IST 402-004: Emerging Issues and Technologies

Fall 2025 Course Topic: Applied Generative AI

This course introduces generative AI by combining theory with practical examples. Student will learn basic deep learning concepts like neural networks, back-propagation, and optimization. The course then covers modern AI models such as GANs, VAEs, and transformer-based systems that shows how they work in imaging, text, audio, and cross-modal projects. The course also addresses ethical issues, including algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and proper AI practices. Through hands-on coding labs, project-based tasks, and group discussions, students will apply the theory to real-world problems. By the end of the course, students will understand how generative AI works and be ready to apply in the industrial applications.

  • Semester: Fall 2025
  • Instructor: Dhananjay Singh
  • Who: Students who can use this course as:
    • a required course for the IST major
    • an additional 3 credits of an IST 402 can be used as support of option course in the IST major
    • an additional course for ETI majors
    • an application Focus course for HCDD majors
    • a supporting course for SRA majors
    • Undergraduates in any major who are interested in learning about Generative AI
  • When: TR 3:05 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.
  • Where: E202 Westgate Building
  • Instruction Mode: In person
  • Credits: 3.0
  • Prerequisites: IST 210 and IST 220
  • General Education: NA
  • LionPATH Class Number: 27989

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

- Understand the concept of issue analysis and technology forecasting.
- Recognize the importance of new issues and technologies in information sciences.
- Incorporate these new issues and technologies into an existing information systems framework.
- Develop and implement new technology solutions, or discuss policies for addressing emerging issues.
- Predict impacts of issues and technology on information management, users, policies, and the environment.