Informatics Programs

GSD Class Schedule

Game Studies & Design Courses

GSD 101   Introduction to Game Studies and Design   credit: 3 Hours.

This broad survey course will provide students across campus an introduction to interdisciplinary game studies, covering both historical/social perspectives and game design. It will explore humanities, social science understandings of play, and the social contexts from which our games and gaming practices arise, as well as the development and consequences of gaming cultures. This course will serve as a broad introduction to issues covered in greater depth in upper-level courses available for students pursuing an Undergraduate Minor in Game Studies & Design.

GSD 102   Introduction to the Videogame Industry   credit: 3 Hours.

Designed to introduce individuals to the Video Game Industry, its history, current status, processes and future. It includes a survey of the positions and information about how to prepare to enter the Industry.

GSD 103   The Basics of Game Design   credit: 3 Hours.

Will introduce you to the tools and principles of game design, as well as the history of game studies and the maker movement. You will learn some of the introductory tools and techniques for rapid prototyping along with exploring games, their history, impacts, and design.

GSD 190   Explorations in Games   credit: 1 to 3 Hours.

Exploratory study or skills-based instruction in an emerging or special topic related to Game Studies and Design not covered in normal course offerings. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Other prerequisites as specified for each topic offering. See Class Schedule.

GSD 199   Individual Study   credit: 0 to 3 Hours.

Individual study in a subject related to game studies & design not covered in normal course offerings. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. Restricted to Freshmen and Sophomores.

GSD 202   Let’s Play: Understanding the Role of Play in Life and Art   credit: 3 Hours.

Explores the ways that play is integrated into our socio-cultural fabric. Students will develop a broad understanding of play in different contexts: its history, play and nature, play in human development, learning, play spaces, games, art, and in futurist thinking. Chief among the goals for the course is an emphasis on play as a fundamental and enriching force for people of all ages, and something to cultivate in life and in art.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci

GSD 390   Special Topics in Game Studies & Design   credit: 0 to 3 Hours.

Advanced study or skills-based instruction in an emerging or special topic related to Game Studies and Design not covered in normal course offerings. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Other prerequisites as specified for each topic offering. See Class Schedule.

GSD 399   Advanced Individual Study   credit: 0 to 3 Hours.

Advanced individual study in a subject related to game studies & design not covered in normal course offerings. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. Restricted to Juniors and Seniors.

GSD 403   An Introduction to Top Down Video Game Design   credit: 3 Hours.

The emphasis of this course is on developing an understanding of top down video game design using the various design methodologies and tools introduced in class. Students will form small groups (4-6) and work on their own design within a selected genre (to be determined at the beginning of the semester). Areas of focus include high level design vision, audience evaluation, User Interface and its impact on the design, iteration of a series of design documents (high, medium and low level) and the team dynamics of communication, critique and integration. The goal of the class is to have the small teams use the concepts and the tools taught in class to create a complete design document that will be cataloged for later use. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours.

GSD 405   Introduction to the Video Game Development Process   credit: 3 Hours.

The emphasis of this course is understanding the video game development process as seen in current Game Studios. The course will focus on key elements of the process including the development timeline, scheduling, prototyping, iteration, QA, game builds and player research. The goal will be to take a design document from a catalog of designs that have already been created and implement one or more of them using the game development process. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Credit is not given for GSD 405 and INFO 490 DC "The Video Game Dev Process" sections.

GSD 409   Design & Programming of Narrative Games & Simulations   credit: 3 or 4 Hours.

Introduction to the narrative design process for the authoring of text-based digital games and simulations. You will become proficient in Inform 7, a programming language and design system for parser-based interactive fiction (IF). By the end of the semester you will have developed a game or literary work of IF and made a substantive contribution to a collaborative project. No prior programming knowledge is required for students to be successful in the course. Students will be expected to bring a laptop to class. Please note that this course teaches design and programming techniques for "parser-based" interactive fiction, and does not cover Twine, or other hyper-text based interactive narrative systems. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Credit is not given for GSD 409 and INFO 490 JP, JPU or JPG "Design & Prog Text Based Games" sections.

GSD 411   Interactive Fiction with Twine   credit: 3 or 4 Hours.

This studio course explores the intersection of interactivity and the written word—encompassing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Although many of the works examined in the course contain gameplay mechanics, the course’s focus is on the expressive possibilities of interactive storytelling. Students will create hypertext narratives using Twine software. No prior programming experience is assumed. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours.

GSD 490   Advanced Special Topics in Game Studies & Design   credit: 0 to 4 Hours.

Topics of current interest. Advanced study in an emerging or special topic related to Game Studies and Design not covered in normal course offerings. 1 to 4 undergraduate hours. 1 to 4 graduate hours. May be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Other prerequisites as specified for each topic offering. See Class Schedule.

GSD 500   Colloquium in Game Studies & Design   credit: 0 to 1 Hours.

This once weekly orientation to graduate study in games studies and game design at the University of Illinois will be offered in fall semesters and will feature presentations of research and professional activities by faculty, advanced graduate students, and staff who will share their game-related research and design projects and provide students with a broad introduction to critical, theoretical and methodological approaches to the field. Some sessions will meet in labs and makerspaces around campus, familiarizing students with facilities and support services available to them for their own research and design projects. Students are required to take this course once for credit. Graduate students enrolled in the Graduate Minor will be expected to return to the seminar as a guest speaker near the end of their program, to share their work. 0 to 1 graduate hours. No professional credit. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated for 1 credit only once, or for 0 credit multiple times.

GSD 502   Seminar in Game Studies   credit: 4 Hours.

An in-depth interdisciplinary exploration of significant areas of social, psychological, historical, and critical inquiry in game studies. Course readings and guest speakers will help to stimulate discussion on theoretical approaches, methodological issues and other aspects of contemporary game studies research to provide an intellectual community for students across academic disciplines. Students will have the opportunity to share their work, and their particular disciplinary approaches to game studies during the semester. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit.

GSD 503   Seminar in Game Design   credit: 4 Hours.

This team-taught seminar provides students an in-depth exploration of game design methodologies across a range of modalities (board games, interactive narrative games, role-playing games, video games, escape rooms). This course is meant to create an intellectual community for game studies minors whose main interest is in the design and development of games, either by themselves, or with applications in their own disciplinary areas. Guest speakers from participating units across campus will present their work as it pertains to game design and development. Graduate level readings will address contemporary game design challenges. Students who take this course as part of their minor degree will be expected to return to the seminar as a guest speaker near the end of their program, to share their game design accomplishments or ongoing work. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit.

GSD 511   Game Development I   credit: 4 Hours.

The focus of this course is on implementing professional studio business practices into the planning of interactive projects. Areas of focus include high level design vision, audience evaluation, User Interface and its impact on the design, iteration of a series of design documents (high, medium and low level) and the team dynamics of communication, critique and integration. Students will create work plans, development documents, and a prototype for a collaborative game project. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit.

GSD 512   Game Development II   credit: 4 Hours.

The emphasis of this course is understanding the video game development process, emphasizing key elements of the process including the development timeline, scheduling, prototyping, iteration, QA, game builds and player research. Students will implement a pre-existing design document: Creating work plans, development documents, and collaborate on a final game. This course guides students in incorporating professional studio business practice, including contemporary remote collaborative tools, managing asynchronous communication, and cross-cultural work skills. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: GSD 511.

GSD 513   Practicum in Game Development I   credit: 8 Hours.

Students enrolled in this course receive credit for remote participation on a project in our student-run, campus-based studio (the Stu/dio) providing professional training and experience within their concentration. Students will work with department heads to create assigned set pieces, production tools, and other assets that will be incorporated into campus-based client projects for learning and research. Practicum experiences will be supervised by an in-studio affiliated faculty member. 8 graduate hours. No professional credit. May be repeated in separate terms up to 32 hours. Prerequisite: GSD 511 and GSD 512.

GSD 514   Practicum in Game Development II   credit: 4 to 8 Hours.

Students enrolled in this course receive credit for their internship in a partner game industry studio providing professional training and experience within their concentration. Students will work with department heads to create assigned set pieces, production tools, and other assets specific to their concentration that will be incorporated into a studio based project within the industry. Students’ practicum experiences will be supervised by a GSD affiliated faculty member and by the GSD internship coordinator. 4 TO 8 graduate hours. No professional credit. May be repeated in separate terms up to 32 hours.

GSD 515   Professionalization Seminar: Portfolio Production & Personal Branding   credit: 4 Hours.

The focus of this course is on preparing students to professionally present themselves and their work. Students will research ways in which perception affects perceived employability. Social concepts such as professional presentation, personal boundaries, cultural expression, and workplace culture will be explored. Students will create social media profiles, websites, and published portfolios which will be reviewed by in-class peers as well as industry professionals. Students will culminate their experience by applying for a studio position. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: At least 4 GSD 500-level courses in the Master's program.

GSD 520   Tools and Techniques of Game Art   credit: 1 to 4 Hours.

Allows for affiliated Game Studies & Design faculty to propose and offer new courses on emerging and special game art topics of immediate interest. Students will experience an in-depth exploration of significant and emerging tools, methods, and concepts of game art and design. 1 TO 4 graduate hours. 1 TO 4 professional hours. May be repeated up to 8 hours in same semester or up to 12 hours in separate semesters, if topics vary. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 521   Tools & Techniques: Contemporary Techniques for 2D Art for Games   credit: 4 Hours.

In-depth survey of tools and techniques for creating 2D art assets for games. The course is designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge of creating visually appealing and functional 2D game art, including characters, environments, and UI elements. Students are expected to have prior experience and training in 2D art. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 522   Tools & Techniques: Contemporary Techniques of 3D Art for Games   credit: 4 Hours.

Advanced techniques for exploring modern 3D artistry for game development. From characters to environments, students will gain a comprehensive skillset in creating immersive game visuals, equipping them with 3D modeling and design to craft captivating game assets, building a strong foundation for Game Art Development. Blender, a powerful 3D creation software used by game development and special effects studios, will be used; students are expected to be familiar with Blender's interface, navigation, and tools. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 523   Tools & Techniques: Contemporary Techniques of 3D Animation for Games   credit: 4 Hours.

The principles and techniques of creating 3D animation. Students will develop basic skills and knowledge in 3D modeling and rigging, as well as the fundamentals of animation principles. The course will utilize Blender to create a variety of animation projects. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 529   The Art of Games   credit: 1 to 4 Hours.

Allows for affiliated Game Studies & Design faculty to propose and offer new courses on emerging and special game art topics of immediate interest. Students will study concepts of game art and design in the context of one or more game genres. 1 TO 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. May be repeated up to 8 hours in same semester or up to 12 hours in separate semesters, if topics vary. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 530   Tools & Techniques of Game Design   credit: 1 to 4 Hours.

Allows for affiliated Game Studies & Design faculty to propose and offer new courses on emerging and special game design topics of immediate interest. Students will experience an in-depth exploration of significant and emerging tools, methods, and concepts of game design and game development. 1 TO 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. May be repeated up to 8 hours in same semester or up to 12 hours in separate semesters, if topics vary. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 531   Tools & Techniques: Contemporary Techniques in Game Design   credit: 4 Hours.

Examination of key elements of high and mid-level design and how they are used in games. Students will critically examine a series of games looking for how the key elements of design are used or not used. Games will be examined for positive and negative design aspects. Consideration will be given to different genres, time periods (early games will be included), acclaim (via ratings and sales) and platform. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 540   Tools & Techniques of Game Production   credit: 1 to 4 Hours.

Allows for affiliated Game Studies & Design faculty to propose and offer new courses on emerging and special game production topics of immediate interest. Students will experience an in-depth exploration of significant and emerging tools, methods, and concepts of game production and development. 1 TO 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. May be repeated up to 8 hours in same semester or up to 12 hours in separate semesters, if topics vary. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 541   Tools & Techniques: Contemporary Techniques of Game Production   credit: 4 Hours.

The phases of the video game production process, how they are managed, and the potential for issues that can arise in the development cycle. Students will work as schedulers and team managers within a simulation of the development cycle for a major video game. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 550   Tools & Techniques of Game Programming   credit: 1 to 4 Hours.

Allows for affiliated Game Studies & Design faculty to propose and offer new courses on emerging and special game programming topics of immediate interest. Students will experience an in-depth exploration of significant and emerging tools, methods, and concepts of game programming and development. 1 TO 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. May be repeated up to 8 hours in same semester or up to 12 hours in separate semesters, if topics vary. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 551   Tools & Techniques: Contemporary Techniques for Programming of Games   credit: 4 Hours.

Special systems and techniques used by programmers in video game development. Students will learn and apply the tools and algorithms that are key to developing video games in the current and coming marketplace. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511 or consent of instructor.

GSD 560   Tools & Techniques of Game Narrative   credit: 1 to 4 Hours.

Allows for affiliated Game Studies & Design faculty to propose and offer new courses on emerging and special game narrative topics of immediate interest. Students will experience an in-depth exploration of significant and emerging tools, methods, and concepts of game narrative. 1 TO 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. May be repeated up to 8 hours in same semester or up to 12 hours in separate semesters, if topics vary. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 561   Tools & Techniques of Game Narrative: Contemporary Techniques in Writing for Games   credit: 4 Hours.

Introduction to writing for games. The purpose of this course is to help writers with experience in other media to understand the nuances of writing for games. Video games writers have the responsibility to incorporate the “reader”/player into the writing in ways that other media does not. They must not only incorporate story elements, but also puzzles, organizational principles, and the consideration of multiple branches and scenarios. This course will help traditional writers become more dynamic, and interactive writers will learn to hone their craft. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in GSD 511, or consent of instructor.

GSD 590   Special Topics in Game Studies & Design   credit: 1 to 4 Hours.

Allows for affiliated Game Studies & Design faculty to propose and offer new courses on emerging and special topics of immediate interest. Students will experience an in-depth exploration of significant and emerging areas of social, psychological, historical, and critical game studies, focusing on theoretical approaches, methodological issues and aspects of contemporary game studies research and/or design. 1 to 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated up to 8 hours in same or separate semester to a total of 24 hours as topics vary.

GSD 597   Independent Study in Game Studies & Design   credit: 1 to 4 Hours.

Advanced individual study in a subject related to Game Studies and Design not covered in normal course offerings. Project examples include comprehensive literature reviews on a topic of special or emerging interest, small research projects (e.g. surveys or play-testing experiments), development projects (e.g. building a game based on a design developed as part of another course), or other study approved by the instructor. Pre-approval is required and an approved advisor must commit to supervise the independent study. 1 to 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate semesters to a total of 12 hours.

INFO Class Schedule

Informatics Courses

INFO 102   Little Bits to Big Ideas   credit: 4 Hours.

Broad introduction to the nature, capabilities, and limitations of computing. Topics range from the way data is represented and stored, to the way today's computers work, to the general ideas of algorithms and computational efficiency, to the future of computing. Covers "Great Ideas" across various areas of the field, including, for example, cryptography and internet security, problem solving, modeling and simulation, and artificial intelligence. Same as CS 102.

INFO 199   Undergraduate Open Seminar   credit: 1 to 3 Hours.

May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

INFO 202   Social Aspects Info Tech   credit: 3 Hours.

Same as IS 202 and MACS 202. See IS 202.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci

INFO 303   Writing Across Media   credit: 3 Hours.

The ability to communicate effectively in multiple types of media is a crucial part of literacy in our society. In this course, students will explore the intersections of various media: print, film, images, sound, etc. Students will consider the ways in which writing--as an object and as a practice--is shaped by multimodal interactions. Also integrates practical activities with broader theoretical issues in order to provide effective strategies for designing multimedia presentations, projects, and texts that integrate photography, video, and sound. Same as WRIT 303.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Advanced Composition

INFO 333   User Experience Design In Action   credit: 3 Hours.

Introduces you to principles and techniques via several approaches to user experience design. We’ll explore UX from different angles, including visual and sensory components, infrastructure and data, and social science evaluation and research methods. Along the way students tackle hands-on assignments that relate to tried-and-true methods, like rapid prototyping, usability or multimodal communication, as well as emergent areas such as AI-based generation or interactive data visualization. Prerequisite: Restricted to sophomore standing or above.

INFO 390   Special Topics   credit: 1 to 3 Hours.

Explores a variety of informatics topics. Topics and prerequisites vary by section; see current Class Schedule for details. May be repeated up to 6 hours if topics vary.

INFO 399   Individual Study   credit: 0 to 3 Hours.

Individual study in a subject related to informatics not covered in normal course offerings. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

INFO 407   Introduction to Programming Python for Data Science   credit: 3 Hours.

For students who want to learn about solving problems common in data sciences but have little or no programming experience. The class is asynchronous (students can access material on-line but within specified timeframes) and taught online. Data Science lies at the intersection of statistics and computer science and focuses on extracting information from data. This class will immerse students on topics of software construction, design, programming paradigms and the semantic and syntax of the Python language and then focus on some of the necessary workflows to move raw data into information. The class will explore common Python modules (libraries) used in data science, natural language processing, statistics, mathematics, data management (acquiring, cleaning, reshaping, organizing, persisting) and visualizations. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Credit is not given toward graduation for BOTH INFO 407 and INFO 490 MH "Intro to Prog for the Data Science" sections.

INFO 415   Makerspace: Open Studio   credit: 3 or 4 Hours.

Introduces learners to a variety of rapid prototyping and fabrication techniques in collaboration with the CU Community Fab Lab. Weekly class lecture will introduce students to trends and ideas in Makerspaces, Peer-to-Peer learning, design processes, creativity, computational thinking, and practicing makers. Each week students will be provided a general project prompt and set to work with a tool area in response to a simple design exploration challenge. Over the course of the semester they will have an opportunity to become familiar with the basics of several advanced small-scale manufacturing tools, such as 3D printers, laser engravers, digital embroidery machines, graphic drawing tablets and small board electronics. The class will have both group and independent work and make use of an online portal for assignment hand-in and peer-feedback. Please note that this course will emphasize self-guided learning and time management, students will need to rely on online tutorials and information resources to explore methods and complete much of the work in a rapid-response fashion; students will need to come into FabLab open hours outside of normal lab times to complete projects. Projects will be small and contained, in order to allow for exposure to several tools and mediums. Students who have taken a different Makerspace course at the FabLab previously are eligible to participate in this class, but it is also not a requirement. Graduate students will have an additional documentation project component emphasizing digital literacy. Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Credit is not given for INFO 415 and INFO 490 ALU/ALG "Makerspace: Open Studio" sections.

INFO 416   Makerspace: Game Studies   credit: 3 or 4 Hours.

A foray into game studies via makerspace production mediums. Students will study the role of play, tinkering and gaming in design, research and innovation and be challenged to learn a variety of makerspace production tools and techniques to create games. This course will include three major components (1) physical board game design, (2) introductory computer game design and (3) investigation into the narrative themes, artistic production, interaction mechanics and culture that make games engaging. During the course, students will prototype both playable board and video games, followed by iterating through to a final version of a game of their choice. Class will meet in the CU Community Fab Lab in Art Annex II. Students who have taken a different makerspace class before are encouraged to enroll. Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Credit is not given for INFO 416 and INFO 490 A/AG "Makerspace: Game Studies" sections.

INFO 418   Makerspace: Escape Rooms   credit: 3 or 4 Hours.

This course will explore the intersection of storytelling, interaction design, and user experience through the design of escape rooms. In the past couple years escape rooms have been on the rise, changing from simple locked boxes in an open room to complex adventures spanning multiple rooms involving electronics, sound design, storytelling, and even live actors. This class will be primarily focusing on the manufacturing and electronics work that goes into making an immersive escape room experience. Over the span of the course, students will become familiar with the basics of several advanced small-scale manufacturing tools, such as laser engravers, electronic cutters, and 3D printers/scanners. They will also learn how to program small-board electronics (Arduinos and IoT boards, servos, electronic locks, and/or lights), and incorporate them meaningfully into puzzles in order to achieve client’s goals. Students will design, prototype, playtest, and iterate collaboratively on the puzzles and interactive elements. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Credit is not given for INFO 418 and INFO 490 B, BG, ERU or ERG "Makerspace: Escape rooms" sections.

INFO 419   Makerspace: Learning in Community   credit: 3 or 4 Hours.

Explores the history and function of community and education-oriented makerspaces. Students will evaluate emergent makerspace curricula for learning in formal environments (e.g., schools), and informal settings (e.g., libraries). Includes community site visits to observe informal STEAM programs. A final project will involve the development of a makerspace workshop activity to be used at a community event. Students will be familiarized with several methods of teaching and learning rapid prototyping and iterative design techniques. Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: INFO 415 strongly encouraged, either prior to taking INFO 419, or with concurrent enrollment.

INFO 424   Musical Informatics   credit: 3 or 4 Hours.

A 21st century approach to music theory: fundamental elements of music illustrated through logical and mathematical concepts, unencumbered by stylistic considerations. Defines the internal structure of sounds and presents a few general methods of organizing them into complex compositions. Intended for musicians having limited familiarity with mathematics, as well as scientifically inclined students with little musical background. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours.

INFO 427   Data, Machines and the Python   credit: 3 Hours.

A continuation to the introductory course on Data Science (INFO 407). This advanced course on Data Science is completely taught online and scheduled asynchronously (you decide where it best fits in your week). The course consists of several tracks including Machine learning and advanced Python skills. There will be lessons that guide you to learn advanced techniques in data science and you will also be introduced to machine learning algorithms. In addition, there will be a few lessons that help you advance your Python knowledge and software development skills. This course can mainly be considered as an applied course where you will learn by doing. In many cases, you will first write a reduced implementation before using an established library. The second half of the course will be focused on data driven individual projects along with weekly lessons. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Credit is not given for INFO 427 and INFO 490 MH2 "Data, Machines and the Python" sections. Prerequisite: Students should have either taken INFO 407; OR Have at least 1 year of programming experience using Python; OR Be comfortable with NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, NLTK; OR Have a strong ability and passion for learning. Junior, Senior or Graduate standing.

INFO 448   Computer Music   credit: 3 or 4 Hours.

Introduction to the multiple ways computers are used in music, with an emphasis on digital sounds synthesis and composition. Elements of acoustics, psychoacoustics, and programming are introduced in order to allow students to use and modify the existing software DISSCO/Sound Maker developed at UIUC. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours.

INFO 490   Special Topics   credit: 1 to 4 Hours.

Topics of current interest. 1 to 4 undergraduate hours. 1 to 4 graduate hours. May be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Other prerequisites as specified for each topic offering. See Class Schedule.

INFO 491   Ugrad Bioinformatics Seminar   credit: 0 to 2 Hours.

Introduces the field of bioinformatics and computational biology. Same as CPSC 491. 0 to 2 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to maximum of 2 undergraduate hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

INFO 500   Orientation Seminar   credit: 0 or 1 Hours.

A broad introduction to faculty research in each Informatics Area. Consists of weekly presentations by Informatics faculty highlighting their recent research, practice, and related concepts. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 2 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in any field.

INFO 510   Research Practicum   credit: 4 Hours.

A one semester directed research project supervised by a member of the informatics faculty in the student's area of specialization or closely related area. These are intended to be practical research, not just literature surveys, and must have a definite output such as a paper or demonstration project. The research should be relevant to the thesis work or preparatory work to support the thesis. Informatics students must take two semesters, usually each semester should be under a different Informatics faculty member, but with the concurrence of their advising committee both may be taken under a single faculty member. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in any Informatics.

INFO 590   Advanced Special Topics   credit: 1 to 4 Hours.

Subject offerings of new and developing areas of knowledge in Informatics, intended to augment existing curriculum. See Class Schedule for specific topics and prerequisites. 1 to 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. May be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate Student Standing.

INFO 591   Grad Bioinformatics Seminar   credit: 0 to 2 Hours.

This seminar series focuses on research in the field of bioinformatics and computational biology. Same as ANSC 591 and CPSC 591. 0 to 2 graduate hours. No professional credit. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 4 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

INFO 597   Individual Study   credit: 2 to 4 Hours.

Individual study in a subject related to informatics not covered in normal course offerings. May be repeated in same term for a maximum of 8 hours or separate terms for a maximum of 16 hours if topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

INFO 599   Thesis Research   credit: 0 to 16 Hours.

Research for Ph.D. thesis. May be repeated in separate terms. Prerequisite: Instructor approval required.