Courses

In TAC classes, you can learn to use advanced software, create websites, perform data analysis, write computer programs, and investigate cybercrime.

You’ll get practical, hands-on experience. No matter what your major is, you can learn how to use the latest tools, programming languages, and applications. You’ll also gain critical insight into technology’s increasing impact on our world.

Browse our course descriptions for insight into the skills you’ll gain in each course.

Introductory Courses

All students are welcome to register for TAC classes, and our introductory courses do not require a background in technology or engineering.

ITP-215L

Introduction to 3D Modeling, Animation, and Visual Effects

Learn how to create 3D characters, animations, environments, and objects using Autodesk Maya. By practicing different 3D modeling, surfacing, and special effects tools, you’ll gain an applied foundation in the creation of 3D content for animation, games, entertainment, and design. You'll also explore the production cycle of animation, what pipelines are and how they are implemented to support the production process, and how to manage vision, budget, and time constraints. (2 units)

• Prerequisite: None
• Gateway course: This is the introductory class for the minor in 3D Computer Graphics and Modeling.

 

ITP-216

Applied Python

This course focuses on development of practical Python programming skills through project-based application. It is split into two parts: part one focuses on powerful features of the Python programming language itself (“Pythonic” programming), which allow students to quickly and easily manipulate data in ways not found in other languages. Part two focuses on application of modules to solve domain-specific challenges, such as in scientific computation and data visualization, system manipulation and automation, web development, and machine learning. (2 units)

• Prerequisite: ITP-115 or ITP-116

 

ITP-228

Computer-Aided Modeling for 3D Product Design

Learn how to use 3D modeling software and 3D printers to manufacture prototypes for smart devices. Create a variety of 3D models, prepare products for printing, successfully print products, and work with Raspberry Pi enclosures. You’ll also explore how to design products based on manufacturing needs and work within manufacturing limitations and scope. (2 units)

• Prerequisite: None
• Gateway course: This is the introductory class for the minor in Connected Devices and Making.

 

ITP-230x

Video Game Quality Assurance

Survey the game software development cycle, quality assurance, and bug testing. You’ll learn how to use online bug-tracking software systems like Bugzilla as well as offline bug-tracking spreadsheets — and you’ll learn the best communication practices to report software problems so that they can be fixed by the development team. You'll also explore the retail side of video game development, pre-production, test trees, test flow diagrams, and quality appraisal. Upon completion of this class, you'll be able to fulfill the job requirements of an entry-level quality assurance tester in the video game industry. (4 units)

• Prerequisite: None
• Gateway course: This is the introductory class for the minor in Video Game Design and Management.

 

ITP-249

Introduction to Data Analytics

Data is an integral part of business and society. To be successful in today’s business landscape, you need to be able to leverage data to make critical business decisions. Learn how to use Excel, SQL, NoSQL, and leading industry tools to collect, clean, and analyze data, interpret data, present insights using data visualization and dashboards, and tell compelling stories with data. (4 units)

• Prerequisite: None
• Gateway course: This is the introductory class for the minor in Applied Analytics.

 

ITP-256

Blockchain

Blockchain technology is wider and has more use cases than just one of its most popular applications: the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Explore blockchain technology and its applications in cryptocurrency, financial services, government, contracting, and more. You’ll learn how blockchain works, the real-world problems that blockchain tries to solve, and how decentralized applications can be built on the blockchain. You’ll prepare to propose new use cases for blockchain and to build applications on platforms like Ethereum in advanced classes. (4 units)

• Prerequisite: None
• Gateway course: This is the introductory class for the minor in Blockchain.

 

ITP-259

Basics of Artificial Intelligence

Learn the basics of artificial intelligence. Explore how machines can be programmed to learn. Appreciate the state-of-the-art as well as the challenges in AI. Understand the gains made in artificial narrow intelligence (ANI). (4 units)

• Prerequisite: ITP-115 or ITP-116
• Gateway course: This is the introductory class for the minor in Applied Artificial Intelligence.

 

ITP-265

Object-Oriented Programming

Develop your problem-solving skills in object-oriented programming by writing more advanced programs using the Java programming language. You’ll learn how to design classes that represent real-world data, use inheritance and polymorphism, handle file input and output, and use basic data structures. This is the second course in the core programming sequence (ITP-115 → ITP-265 → ITP-365). By completing this class, you’ll be prepared to learn how to write basic desktop, web, and mobile applications, and to learn about the more advanced data structures required for complex software development. (4 units)

• Prerequisite: ITP-115 or ITP-165