Information & Decision Sciences

FAQ Sheet for Undergraduate

Table of Contents


1) How can I get on the IDS broadcast list for Undergraduates?
If you want broadcast messages concerning IDS undergraduates to be sent to your account, use that account to send an e-mail request for a subscription. Your e-mail should be addressed to listserv@listserv.uic.edu . The message itself should have a single line with the following form
subscribe IDSMAJOR my name
where "my name" should be replaced with your name. If you are already receiving e-mails from the list IDSMAJOR, you do not need to do this.
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2) How do I get transfer credit for an IDS course?
Start with the CBA undergraduate office. If you took a course that closely matches ours or comes from a local college with a transfer agreement, they can handle it. If they don't feel they can approve the transfer credit, you can petition for credit. You should plan on including the syllabus from the course you took with your petition. Your petition will be reviewed by someone in the IDS department.
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3) Do I need Math 205? I've taken a lot of math courses.
Math 205 prepares you in multivariate calculus, continuous probability distributions, and linear algebra. With these you can handle your 400 level courses in statistics and operations research. In general, we will excuse you from Math 205 only if you have had both a course in multivariate calculus and a course in linear algebra. (Then you will still have to work a little on your probability.)
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4) Do I need IDS 200? I've done a lot of work with computers
IDS 200 covers the strategic use of computers in business as well as the use of personal computing tools. The strategic use of computers portion of the course includes how computer systems are developed and applied in business. The personal computing tools portion includes how to work with word processing tools, spreadsheets, databases, and e-mail. Your work with personal computing tools will generally not be enough to satisfy the IDS 200 requirement. You need to have taken a course that covers the strategic use of computers in business.
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5) What courses can I take for my 400-level Business Elective in IDS?
This course requirement is intended to give you a chance to go into some subject in IDS in greater depth than you would otherwise be able. You may want to go further with information systems, or with operations management or with statistics. The IDS list given you allows you to do any of these. If you want to take a 400-level course in another department, you will need approval by the IDS department. The course should give you the opportunity to further develop your skills in the areas covered by IDS.
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6) How do I arrange to take IDS 499?
IDS 499 is an independent study course. It is intended as an option that students can use when they want to learn more about some IDS topic and we don't offer a course on that topic. If you want to do this, you need to identify an IDS faculty member who might be interested in your topic. Then you should go talk to that faculty member and see if he or she would be willing to supervise your work on the topic. You and the faculty member then work out a plan of what you will do during the term. The faculty member must sign an Independent Study form for you. You then bring the form, with the plan attached, to the IDS office during the registration period.
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7) How do I get more help? I can't seem to find the answer to my question.
Contact Dr. Sid Bhattacharyya at sidb@uic.edu to set up an appointment to discuss your issues.
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