are in place to protect you. You’ll explore issues of privacy and search and seizure in relation to cybercrime, digital surveillance, and forensic investigations. (3 units)

    • Prerequisite: None

Published on June 13th, 2019

Last updated on June 6th, 2023