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LIS206

Introduction to Information Science

  • Education
  • 200 level
  • 2 credit units
  • 134 pages
  • 13 units

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of information science. It explores the emergence, scope, and evolution of the field, covering key theories, models, and the information lifecycle. Students will learn about information processing, storage, retrieval, and the challenges of information overload. The course also examines information security, dissemination, and the role of information systems in modern society, emphasizing the relationship between information science and other disciplines.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
156 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Computer based tests
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

LIS206 · Unit 4 Relationship of Information Science with other disciplines

The presentation schedule gives you the important dates for the completion of your computer-based tests, participation in forum discussions and at facilitation. Remember, you are to submit all your assignments at the appropriate time. You should guide against delays and plagiarisms in your work. Plagiarism is a criminal offence in academics and liable to heavy penalty.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define information science and its key concepts
  2. Explain the history and evolution of information science
  3. Apply information theories and models to real-world scenarios
  4. Describe the information lifecycle and its stages
  5. Discuss the challenges of information overload and security
  6. Analyze the role of information in modern society

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Librarian
  • Information Architect
  • Data Analyst
  • Archivist
  • Information Manager
Where it is applied
  • Libraries
  • Archives
  • Data Centers
  • Government
  • Academic Institutions

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 2: Conceptual Structure and Methodology of Information Science

    Unit 1: Principles of Information Processing, Storage and Retrieval of Human Cognition

    Understanding the principles of human cognition in information processing requires grasping complex psychological concepts and models.

  • Module 3: Perspectives of Information Science

    Unit 1: Perceptions of Information Security in Information Science

    Requires understanding of cryptography principles and network security protocols.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Basic Concepts of Information Science
    • Unit 1: Emergence and Scope of Information Science · 2 hours

      Define information science and its characteristics.. Explain the historical evolution of information science.. Discuss the scope of information science..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Basic Concepts of Information Science
    • Unit 2: Information Theories and Models of Information Science · 2 hours

      Define Ellis Behavioural Framework.. Differentiate between meta-theory, theory, and model.. Explain Ranganathan's Five Laws of Library Science..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Basic Concepts of Information Science
    • Unit 3: Information Lifecycle · 2 hours

      Define Information Management Lifecycle and its stages.. Itemize the different stages of Research Lifecycle.. Explain the stages of the information lifecycle..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Conceptual Structure and Methodology of Information Science
    • Unit 1: Principles of Information Processing, Storage and Retrieval of Human Cognition · 2 hours

      Define Information Processing and its principles.. Define Perception and types of perception.. Explain the Stage Model of memory..

  5. Week 5Module 2: Conceptual Structure and Methodology of Information Science
    • Unit 2: Nature and Characteristics of Information Explosion and Overload · 2 hours

      Define information overload and its causes.. Explain the nature and characteristics of information explosion.. Discuss the consequences of information explosion..

  6. Week 6Module 3: Perspectives of Information Science
    • Unit 1: Perceptions of Information Security in Information Science · 2 hours

      Explain the meaning of information security and its components.. Discuss types of new generation information security threats.. Identify how information security can be achieved in information science..

  7. Week 7Module 3: Perspectives of Information Science
    • Unit 2: Storage and Dissemination in Information Science · 2 hours

      Define Storage and its importance in information science.. Discuss types of storage devices.. Explain the different types of Online and Offline Data Storage..

  8. Week 8Module 3: Perspectives of Information Science
    • Unit 3: Information Systems and Evaluation · 2 hours

      Define Information system and its components.. Explain how to measure the effectiveness of an information system.. Identify the criteria for evaluating information system..

  9. Week 9Module 4: Information Representation in Library Science
    • Unit 1: Organisation and Control in Library Science · 2 hours

      Discuss the meaning of organization in library context.. Explain the two tools that aid library organization: classification and cataloguing.. Discuss the purpose and types of classification schemes..

  10. Week 10Module 4: Information Representation in Library Science
    • Unit 2: Internet and Information Science · 2 hours

      Define internet and its impact on information science.. State the impacts of internet on information science.. Discuss different tools and services of the Internet..

  11. Week 11Module 4: Information Representation in Library Science
    • Unit 3: Role of Information in Modern Society · 2 hours

      Define information and its characteristics.. Explain the role of information in modern society.. Discuss the kinds of information available..

  12. Week 12Module 4: Information Representation in Library Science
    • Unit 4: Relationship of Information Science with other disciplines · 2 hours

      Define information science as a discipline.. Explain the relationship of information science with other disciplines.. Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of information science..

  13. Week 13Course Review and Assessment Preparation
    • Final Revision · 4 hours

      Review key concepts from all modules.. Work on assignments and TMAs.. Prepare for final examinations..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 database concepts
  • Practice SQL queries from Units 7-9 weekly
  • Review key terms and definitions from Units 1-2
  • Summarize main points from each unit in your own words
  • Answer all self-assessment questions at the end of each unit

Questions students ask about this course

What is LIS206 about?

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of information science. It explores the emergence, scope, and evolution of the field, covering key theories, models, and the information lifecycle. Students will learn about information processing, storage, retrieval, and the challenges of information overload. The course also examines information security, dissemination, and the role of information systems in modern society, emphasizing the relationship between information science and other disciplines.

How many units does LIS206 have?

LIS206, Introduction to Information Science, has 13 units across 4 modules, over 134 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is LIS206?

LIS206 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Education.

Is LIS206 hard?

LIS206 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does LIS206 take to study?

About 156 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.

How is LIS206 assessed?

LIS206 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments, computer based tests and final examination.

What can I do with LIS206?

Librarian, Information Architect, Data Analyst, Archivist and Information Manager.

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