Computer Information Systems
13 courses · Palo Verde College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
CIS 101 Introduction to Computers and Information Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an introductory course that will provide students with a basic knowledge of computers and information systems. It will also include an extensive overview of state-of-the-art technology, structured design techniques, and the real-world environment of the computer industry, covering hardware, software, and concepts of information systems. This course is especially beneficial for students, teachers, and professionals who are using, or planning to use, microcomputers in personal or business environments.
CIS 123 Web Page Design Using HTML
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide a practical understanding of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) to design Web Pages. Notepad and other software tools will be used to teach text formatting commands, background formatting, hyperlinks, e-mail links, tables, forms, image maps, and frames. Students will also learn to create and add images, videos, and sound files to a Web Page.
CIS 124 Web Page Design Tools
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills required to quickly design and implement Web Pages and to administer and update existing Web Sites using Adobe Dreamweaver software. The course uses Dreamweaver to streamline and automate Web Site development and management. Upon completion of this course, the student will be prepared to create powerful websites for personal or professional use.
CIS 130 Introduction to 3D Computer Animation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
3D computer Animation is an ever growing industry. Computer animation today is used in computer games, computer generated films, software, E-commerce, advertisements and virtual reality. In this course, various computer animation and graphic design techniques and topics will be introduced and discussed. The main topics that will be covered are object modeling, 3D animation, the World/Object Coordinate System, Spline Objects, Material Management, Object Management, Hypernurb Objects, Null and Symmetry Objects, and Lighting.
CIS 131 Animation Principles and Production I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to 3D Computer Animation Computer Animation is an ever growing industry. This course will cover topics including object shading using Maxon Sketch and Toon, Pyroclusters, Net Rendering, and Rigid and Soft Body Dynamics. Students will design projects utilizing the skills introduced in the course. Students will also implement many of the skills learned in the Introduction to 3D Computer Animation course.
CIS 132 Animation Principles and Production II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this course students will learn about the Animation Industry. The history of Animation, the animation industry today, and current trends will be addressed. This course will introduce computer animation techniques such as motion capturing, procedural methods, motion blending and kinematics using Maxon's Mocca, object painting using Maxon's Body Paint 3D, and object manipulation using Maxon's Thinking Particles and Key-framing.
CIS 133 Advanced 3D Computer Animation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced 3D Computer Animation will tie together all of the skills and concepts introduced in the 3 other animation courses. This project based course will utilize object animation, lighting, key-framing, texturing, nurbs, splines, and rendering. Each student will create a project that will demonstrate mastery of the 4 sequential animation courses.
CIS 201 Introduction to 3-D Printing, Setup, & Rapid Prototype Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Advisory
- CIS 202
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to career options and the fundamental processes used in the 3D design and model making industry. Students will learn the skills and concepts used in a 3D printing environment, including printer types, calibration methods, media and filament types, and troubleshooting techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the increased role that 3D printing will play in today's global economy.
CIS 202 3-D Printing: Basic Model Making
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Advisory
- CIS 201
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the principles of three-dimensional design as they relate to model making for 3D printing and rapid prototyping applications. Students will learn how to acquire printable 3D files from various sources and successfully import them into various 3D modeling and slicing applications. In addition, emphasis will be placed on printing using various filament types and colors. Students will also be digitizing real-world objects for print.
CIS 203 3D Printing, Basic Model Finishing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Advisory
- CIS 204
- Transfers to
- CSU
The focus of this course is to prepare students for preparing 3D objects, printing those objects, and preparing them as a finished product. Students will be using 3D modeling software, mockup sketches, a variety of 3D printers, digitizers, media, and tools associated with finishing a 3D print. Emphasis will be on successfully creating 3D prints that can be enhanced by effective finishing techniques including paints, adhesives, and abrasives.
CIS 204 3D Rapid Model Making & Prototype Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Advisory
- CIS 203
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this project development course, students focus upon fabrication of a variety of complex models using advanced model-making techniques. Students will be expected to work individually and in groups to create advanced 3d prints using various medias and finishing techniques. Students will display their completed portfolio projects in a campus 3D art showcase.
CIS 260 Desktop Publishing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the student to the design and composition of illustrative artwork for desktop publishing, print publishing, and multi-media graphics using Adobe Illustrator. The course consists of a series of lessons that cover the tools and functions of this software. Adobe Illustrator provides a consistent work environment with other Adobe applications.
CIS 265 Adobe Photoshop
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
Acquire, edit, and output simple and complex digital imagery utilizing the tools and techniques of Adobe Photoshop. Emphasis is on the utilization of various techniques in sizing and cropping, color balance, hue and saturation control, shadowing, and text utilization. Students prepare images for printing, web design, and for current outputs for various media.